It's Not Easy

Better?

Say You Will is finished! What a great time we had making it despite a few bumps in the road here and there that can easily be overlooked, but all in all it was a lot of fun. We talked long about it and decided that the wisest choice is to let people hear this record, to take it out on the road and that‘s what we‘re going to do. Everything is in early stages, but we‘ll sit down and plan it. Now though, it‘s time for Stevie and I to make it up to our kids. Yes, they were there with us throughout the recording but we couldn‘t spend as much time with them as we might have wanted. Sara‘s turning six this year and Alex will be five and they want to do fun things that kids normally do, not be locked up in the house 24/7.

Stevie and I asked what they would like to do and Alex without much hesitation said he wants to go camping. While it went down great with Sara and I don‘t mind it either, we have one more family member who likes her white cotton sheets too much. The kids left it up to me to convince Stevie that this is absolutely only way to go. I couldn‘t think of much else than to tell her she should go back to the gypsy that she was... Needless to say, she laughed at me, but then the kids went to bed and so did we, that‘s where I convinced her.

I called a couple of my friends, who I thought might have went on this kind of adventure before and I was right. They told me about a few places that would be just perfect. And they didn‘t lie! We‘re surrounded by nature, there‘s a lake near to our campsite too, which is great. Alex, Sara and I went shopping and we have tents, sleeping bags, unfolding chairs, everything we might need and that would help us make this trip fun. Of course, all kinds of creatures are around, I wouldn‘t be too surprised if Stevie spent the whole weekend in our tent.

It‘s almost dark when we finally get settled. I set up a fire, Alex and Sara are sitting on the grass, while Stevie‘s taken one of the chairs. My poor wife... This is a huge sacrifice, but she would do absolutely anything to make our kids happy. I wouldn‘t have left my guitar at home, singing together made this first evening a lot of fun.

Sara and Alex have already gone to rest and it’s just me and Stevie around the campfire, which is barely there. I stand up and hold my hand out for her. “Come on, let’s go get some sleep.” She looks up at me, almost asking. “I know you’re tired and we don’t have to do anything. Besides, we have separate sleeping bags, I promise to turn away from you. If you want, we can place all the bags we have to build a barricade between us.” I see a hint of smile playing on her lips when she finally gives in and gets up as well.

I undo the zipper of the tent and allow Stevie in first. She doesn’t take any of her clothes off and hides herself in a sleeping bag. I can’t help but think we’d fit in it both. Oh well… I get into mine after zipping up the entrance of our tent.

“Goodnight.”

“Night, Lindsey.”

I’m not tired at all, my mind races with possibilities. I swore I wouldn’t do anything, but it’s hard when she’s right next to me. I sometimes think that I’m still that teenager, who met her at some party, I’ll always find her incredibly attractive, but I will do nothing tonight.

Couldn’t tell how much time has passed, but I hear Stevie definitely isn’t asleep yet. “Everything okay?”

“Yes.”

I lie down again, but turn to face her seconds after. “You cold?”

“I said I’m fine, Linds.”

Another five minutes or so pass. “Stevie, you’re shuddering. I have a blanket in here somewhere.”

“Don’t worry, I’m good.”

“Gee, woman… you’re so ridiculously stubborn.”

“Sleep, Lindsey.” I’m surprised she didn’t snap at me.

Something doesn’t let me stop and I continue talking. “You’re so small, that sleeping bag could easily fit us both, Stevie. I could warm you up.”

“Lindsey, for god’s sake… I’m very tired and I want to sleep.”

“Okay, okay. I’m done.” I get comfortable again.

Sixth sheep hasn’t yet jumped over the fence in my head as I hear the zipper being undone. “Get in, you fucker.”

I bit my cheek not to laugh. Quickly, I join her and zip us up. Stevie’s turned away from me, but I have the pleasure of wrapping my arm around her.

“This doesn’t feel right.” She says.

“What?”

“This… position.”

I give a bit exaggerated sigh. “Do you want me to leave?”

“No.” Instead, she turns on her other side, we’re face to face.

“Better?”

“Slightly.”

“Night.”

“Night.”

I kiss her on the cheek, making sure I catch the corner of her mouth. Even in the darkness, I feel those wide brown eyes on me. Her hand touches my cheek and she kisses me. On the lips. My money would have been on her pulling away, because when she says no, it usually means no, but we actually made out for a short moment.

“I hate you, Buckingham.” Stevie says, burying her head in the crook of my neck.

“Love you too, my sweet darling.”

This camping trip might be a lot of fun after all.