Storms

Try

A few months passed and Stevie and Lindsey were still looking for that perfect house. Stevie had partially moved into his apartment, keeping her own condo for now. She thought Lindsey would have been upset, but to her surprise, he understood. He was surprising her more often too, not becoming jealous or angry when the usual triggers would arise. She loved the 'new' Lindsey. The kids were coming over more often, and though there wasn't much of a place for them, they made do. Stevie would cook dinner, or they would go out to eat and they were dating like any normal couple.

The divorce was finalized and even Kristen was able to loosen up and enjoy the couple's company. At first, it made her uncomfortable to see their love. They were affectionate and Lindsey lavished attention and loving caresses more often with Stevie than he had with her. They were back to being those kids in love, like all those years ago. Kristen might have felt a pang of jealousy or anger in the beginning as well, feeling as if she had missed out on the 'good' Lindsey. This thought plagued her until she realized she did get a piece of the 'good' Lindsey. He was a good husband, an attentive father and was very present with them. He gave her many beautiful years and many wonderful memories, she couldn't stay resentful.

Things were going very well for the everyone and Lindsey was feeling like that dark cloud that hung over him was finally going. He had a much more sunny disposition and he would attribute that to Stevie and his love for her. Every time he would see his ring on her finger, he would swell with pride. She would wear it all the time, not wanting to hide it away like she would have years ago. She too was proud of being his, only taking her ring off when it was time for bed.

Since the evening Jenna left visibly upset after her phone call, she had come around very rarely but her personality was suddenly different. She wasn't as loving or attached to the couple, especially Lindsey, as she had been. She would cancel plans or avoid committing to being anywhere around them and it upset Lindsey and Stevie greatly. Lindsey would try to call her and leave message after message and each time, he would receive nothing- no response. Stevie saw the pain her soon-to-be husband was caused and she decided to devise a plan. Something had to give.

Stevie had told Lindsey to dress up, look sharp. They had reservations at a beautiful Tuscan inspired restaurant. While he was getting ready, she dressed up too. She bought a brand new red dress that clung to her curves ever so slightly, displaying enough cleavage to attract (or distract) him. She layered on her necklaces and rings, curled her hair and applied her make up meticulously. Next came the black pantyhose and her tall boots. She caught Lindsey's eye and he smiled, kissing her cheek as she was currently working on her lips.

"Performing for millions tonight, babe?" he asked.

"No but if you're good, I might be performing for you later."

"Oh really?"

"Best behavior and I'll think about it."

"Will you do that thing I like?" he asked, staring at her expectantly.

She chuckled. "Don't you ever get tired of it?"

"Not when you do it."

"Then yes, if you're really, really good."

He grinned with child-like glee and she thought he looked so adorable. Stevie sprayed on perfume and left Lindsey to put on his cologne and finish up, saying she was going to check on their reservation. He just nodded, letting her go about her business. Stevie went to the kitchen counter and grabbed her phone, checking it for messages. Thankfully, she got just the text message she desired. She text back quickly, feeling arms around her waist.

"Texting another man?" he asked jokingly, kissing her hair.

"Wouldn't you like to know" she teased back, her lips curling into a feline smirk.

"Well, I would like to think my wife only had eyes for me"

She turned around in his arms, kissing his lips then wiping off any lip product left there with her finger tips. "Your wife, huh?"

"You will be"

"But not yet. You've still got a lot of winning over to do before we walk down the aisle."

"Is that so?"

"Definitely."

"Then I guess I will have to try just a little bit harder" he sings and she giggles.

"Janis Joplin won't save you, though that was awfully cute." She looked at her phone again, her eyes widening. "We have to go, we don't want to be late."

"You're right. Oh, I cannot wait to show you off. You look stunning."

"Thank you, handsome." She stroked his smooth, freshly shaven cheek, smiling at him. Seeing all the love in her eyes never got old as he held her gaze for a few more moments.

"Do you have everything?"

"I think so" she says, putting her cellphone into her clutch. He locks up and they go down to the car. He unlocks it with the remote, tucks her inside and goes around to the driver's side. He strokes her thigh lovingly before hitting the road. As they drive, Stevie keeps checking her phone. Lindsey had never seen her so absorbed in technology before. What was she doing? She was texting like mad, getting quite good on her little iPhone. It was tough going at first but she was really getting the hang of it. Once again, he swelled with pride that he was able to help and she was so grateful. The only time he wished he didn't help was when she made him take selfies with her. She would take so many, he was sure it was just dog, kid and 'senior selfies', as he called them in her camera roll. He chuckled to himself, watching Stevie smile at whoever she was messaging.

"One of the kids?" he asked.

"Uh-huh" she said, typing furiously again.

"Will?"

"Nope"

"LeeLee?" he asked again.

"Can you stop interrogating me?" she asked with a laugh.

"Yeah, Jenna said it's the Libra in me. I need all the answers right then."

"She's right. You know, Jenna really is so great."

"Yes she is. I miss her." he says sadly as he parks the car.

"Me too. Let's not let that spoil our night, okay?"

He nods, getting out to open the car door for her. They breeze through to the back, being seated by the hostess, to find a familiar blonde with a new rose gold hue to her hair sitting at the table as well. Stevie smiles, as does Lindsey.

"I took the liberty of ordering a bottle of wine." Jenna said, echoing what he had said to Stevie when she had set them up months prior. Lindsey laughed and ran over to hug her while Stevie stood back, taking picture after picture. She knew just what Lindsey was going to get for his birthday now, if any of them turned out.