Voice in the Thunder

5

Layla is in her baby swing beside the couch, sleeping peacefully as we sit around discussing which songs are a must have for Stevie on this album.

"Vanessa offered Carousel, but I want her on backing vocals if we're gonna use it," Stevie says, organizing cassette tapes across the coffee table. "Starshine is a must."

"Don't you think it's finally time to do If You We're My Love?" Sharon asks.

"I don't know," Stevie sighs, looking longingly at the cassettes.

"Lindsey played me the version you guys recorded for Mirage. I think it's a beautiful song, and if you don't do it on this album, when is it ever going to see the light of day?" I add. Stevie looks thoughtful for a moment before nodding. Karen writes it on the whiteboard. Finally, Stevie narrows it down to about 20 songs. We listen through them all, Dave and I taking notes on the lyric sheets Stevie typed up. She came to us with a literal steamer trunk full of cassette tapes, and a huge packet with all the lyrics. She's very organized with it, which was slightly shocking to me.

I carefully rip the lyrics for the songs we're using out of the packet, stacking them together and shuffling through them. The girls have gotten distracted, listening to old demos they forgot about.

"I love Lady," I say to Dave, flipping through the notes.

"I think it could work well with the others she's suggested," He agrees. Layla fusses, and I pick her up, cradling her in one arm as I continue to work.

"What's this one called?" I ask, looking over at Stevie.

"Mirror Mirror. It was the title track for The Other Side of the Mirror but we cut it."

"Why? It's so good."

"I can't remember," She says, looking at Lori for explanation.

"Rupert didn't want to use it," She supplies, digging through an earlier stack. "Aren't you supposed to be looking for ones to use for Fleetwood Mac?"

"I already know what I'm using," She says, waving her hand dismissively as she brings a cassette up to her face, squinting to read it. "Lindsey said he has a couple."

I raise an eyebrow, wondering which ones he's bringing. Maybe they'll let me sit in on the sessions. I mean, the only thing I have to do to get Lindsey on board is hand him Layla and slip past him.

"Okay, Stevie, you have a few interviews coming-"

"Karen, I told you to hold them all until the album is done. I don't have any time for anything until tour starts," Stevie says, shooting an exasperated look at her.

"It's Rolling Stone, Stevie," Karen deadpans.

"Can you tell them that I don't exactly have time right now?"

"You want me to tell Rolling Stone that they need to reschedule your interview?"

"Yes."

Karen lets out a long suffering sigh, rolling her eyes and looking up at the ceiling before turning back to her laptop. I stifle my giggle, looking down at Layla when she giggles, then completely losing it. Everyone is laughing now, especially Karen.

"She gets it," She says, chuckling.

"Are you making fun of me?" Stevie gasps, taking Layla out of my arms. She bounces her in her arms lightly as she paces around the studio, talking to her. I shake my head, turning to look at Dave. He's studying his notes, and I figure I should probably do work. Except I feel Stevie's hands on my shoulders after a second, and I look up.

"What?" I ask when she looks over my shoulder at my notes.

"Just want to know what you think."

"You know you could just ask me?"

She shoots me a look, and I purse my lips to hide my smile.

"Right, that's a stupid idea," I say. She bumps her shoulder with mine, glaring at me.

"You're lucky you're so cute," She teases, stroking my hair.

"Whatever," I sigh, leaning my head against her shoulder. She's still leaning over me, looking at the notes I scribbled down.

"I love that," She says, seeing my notes on Watch Chain.

"Thank you," I smile. "I can't believe you're seriously canceling your interview with Rolling Stone."

"I'm not cancelling, I'm postponing. Now scoot over," She says. I configure myself in the chair so that she can sit, shooting an unamused look at Lori when she snaps a picture. Sharon has Layla, still digging through the demos. I watch Stevie while she talks with Dave, just admiring her.

"Stop staring," She scolds, shooting me a look. I roll my eyes, reaching for her hand. She smiles softly, stroking her thumb across the back of my hand.

"I think you should use Hard Advice."

"I don't know," She sighs, flipping through the lyric sheets.

"I love that one," I pout. "I think we could make it really good."

"I'll think about it if you go to dinner with me."

I laugh, rolling my eyes.

"I'm serious, Alina."

"I know you are, that's why its funny."

She scoffs, rolling her eyes and dropping my hand.

"Fine, if you're gonna be like that."

"Of course I'll go to dinner with you, Stevie. You're my boss, I don't have a choice, do I?" I tease, raising my eyebrow at her.

"No you don't," She nods, wrapping her arms around me and resting her head on my shoulder. I giggle, running my fingers through her silky hair.

"Will you ever tell me how you get your hair so soft?"

"Nope."