Destiny Rules

Part 1

1985

~

"Oh my God!"

The loud shriek caused Stevie to look up. She forced a smile and gave a small wave to the now speechless fan (she guessed). At first, she wasn't entirely comfortable during moments like that, however, after her second widely successful album was released, Stevie got used to it. People stopped her everywhere and whenever they felt like it. Sometimes pausing her busy life wasn't exactly what she wanted to do for an autograph, but she'd quickly remember that her fans were exactly the reason behind her success. 

"Hello." Stevie said, the young woman still stood with her mouth agape. 

"You're- you're- wow!"

"Yes." Stevie nodded. She didn't want any more attention. All she wanted was to have a nice evening with her boyfriend, at a restaurant that a few short years back she couldn't even dream about eating at. "Would you like an autograph?" The waitress nodded her head and started looking for something, anything to give to her idol to sign. "Will this do?" Stevie asked, picking up a napkin. "There." Stevie smiled, handing the napkin and the waitress' pencil back to her. 

"Th-thank you!" The woman smiled gratefully and shook herself mentally, reminding herself that she was at work.

With their order placed and now alone, Stevie turned to Jimmy and shook her head, laughing. "I never thought I'd be someone who signs napkins for people."

"Hey!" Jimmy shrugged. "You're a superstar, babe. I knew, you would be." He grinned at her. "I never invest my time in something that I feel is going to fail."

Stevie raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the chair. "So, I'm just something to you?"

"You know what I mean." Jimmy waved it off. "You're way more than just something and I'm the luckiest son of a bitch on planet earth!"

Stevie chuckled, lowering her eyes as she felt her cheeks getting slightly warmer. "Stop it."

"I mean it." Jimmy assured, leaning forward, he reached for her hand. "I'm gonna treat you real special tonight."

"Why? Because I'm going to make you a ton of money, once the album is released?" Stevie asked jokingly. 

From the very beginning of their relationship, she knew that Jimmy saw two different people in her; the artist, adored by many, and his girlfriend, his and his alone. When they worked on her music, he treated her just like any musician he had ever worked with. When they were out of the studio, he showered her with expensive gifts and most importantly his undivided attention. And it worked. Tonight, Stevie understood that Jimmy had taken out his artist to celebrate the highly anticipated new release and she was okay with that.

"What about dessert?" Jimmy suggested, although, Stevie never said, yes. Especially not when she was going on tour soon.

"You know I can't." Stevie shook her head. "How about we get out of here and go grab a drink somewhere else?"

"Whatever you want." Jimmy agreed with a smile on his face.

Slightly tipsy from the champagne she had at the restaurant, Stevie was getting touchy in the back of Jimmy's limo with him right beside her. There was never a moment of the day that he didn't desire her, but he also felt that she deserved more than a quicky in the backseat of a car.

"When we get back home, doll." Jimmy promised, grasping her chin gently, he tilted her head up and kissed her lips. "This ain't what you really want."

"Well, I want you and you're right here, so..." Stevie smirked, draping her leg over his. 

"Love the enthusiasm, but I've promised you a night to remember and the party hasn't even started yet." Jimmy said, resting his hand on her thigh. "Speaking of." He searched in the inside pocket of his jacket and her face instantly lit up, when he opened his palm to reveal its contents...

There was a small que to get into the bar they had picked, likely only their first stop of the night. Jimmy knew everyone, though. With his arm firmly wrapped around Stevie's back, he walked right past all the other people and they were let in without any questions. 

"Ohh, look!" Stevie pointed at the small stage. "Is there going to be live music?"

"No clue." Jimmy shrugged, shaking his head as he spotted the owner, one of his many friends of course. "I'm going to say hi. Find a spot for us, yeah?"

"Okay." Stevie nodded.

Thankful for the dim lighting, Stevie navigated her way through the crowd unrecognized. At least, no one had stopped her. She slid into an empty booth, closest to the stage, intrigued. There was not much there, just a microphone and a guitar, still, in spite of now being able to call some of the world's biggest stars her friends, she loved discovering new artists.

"Good to see you, Mike!" Jimmy hugged his friend, patting him on the back. "It's been a while. You're never here, when I come around."

"I'm a busy man, James." Mike replied, already stepping behind the bar. "I'll join you for a few minutes later, but first-" He showed at the selection. "What can I get ya?" 

After deciding what he wanted and guessing what Stevie might like as well, Jimmy glanced at the stage, waiting for their drinks to be poured. "Hey, is someone playing tonight?"

"Yeah." Mike nodded, shrugging his shoulders. "Some guy. His name's on the board outside. Lindsey, I think. He's alright, played here once before." Mike elaborated, placing the drinks on the bar. "Enjoy. I'll come for a chat, when I can."

"See ya later." Jimmy smiled, nodding his head as a thank you before taking his order and going to find Stevie.