After the pandemic, the band had started doing one-off gigs here and there in between Stevie's solo shows. One evening, after a particularly energetic performance, Christine walked backstage, her eyes scanning the room for her assistant, Jenn. The backstage area was filled with crew members and musicians, but Christine was focused on finding some relief for her back pain.
"Jenn," Christine called, spotting her assistant. "I need some pain relief. Standing at the keyboard all night wasn't the best idea with my back issues. It's flaring up again."
Jenn hurried over with a bottle of pain relief medication. She whispered, "We can head back to the hotel in a minute so you can relax and rest."
Christine took the medication gratefully. Just then, Stevie approached, her concern evident. "You don't look so good, Christine. Is everything okay?"
Christine sighed, "My back's been bothering me all night. I was planning to go back to the hotel and rest."
Stevie nodded. "Let's head back to the hotel. I'll draw you a bath and then—"
Jenn interrupted, "No, Stevie, but—"
Stevie cut her off. "You're not her boss. If I want to take care of her after the gig, I can."
Jenn, her frustration rising, practically yelled, "Just listen to me for five minutes before making any plans!"
Stevie paused, taken aback. "Alright, fine. What's going on?"
Jenn took a deep breath. "I understand Christine's condition better than anyone else. I know what works and what doesn't, what might make it flare up worse. So, if anyone should be taking care of her tonight, it's me."
Stevie's eyes softened. "Well, why didn't you say so?"
Jenn replied, "I was trying to, but you cut me off before I could."
Stevie nodded apologetically. "I'm sorry for that. Have a good night, both of you."
As Stevie walked away, Christine said, "I'll be in my dressing room packing up."
Jenn nodded. "I'll be there in a minute."
Her sister Krystal walked over. "Hey Jenn, want to join us for drinks with the rest of the crew?"
Jenn turned her down. "I can't tonight."
"Why not?" Krystal asked.
Leaning closer, Jenn whispered, "Christine's back is flaring up. I need to stay with her."
Krystal nodded in understanding. "Well, if you need anything, just text me."
Jenn promised she would and went to find Christine. They arrived at Christine's hotel room, and Christine said, "I'm going to run a bath to see if it helps."
Jenn asked, "Did the pain medicine help?"
"A little," Christine replied.
Jenn offered, "I can run the bath for you."
"No, love," Christine said gently. "For situations like this, the water needs to be at a specific temperature, or it'll make my back flare up worse. And I know best what that temperature is."
Jenn nodded. "Alright. I'm going to get a change of clothes and be right back." She grabbed a room key and went to her room to change into comfortable nightwear.
When she returned about five minutes later, Christine emerged from the bathroom, looking more relaxed. Jenn asked, "Did the bath help?"
"Yes, it did," Christine said, easing herself onto the bed. She picked up her book and began to read, trying to get comfortable.
