(Don't) Leave Me Behind

Part 17

Fighting back a sigh, Mick sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hand on Stevie's shoulder, shaking her again. He knew she wasn't sleeping, she was just being, well, childish.

"Come on, we're going to be late."

"I said, I'm not going." A mumbled reply from under the covers came. 

"Yes, you are. Stevie, I get that this isn't a 9 to 5 job, but it's still your job." Mick emphasized. "Because we're sleeping together, it doesn't mean I'm going to let you lazy around the whole day so you can avoid Lindsey."

Groaning, she rolled onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. "I don't want to go."

"Well, tough shit, sweetheart." He gripped the covers and pulled them down, which didn't get him the expected reaction from Stevie. "Get up."

"Mick..."

"No. Come on." His palm rested on her thigh and she covered his hand with her own, forcing a smile. 

"There are more pleasant ways we could spend the day." 

Smiling back at her, Mick winked. "We can always spend the night that way." Moving away from her, Mick was on his way out of the room. "You've got thirty minutes!"

Exhaling heavily, Stevie stretched then swung her legs over the edge of the bed, knowing she had no choice.

Surprisingly late by no more than twenty minutes, Stevie and Mick arrived at the studio together. She made it her mission to let people (Lindsey) know they were together, in whatever way that might be. There was no sight of Christine, when they walked in and Stevie frowned. Despite Christine not being honest about whom she had invited to join Fleetwood Mac, Stevie still thought of her as a friend, the only female friend she had and Stevie needed her, especially now.

"Chris isn't feeling too well." John informed and that was basically all he had to say for the day.

"No worries, we can work on some guitar parts." Mick waved it off and took a seat. To be somewhat discrete, he touched the pocket of his velvet vest, giving Stevie a look. "Before we start?" She nodded and followed him outside. 

Lindsey wasn't totally sure what had just happened. He had a hunch, but... surely that wasn't it? Stevie would never! Or would she? Some time ago she had also sworn she was loyal to him. Who's to say she hadn't started doing drugs? 

The pair returned shortly. Since Mick mentioned working with Lindsey for the day, she went to sit by herself. However, Mick had a different idea.

"Hey, Stevie." She tilted her chin up, waiting for him to continue. "I want to hear you and Lindsey together. He can play something and you sing."

"Excuse me?" She scoffed, her eyes growing wide. "Are you crazy?"

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Mick sighed. "We've been over this. Don't start, please. We're in a band, you know. A group of people, playing together - a band." He shrugged his shoulders. "Just one song, whatever you want is fine."

Lindsey sat with his mouth shut. He didn't mind playing with Stevie, but it did hurt him to know she was so against the idea. 

"Fine." She gave in, rising to her feet. Pulling up a chair, Stevie sat down to Lindsey's left, her eyes narrowed at Mick.

"What would you like to sing?"

"Why don't you guys do the one I heard from your record?" Mick suggested, but Stevie was quick to disagree.

"I'm not doing Frozen Love." She shook her head, folding her arms.

"Let's try Crying in the Night." Thinking for a moment, Stevie gave a nod of her head and Lindsey started plucking the strings, playing the melody. 

It was going alright, until Lindsey joined in on the chorus. At that very moment, Stevie got emotional and she struggled. She had to stop and start up again, only to grow quiet seconds later. 

"Sorry, I..." She bit on her lower lip, feeling completely overwhelmed. She hadn't allowed herself to think about Lindsey for too long, singing with him only made her realize just how much she had actually missed him. "Excuse me." She stood up and walked out the door.

"I don't think we're ever going to get this album done." Mick let out a heavy breath, leaning forward in his seat. "There's something special between you and her." He told Lindsey. "You harmonize beautifully. I believe we could do great things if only Stevie wasn't so stubborn. It's been a real pain dealing with her these past few days."

"Well, I'm glad I don't have to deal with that anymore." He didn't mean it. He genuinely didn't mean it, but if Stevie insisted on making this process difficult, Lindsey was more than happy to play along.