(Don't) Leave Me Behind

Part 22

It had been two weeks already. Two very long and hard weeks for Stevie. Lindsey showed her he had changed and it was her turn now. She was serious about it. She wanted things to go back to how they used to be not that long ago. Stevie realized it wasn't going to be easy and it would take time. Without explaining too much, she told Mick she had to take some time off. He wasn't particularly happy, but he didn't question her either. As long as Mick had Lindsey, they could work on something else besides Stevie's songs. 

However, Stevie had run out of excuses and the day came, when she had to rejoin the band in order to fulfill her commitments. Even though it had been only two weeks, she already looked better; healthier, and it didn't go unnoticed, when she arrived. 

"We've missed you!" Christine smiled, getting up to her feet as she went to give Stevie a hug. "You look great."

"Thanks." Stevie said, greeting Mick and John with a small wave. "Where's Lindsey?" She asked, without thinking. 

"You didn't see him on your way in? He needed a breath of fresh air. Apparently, Lindsey didn't leave last night, he's been having trouble making one of the songs sound the way it sounds in his head." Christine explained and Stevie chuckled softly, yup, sounds like him.

Soon enough Lindsey returned, surprised to see Stevie. She hadn't told him she was coming and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of her.

"Hey." 

"Hey." Stevie echoed, the corners of her lips slightly turned upwards. "So, did you figure out that song?"

Christine had an amused look on her face, she hadn't been let in on what was happening between the two exactly, but she had a hunch. The expression on Mick's face, however, was the complete opposite. His eyebrows creased, arms folded as he glared at Lindsey, who had Stevie's undivided attention. 

Clearing his throat loudly, Mick spoke up. "Can I have a word with you, Stevie. Outside."

"Sure." Nodding her head, she followed after him. 

Almost as soon as they were away from others, Mick pushed Stevie up against the wall, trying to kiss her, but she pressed her hands against his chest just in time, pushing him away.

"What's the matter?"

"What's the matter?" Stevie echoed. "What makes you think you can do this? I'm not your toy, Mick. Not anymore."

"The hell are you talking about?" He frowned, taking a step back. "What's going on with you anyway? You disappear for weeks without any real explanation, you come back and the first thing you ask is, where's Lindsey? You pushed me away. What, you've stopped doing coke as well?" Mick laughed, folding his arms again.

"I have. I'm not drinking or smoking anymore either." Stevie replied calmly. "I can't keep living the way you do. It made me miserable. I don't want to feel like that for the rest of my life."

"Are you doing this, because I went out without you that one night?"

Stevie's eyes grew wide. She was speechless for a moment. "Wait, you're serious? You actually believe that that is why I decided to change, to stop drinking and doing drugs?" Stevie laughed, shaking her head. "You're pathetic. I can't believe I thought something between you and I might actually happen. You know, when you're not snorting cocaine, you start thinking a lot clearer." 

She wanted to go, but Mick gripped her upper arm. She winced and he loosened his hand. "But you and I had something going on. Why did you give up on us?"

Sighing heavily, Stevie shook her head at Mick. "There was no us, Mick. You're married and you were fucking me behind your wife's back. That's all it was. Don't pretend you had feelings for me, because you didn't. I know I certainly didn't fall in love with you or anything like that. It..." She shrugged. "It simply was a good deal for both of us; you supplied coke for me and I was a sex toy for you."

His jaw clenched, Mick was staring at her for a moment, his breathing heavy. "Well, you're certainly the most expensive whore I've ever paid for then. Cocaine ain't cheap."

It stung. Stevie tried her best not to show it, but Mick's words hurt her deeply. Mick, clearly very angry, stomped outside, while Stevie took a moment to collect herself before she went back to the others. 

"Everything okay?" Lindsey asked, seeing the look on her face. 

"Mhm." She nodded, biting the inside of her cheek so she wouldn't start crying. "Fine." She managed. 

"Is Mick coming back?" Stevie shrugged her shoulders, knowing if she tried speaking her voice would crack. 

She didn't want to finish the album and leave then. She wanted to leave the band now.