Sacrifice

I'm fine

Stevie's divorce from Robert was already underway. She was dealing with it a lot better than she thought she was going to. Neither one was bitter to the other about the way things ended up, it was simply time. She cried right after they made this decision, but not again and nearly two months had passed. She hadn't spoken to Robert either, kind of ignoring him. She was the one who moved out of the house, because she would have hated constant reminders of their failed marriage surrounding her. So, Stevie was currently staying at their Malibu beach house, while looking for a permanent place. It was good, the ocean was good for her.

One thing Stevie hadn't done yet was call either Mick or Lindsey and inform them that she was staying. Maybe it all happened for a reason. Maybe it really was the time for her to close this chapter of her life as well and concentrate on her solo career or do something new, completely different, something like finally sharing her art, her paintings and drawings with the public, which was the one thing she hadn't come around on doing yet.

Stevie had skipped breakfast and picked up her journal, curling up on the sofa, Sulamith right next to her. But she didn't get to write down much, a doorbell bringing her out of her moment.

She opened the door, not at all surprised. "I thought it wouldn't take you this long."

"I wanted to give you space, but this is getting ridiculous now, Stevie." Lindsey said, entering the house. It wasn't that she hadn't had any contact with the other members of the band, she just didn't mention anything concerning her staying or leaving.

"This is becoming a habit, Lindsey. Or do we have a day every month, called Let's-Barge-Into-Stevie-Nicks'-Home?"

"Haha, very funny." He said dryly. "You realize you have to make up your mind?"

"There's time." She went back to the living room, letting him know he should follow. "We have nothing planned, no album, no tour, no nothing. And I'm trying to make up my mind, I want to be sure this is still what I want."

"Stevie, are you okay?" The question came completely out of the blue, but something about her seemed so odd to Lindsey.

"Just fine, thank you."

"I'm sorry I came in like this, I'm such an inconsiderate asshole."

"Why would you say so?"

"Well, because you and Robert..."

"I said, I'm alright."

"Are you sure? Have you talked to anyone about what's going on?"

"I don't need to." She took Sulamith into her lap, avoiding looking at him. "I'm fine."

"It's okay to be upset, you two have spent over twenty years together."

"I said that I'm fine." She repeated, but he knew better.

Stevie's phone started ringing and if she had been alone, she would have left it to ring, but now it was creating a very awkward silence. She didn't expect the name, when she read it on the screen.

"Hey."

"Steph, hi."

"Is there something you need from me?"

"I... honestly, I just... I wanted to hear your voice. I'm shocked you've answered. These past few months have been horrible."

"You're not supposed to want to hear me."

"I know, but I do. I miss you, Stevie. I miss you so much more than I thought I would."

"No, Robert. No, you do not get to say things like that to me. We're going through divorce, we're over."

"I understand that, but I can't stop myself from feeling this way. Could we see each other? Just for a short time, for a cup of coffee, anything?"

"No, we couldn't."

"I need to see you, baby, please..."

"Shut up! Just shut the fuck up, Robert! You don't say that to me, not again! This was inevitable and you know it. You'll get over it. Hook up with another stripper and knock her up, that seems to be your thing now."

"Steph, no..."

But she didn't listen, ending their conversation. The moment where she finally broke down came, as she started sobbing, covering her face with her hands, completely forgetting about Lindsey. She had all her emotions bottled up for too long and this tipped her over. She was crying so hard, she could barely breath.

Lindsey didn't hesitate, getting down on the floor and pulling her into his arms as she sobbed, rocking her. "It's okay, Stevie. Let it out, I'm here for you. You have to be sad, just get all those emotions and pent up feelings out." 

He continued to soothe her as she clung onto him, until her tears subsided some. She sniffled, wiping her tears with the back of her hand and looked up at him. "I'm sorry, I completely lost it."

"I'm glad I was here for you." Lindsey said genuinely, making her remember something he said during their last conversation.

"Lindsey, what did you mean saying that I mean to you so much more than I could ever know?"

He hoped she had forgotten it. "Well, that's exactly what I meant. The only other person that I've known for longer than I've known you is my brother. You're a huge part of who I am today. We've been together through some horrible as well as amazing moments. You're my best friend, Stevie. I can't imagine suddenly you not being around me all the time anymore. I love you."

Stevie smiled weakly, getting on her knees so she could hug him, his arms going around her instantly, holding her close. She wanted to pull away, but he didn't loosen his grip on her, leaving their faces inches apart. She gulped, looking into his eyes then lower at his lips. She kissed him first, which rarely ever happened. He placed his hand on the back of her head, deepening their kiss. 

Things happened so fast after that that if asked, neither one of them could retell how they ended up having sex on the floor, now panting and sweaty, as she lay on his chest. 

"We shouldn't have done that." Stevie said quietly.

"Or maybe we should have." Lindsey wondered aloud... 

There were things he would have to tell her soon.