Destiny Rules

Part 11

Stevie loved big lavish industry parties. Plenty of alcohol, a variety of drugs and usually all of her famous musician friends. Long gone were the days when she felt out of place, like she didn't belong. No, she had absolutely earned her right to be a part of that exclusive club and she enjoyed all the perks. Not tonight, though.

Stevie was not having a good time and Jimmy could clearly see it on her face. She rarely ever sat alone at these events, there was usually a line of people wanting to have at least a few minutes of her time. Something wasn't right and, fortunately or not, Jimmy hadn't decided yet, he knew exactly what it was.

Jimmy walked across the room, through the crowed of dancing guests, to Stevie. He crouched down beside her and smiled up at her. His fingers gently grasped her chin to make their eyes lock then let go. 

"You're not having fun." It wasn't a question. Stevie shook her head. "What's wrong?"

"You know." Stevie replied coldly and looked away. 

Out of all people, the first person her eyes landed on was Peter Frampton, who had just been announced as the support act on her upcoming tour. She had absolutely nothing against him, she liked his music and he too was releasing a new album. It makes sense, Jimmy said to her. Maybe it did, but he wasn't Lindsey. However, Stevie was more upset than anything. She would have definitely been angry had Lindsey accepted her offer, though. He didn't. I appreciate it, I really do, he said, but I don't want to get up there and sing a couple of songs that nobody knows to an uninterested audience, who are waiting to see you. She tried to prove him wrong, but he had made his decision.

"Stevie, come on." Jimmy sighed, standing up straight. "We've been over this." He ran a hand over his face a couple of times. "You said, you wanted your friend back, well, you have him. Isn't that enough?" It was too much. Jimmy was aware that Stevie and Lindsey had been hanging out quite a lot lately and no matter how many times she assured him, the alarm bells were still ringing.

"Don't ask me, what's wrong, then." Stevie replied, reaching for her drink. "I think, I'm gonna leave." She set her empty glass on the table in front of her and rose to her feet.

Without another word, Stevie turned towards the exist and Jimmy watched her for a second before he reached for her hand, cursing himself. Stevie stopped and looked back at him. He had something on his mind and he was considered if he should share it with her, she could tell.

"You don't have a band yet."

"Thanks for reminding me." Stevie scoffed and freed her hand from his grip. 

"No! Christ... listen to me." Jimmy demanded, stepping up closer to her. "Obviously, this meant a lot to you. I don't know what you see in him that's so great, but-" Jimmy shrugged. "you do."

Stevie listened, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, wondering where he was going with it.

"Maybe you should ask Lindsey to join your band instead? Be the lead guitar?" Jimmy suggested against his better judgement.

Stevie's jaw dropped, she didn't see that one coming. Why didn't she think of that? She was planning on calling everyone who had played on the previous tour. It didn't even cross her mind. Possibly because she didn't want Lindsey to be in her shadow, she wanted him to have the spotlight instead.

"Ar-are you serious?" Stevie asked, shocked that Jimmy would even bring that up.

"Well, yeah." Jimmy nodded, watching as her face visibly relaxed. He didn't like the idea much, but it sure scored him some brownie points. "And I don't have much say in that anyway."

That was true, he had no say it in at all. 

Her foul mood had vanished and a subtle smile settled on Stevie's lips. "On second thought, maybe I should stay." 

Relieved, Jimmy slid his arm around Stevie's waist as he walked her to the open bar.