One Promise Too Late

Chapter 2

No Spoken Word

She looked across the studio at him and then back the clock and sighed. She'd been in the studio with him now for nearly 17 hours. It was almost 1:00 a.m. and she just wanted to go home and go to sleep. She sat on the couch in the studio doodling in her notebook waiting for her husband to finish another session with a wannabe Fleetwood Mac guitarist. She took another sip of hot chocolate before yawning. Before she knew it she was fast asleep on studio sofa sleeping peacefully. She slowly drifted back to reality when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She blinked her eyes open and stared up at Mick. "Sorry, love, but this guy is amazing! We think he could be the next guitarist!"

She tried to smile but ended up yawning again. If she didn't get up soon she'd fall back asleep. "Come on Steph, let's go home."

He helped her up and they slowly made their way to the car. He opened the passenger door for her and helped her in then shut it behind him. For the next 30 minute car ride she fell back asleep dreaming she was a rockstar just as she had planned. She dreamed she were up on stage with Mick and John singing her heart out. Her dream was interupted by Mick once again. "Stevie..." He spoke slowly trying to wake her up. Her eyes barely opened. "M hmm." Was all she could manage getting out. She took his hand and allowed him to help her out. He shut the door behind them. Just before she was about to fall asleep once again leaning against the car he threw his jacket over his shoulder and scooped her up in his arms. He carried her up the front door before fiddling with the keys in his hands and unlocking the door. He carried her up the stairs to the bedroom and layed her down on the bed only removing her shawl and boots. She stirred in bed. He covered her with the blanket and kissed her gently on the forehead. She contiued dreaming of her stardom.

She entered the kitchen with her cream silk kimono tied around her waist and her up held up in a loose bun. "Ah, you're up, love. I made you some tea and toast."

He set the plate and mug infront of her on the counter. She smiled. "Thank you."

She took a sip of her tea. She couldn't deny, this englishman sure could make damn good tea! "Mmm." She moaned.

"So... I have some good and bad news."

"What's that?" She said setting down her mug.

"Well John rang this morning and told me that the man from yesterday told him he wasn't interested anymore, but... he said he knew of a friend in Texas that can also play very well."

She nodded her head taking another drink. She knew what this meant. "So we're driving down there tonight, and should be back either tomorrow or day after."

She sighed. "Sounds good."

She faked a smile. "Thanks darling." He said leaning over the counter to plant a small kiss on her cheek beside her lips.

She waited for him to leave the house shutting the door behind him before she went to the phone and dialed the McVie residence. A elegant british voice answer the call. "Hello, Christine and John McVie."

"Thank goodness your home Chris, I need to talk to you."

"Go ahead Stevie, I'm all ears."

Christine took a seat on the stool beside the telephone and listened attentively to Stevie through the phone. "...I just don't know what to do, Chris. It's like he's never home anymore, and if I go to the studio with him, for like the whole day, then it's like I'm not there. All I do is sit on that damned couch!"

"Calm down Stevie. Everythings okay, he's probably just eager to find a new guitarist for the band."

"Maybe, I hope so. I just don't wanna lose him, over a stupid band!"

Chris looked over at the clock, they'd been on the phone for almost an hour. "Awfully sorry love, but I should probably go and get some housework done."

She was sad to see her best friend go, but she knew she had to go and clean before Mick got home, only to leave again. "Okay, sorry to keep you for so long Chris."

"Oh it's not a problem darling. Anytime."

She felt Chris smiling through the phone and felt better immediately. "Thanks Chris, bye!"

"Bye now."

Both women hung up the phone and got to work.

Mick got home late; as usual, meaning they wouldn't be spending anytime alone before he left for Texas. Dinner was fairly quite only for small talk at the beginning of how the others day went. Mick got up putting his plate in this sink, downing the rest of his wine before setting it on the countertop. Stevie did as well. "Well I best be on my way." He said turning to her.

She nodded. "Alright."

He held his arms out to her, she entered them wrapping her arms around his waist. He pulled back and kissed her gently but passionately. "Your things are at the door."

"Okay, I'll see you in a few days."

He kissed her once more before grabbing his suitcase and putting it in the back of the car. She watched him disappear downt the driveway in his corvette.