Down All Your Darkest Roads

Chapter Six

Ann Perfect and Sara Anderson were the names Christine and Stevie used when they checked into their bungalow in Sausalito a few days later. The band's travel agent had insisted the accommodation's owner would uphold their privacy, but Christine wanted to avoid unnecessary attention at all costs. Nevertheless, the bungalow was beautiful and ideal for their short stay. Cosy and well furnished with a gorgeous balcony that overlooked the shimmery waters of the bay, Christine felt a sense of calm as soon as she stepped in. She looked over at Stevie and smiled at the obvious contentment on her face, she looked more like her old, glowing self and it made Christine very happy.

Christine unpacked her suitcase in her room and found Stevie standing on the balcony, gazing out at the sea. She quietly moved to stand next to her and the scene was all too familiar.

"Doesn't it feel like just yesterday?" Christine said.

"I know." Stevie replied, not tearing her eyes away from the fantastic view in front of them. "It really hasn't changed much, it's kind of scary but magical at the same time."

It was true. The landscape remained very much the same, as if it was frozen in time. When Christine drove her convertible down the windy roads in town she felt like she was 32 again with a 27-year-old Stevie by her side; it was an otherworldly feeling.

"We should snoop around Record Plant and see who's there." Christine suggested. "Are you up for another drive?"

Stevie nodded eagerly. "Let's go."

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Christine drove slowly to Record Plant while she and Stevie pointed out familiar landmarks that served as the backdrop to their chaotic lives in 1976. There was the boutique that sold dainty cocaine necklaces-Christine still had hers stashed somewhere in her house-and the café they both frequented for Irish coffee after a gruelling recording session. The piers remained very much the same and Christine remembered all the walks she and Stevie used to take in the balmy summer evenings. She didn't think they'd be able to get away with a casual stroll anymore, but adventurous Stevie thought it was worth a try.

She turned into the parking lot of Record Plant and the pair got out of the car, staring at the recording studio that changed their lives forever. The building remained exactly the same, slightly foreboding and windowless. There were a few cars in the parking lot and Christine imagined a bright-eyed young band pouring their hearts out into a record with the hope it would turn them into stars.

"I don't think we can go inside." Stevie said.

"No, we probably shouldn't. I think there's a session going on in there."

The door opened and both women froze, suddenly aware of how awkward they looked dithering in front of the studio. Two striking young men appeared and Christine vaguely recognised them from some up and coming hard rock band she couldn't remember the name of. One had black curly hair that was wild and untamed while the other had long, straight red hair. They both glanced at the Fleetwood Mac girls disinterestedly and didn't appear to recognise them, even Stevie. Christine found it amusing but Stevie looked taken aback; she wasn't used to being ignored.

"Should we go?" She muttered, staring at the two young men saunter out of the parking lot.

"Yeah, sure. Let's go and get some dinner." Christine suggested, opening her car door.

They drove out of the studio parking lot in contemplative silence and passed the two men walking up the street. The redhead turned to look at Stevie and flashed a brilliant smile while his friend waved. Stevie couldn't supress a small grin and Christine laughed at her reaction, her friend could never remain anonymous for too long.