That Summer

In The Still of the Night...

A/N: Hope you're enjoying so far! I need a bit of a buildup before we can get super juicy, but I promise it'll get there eventually. S/O to my girl, WorldWithinAWorld, for her constant support and encouragement! This chapter is for you! <333

Emma emerged from the bathroom in the plush, white hotel robe. Stevie was still sitting on her bed with Sulamith, writing in her journal. "Pretty fantastic, huh?" Stevie asked as she looked up from her journaling, lowering her glasses on the bridge of her nose.

Emma made her way over back to the ottoman and sat down. "Indeed... exactly what I needed, thank you for letting me use it."

Stevie handed her back her glass of wine with a soft smile on her face. "Make sure you ask for one at the next hotel, okay?" Emma took the glass and nodded with a soft giggle.

"Thank you... I really don't know what I did to deserve all of this after how badly I fucked up; I really didn't think you'd forgive me." Stevie set her journal down on the nightstand, set her glasses down, and took a swig from her own wine glass.

"Emma, I told you before: mistakes happen, and there's definitely a learning curve. You're doing a really good job given the circumstances, and I just have to accept that nobody can be Karen," she took another sip of wine, "I put too much pressure on you, and I should've been more helpful. I like to say that I'm a teacher at heart, and I was not acting as such with you."

"I appreciate that, Stevie...I'm glad we have a chance to hang out like this. It's...really nice." Emma responded, taking another sip, "and this is one of the best wines I've ever had, my god!" Stevie laughed at Emma's introduction to the rockstar lifestyle.

"I guess that's one of the perks of the job... please, pour yourself another glass, open the other bottle. We have all night!" She encouraged, "And I kind of feel like getting a little drunk." Stevie smirked.

"I can't argue with that..." Emma walked over to the opened bottle to top them both off before opening the other one. She handed Stevie her wine and sat back down on the ottoman.

"Emma... you don't have to sit there all night. Make yourself cozy, sit on the edge of the bed, you can even sit on the other side; it's plenty big enough."

Emma raised her eyebrows at that offer, but she accepted, making her way over to the other side of the California King. You could comfortably sleep 3 people on that bed, so there was plenty of space between them.

This isn't weird at all – Emma thought silently. It's not like we're going to sleep; it's like sharing a damn couch. And it's freakin Stevie Nicks! How many people would be so jealous of you right now?

Stevie lowered the volume on the television, "So, tell me more about you. I know all the professional stuff, but what's going on in your life?" Stevie asked as she started on her new glass.

Emma also took a sip before answering the question, "Well, honestly, there's not too much. A lot of my friends moved home because of the recession, so I only have a few left back in LA. And then the rest either moved to other cities."

"Ugh, that's definitely difficult..." Stevie empathized. Emma took another big sip.

"I mean, it's not ideal, but I assume it's only temporary until the economy gets better. I don't think I'll be in LA forever, but who knows. I'm definitely tired of LA guys though, I'll tell you that much..." Stevie's ears perked up at that. Men: her forte.

"I can't even imagine dating with these damn cellphones involved. I feel like people have lost all human connection!"

Emma laughed, "I don't think that's the problem... I think the problem is that guys are just too obsessed with themselves – especially in LA – and are nowhere near ready to settle down with anyone. I mean I'm 27, I'd like to get married and start a family in a few years." Emma explained.