Time Makes You Bolder

September 2024

"Hey Dad!"

"Hey kid! How's the trip?" Lindsey beamed into his phone.

Although they spoke frequently, it'd been weeks since he'd seen Leelee. And while life had changed for the better - for both of them - he missed seeing her day to day.

Since returning from Europe in July, Lindsey had begun gradually moving in with Stevie. Even though they'd barely been apart in months, he didn't want the officialization to overwhelm her, so he initially arrived with a duffel bag, which he restocked weekly, until eventually all his clothes were at her house.

Sometimes he'd drive between their respective houses, seizing the chance to bring larger items back with him, but often he'd walk. And it was during those quiet moments to himself that he took the opportunity to check in with his kids and catch up on all the happenings in their world.

"Awesome. We're having a great time!" She smiled. "Hey, I'm in the hotel gift shop and they have this incredible necklace. Dad, it's the biggest opal you've ever seen. Locally sourced. You should get it for Stevie."

"Why don't you get it for Stevie? She'd like that." He smiled. He was so relieved to have her blessing. It would have been far easier for the kids to resent his relationship with Stevie; he knew the pain he'd caused. He was so grateful they weren't being difficult.

"It's expensive..."

"I'll send you the money. You buy it. You give it to her." He assured her. "Seriously Lee, it'd mean the world to her. To both of us."

He coughed to clear his throat; his tell for when he was about to talk business. "I was just about to call you. When you get home, I need you to put the farm back on the market please. And drop the price."

"We've dropped it already, Dad."

"I know. But we just want rid of it now, Lee. The money can be put to better use."

"Such as?"

"Such as purchasing all this opal jewellery that my daughter keeps finding across the globe."

They both laughed.

~~~~~

Stevie was pacing back and forth in their kitchen. She'd cut the new single, it'd turned out great, and today she was due to film the accompanying music video. She hadn't done this in years. The thought alone was making her nauseous.

"I need a cigarette."

He smiled, walking up behind her to wrap his arms around her waist. "You've not smoked in decades."

"A drink maybe?"

"I think you've probably outgrown arriving on set wasted, don't you?" He laughed, turning her around to look in her eyes. "There's nothing to be nervous about."

"Lindsey," she sighed, "I haven't shot a video in years."

"So? You're a natural. It'll be just like riding a bike."

"Which I could never do." She frowned.

"OK, bad analogy, but my point still stands. You'll be fine. Don't stress about it." He pulled her body flush with his and placed a gentle peck on her lips.

"10 years ago, I looked so different..." She breathed into his neck.

"Stop it. You don't look 10 years older. Far from it." He rubbed his hands up and down her back, trying to reassure her. "Let them see what I see, Steph. This incredible woman, who fights for what she believes in and loves with all her heart." He kissed her again.