I Hate You, Don't Leave Me (D.L)

Dinner?

Demi watched from the control room as Fleetwood Mac began to record again. They were all on their best behaviour, all of them knowing how important it was that they made it seem like the studio was a functioning recording studio that didn’t contain a dysfunctional band in front of the men in suits. They didn’t want Demi to lose the studio. They liked Oliver in charge and they wanted his granddaughter to keep the business going. “Alright! C’mon guys!” Lindsey yelled across the room as the red ‘Recording’ sign lit up in the control room. “One, two, one, two three, four!” Stevie said enthusiastically into the microphone as the opening to ‘Angel’ began, a song Stevie had written literally days ago. Demi watched from the control with Fleetwood Mac’s producers, Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut, as the band did a run through of the song. Demi couldn’t control the smile that spread across her face when Lindsey looked up and winked at her. “Something you wanna tell us, Dem?” Richard asked. He looked up at her, his usual goofy grin plastered across his face. “Shut up, Dashut.” Demi replied, playfully hitting him on the shoulder. “Leave her along, Richard.” Ken said, hitting Richard playfully also. “Thanks Ken.” Demi said, patting him on the back. The three of them looked back at the bands, who were now in full swing.

 “You feel good.

I said it's funny that you understood.

I knew you would,

When you were good…

You were very, very good.”

Lindsey watched from his place in the studio as Demi danced around the control room to Stevie’s song. He smiled; he’d never seen such a happy sight. The studio was usually a place of joyless feeling and relentless arguments. The only time there was ever real joy was when the band made a break through with a song. But, in Demi’s presence, the band seemed to forget their differences and everything they had gone through in the last four years. Lindsey felt genuinely happier in himself and much more content with his musical abilities. There was something about Demi that made him relax, something that Carol had been unable to do for the last three years of their relationship. The band finished running through ‘Angel’ and Demi began clapping from the control room; Ken, Richard and the men in suits all joined in with her. The band walked back to the control room but Lindsey hung back with Stevie. “Stevie… erm…” Lindsey hated to have these sorts of moments with his ex-girlfriend. Although he knew her better than anyone else, he never knew what to say to her. “Spit it out, Buckingham.” Stevie said playfully. Lindsey relaxed, slipping back into his old friendship with Stevie for a split second. “Thank you, Stevie.” “What did I do?” Stevie asked. “Demi gave me a chance. If I hadn’t gone to talk to her like you said I should…” Stevie smiled. She patted Lindsey on his back. “It’s okay, Linds. I really like her and I think she’ll be a great girlfriend.” Lindsey smiled back at her and watched as she walked away. He began packing up his guitar when a pair of small, delicate hands wrapped around his waist. “Should you really be doing this with your guests here?” He asked, smiling. Demi chuckled. “I didn’t say anything about you putting your hand on my waist or winking at me.” She replied. She let go of Lindsey and walked around to see his face. He smiled at her. “Hello again.” He said. Demi smiled. “Hey.” Lindsey continued to pack up his guitar. “Where’re you off to now?” Demi asked, admiring another one of Lindsey’s guitars nearby. “I’m going for dinner with Richard and Ken. Wanna join us? We’d love to have you.” “Aw, c’mon Buck! I thought it was guys night!” Lindsey and Demi looked over to see Richard and Ken walking towards them. Ken hit Richard over the head. “Shut up, Dashut!” He said. Turning to Demi, Ken smiled. “Your guests want a few words with you. We’d be happy for you to join us afterwards though.” Demi smiled. “Thanks guys. Where’re y’all going?” “Just to that little bar down the street.” Lindsey said, snapping the clasps on his guitar case shut. “Awesome. I’ll be down in an hour or so.” Demi kissed Lindsey’s cheek softly before smiling at him and bidding the three men goodbye. “So, it’s really happening then?” Richard asked Lindsey. Lindsey shrugged. “She’s not just another conquest is she?” Ken asked him, casting his mind back to Carol Ann. Lindsey watched Demi lead her business partners out of the studio. “Y’know, man. I really don't think she is.” Lindsey replied, leading his friends out of the studio and into the warm Californian evening.