It's Not Easy

Good things don't come easy

I’m happy we’re in this very private, secluded part of the restaurant. I love the fans, but they tend to get crazy, especially when they see you on the street. They don't care much about one's personal space... Stevie and I left Sara with Sharon, who gladly agreed to spend as long with her as needed, and met with Mick, John and Chris to celebrate my birthday and also catch up. And Stevie of course couldn't stop herself from apologizing a million times for the reunion tour not happening in the end.

“Shall we raise a glass, guys?” Mick suggests, after everyone's done with their desert, and they raise their champagne filled glasses. “A toast anybody?”

“Since you’ve already started, Mick...” John says.

“Alright, well… gosh, we’ve known each other for 22 years now, all of us got to see all kinds of your sides. Even when we disagreed on something or you didn’t approve of certain things…” Mick coughs and everyone understands. “I’ve always set that aside and tried to remind myself just how wonderful of a musician you are. God, Linds, you’re easily one of the most talented people I know. I always loved that strong mind of yours, even stubbornness. Initially we needed a guitarist, but you stated your conditions right away, that if you come, you bring Stevie with you. John and Christine suggested that maybe you wouldn’t be right for us, since you’re already working with us on your terms. I’m delighted it all worked out, that you’re both are here with us now. I will always cherish those late nights at the studio, just the two of us, having some deep conversations about life.” Mick laughs. “What could I wish you? I might have had an idea if it were a year ago, but you’re clearly a happy man now.” I nod and kiss the side of Stevie's face. “Oh to hell with all the being rich and happy wishes, have a baby the pair of you!”

Stevie chokes on the water she was drinking and I get concerned immediately and rub her back. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, yeah I am.” She assures and uses a napkin.  

“Sorry, love, I take my joke didn’t go so well.” Mick chuckles awkwardly.

“No, it’s okay. Don’t worry.” She looks up and smile at him, since he’s standing and is like twice her size.

“So yeah, then, all that I said. Happy birthday, Lindsey!” All repeat it and down the champagne, while Stevie's sticking to her sparkling water. The look Chris and John exchange doesn’t go unnoticed by me.

We spend about another hour more and Stevie tells me she's starting to feel tired as well as getting a headache. She doesn't have to say anything more. “Guys, you can stay on my bill.” I joke. “But we’re gonna go home, it’s pretty late. Stevie needs some rest and Sharon is also looking after Sara.”

There, there that look again! Christine makes the kind of ‘I told you so’ face at John. I'm not sure if Stevie had talked to her, but to me it seems like she knows what's going on.

“Well, have a good night then.” Mick smirks and I roll my eyes.

“Grow up.” I tell, shaking hands with him goodbye.

“If I grow an inch more, you won’t be able to reach me, shortie.” He tells Stevie, who's not too bothered with the comment to everyone's surprise.

We say goodbye to Chris and John and get into the car to be taken to our house.

~

I'm already in bed when Stevie enters our bedroom from taking a quick shower. I must look like I'm about to fall asleep as I see her frown slightly.

“Baby?” She runs her fingers through my curls after taking a seat on my side of the bed.

“Mm?”

“Are you sleeping already?”

“I’m trying to, yes. Why?” I ask, my eyes closed.

“Well… it is your birthday…”

I open my eyes quickly and look at her. “Go on…”

Her lips curl into a smile. “You know… I was thinking…”

“You were thinking…”

“Aren’t you going to make sweet sweet love to me?”

“I figured you were drained out.”

“I’ve saved up some energy for you only, but since you were falling asleep already…”

“Oh no. Noooo…” She giggles at my attempt to drag her back to bed once she gets up. “But… can we though? I know you've already told me this, but is it really safe?”

“Yes, it is. I’ve discussed it with Dr. Anderson and she said it’s even good actually.”

I pull a face. “You talked about having sex with me to your doctor.”

“Well, yes.”

“Eww.”

“Are you serious? Lindsey, you put that baby in me using your… thing… don’t tell me it’s disgusting to talk about sex!”

“My thing?" I ask in surprise. “What are we, Stevie, 12?”

“I don’t feel like calling the thing other than the thing.” She says with a serious expression, but bursts out laughing seconds later. “Okay, that does sound ridiculous.”

“Can we act like adults now and forget about Grace and you being completely immature?”

“Sure can, baby.” She's straddling my waist already. 

“Is it just me or you’re developing a serious hunger for sex?”

“Actually, I don’t think that is a wrong statement.”

“Not that I’m complaining…” She leans down to kiss me and I respond in no time. My lips aren’t the only thing responding to her movements, and she's barely rolling her hips. “You like to torture, don’t you?”

She bites her bottom lip, pretending to think. “I fucking love it.”

“I think you should be punished for having such a dirty little mouth.”

“One thing my mouth isn’t, Linds, is small.” She winks and starts pressing featherlike kisses on my chest, then goes lower. I tense up. “Baby?”

“Are you going to do what I think you are?”

“Not if you’re going to spoil it.” I motion to zip up my lips and she laughs huskily.

She's never been the one to engage in this act very often, but there have been special occasions and she never ever disappoints. Besides, she did say it's my birthday after all and I'm not about to stop her…

I'm gasping for air, when she's kissing her way back up and then nuzzles my lips. “How was it, mm?” I hold up my hand. “Speechless?” I give a slight nod and she chuckles. “Then my job is done.”

“Oh god…” I finally manage. “That was the best birthday present ever. Come here now, let’s start on that sweet love making.”

“It's okay. As long as you’re satisfied, we can continue another night.” She lies down on her side of the bed and rests her head on my chest.

“That’s not fair though, is it?”

“It’s your birthday, Linds. I gave you my present.”

“You won’t sulk tomorrow that your husband didn’t manage to pleasure you?”

“What? No! You surely will make it up for me though.”

“Of course I will, babe.” I kiss the top of her head and reach for the covers.

“Goodnight, Linds.”

“Night, angel.”

Why couldn’t we manage this right away? Why was it that we had to overcome so much heartache so we could be in a healthy relationship? I guess, good things don’t come easy.