Dreams

16

Stevie.

As soon as they walk through the door Stevie is greeted by her entire band and crew, yelling surprise in her face.

"You rotten - both of you are in trouble," Stevie laughs as she holds tight to Stella. Carolina had the forethought to step out of her embrace before they got within eye shot of their colleagues. They both figure most of them have caught on to what's happening between them, especially since Stevie keeps locking them in her dressing room for her infamous pre-show rituals of sex everyone can definitely hear, but they don't want to make things any more awkward.

"Happy birthday, Stevie." Stella lays her head on the older woman's shoulder and Stevie feels a rush of such deep affection for the girl she thinks she might cry.

"Is this why you skipped your senior trip?" Stevie frowns as she pulls away to look at Stella. She's thrilled she's here, but she doesn't want her missing experiences she should be having with people her own age.

"It's not every day I get to go to my favorite rock star's birthday party," Stella laughs, but it makes Stevie's heart sink. This is exactly why she never had kids. They could never have a normal life.

"We will make up for your senior trip, baby," Stevie nods, "we'll go somewhere and take your friends this summer when we have a month off. You should have gone on that trip, Stella."

Stella smiles at her, close lipped and wise. She's already been a better mother figure to her than anyone else in her life, except Carolina. It's different with Carolina. She'll always just be her big sister, even if she did practically raise her. "I wanted to be with Caro. And you. Besides all my friends are crazy jealous I'm with you guys."

"Just give up Steph, she's like arguing with a brick wall," Carolina steps in and kisses Stevie on the cheek. "Happy birthday, darling woman," she whispers in her ear before she tugs on Stella's arm and pulls her away so stevie can visit with the rest of the crew.

It's a full two hours before they bring out the cake with sixty candles lit in an impressive blaze. Everyone sings and cheers as Stevie blows them out in two goes, then wipes her brow with the back of her hand like she's exhausted.

"To Stevie, the best friend and artistic partner a girl could ever ask for," Sharon shouts as she raises her glass of champagne in a toast. Carolina raises her glass, but hangs back and stays silent through the multiple rounds of speeches in her girlfriend's honor. It's only when the room is looking at her expectantly that she steps forward and raises her glass.

"To Stephanie Lynn, the most stunning storm of a woman I have ever met. No one can experience her love and stay the same. My once in a lifetime girl, happy birthday." Everyone clinks their glasses in cheers as Stevie stares at her with tears in her eyes. She has to applaud Carolina for telling her she's the love of her life in front of most everyone they know, none of them the wiser. Of course she would make it public so Stevie has to temper her reaction. Torturing each other in public, speaking their own language in a crowded room, has become their favorite game.

As soon as the toasts are over Stevie is itching to leave and get Carolina alone. She finds her in the corner and slings her arm around her shoulder, leaning into her space. "Can we go?" She asks quietly, flashing Carolina a look that tells her exactly what she wants in an instant.

"Let me check on Stella," Carolina swallows hard and leaves her in the corner, heading toward Marilyn and Sharon and her little sister. "Stella Stevie wants to call it a night since we have a show tomorrow so I'm going to walk her back," she smiles, ignoring the glass of champagne in Stella's hand.

"Can I stay?" Stella asks quickly.

"We will get her back in one piece, Caro," Sharon reassures her.