The band had just finished a show honoring their years together, but the atmosphere backstage was anything but celebratory. Lindsey had been fired — officially, anyway — and the fallout between him and Stevie was explosive. Bitter words had been exchanged, and a heavy silence now hung between them like a dark cloud. Neither could stand being in the same room, and no one else seemed to notice or want to confront the tension.
Weeks later, the band was called to do a one-off gig — all five of them, Lindsey included. Stevie's jaw tightened the moment she heard the news. She'd made it clear: she never wanted to share a stage with Lindsey again. Karen, her assistant, mirrored that frustration quietly but firmly. Lindsey himself looked grim, knowing the awkwardness would be unbearable.
Backstage, the five members went through the motions of prepping for the show, but the air was thick with unspoken resentment. Stevie's eyes flicked to Lindsey every time he moved, her discomfort growing.
When the final song ended and the crowd's applause echoed through the venue, Stevie suddenly felt the familiar twist of nausea spiral up her throat. She excused herself and hurried backstage, barely making it to the garbage can before a dry heave shook her.
A hand landed lightly on her back. She stiffened, expecting Karen, but a low voice startled her. "You okay?"
It was Lindsey.
She froze, shock pinning her in place. "I'm fine," she said sharply, pushing away from him and moving toward the corridor.
But just as she took a few steps, the nausea hit again with cruel force. This time, she vomited fully into the garbage can.
Lindsey was instantly at her side, rubbing gentle circles on her back. "It's okay," he murmured. "I've got you."
He carefully guided her toward her dressing room, one hand steady at her elbow as she leaned into him more than she probably realized.
The moment Karen saw Lindsey walking in with Stevie, her entire expression changed.
Her eyebrows pulled together.
Her jaw tightened.
And before either of them could say anything, she stepped forward protectively.
"What are you doing here?"
Lindsey immediately raised his hands slightly.
"Karen—"
"No, seriously," she cut him off, her voice sharp. "What are you doing in here?"
Lindsey frowned, already sensing where this was going.
"Look, I didn't mean to intrude. She got sick, and I was the only one close enough."
Karen stared at him.
"She got sick?"
"Yes."
"And somehow that means you had to bring her here?"
Lindsey blinked.
"Well... yes?"
Karen shook her head, frustrated.
"Of course."
"Karen—"
"No, Lindsey."
Her voice rose slightly.
"You can't just show up in the dressing room whenever you feel like it and act like everything is fine."
"I didn't just show up."
"You walked in here with her."
"Because she needed help."
Karen scoffed.
