The band was on tour, and although the pandemic was finally over, Christine wasn't joining them. Due to ongoing problems with her back, she felt it wasn't a good idea to tour. Standing at her keyboard and Hammond like she used to was no longer feasible, and sitting down to play was a challenge. So, she decided to sit this tour out. The band wasn't too happy about it, but they understood that her health was far more important.
For the last night of the tour, the band was in London, not too far from where Christine lived. Stevie got the idea to invite Christine to the gig. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, she and Christine had grown apart and didn't talk as much as they used to. So, Stevie asked Jenn, Christine's assistant, to reach out and invite her.
Jenn texted Christine: "Hey Christine, the band is in town and would love for you to come to the gig tomorrow night. Stevie specifically wanted to invite you."
Christine responded quickly: "I'd love to come, Jenn, but my back is flaring up, and I've got to take it easy. My doctor's orders. So, coming to the gig would go against that."
Jenn replied: "I'm sorry to hear that, Christine. What about us coming to see you at your house instead?"
Christine responded: "No, I don't want Stevie and John to see me like this. As much as I'd love the company, it's not a good idea."
Jenn thought for a minute and then sent another message: "How about after the gig, when everyone is flying home, I stay a few extra days and come by for a visit?"
Christine hesitated, but remembered that Jenn had seen her at her worst before. She thought back to the last tour, when she went to the bar with the band, plus Jenn and Karen, for drinks.
During the last tour, one night Christine went to the hotel bar with the band, including Jenn and Karen, for drinks. Later that evening, Jenn noticed something was off about Christine. She seemed a bit unsteady on her feet and quieter than usual. She assumed she must've had too much to drink. Concerned, Jenn quietly suggested they head back to their rooms.
Jenn helped Christine back to her room, supporting her as they walked down the hallway. Christine leaned heavily on Jenn's shoulder, clearly not feeling great after all those drinks. When they reached Christine's room, Jenn guided her to the bed and helped her settle in.
As Jenn was about to leave, Christine suddenly sat up, her face pale. "I think I need to..." Christine's voice trailed off as she rushed towards the bathroom, clearly feeling nauseous.
Jenn hurried after her, concern etched on her face. She stood by Christine's side, holding her hair back as she retched into the toilet. After a few minutes, Christine slumped against the bathroom wall, exhausted and weak.
"Are you okay?" Jenn asked softly, rubbing Christine's back gently.
Christine nodded weakly. "I think so... Sorry you had to see this, Jenn."
"Don't worry about it," Jenn replied reassuringly. "I'm here for you. I'll stay with you tonight, just to make sure you're alright."
Christine managed a faint smile, touched by Jenn's kindness. "Thank you, Jenn. You're too good to me."
Jenn stayed with Christine that night, periodically checking on her to ensure she was comfortable and had everything she needed. It was moments like these that strengthened their bond beyond co-workers, making Jenn feel more like family to Christine than ever before.
Christine is pulled from her thoughts as she
replied: "That would be lovely, Jenn. I look forward to it."
Jenn messaged Karen for Stevie's room number, and Karen quickly responded with "2130." Jenn made her way to Stevie's room and knocked on the door. After a moment, Stevie opened it with a hopeful look.
