It's been awhile...

Good luck

A few days had passed and during them something clearly changed. Lindsey hadn't heard from Stevie once; not a call, not a single visit. He couldn't exactly show up at her and Ryan's, saying he wanted to speak to Stevie. He tried calling himself, but he didn't get her on the phone once. It worried him. After what happened... what if Ryan hurt her? 

Shaking his head, Lindsey told himself he had to stop thinking like that. Maybe Stevie was just... busy. With something. With what? Ugh, stop!  He simply missed her. A lot. She said she couldn't live like this anymore. Had she changed her mind? What if I pretend I want to discuss something with Ryan and catch Stevie as well?

He had to see her. 

Taking a quick shower, Lindsey then searched through the drawers, picking out jeans and a shirt, he got dressed and was out of the condo and on his way 'to see Ryan'. It wasn't a long drive, no traffic at that hour, as Lindsey drove through the gates, instantly disappointed as he didn't see Stevie's car. 

Ryan was the one to open the door, surprised to see Lindsey. The two men shook hands, greeting each other, before Ryan let Lindsey come inside. "What brings you here?"

"Well, I haven't seen you at the restaurant at all the past week or so. You used to always be around. I was wondering if something might have happened." That wasn't completely a lie that Lindsey told. 

Leading him to the living area, Ryan asked, wanting to win some time. "Can I get you anything? Coffee?"

"No, thanks." Lindsey shook his head, taking a seat. "What's up, Ryan? I know you're not telling me something. We've known each other for far too long." Lindsey already knew the truth, but he couldn't give that away, knowing it would only harm Stevie.

Sighing, Ryan sat down as well, facing Lindsey. "You're right. I do have some news. Uh... We have been friends for a very long time as well as partners, but the last place we opened up was mostly your ideas. I kind of feel that we've done everything we could together. I respect you and I think you're great at what you do, but maybe it's time to part ways. I'm really sorry to say this, I am."

After a moment, Lindsey said. "Everything seemed fine a couple of months ago. You could have told me if something didn't sit well with you. You know I've always been open to different ideas. I also don't think our last project was just me. There's a lot of your input."

"There is, but... It's just how I feel. This is my opinion and it wasn't an easy decision. We've had over ten years of wonderful partnership and we've helped each other to accomplish many great things, but I simply need something new."

"Let me guess, you already know what that something new is?"

"I... I do, yes. Actually, I'll be relocating to New York."

"Just you? What about your family?"

"No, no, all of us. We agreed that I'll go on my own first and then Stevie will come with the kids, when she feels it's okay to leave this behind."

Lindsey grew quiet. So, she did change her mind... 

"Is she as excited about it as you are?" 

"Oh, yeah. She was a little hesitant at first, but she's all up for it now. We've already started talking, making plans about our new life there." Seeing as Lindsey wasn't saying anything, Ryan spoke up. "Listen, Lindsey. You're a great man and I wish you all the best. I didn't go behind your back, I honestly feel like I need this. I'd love to stay friends."

Lindsey scoffed, shrugging as he stood up. "Yeah, I don't think so."

"Come on..."

"I'll be on my way." Lindsey shrugged Ryan's hand off his shoulder, going for the door, nearly colliding into Stevie, who had just come home. He stopped, staring at her. She wanted to say so many things to him, but she couldn't possibly do that with Ryan just a few steps away. She saw the hurt in his eyes and it was tearing her heart apart. 

"Could you get the bags out of the car, Ryan, please?" Stevie asked and he nodded, walking past her and Lindsey. 

As soon as Ryan was away, Stevie pushed Lindsey inside the house. "Whatever he told you, don't believe a word of it."

"You lied to me. You're moving. You're leaving me again." Lindsey whispered back. 

"Linds, no... Please, please trust me. I'm sorry we haven't seen each other or talked at all, but it has to be like that for a little while. Please, Lindsey." She begged, looking up at him, pleading with her eyes. 

"What is all of this stuff?" Ryan returned, carrying several bags of groceries into the kitchen. 

"We needed quite a few things." Stevie said, moving away from Lindsey to sort out what she brought back, knowing she couldn't say anything else to him, hoping that what she did say was enough.

Turning to Lindsey, Ryan held out his hand. "I hope we can move on from this."

Shaking his hand, Lindsey just nodded. "Good luck with everything."

"Thanks."

Stevie hoped to lock eyes with Lindsey, but she didn't get that chance, as Ryan accompanied him to the door. 

~

Sorry for the filler.