Will I See You Again?

Can I?

Several days passed by and Lindsey hadn't called. They agreed, even if they couldn't see each other because of his busy schedule, at least he'd call her. What she was expecting, Stevie didn't know. This was just a one nightstand for him obviously, despite whatever he told her, but she couldn't ignore that she liked him more than just a partner for that one night and it bothered her that he didn't keep his promise. 

The whole situation was distracting her, as she spent most of her time thinking about Lindsey. It was especially dangerous, because Joe spontaneously (or at least she thought so) came home from his own tour. His latest record was released a year ago, but he still insisted on continuing selling it, while the whole time also recording a new album. Those were the main reasons Stevie barely got to see him. 

"Why are you not getting ready yet?" Joe asked, reentering the bedroom after taking a shower.

Frowning, Stevie faced him. "What do you mean? What am I supposed to be getting ready for?"

"That party the label is throwing I told you about a month ago? The one I came back for?"

"So, that's why you're back. Gee, I completely forgot!"

Going to sit on the edge of the bed, Joe asked. "What's the matter with you? You're not yourself. Something happened while I was away?"

"Well, you were away for a long time. A lot happened..."

"Can you please stop bitching about it? I'm a musician, this is what I do; I record, then I tour to promote the album. What is it you don't get?"

"I get it, I get it..." She sighed, pulling the covers away to get up. "I miss you though. I don't really know what's the point of us being together anymore. We never are together." 

He had already thought of a reply, but then he saw she actually had tears in her eyes, so he bit his tongue, standing up instead, pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry, baby. You know I love you, right? I promise, when this record is done, I'm taking time off to be with you."

Hating to appear so vulnerable, Stevie wiped away her tears, as she looked up. "What does taking time off mean to you? Because I don't think it means the same thing to the both of us."

"Here you go again." Joe rolled his eyes, stepping away. "Stevie, I'm not ready to settle down yet. I don't want to be tied down. Marriage isn't that important to me, what's going to change from how things are now and when we'll have some piece of paper?"

"Marriage isn't as important to me either..."

"As is having kids." Joe finished, having heard about this too many times lately.

"See? You know."

"I..." Sighing, he shook his head. "I don't want to talk about this again."

Dropping it, Stevie didn't say anything more. They never got anywhere when it came to this. She wanted a child and he didn't, that was it. 

The last thing Stevie wanted was to go to this stupid party. Joe was only bringing her to show her off, as if she was his prize, she hated that. Never had any of his friends tried to talk to her about something interesting or meaningful, instead of trying to cop a feel and undress her with their eyes. She had no other purpose for accompanying Joe than being eye candy. Although, knowing if she asked him to stay home, they would only get into an argument and she would have to go anyway, yet on top of being miserable, she would also be angry.

Stevie was ready for a while now, but she avoided going downstairs and Joe didn't bother come looking for her either, until it was time for them to leave. The car was waiting for them outside and he rushed her, as she took one more look at herself in the mirror. 

"You look fine."

"Just fine?"

"Beautiful." Joe said, taking Stevie by the hand and leading them to the car. 

They were both silent, sitting side by side, staring out the window. Stevie was somewhere else in her thoughts and Joe didn't particularly like it. He was used to being doted on once he came home, she would follow him around wherever he went, talk to him, show him affection, they would also spend a generous amount of time in bed...

"Stevie?" He asked, somewhat carefully. 

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry, okay? I really am, I'm sorry that I'm not the boyfriend you deserve. I'm sorry that I'm never there."

Shrugging her shoulders, she looked at him only for as long as it took her to say... "Well, it's what you do, isn't it?"

They didn't speak any more after that.

As soon as they arrived at the party, they were surrounded by people, mostly other musician friends of Joe, as they were all catching up and cracking jokes, while Stevie remained quiet, following Joe with a drink in hand, only saying hi to whoever acknowledged her. She knew they hadn't been there for long, but she wanted to go home already, this wasn't enjoyable for her in any sense of the word. 

"I'll go to the bar for another drink, maybe sit there for a bit." Stevie said, letting go of Joe's hand, but he pulled her closer.

"You sure? You'll be okay by yourself?"

I'm not a damn child, she thought. "Mhm."

"I love you." He said, pecking her on the lips, as she just gave a small nod.

Keeping her head down until she reached the bar, Stevie sat down on one of the stools, ordering a drink. It was placed in front of her merely a minute later and she had only taken a sip, when she heard his voice, turning around, her eyes searching in the crowd. 

Unfortunately it wasn't just him she saw... Facing away from everyone again, she apparently wasn't quick enough to hide herself. 

"Stevie?"

"Lindsey." She said his name with no emotion as he took a seat next to her. 

"That's all I get?"

"Well, a fuck was only all I got." 

"Don't be like that... I told you, I said I was a busy man."

"That's why you also made that promise to me, saying that if we couldn't see each other, at least you'd call me." Repeating his words to him, she took a big gulp from her glass. "I was stupid to think you seriously liked me. I was an easy lay, nothing more."

"Don't talk about yourself like that, that's far from the truth."

"You know, I just don't care anymore." She shrugged, downing her drink and asking for another one right away. 

"What's wrong?"

"You don't care either." She spat the words at him and he honestly felt bad. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I'm signed to this label."

"Who was the woman you were with? You said you were single. Although, of course, you say many things you don't actually mean, so..."

"I didn't lie, I am single. She's just for tonight."

"Like I was?" 

"Stevie, please, I'm begging you, stop."

"You can't tell me anything. And to think I genuinely liked you..."

"As did I. I do! Yes, I fucked up, because I didn't keep my promise, but I simply got caught up and I didn't have much free time. Please, Stevie, you weren't just a one nightstand for me, I want to make it right. I want to see you again, I do. Tell me that I can?"

"I-" She opened her mouth, but got cut off, hearing Joe behind her. 

"Come with me, Steph. I'd like you to meet someone." He took her hand in his, as she slid off the bar stool, Joe paying no attention that she was having a conversation. 

Looking over her shoulder, Stevie thought the look in Lindsey's eyes was almost a pleading one. Maybe he was telling her the truth after all, maybe she shouldn't be jumping to conclusions? Maybe... She then saw the woman return to Lindsey's side, but he shunned her away, thinking that he had to be really upset. 

Maybe...