Destiny Rules: The Sequel

Chapter 8

February 5, 2010

"TGIF!!!!!" Stevie buzzed in through the living room to find everyone else already working without her.

"Someone's in a good mood," Christine raised her brow with a laugh as Stevie strolled over.

"I'm in an amazing mood! We had a productive week and Lily is sleeping out tonight and I have a night out with the girls! Chrissy, do you want to join us?"

"Ooh, that sounds fun, where to?"

"This new restaurant and lounge Mary has been dying to try."

"Sure, why not!"

"Hey! What about the rest of us?" Mick groaned.

"I said it's a GIRLS night, Michael."

"No fun," he pouted.

Stevie's eyes met Lindsey's as she sat on the chair next to him casually, "Hey, Linds."

"Hey," he met her eye with that same boyish grin he always gave when he was feeling shy.

As she crossed her legs, she leaned over to pickup a magazine on the sofa - pretending to be enthralled by its contents as everyone else appeared busy. She was relieved that for the last two weeks, she and Lindsey had not one fight or altercation. Ever since their talk, they were able to get through recording days without a hitch. There was obviously some tension, yes, and it was a bit awkward at times - especially with several songs, but they managed to push through. It felt like they were finally making progress and on neutral ground.

She looked over to see Lindsey hunched over his new cell phone, typing away at it vigorously. She frowned, "Look at you, you're getting addicted to that thing."

He looked up at her with a grin, "It's just a phone, not an evil torture device, Stevie."

"You don't know that!"

He laughed, "You really should get one, you know."

"I have Karen's," she shrugged.

"Even I've got one, Steves," Christine chimed in, holding up her red flip phone.

"Sure, to call all your boyfriends, Christine," Stevie teased, sticking her tongue out.

"Maybe after tonight!"

"You ladies better be on your best behavior," Mick laughed.

"Or what, you'lll spank us?"

Everyone in the room's heads turned swiftly to Stevie, who stood with a tiny innocent smile on her face. "What?" She giggled. Lindsey shook his head, his cheeks a deep shade of red, as he flustered with his fingers going back to the soundboard hurriedly. 

"No comment," Mick laughed.

Later that night, Stevie found herself surrounded by all her girlfriends - Mary, Sharon, Lori, and even Christine - in a hip new West Hollywood restaurant they'd usually never be caught dead at. Stevie hollered for another round of drinks - she hadn't been out for a night in what felt like ages, and for some reason, she felt like she desperately needed to let loose. Maybe it was all the stress from the last month of returning to the studio. Maybe it was the fact that she finally felt like she could breathe at work around Lindsey again. Things were going well. That deserved celebration, didn't it?

"I feel like we're about 30 years too old to be here," Christine groaned as she took another drink.

"Hey!" Stevie laughed, "We are not! We look sexy tonight!"

"Stevie's looking to get laid," Sharon teased.

"I am not!"

"It has been a while for her, hasn't it? Has she been on her best behavior at the studio, Christine?" Lori asked curiously.