May 7, 2004
"Stevie, you're not going to be back until the third week in June...do you think you have enough nightwear packed?"
The words hung in the air as Stevie slowly turned her attention from gazing out the bedroom window to fix her assistant with a cold stare.
"Well, gee, Karen. I'm not sure. If only I had an assistant who had been packing for my tours for several years now and would know what to put in the case."
"Now, come on, Stevie," warned Sheryl's voice from the bathrom. "None of this is Karen's fault, she's only trying to help."
Stevie sighed, turning to face the window again.
"I'm sorry, Karen. Whatever you think is best."
She really resented being a part of Fleetwood Mac sometimes, and this was one of them. Less than a week after they'd found out Sheryl was pregnant, she'd flown out for the Australian leg of the Say You Will tour. The strain of being away during such an important time was compounded by everyone having baby fever; Mick was accompanied by his twin toddlers and Lindsey was forever being asked about the imminent arrival of his and Kristen's 3rd baby. Stevie had promised not to tell anyone except Karen, so the whole time they were away and she was bursting to share the news was an absolute nightmare.
They'd come back for an extended break so Lindsey could be there for the arrival of the baby and spend time with his family. But now it was time to head out again. She didn't want to go. She didn't want to be away from home, and if yet another interview revolved around her being stabbed she would lose her shit. Why did people think she wanted to talk about it?
Her mood softened as Sheryl walked in, carrying a bag of toiletries and placing it in one of the cases on the bed. She was 12 weeks pregnant now. Most people wouldn't have noticed yet but to Stevie it was obvious. She seemed softer, emotionally as well as physically.
As she made her way over to where Stevie sat in the window, she watched the gentle sway of her hips, hugged by jeans that used to hang loose on her athletic frame. Her once small breasts were now straining against the fabric of her t shirt, and as she raised her arms to wrap Stevie in a hug, she exposed her unmistakably rounded belly.
Stevie nuzzled against her and placed her hand on the tiny bump. Sheryl smiled at the warmth from Stevie's palm.
"You ready to go to the clinic?"
"Yes! Oh I'm so excited!"
In her dread of leaving home tomorrow, it had completely slipped her mind what was happening today. Sheryl had had been for one early scan as advised by the fertility clinic to check everything was as it should be, whilst Stevie was in Australia. All she'd seen was a little flashing light on the screen, and been told that was the heart beating. It felt surreal, especially without Stevie being there. This time, they would see their baby, little arms and legs, tiny fingers and toes, and they could breathe a little easier knowing they'd gotten through the highest risk part of pregnancy.
Stevie got to her feet and followed Sheryl to the bedroom door, stopping to hug Karen by way of apology as she passed her.
"I just -"
"I know. It's fine. Don't forget to get a picture, I can't wait to see!"
~
The advantage of living in the cradle of celebrity that was west Los Angeles county was that places like OB-GYN clinics were, by nature, very discreet. The majority of clients did not want the entire world to know their business, and so, on the off-chance that they did cross paths with anyone, there was an unspoken agreement that it didn't go any further.
