Dreams

19

Stevie.

Carolina is pacing back and forth in the living room as she watches the party planner set up the arch of balloons - lavender and pink like Stella wanted- over the back door of Stevie's house. She said she'd have Stella's graduation party at her apartment, or that she'd rent a place to do it, but Stevie insisted it happen here. She also, as no surprise to Carolina, will not allow her to go back to her apartment at all.

"That looks great," Carolina smiles as the planner, a woman who looks as young as her baby sister, looks up for approval. Apparently Stevie has been using this girl, Kristi, for a few years now. "Everything looks beautiful. Stella is going to flip."

Stevie has kept Stella out of the house all day, taking her to get her nails done, her hair cut, and to shop for a new dress and bathing suit to wear to the party tomorrow. Tonight is her actual commencement, followed by what Stevie is calling a family dinner. It makes Carolina a little dizzy, how quickly Stevie has taken to the role of mothering Stella.

"If that's everything then I'm going to head to get the flowers. We'll be back around four o'clock with those," Kristi smiles, tossing her hair off her shoulder as she speaks to Carolina.

"That sounds great. We'll be at Stella's graduation by then, but Karen coordinated with you, right?"

"Yep, she said she'll be here to meet us," Kristi nods as she walks toward the front door, "we'll have everything done so Stella can walk into a dream tonight after she graduates."

Carolina smiles as she pulls her cardigan tighter around her thin frame and opens the front door for Stella. "Thank you for everything, Kristi. It's amazing - being able to give Stella exactly the party she deserves for graduating. If there's anything I can ever do for you, please let me know. I mean it."

"Keep hiring me," Kristi laughs, "and... I know I'm not supposed to ask, but my best friend is a huge fan. Do you think if I brought something maybe you could sign it for her? Her birthday is next week."

"Please," Carolina smiles, "I'll have some shows here in Los Angeles in the fall. We'll get you both passes."

"Oh my god, that would be amazing! Ok - I'll see you tomorrow morning. I hope Stella has the best time tonight."

Kristi makes her exit out the front door, and Carolina closes it behind her, then heads upstairs to Stevie's bedroom to shower and get ready for the evening.

By the time she's out of the shower Stevie is standing in the middle of the bedroom in nothing but a slip, contemplating several dress options laid out on the bed. Carolina steps behind her and wraps her arms around her waist, kissing the top of her shoulder.

"Hi, honey," Stevie says absentmindedly as she inspects her choices, patting Carolina's hands with one of her own. "Which one? I don't want to be... too recognizable."

"First one," Carolina looks over her shoulder and points, "still you but... understated. Besides, Stella wants everyone to recognize you."

Stevie laughs and turns in Carolina's arms to face her, wrapping her arms around her back. "Put some clothes on before I get distracted," she mutters as she looks down at the way the towel is knotted around Carolina's chest.

"Yes, bossy," Carolina rolls her eyes and steps out of Stevie's embrace, looking through her suitcase at the end of the bed for a bra and underwear. She gets them on quickly, tossing the towel halfway into her suitcase. "Did you have fun shopping?"

"Oh god," Stevie laughs, "I don't need to go shopping again for months. Maybe years. That's not clothing either, Carolina."

Carolina shrugs her shoulders and smiles at Stevie as she grabs a bottle of oil out of her toiletry bag and coats her hands with it, then runs her fingers through her hair. Stevie's been thinking about it since they got home two days ago - about Carolina just moving in with her. It would make more financial sense for Caro, especially with Stella going to UCLA. They haven't discussed it, but Stevie is already certain she knows that Carolina is financing her sister's education, and has been for years now. Besides, Stevie wants her around more than just sometimes. It was easy on the road, sharing suites and never having to worry about a thing, but it's different at home. She's watched Carolina clean and plan this party and already care for her house like it's her own. It just makes sense for the girls to live with her.