Destiny Rules: The Sequel

Chapter 24

July 7, 2010

For the first time in a very long time, Stevie had the urge to drink before noon. Today was the day the band jetted off to the first stop of tour: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and she was completely on edge about the entire thing. It would be the first time she would have to face Kristen Buckingham since their explosive argument on her front step months earlier. It would also be the first time she would be back working with Lindsey since they proved the spark was very much still alive between them at the album photo shoot this spring. Two weeks earlier, they faced off in her living room and swore things would be strictly professional this time on tour. Only she knew that was going to be a huge jump from the way things had been going between them.

"Stevie, Mick is already calling me that we're running late," Karen groaned from the next room, "Come on, what are you doing?"

"Nothing..just making sure I have everything!"

"You're stalling and everyone is going to kill us! Apparently the plane is full and ready to go."

"Fine! Lily!" She called up to her daughter, "Let's go!!!!"

"Mom, I'm right here and have been ready for an hour," the girl snuck around from the door with her arms crossed.

Stevie sighed, following them both out to the car that awaited them in the driveway. It was time to go, and she couldn't avoid it any longer.

~~

Lindsey's knee bounced nervously up and down at a rapid pace as he sat in his seat on the plane. Beside him, his wife watched him curiously as their kids ran around with Mick's. They were all situated and waiting for Stevie to arrive so they could take off.

"Lindsey, would you stop? You're shaking the entire plane," She snapped, looking up from her phone.

He didn't say anything, silently obeying by halting his leg movement and rolling his eyes instead. Luckily, a sound of commotion came from the plane doors and in walked Stevie with Lily and Karen by her side. Lindsey watched as she laughed her way onto the plane, seemingly having a conversation with everyone around her while also greeting everyone else—she was naturally able to work any room she walked in, that never changed.

Her long wavy blonde hair flowed behind her as she hugged Mick and his family, Lindsey's eyes glued to her every move. Taking a deep breath, he stood as she approached them. He noticed she wore that same tight workout top as the other day underneath a slouchy shawl.

"Hi Linds," she smiled meekly.

"Hey," he grinned, pulling her in for a hug as he felt Kristen stand up behind him.

"Hi Kristen," Stevie nodded politely.

"Stevie, hi," Kristen pursed her lips politely back.

"Hi kids!!!" Stevie squealed, quickly moving past the Buckingham's for a welcome diversion. The tension between her and Kristen was already palpable and she wondered how they would manage to get through it.

As she settled in her seat, she looked up across the way to find Lindsey's eyes still glued on her. Swallowing nervously, she adjusted her hair and pretended to fuss with just about everything she could to not sit still. The way his eyes searched through her was unnerving, and she fought visions of them making love in her bed after their photoshoot back in April. Fought the vision of them whispering in the guest bedroom later that night. But mostly, fought the taste of him that somehow still lingered in her mouth.

This was going to be a long tour.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pittsburgh, PA, July 9, 2010