"I don't like this."
"Lindsey-" I warned. We'd discussed his jealousy but it hasn't disappeared- it likely never would. I had to admit he was doing a much better job of containing it though.
"I'm just saying I don't like it one bit. You're going to be there in that dress, with everyone looking at you-"
I laughed, giving him a peck on the cheek. "I'm just going with my friends. I told them I'd attend months ago, Lindsey. And it's for such a good cause. Besides, won't you be in the studio all night anyway?"
He grumbled something under his breath, turning his attention back to Lane, who was eating dinner.
I'd agreed to attend a charity gala at the marina months ago. Paul, the marina owner, had purchased a table and the whole crew was getting dressed up to support the children's hospital. Lindsey wasn't overly amused sending me on my way but he really hasn't grumbled about it too much either. The sitter was on her way over and Lindsey was headed back to the studio in just a bit. I finished my makeup and took the rollers out of my hair, letting loose curls fall over my shoulders as I slipped into the floor length black satin gown.
I emerged from the bathroom and Lindsey froze, his eyes locked on me. "You look beautiful," he informed me. I smiled a bit, looking at my feet, and grabbing my bag.
The babysitter was here and ready and Lindsey was going to escort me to the Yacht Club's entrance on his way to head to the studio. I took his arm and we strolled up the dock together.
"You know," he whispered softly in my ear, "if we'd been alone back there you'd definitely be late to this."
I blushed at the implication and watched Lindsey smirk as I gave him a playful nudge.
"Are you coming over tonight," he asked. "After this charity thing?"
I shook my head that I wasn't, beginning to explain myself before he could protest. "It'll be late and I don't want to wake Lane. Plus, I'm going to have some champagne and relax a little bit. And you'll be at the studio all night anyway." I tightened my grip on him, letting him know that I wasn't blowing him off. "I know you and your creative pattern- you need some music in your life."
He grinned widely at me. "Whenever you are near, I Hear A Symphony, A tender melody pulling me closer, closer to your arms."
Then suddenly, his lips are touching mine.
A feeling so divine 'til I leave the past behind.
I feel a joy within, don't let this feeling end, baby, baby, as you stand up holding me
Whispering how much you care, a thousand violins fill the air now. Baby, baby, don't let this moment end, Keep standing close to me.
"Alright," he relented eventually. "I really do have to get in- Mick is probably having kittens right now. Have fun tonight," he kissed again me softly. "I love you," he told me softly. "And uh, just for the record, I'm not going to be able to get you in that dress out of my mind tonight."
I gave his hand a squeeze and let go, immediately spotting MaryAnn who had a glass of champagne waiting for me. I loved all of the time with Lane and Lindsey but I was quite honestly excited for some girl talk tonight.
"So I see that's still going well," she raised her eyebrows at me, handing me a stemmed glass.
I couldn't hide my happiness. "Oh, it's going very well," I told her, looking back over my shoulder to see Lindsey walking away.
"Come on," she grabbed my arm. "The guys brought dates, let's size them up." I giggled and followed her. I just wanted to let loose with my dearest friend but I already missed Lindsey.
***
I said goodnight to MaryAnn and made my way back to the boat. I walked along the edge of the stone seawall enjoying the gentle breeze off the water and the quiet evening. I'd had a wonderful time catching up with old friends at the fundraiser. The food was phenomenal and the champagne was considerably more expensive than what I normally drank.
It was just past 11 and I was sure that Lindsey was just barely getting going in the studio and that Lane was fast asleep. I did want to see him tonight. Part of me wanted to ask the babysitter to stay a little while so I could hop into a cab and surprise him- part of me also wanted to wrap Lane up and take him but I knew that wasn't a good idea. But the realization I had come to is that either way I didn't want to be without him any more. I was ready to take that step- to move into his place, to see him every day and to experience all of life's insignificant details with him.
I rounded the corner to head down to the docks and that's when I saw them. I must have looked like a deer in the headlights, but all I could think of was where they were standing- right on the end of the dock in front of the gate- right between me and Lane.
"There she is," someone halfway shouted, and a group of press turned to face me, the flash bulbs immediately in my face as they shouted questions, confirming that our secret was out. That our privacy was gone.
"Are you Stevie Nicks?"
"What's the nature of your relationship with Lindsey Buckingham?"
"Is it true that you're hiding his secret child on a boat?"
