It had been a couple of days since Stevie and Chad, and everyone else from the band as well as their crew, returned home after the gigantic tour they embarked on over a year ago. Having asked for some much needed time off, Stevie didn't leave the house or answered any calls from anyone, also that way giving Karen time to rest too. All she did was sleep half the day away, spend time with Chad and Greta, write and enjoy hot bubble baths.
But now that Stevie felt like she was up to doing something again, she decided to start looking for a dress for the wedding. They hadn't exactly agreed on the date, but they had a mutual understanding it wouldn't take very long. Even though she didn't look nor felt 67, that was her reality. She didn't want to drag the engagement out for a year or two, planning this grand wedding, no, instead she wanted to be able to enjoy it.
The closest friends of both sides knew, but the press was still somewhere in the back of Stevie's mind. She didn't know how to play that one out. Of course they were going to find out, there was not a chance she could successfully hide it, although, the fact she had been wearing an engagement ring for over three weeks wasn't suspicious to anyone yet. But there was still time to worry about it, as she decided to leave it to Karen anyway.
"I'm going out with Lori." Stevie informed Chad, who was occupied with Greta.
"When are you going to be back?"
Shrugging... "I don't know, a couple of hours."
"Where are you going?"
"I can't tell you."
"Oh?"
"Yes." She walked over to him, sitting on the floor with the girl, and bent down, giving him a brief kiss. "I'm still allowed to have secrets." She joked, wiping her lip gloss off his lips.
"Okay, but don't be gone too long." He said, his palm stroking the back of her thigh. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you, too!" Greta jumped to her little feet and went to hug Stevie, whispering to her. "...Mommy."
"Aw, sweetheart." Stevie nearly chocked on her words, as she knelt in front of the girl, crushing her in another hug. "I love you."
"I love you, too!"
"Me too!" Chad joined in, as they laughed, before Stevie said goodbye once more and headed out the front door, seeing Lori having just arrived.
Lori drove them to the first store on Stevie's list, the whole time catching up while on the road, despite the fact they were just together, touring. It seemed like they never ran out of topics to talk about and Stevie couldn't be more grateful, as she feared Lori's divorce from Christopher was going to ruin their beautiful friendship.
"So, what are you looking for?" Lori asked, as they entered the bridal shop, feeling strangely overwhelmed by how many gowns there were.
"I'm not really sure actually."
"Why don't you just call Margi?"
"She's a busy woman, I don't want her to drop everything and make a dress for me, because I know she would do that." Stevie said, having to lift up and place her shades on the top of her head, because of the lighting. "Can I wear a black dress at my wedding?" Lori rolled her eyes without replying in words. "I'm kidding. I was thinking maybe ivory, chiffon skirt, lace top and sleeves..."
"May I help you, ladies?" A woman approached them.
"No, we're just looking. But we'll ask you if anything."
"Perfect." She gave small nod and left the two alone.
They were standing close, Stevie checking out each dress first, then asking for Lori's opinion or just moving on to the next one. While nothing caught her eye, they stayed silent, before Stevie spoke up. "Before I left, Greta said, I'll miss you, Mommy..."
