Start Again

Part 21

Like promised, as soon as Lindsey finished the Buckingham McVie tour, he boarded a plane to be with Stevie. Just as he thought, performing did her some good. She hadn't returned to her usual self, but she was happier. He was glad to know her shows didn't suffer one bit as he stood in the wings for a few and now he was watching the very last one of the 24 Karat Gold tour. Lindsey was proud of her, a smile on his face. Sure, in the past, he wouldn't have been able to be happy about her solo career. For whatever reason, she was a lot more successful. Years ago it made him angry, it was annoying seeing her everywhere, all the time. Now? Now it was a completely different story. He'd be lying if he said, he had never listened to any of Stevie's records. Quite the opposite. Lindsey found himself mouthing the words to Leather and Lace out of all songs.

Since that was the last song of the night, Lindsey stood with arms wide open for Stevie, when she came backstage. Pulling her close, he kissed the side of her face, telling how incredible she was.

"You're biased." She replied. 

"I am, but you were still fantastic." Lindsey said, lacing his fingers through hers as they walked together to her dressing room.

"God, I'm so tired..." Stevie sighed heavily, slumping down on the couch. 

Lindsey handed her a bottle of water and took a seat next to her. "I can imagine." He scratched the back of his neck, chuckling nervously. "What if I told you, we've got a plane to catch in about-" He checked his watch. "Two hours."

She just gave him this blank stare. "You're not even going to let me have a good night's sleep?"

"Well, you can sleep on your private plane." Lindsey teased, nudging her. "You can lay your head on my chest, I'll stroke your hair and sing you to sleep."

"Oh? So, where's this plane taking us then?" 

Lindsey started laughing. "We're going to Rome. I know how much you love Italy."

"I do." Stevie agreed, breathing out heavily. "I need to get these stage clothes off me."

"I can help you with that." Lindsey winked, smirking. 

"Uh-uh. Not tonight, mister." Stevie shook her head, standing up. 

After she was out of her stage clothes and in her leggings and a blouse, Stevie asked Karen to come in. "Everything here is going home with you."

Karen frowned. "And you're not?"

"No. Lindsey and I are going away together for a bit."

"Where?"

"R-" Lindsey opened his mouth, but Stevie cut him off.

"It's a secret. I don't want to deal with anything while we're there. I want to relax, I want a vacation, I want it to be just the two of us." Stevie told her assistant, finality in her voice.

"Okay, I guess." Karen nodded her head once and began gathering Stevie's belongings. "What about your stuff at the hotel?"

"We'll go now, I'll take what I need with me." 

Lindsey and Stevie were taken to the hotel, where they had been staying. Surprisingly, Stevie didn't take too long to pack a smaller suitcase with mostly clothes, a couple of books and her journal. They were ready to leave for the airport and once they got there, the plane was already waiting for them.

"You should have a drink." Lindsey suggested, once they were up in the air. "A glass of wine maybe?"

"Are you planning on taking advantage of me, because I said no?" Stevie joked, getting more comfortable.

"I think you know me better than that." Lindsey shook his head, laughing. "If I want you, I don't need to get you drunk sweetheart." He smirked.

Shortly, they were both sipping on a glass of red wine each. They weren't talking much, but the silence was rather welcome after the last several months they had. Like Lindsey said, his fingers were tangled in Stevie's hair as she was cuddled up to him. 

"Do you think we've gone through everything already? Are we finally going to be happy?" Stevie spoke up after some time.

"I don't expect it to be smooth sailing. After all, it's you and I we're talking about. But when I look back, I realize, I never fought enough for you. So, no. I don't think we've gone through everything already, but what I'm sure about is that whatever happens, I'm not going to give up."

Stevie tilted her chin up. "I hope you stay true to your word."

"You are my everything, Stevie. I've loved you my whole life and this chance, yet another chance, we got... There's no way I'm going to waste it." He leaned in for a kiss. "I love you. Forever and always." He added.

Her eyes brimmed with tears, Stevie echoed what he said. "Forever and always."

THE END

~

Okay. First of all, I apologize for this ending. I know I could have done better, but I've been struggling with it for a while. Also, when I started writing it, times were a lot better, I'm sure we all know. Maybe it's just for the time being, but I don't feel very inspired, given what happened yesterday. Anyway, thank you and I appreciate you reading this story ♥