Stay a While

Part 6

Stevie was cleaning the family room. Since she was completely alone in the house, she allowed herself to look around. She took her time, picking up one picture after the other until she'd studied all of them. If she didn't know any better, she'd believe that the Buckinghams were a happy family. Beautiful moments captured, smiles on their faces. Katherine's smile didn't seem genuine in any of them. Stevie often wondered, what made that woman the way she was. Katherine had everything any young girl dreamed about and yet, she didn't seem happy at all. If Stevie had a chance, she'd trade places with Katherine without thinking about it.

Lindsey said, he would be back somewhere between 6 and 7 that same evening. While he wasn't going to stay with Katherine and her parents, he couldn't just leave right after they'd arrived. Lindsey knew exactly what his visit was going to be like and he dreaded stepping inside the Johnsons' house. Just like every time, Lindsey smiled and nodded, while Mr. Johnson told him about his group of friends, whom he went fishing and hunting with, until he got bored. Then came the turn to interact with Mrs. Johnson, who genuinely felt for her son-in-law because of the way her husband treated him. Katherine's mother was a lovely woman and Lindsey had no problem with her, but he didn't want to stay longer than absolutely necessary.

"Are you sure you can't stay with us?" Mrs. Johnson asked, a smile on her face, as Lindsey stood with his hand on the door handle. 

"I really can't." Lindsey shook his head. "I have to work." He lied and everyone, including Mr. and Mrs. Johnson as well as Katherine, knew it. 

"Well, have a safe trip home then." Mrs. Johnson wished and gave Lindsey a quick hug goodbye. 

Katherine did the same as her mother, however, she held back on hugging or kissing him. Lindsey shook Mr. Johnson's hand, told Amelia and Danny that he was going to miss them and was on his way out. It really wasn't supposed to be like that, but he felt greatly relieved, when he was out of that house.

The journey back home was faster, like it always seemed to be for some reason. A radio station of the classic rock hits helped Lindsey pass the time as he tapped his fingers along to the beat of the music and occasionally sang some parts of his favorite songs. A smile tugged at his lips, when Lindsey saw the light inside the house. He knew it was Stevie, he knew she was going to be there, when he returned, but the thought still warmed his heart. Although, it wasn't a very hard task to achieve...

"Dinner is ready!" 

Lindsey heard Stevie's voice from the kitchen and his smile grew wider. It made him happy and it hurt him too, but he was glad he was going to be able to live in his fantasy for a few days.

"Coming!" Lindsey answered, kicking off his boots. He rubbed his hands together to warm them up entering the kitchen. 

"Here." Stevie handed him a hot cup of tea, which felt nice in his cold hands.

"Thank you." Lindsey took the tea with him to the kitchen table and sat down. "How was your day?"

Stevie was surprised to hear him express interest in how her day went. "I-it was alright. How was your visit with the in-laws?"

"Ugh." Lindsey groaned, shrugging his shoulders. "Same old."

"That bad, huh?" Stevie gave him a sympathetic smile. "Well, you're out of there. I hope this cheers you up."

"Lasagna is my favorite." He said, sounding excited like a little kid. 

"I know." Stevie nodded, grabbing a bottle of beer out of the fridge for Lindsey as well. "I won't tell your wife." She winked.

"You're amazing, you know that?" Lindsey looked up, holding Stevie's hand. "Thank you." He said and kissed the back of her hand. 

Whenever Katherine was near, Stevie fought Lindsey's affection the best she could, but now that they were alone, she let herself enjoy it as she brushed her thumb over his skin. 

"Grab a plate and sit with me." Lindsey half suggested, half asked and much to his surprise, Stevie didn't come up with any excuse, why she shouldn't.