With just an hour left before soundcheck, Mick bumped into Christine backstage, drumsticks in hand, and noticed something off about her voice.
Mick: "Hey, Christine, how are things going?" he asked, leaning against the wall.
Christine turned to face him, forcing a smile despite her raspy voice.
Christine: "Hey, Mick. Just getting ready for tonight," she replied, her voice strained.
Mick frowned, concerned.
Mick: "You sound a bit hoarse. Everything alright?"
Christine sighed lightly.
Christine: "Yeah, just a sore throat. Nothing serious," she said, trying to downplay it.
Mick nodded understandingly.
Mick: "Ah, gotcha. Sorry to hear that."
A few moments later, Mick encountered Stevie bustling through backstage.
Mick: "Hey, Stevie, how are you doing?" he asked, greeting her.
Stevie smiled warmly.
Stevie: "Hey, Mick! I'm good, thanks. How about you?"
Mick scratched his head absentmindedly before blurting out:
Mick: "Oh, by the way, Christine's dealing with a sore throat."
Stevie's expression softened with concern.
Stevie: "Oh no, poor thing. I'll check on her," she said, deciding to help.
Stevie knocked on Christine's dressing room door, and Christine welcomed her inside.
Stevie: "Hey, Christine. I brought you some tea. Thought it might help your throat," she said, handing over the warm cup.
Christine accepted it gratefully, taking a sip.
Christine: "Thanks, Stevie. How did you know?"
Stevie smiled, avoiding mentioning Mick's slip-up.
Stevie: "Oh, I just thought you might need it," she replied casually.
For the next hour, Stevie stayed with Christine, chatting and keeping her company, both assuming it was just a minor throat issue. Little did they know, they were about to discover something else entirely.
The next night, as the band geared up for the second night of their three-night stint at the venue, Stevie woke up feeling under the weather. As she prepared for the day ahead, she noticed a scratchy feeling in her throat, similar to what Christine had experienced the day before.
Concerned about her condition potentially affecting her performance, Stevie decided to call Karen, her dependable assistant, for advice and assistance.
Stevie dialed Karen's number and waited anxiously as it rang. After a few moments, Karen answered, her voice calm and professional.
Karen: "Hey Stevie, what's going on?"
Stevie: "Hey Karen, sorry to bother you. I woke up with a sore throat, and I'm feeling a bit off. Can you come to my hotel room? I need to talk to you."
Karen immediately sensed the urgency in Stevie's tone and assured her she would be there shortly. Within minutes, there was a soft knock on Stevie's hotel room door.
Stevie welcomed Karen inside, grateful for her prompt response.
Stevie: "Thanks for coming, Karen. I just don't feel right today."
Karen nodded sympathetically, taking a seat nearby.
Karen: "I'm sorry to hear that, Stevie. How bad is it? Any other symptoms?"
