Torn

Part 26

"Will you be here in the morning to open presents with us?" Ruby, Mick's 11-year-old daughter looked up at Stevie, after the whole party returned from a feast at Mick's restaurant, which he opened about a year and a half ago. 

"Of course, I will be, sweetheart." Stevie assured with a smile, her arm around the girl. "You aren't getting rid of me so soon. Besides, like half of the presents are from me and I can't wait to to see the look on your face once you tear into them." 

Ruby grinned excitedly, gifts from her godmother were always the best. "Did you hear that, Tess'?"

"Mhm." Tessa nodded as she yawned, rubbing at her tired eyes.

"Ok, you two." Lynn spoke up. "Off to bed!"

Several hugs and goodnights later, Mick brought his guests to the living room, while his wife went upstairs with the girls to make sure they brushed their teeth before bed. He told Stevie and Karen to relax, while he went to open a bottle of wine. 

"I could have handled the trip alone, you know." Stevie turned to her assistant. "You should be with your family."

"Stevie, you are my family." Karen gave her a pointed look. "And to be totally honest, Christmas in Maui is a thousand times better than anything else."

Stevie laughed lightly, nodding her head in agreement. "Well, thank you." She smiled gratefully. "After the New Year's show, I ought to give you some time off."

"Ha!" Karen exclaimed. "To do what exactly?"

"I don't know." Stevie shrugged. "Anything! Go on a date, get laid or something."

Karen gasped, her cheeks were instantly bright pink. Before she could think of a comeback to that, Mick reappeared with a bottle in one hand and, somehow, four glasses in the other. 

"Did I hear that correctly?" Mick asked, putting everything down. 

"You heard nothing!" Karen shook her head, completely embarrassed.

"I'm sure some of our road crew like a strong woman." Mick added jokingly, making only Stevie laugh. "And what about you?" His attention was now on her. "You had to have heard about-"

"Yes, I have." Stevie interrupted. "Do we really have to talk about it?"

"Well..." Mick paused, sitting down. "I mean, it's only the man you're head over heels in love with, who's divorcing, but no, it's not a big deal."

"Not all divorces get finalized." Stevie waved it off, taking a sip. "Maybe after some time passes, we'll see."

Mick and Karen exchanged a look, which went by unnoticed by Stevie. "I usually keep my mouth shut about your love life, but I think it's worth a chance. I've never seen you so happy with Lindsey." Stevie sighed. "I'm just saying."

"Ooh, we're talking Stevie's love life?" Lynn came down, rubbing her hands together as she went to take a seat and reached for the last untouched glass of wine. 

"Not you too!" Stevie rolled her eyes, shaking hear head. "Yes! Okay? Do I still think about Dave every minute of every day? I do. Do I miss him like crazy? I do. But do I also feel like the worst person on planet earth? Hell yes, I do."

"Takes two to tango." Mick said. "I've only seen you two together twice and it was enough to know that that man is just as crazy about you. The heart wants what it wants." He added with a shrug.

Stevie scoffed. "Pulling all the clichés out of the bag. Why are we even talking about this? It's Christmas, don't you all have some embarrassing family stories to tell? I remember this one time-" She tried changing the subject, but got interrupted by the doorbell. "Who the hell is that?"

"Have no idea." Mick shrugged, rising up to his feet. "We're not expecting anyone else." He lied as he rushed to the front door.

"Do you have carolers here?" Stevie asked Lynn jokingly.

Meanwhile, Mick was grinning from ear to ear once he opened the door. He wasn't entirely sure if his plan was going to work until a minute ago. Putting a finger to his lips first, he then whispered. "She doesn't have a clue."

"And I'm still not sure this is a good idea." Dave nervously replied, following Mick inside. 

Stevie's back was facing Dave as he walked into the room. Mick went to take his previous spot, trying to contain a smile. With a raised eyebrow, Stevie eyed him suspiciously. Weird.

"Who was that?" She asked, but it wasn't Mick, who replied.

"Me." Dave spoke up and Stevie instantly turned around. "Merry Christmas." He said, smiling nervously.

Stevie swallowed uneasily, she faced Mick again. "You did this."

Mick nodded his head, looking proud of himself. "You're welcome."

Dave was still waiting to see, how this was going to play out. They weren't currently speaking and Stevie clearly did not expect him to show up out of nowhere. She needed a moment and he was okay with that.

Everyone was silent. After what felt like an eternity, Stevie slowly got up on her feet and approached Dave. She just stared at him for a minute before she opened her arms at last and he immediately enveloped her in his, holding her tightly. She buried her face in the curve of his neck and he heard her sniffle. He pulled back slightly and gently took her face in his hands.

"I hope these are happy tears." Dave smiled, to which Stevie only nodded. Seeing as he tilted his head slightly to the left and was slowly leaning in for a kiss, she instinctively drew back, but he stopped her. "It's okay. We can do that now."

As soon as their lips touched, Stevie thought that it was the best Christmas present she had ever gotten.