The last show had wrapped with thunderous applause and hugs all around, a mix of celebration and exhaustion thick in the air. Plans to go out for a group dinner came together quickly, but when Marilyn shook her head and stepped back, everyone paused.
"You're not coming?" Christine asked, brows pinched with concern.
Marilyn smiled softly, gathering her things. "Nah, I think I'm just gonna head back to the hotel, wind down a little."
"You okay?" Stevie asked gently, tilting her head.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired. I promise." Marilyn gave a reassuring nod. "I'll be good."
Reluctantly, they let her go, and Marilyn made her way back to the hotel. Once inside her quiet room, she kicked off her boots and dropped onto the edge of the bed. After a moment, she picked up her phone and scrolled to Lori's name, pressing call.
It rang twice before Lori answered.
"Hey," Lori said, her voice warm but a little raspy.
"Oh God—did I wake you?" Marilyn asked, guilt creeping into her voice immediately.
"No, no," Lori said with a soft chuckle. "You're fine. I'm just a little sore. I've been sleeping on the couch, and now my back's taking its turn to complain."
Marilyn blinked. "Wait—why are you sleeping on the couch?"
"I came down to make some tea late last night," Lori explained. "Was feeling restless, thought something warm might help. But right when I was about to head back up... my foot decided it wasn't having it. I tried to convince it otherwise, but let's just say, the foot won. So, I propped it up, stayed downstairs, and figured I'd sleep on the couch. Not my brightest idea."
Marilyn winced. "Oof. That sucks. I'm sorry, Lori."
"Eh, it's fine," Lori said with a shrug. "I'll survive. Just a little stiff now."
"Well," Marilyn said, "we wrapped the tour tonight."
"You did?" Lori perked up a bit. "Congratulations!"
"Thanks. It was a good show. But listen—I'm coming back out there in the morning."
"What?" Lori laughed. "Marilyn, you don't have to do that. I'll be fine."
Marilyn rolled her eyes even though Lori couldn't see it. "Yeah, yeah, I'm not arguing. I was planning on coming back anyway. Tour's over, and I said I'd visit. So there's no if, and, or but about it."
Lori sighed, but there was a smile in her voice. "You're stubborn."
"You like that about me."
"I do," Lori admitted. "And... thank you. Really."
"Of course," Marilyn said. "I just hope your back feels better soon."
"Me too. Maybe by the time you get here, I'll be in less of a mood."
"Hey, even grumpy Lori is better than no Lori," Marilyn teased.
Lori chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'll see you when you get here. Travel safe."
"I will. Talk soon."
"Night, Marilyn."
"Night."
They hung up, and Marilyn set the phone down on the nightstand, already feeling more at peace knowing she'd be with Lori again soon.
Marilyn arrived the next morning, bags in hand, and made her way into Lori's house with the familiar, comforting feeling of being back in a space that had grown more special over the past few days. She quickly settled into a comfortable chair in the living room, looking over at Lori who was curled up on the couch with her injured foot propped up on the cushion. The soft light from the window cast a gentle glow on the room, making everything feel calm and peaceful.
