(Don't) Leave Me Behind

Part 15

"Can I have a word with you?" Despite asking, Rick had already stood up staring at the drummer. Without verbally replying, Mick got up too and followed after him outside. "Um... I'm not sure where to begin."

"What's up?" Folding his arms, Mick leaned against the side of the building, looking at his bandmate. 

"Even before we started recording this new album, I was considering quitting the band." Seeing Mick open his mouth, Rick held up a hand. "I just don't feel like I fit in anymore. Our ideas are very different, Mick. I think I'd like to go solo."

"You can't do that!" Mick shook his head, reaching into his pocket for a cigarette. "Absolutely not! We're in the middle of recording an album, we need a guitar player!"

"You could have said, we need you Rick, I'm just a guitar player to you."

"That's not what I meant." Mick tried, but Rick had made up his mind. 

"There's plenty of those, you'll find a replacement easily. Besides..." Rick began, but he trailed off. "Everything that's going on with Stevie..." He shook his head. "I can't deal with it. Clearly, I have feelings for her and she doesn't. I was good for her, because she had a place to stay." Rick shrugged. "She used me, but I'm not the kind of person that she's becoming. She's getting recognized, she's beautiful, she's talented, she wants to live life. I don't want to live that kind of life. I mean..." Showing at Mick, he added. "Quite obviously she's found herself a new partner."

"Come on, mate." Mick sighed, flicking his cigarette away. "Don't let a woman get in the way. What we're doing in this band, the music we're making is a lot more important. You shouldn't be so sensitive about these things. Do you think Stevie and I will live happily ever after?" Mick couldn't help but laugh at his ownquestion. "We're having fun at the moment, but I'm sure a month later, she'll be in someone else's bed and so will I."

Scoffing, Rick began pacing up and down the pavement. What Mick said, irritated him. "You see, I never understood that. I don't want to understand that. You don't have to become a party animal just because you're in a band. Everyone is entitled to make that choice, to decide for themselves if it's what the want. It's not mandatory." Stopping in front of Mick again, he continued. "I was infatuated. The first time I saw Stevie, I thought she was an angel from the heavens above and I was sure I fell in love with her, but now? The past couple of months?" Shaking his head sadly, Rick shrugged. "I feel something for her still, but I really don't like her as a person anymore. I... I hate who's she's turning into."

"You don't have to like her!" Mick threw his hands up in the air in frustration. "Jesus... It's not about chicks. There's a reason why I chose to play with you, Rick, I want you in Fleetwood Mac. But Stevie's staying as well. I'm not going to decide which one of you has to go, because you shacked up for two months. Have you already forgotten the reaction from our fans at that first show we did with her? She is the key to our success, Rick."

"And I'm not saying she isn't. This wasn't supposed to be about Stevie to start with. I asked to talk to you, because I made up my mind. I'm leaving Fleetwood Mac and I wanted you to be the first person to hear the news from me."

"Don't do this, Vito." Mick glared at him. "You're going to regret leaving, there won't be a way back."

"Fine." Rick nodded. "I wouldn't want to come back."

"Is that your final word?" Mick asked slowly.

"It is. I'm done. I'm leaving."

Pushing himself forward, Mick gave the guitarist another look. "Get your shit and go then."

No one understood what was going on, when Rick returned and started gathering all his belongings. John observed quietly, Christine tried asking and Stevie ignored it. Just like that, Rick Vito was no longer a part of Fleetwood Mac, Mick explained what happened after another cigarette and a line or maybe two.

"Why didn't you go after him?" Christine asked Stevie, referring to Rick.

"It's his decision. I wouldn't have stopped him." Stevie replied, sounding nonchalant. 

"Isn't he your boyfriend?"

Stevie just laughed at that, Christine's eyebrows creased. "We weren't exclusive."

"Clearly, because Mick Fleetwood managed to wiggle his way in between your thighs." Stevie was taken a back and Christine could tell. "When I called in the morning, he let it slip you were with him. Given how you two left last night that was the conclusion I jumped to. Am I wrong?" Stevie didn't say anything. "That's what I thought." Exhaling heavily, Christine gave Stevie a look. "Be careful, Stevie. Don't lose your mind."

"So, can I go home then?" John spoke up, three sets of eyes focused on him. 

Mick just shrugged his shoulders. "We're missing a guitar player, so... Where are we going to find one? Because we have to, quickly. And he's got to be good. I might be mad at Rick right now, but I can admit his shoes are big to fill."

Tipping her head back, Christine finished off the last of her drink. "I have someone in mind."