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June 1, 2016Grace Crow-Nicks sat alone on the steps outside school, scrolling through a Buzzfeed article about Game of Thrones, the summer afternoon sun dappling her skin through the trees. Karen was late. Again.She could feel the eyes of Ms Meers burning into the back of her head, could sense the expression that was somewhere between pity and frustration, and refused to look up at her. She was about to suggest a call home. A call that once again, would not be answered.Before Ms Meers had the chance to mask her interference as concern and ask "how are things?", the roar of a car echoed across the parking lot and Grace lifted her head to see the SUV speeding toward the pick up lane. She frowned a little - it wasn't Karen's car."Mom?" She gathered up her school bag and sprinted down the steps, yanking the door open as the window rolled down."Sorry, Ms Meers! Won't happen again!" Sheryl called cheerfully, rolling the window back up before the woman had a chance to retort. "How was school?""I thought Karen was picking me up?" She threw her bag into the back seat without looking. As Sheryl opened her mouth to reply, the bag came hurtling back into the front of the car."God damn it, AJ! I'm trying to drive, are you crazy?""She threw it at me!""I didn't know you were there, dumbass! Why is he here? Is that why you were late?""His little league practice got cancelled. Ste - mama got something come up last minute and Karen needed to help her with that. I was all the way across town when she called and asked me to collect you both. Does that bring you up to date?"Grace nodded and turned to gaze out of the window. She had become used to this way of life in the past few years, since her mother had gone back to work. No structure or schedule, plans being made and changed on the hoof. She knew her parents loved her and her brother, but she felt as though they were becoming an inconvenience, like something else that had to be managed. Especially since...her thoughts were interrupted by her mom's phone ringing. Sheryl answered and Karen's voice rang out through the speakers."Did you get them?" Them. Like we're luggage."Hello, Karen." Grace could hear the acid in her mom's voice. "Yes, I did.""Ok great, if you bring them to the condo -""I'm taking them for dinner."In the back of the car, AJ punched the air."Ok...Stevie's expecting them, though, so -""I thought she was busy?""She is, she still wants to have dinner with her children.""So what am I, just a taxi service? For our children?"There was a pause. Grace knew Karen was relaying the latest change in plans to her mother at the other end of the line. Sheryl drummed her fingers on the steering wheel restlessly."Ok, ok that's fine. Whatever works for you. Oh, can you be there for 10am tomorrow? For Ellen?"Grace turned to look at Sheryl, who was biting her lip in anguish."We're still doing that?" She croaked."Well, yes...she's doing this whole thing for pride month and you know that's more your comfort zone than Stevie's, so she'd rather you be there with her. A...united front.""United - ?" Grace watched her glance at AJ's reflection in the rear view and take a breath. "Ok, Karen. I'll be there." She ended the call unceremoniously and tightened her grip on the wheel until her knuckles were white."Mom?""Mhm?" Tears were rolling silently down her cheeks. Grace reached over and squeezed her forearm gently."It's been weeks. When are you going to start telling people you broke up?"
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Sheryl gazed into the mirror at her reflection as the stylist made the finishing touches to her hair and gossiped with a showrunner about some drama with management. Sheryl was too distracted to take much notice as she tried to summon enough positivity to get through the performance she was about to put on.Her eyes were drawn to the gold crescent moon resting on her breastbone. It caught the light in pulses as her pounding heart shook it slightly and she was lost in the memory of when she'd received it.It had been the first night of the Trouble in Shangri-La tour, and she was in her dressing room when she'd heard a gentle knock on the door."Come in!"Stevie had slipped quietly into the room, visibly attempting to mask any awkwardness - it had been the first time they were alone together since their drunken fire escape kiss - with a broad smile."I have something for you.""Oh?"Stevie held out her hand and opened her palm facing down. Sheryl caught sight of the pendant as it swung on a delicate gold chain looped around Stevie's finger. She gasped and reached out to it but Stevie took her shoulders and turned her to face the mirror."Let me." With her free hand, she brushed Sheryl's hair lightly away from her neck and over her shoulder. Sheryl suppressed a small shiver as she felt Stevie's fingertips against her bare skin. It was such a simple, practical gesture, one which Stevie seemed to be oblivious to the impact of as she lifted the chain over Sheryl's head.Sheryl gently held the moon against her chest and was unable to control the involuntary physical response to the feel of Stevie's breath so close to her ear as she squinted and fumbled to fasten the clasp."Shall I -""No, no, I've almost got it. There. Should have worn my glasses. Now," she tucked Sheryl's hair back into place and gently grasped her shoulders, her face next to Sheryl's as they looked at their reflections in the mirror. Sheryl noticed how the bright bulbs made Stevie's eyes glow amber. "You know what this means?"Her throat was dry, her head thick with the intoxicating assault on her senses she was currently experiencing."It means you're an official sister of the moon."Of course she knew that. Everyone knew that. Everyone knew about the necklaces, how Stevie would bestow them on only the closest women in her life. She knew that and tried to thank her but there were no words, only the smell of Stevie's perfume and her hairspray, and the feeling of her fingers gripping Sheryl's shoulders. And her eyes, fixed unwaveringly on Sheryl's own, which she'd always liked but now seemed cold and dull and empty next to the fire and life in Stevie's as the light danced across them."Ready?"She was wrenched from her reverie and the instinctive smile that sprang to her face when she heard her wife's voice was instantly lost as she remembered with a jolt that the woman who had just unceremoniously walked into the room would soon be her ex-wife. Refusing to acknowledge the jarring similarities between this and the memory she'd just been indulging in, she swung in her chair to face Stevie properly."Could we have a moment?" The room cleared as the staff shared raised eyebrows and furtive glances. Stevie shifted slightly on her feet, pouting as the door closed behind her. "How are we going to do this?"Stevie sighed."Do what? Continue to convince the world you're still in love with me? That's something you need to figure out, babe.""Stevie, don't start, not now -"Sheryl got up out of the chair and moved to Stevie, who stepped out of reach."I mean, who knows how long you've been pretending with me.""That's not true! Why do you keep putting this insane spin on things? That's not what happened and you know it." She rested her knuckles against her forehead. "I'm not getting into this now, I just want to know if there's a plan for this interview. I don't get the luxury of prior question screening or anything like that."Stevie chose to disregard the attack on Karen for doing her job properly."There's no plan.""Ok. This is a nightmare.""A nightmare? For you? You did this Sheryl. You broke us. Not me."Stevie turned on her heel as she blinked back furious tears and marched out the door, Sheryl following at a distance, being careful to smile brightly at everyone she saw so no one would suspect. Grace's words from yesterday rang in her head. When were they going to drop the act?She joined Stevie at the edge of the studio floor, listening as Ellen announced them. In the split second before they stepped out in front of the cameras, Stevie grabbed her hand, linking their fingers together. Stevie would have said it was for the audience, but the audience couldn't have known how tightly she clung to her, or be able to tell how much Stevie was shaking.And no one, not even Stevie, could have known how those brief few moments of contact as they walked across the stage gave Sheryl the strength to get through not only the interview, but for however long it would be until Stevie touched her again.She could keep the act going, for as long as they needed to. She couldn't just let go.
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Stevie pushed her glasses up onto her head and rubbed her eyes until she saw stars. She'd spent the afternoon poring over branding options for her solo tour in the fall and felt as though she was beginning to go crazy. Turning her back on the glossy images strewn across the countertop, she moved to the sliding doors which led out to the balcony.As the wave of heat crashed over her, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, turning her face to the sun. She tuned out the sound of the street, something she'd perfected years ago, and listened to the pacific ocean rolling up the beach.She had faced her fair share of adversity throughout her life, perhaps more than her fair share. Looking back, it was like a series of crossroads; one huge decision after another which had often been little more than leaps of faith, her focus always on her career.Sheryl and then their children had changed all that. She was no longer the center of her world. She knew since returning to work her time with them had been more limited, but the family unit had always been her main priority. Now that was broken, and for the first time she could remember she felt lost and unsure which way to turn.She tilted her head slightly at the sound she thought she heard behind her. Her suspicions were confirmed as she heard the door to her condo close, and a few moments later Karen was in the kitchen."Where are the kids?" She re-entered the room as Karen unpacked the bag of groceries she'd bought."AJ has a sleepover, Grace went straight to her room."Stevie swallowed the pang of guilt she felt at not even being aware her son had a sleepover and turned her focus to her usually sociable daughter, who had recently become a hermit, and she knew very well why.Grace's door was slightly ajar and Stevie could see her, hunched over her desk typing furiously, golden brown hair catching the sunlight as it fell down her back.She knocked lightly and saw Grace's shoulders flex a little before she paused briefly, then carried on typing."Can I come in?""Why do you ask?" Grace muttered without turning around, still tapping away. "You're already in."Stevie was surprised to find Grace was absolutely right; she'd subconsciously knocked and immediately entered without waiting for a response. Had she always done that?She glanced around the room as Grace remained with her back turned. Most of her childhood had been spent in the relative quiet and seclusion of Stevie's 'Big House', where gates and trees had protected their little family from the world outside. She'd learnt to swim in the pool and ride her bike in the back yard.As she'd grown older, though, Grace was drawn to the bustle of Santa Monica. She switched her bike for roller skates on the pier, and laps of the pool for the open ocean. It gave her a sense of freedom which Stevie would observe apprehensively. "She's just like you!" People would remark. She didn't tell them that was what worried her.Stevie was glad that at least Grace shared her love of their condo. Despite there only being two bedrooms, Grace had been allowed to claim the second, with AJ happy to sleep in the den as it usually meant he could stay up later playing video games. Grace had been allowed to choose how her bedroom was decorated and as Stevie looked around she was reminded of how pleasantly surprised she'd been - the girl had taste.The desk was cluttered with books and papers and a collage of photos of Grace with her friends were pinned up above it. Stevie swallowed an involuntary sob as her eyes fell on the photo in the center. It was of them; her, Sheryl, Grace and AJ. The children were younger, AJ not much more than a baby, and Stevie was sitting with one on each knee. The three of them were grinning broadly into the camera, but Sheryl, her arm wrapped protectively around Stevie's shoulders, was smiling at her instead.Grace cleared her throat and turned to face her mother. Her eyes were a deep blue but otherwise she was the image of Stevie. She raised her eyebrows slightly, indicating for Stevie to talk."I'm sorry I, uh -" she gestured vaguely toward the door. "Look, are you ok? What's going on?""Nothing.""C'mon, Gracie. Hiding away in your room?""I have homework." Now Stevie raised her eyebrows. She knew her daughter; she'd do anything to get out of doing homework. Grace sighed. "I just don't feel like talking, ok?""Are you mad with me?""Yes." Stevie was caught off guard by Grace's frank response. It took her a moment to gather her thoughts, in which time Grace continued, "you have to think about how all this is affecting everyone else. We're being passed back and forth between you both like kids playing with toys.""That's not -""If I could at least talk to someone it would help but I can't. I have to pretend to my friends like everything's ok. It's so lonely, mama. I know you're struggling, but we're struggling too. And if you think AJs gonna keep it to himself for much longer..."The silence hung in the air and Stevie bit her lip as the reality sank in. She'd been so wrapped up in how she was feeling, and the kids had seemed ok - on the surface."I didn't know.""No, you didn't." She sighed the sigh of someone way beyond her years. "Please, mama. I'm begging you. I know you don't want to make it real, but...we need you to talk. Please."
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August 24, 2016"It's still not right." Stevie's voice echoed through the speakers around the rehearsal space and her band abruptly stopped. They'd lost count of how many times she'd done this, and everyone's patience, especially Stevie's, was wearing thin.She had thought shaking up the setlist for her upcoming tour - rearranging some classic songs and adding in a few she hadn't performed in decades - would be fun and refreshing. Instead, it was proving to be a nightmare.She turned to Waddy, the only person who had been there since day one and knew Crying In The Night like she did, for support. He shrugged in response."Take a break," Marty, Stevie's tour manager, called. As the band gratefully left their spots and headed to get refreshments, Stevie rested her forehead against the microphone. "Hey."She looked down to where Marty had appeared a few inches away in front of the stage."I don't know, Marty. It's just not right.""You've been saying that a lot."Stevie sighed and slowly sank down to sit on the edge of the stage, leaning on Marty for support. She sat quietly swinging her legs for a moment as Marty looked on."It's not what I thought it was going to be. I was so excited to do this show.""Maybe drop the song?""Right now I could happily drop the whole fucking tour.""Absolutely not, the venues are lined up, we're announcing in a couple of weeks. Why did you want the song in so badly?"She paused before answering, watching her feet sway back and forth."It's hard to explain. I wanted something really early and that one just seemed right. Except it doesn't now.""Could you call Lindsey? If he's around he could come take a listen?""Sure, I could, but...I don't think it's the song, Marty. I think it's me. I - my heart isn't in it."It had been a little over 2 months since she and Sheryl had released a joint statement announcing their separation. They'd talked about being amicable and wanting to remain close as they co-parented their children, but hadn't gone into details about the cause.Stevie knew the reason the song wasn't working, the reason none of the songs felt like they usually did, was because she resented the tour. She resented her whole career right now, and bitterly regretted taking Lindsey up on the offer to do what had become the 40th anniversary of Buckingham Nicks tour.That tour had set in motion a chain of events that directly caused the breakdown of her marriage. Mick, never one to miss an opportunity, had wasted no time in suggesting and setting up a Fleetwood Mac reunion tour, somehow convincing Christine back into the fold. Stevie could hardly say no once Chris was on board, and while it had been great fun sharing a stage with her after so many years, that tour had taken them much further and much longer than the one she'd done with Lindsey.The first big argument had been about Sheryl's refusal to allow the children any time out of school to join Stevie on the road. It was an especially bitter pill to swallow as Mick, John and Lindsey's families all spent time touring with them. She had to fly back home whenever possible to see them, but even then it was sometimes weeks between brief visits before she left again.The strain only worsened when Sheryl agreed to open for Rascal Flatts' tour. She'd had to make a quick decision and a five minute phone call with a rushed, jet-lagged Stevie who was on her way to an airport she couldn't name in a country she couldn't recall in that precise moment led to her agreeing to something she didn't fully appreciate, which would take Sheryl away from home almost the moment Stevie returned from the tour.That fight had been explosive. AJ had crawled into Grace's bed and she reassured him as they fell asleep to the sounds of screaming, doors slamming and in Stevie's classic style, a glass being hurled and smashed against a wall. The next day Sheryl had left for the tour early, coming in to kiss her children's sleeping heads in the small hours and leaving a note to explain. Stevie withdrew completely, making Karen the de facto parent, and this had more or less become the way it had been ever since.They'd limped on somehow for another year, both taking every opportunity to work to avoid addressing the deepening chasm between them, with only occasional moments of genuine happiness together. Grace had been caught off guard one evening when she stepped out onto the backyard to say goodnight to find them draped over each other and talking softly in the hammock, a sight that used to be commonplace but was now unheard of. Sure enough, though, she was woken an hour later by the familiar sounds of shouting and crying.When Sheryl finally called time, it was a relief to everyone except Stevie. Without realizing it, her relationship had dissolved into something reminiscent of what she'd had with Lindsey; she loved Sheryl to the point of being dependent on her presence, but that same presence drove her mad. She hadn't counted on Sheryl refusing to get caught up in the same games Lindsey had played with her.Marty opened his mouth to offer some sympathetic words of reassurance but was interrupted by the door at the far end of the room opening. The pair looked up to see who it was and Stevie's mouth dropped open in shock and confusion."Sheryl?" She hadn't seen her in weeks, Karen and anyone else available acting as a go-between when it came to Grace and AJ. Her hair was loose and she tucked it behind her ears before stuffing her hands into the pockets of her jeans and making her way toward Stevie. Marty spluttered an excuse to leave and then they were alone. "What...?""I need to talk to you about something and I wanted to do it in person and Karen said you were here so here I am."She said it all in a single, hurried breath, staring at the floor. Stevie frowned. It was incredibly out of character for her to seem so anxious. She had no idea what was coming."I'm thinking of taking the kids to Nashville when you go on the tour.""Oh." That wasn't so bad at all. "Well, sure, I guess it would be nice for them to have a little break, get more in touch with your -""No, Stevie. Not a break. Permanently."
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Stevie watched a drop of condensation trickle down the stem of her glass before joining the ring of water slowly pooling on the table. She dragged her nail through the water and used it to absent-mindedly write her name in the glass tabletop.Across from her, Lindsey sipped his own drink - some kind of magical vitamin water, his daughters had him doing a cleanse. He'd tried to explain it to Stevie but she'd wandered off mid sentence to open a bottle of pinot grigio. He pursed his lips and leaned back in his chair as he digested what she'd just told him."She can't do that," he announced eventually. "Unless you let her."Stevie didn't react. She was drawing hearts on the table in the water now, her face inscrutable behind her huge sunglasses."Steves? Steph.""Hm?""She can't just take them. She's got to go to the family court and get full custody. With how old they are they'll take their feelings into account...it won't happen. Unless you agree to it."Stevie turned and looked out across her manicured lawn. Lindsey watched her nose wrinkle as she screwed her face up, as though he'd just poked an open wound. She cleared her throat and took a sip of wine."I know.""Stevie...you can't be thinking about - you're not going to just let her take your children clear across the country?!"Stevie pushed her sunglasses up onto her head and turned to face him. She wore no makeup and her eyes were dark and bloodshot through spending her nights crying instead of sleeping."She said LA is no place to raise kids and expect them to be well-adjusted adults. Which is probably true."Lindsey took his sunglasses off too, dropping them on the table as he met her gaze."And Tennessee is? That liberal, forward-thinking state? The kids with two moms who happen to be famous are going to be really popular there." It wasn't like Lindsey to be political. He was frustrated, and Stevie knew it was with her more than anything. "What is going on, Stevie? This isn't you! The you I know wouldn't allow this to happen in a million years."Stevie shrugged and drank again."She's always got it right with the kids. She's always known what's best for them, while I...I barely know them at all anymore. This is all my fault, Lindsey. I shouldn't have gone back to work.""Now you're being ridiculous, she supported you! She encouraged you!"Stevie shook her head and buried her face in her hands."No. The Fleetwood Mac tour - it was too big. Too much. And now this? Why the hell am I doing this solo tour?""Because it's what you love.""I love them more!""The kids?""The kids." Her voice cracked. "Sheryl."He reached across the vast table, his fingertips only just able to reach her arm."So why would you let them go?""Because it's not about me, Lindsey!""Let me tell you something. Hey. Hey." She dropped her arms, clasping his hand in both of hers. "I'm talking from experience now. The best thing, the very best thing for kids is to have happy parents. You may not think you know them, Steves, but they're watching you all the time. You're showing them how to live life, you're setting the example. And right now, is this what you want them to see? Is this what you want them to settle for? Being so consumed with guilt you let them best thing in your whole life just walk out the door?"She shook her head."But it isn't that easy, Linds -""It is. I've known you longer than almost anyone in your life, Stevie. And I've never seen you like this. You don't let life just happen. All this," he waved around at the house and garden, "everything you have, you've got because you set your mind to it and you went out and got it, you made it happen. And I can admit now there were times that drove me crazy, times I was jealous because I didn't have your tenacity. You make it happen. It's what you fucking do! And that is the best example you can set for those kids, Steph. So. What is it you want?"She processed his words silently."I want -"He held up his hand to silence her."I don't need to hear it. Just dry your eyes and make it happen."~She paced her bedroom, staring at the phone. Was she willing it to ring, to save dialling?No, Stevie. Stop being ridiculous.She had the whole speech planned. She wasn't going to let Sheryl do this. She only had one shot to stop her - she had to get it right. She took a deep breath and walked to her bed, perching my the bedside table and staring at the phone.As she picked up the receiver, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the full length mirror and smiled slightly to herself. She looked good and she knew it."Sheryl? It's me. Can you come over? I need to talk to you. Now? Good."
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Sheryl glanced at her reflection and ruffled her hair in the rear view mirror. She had no idea why. Stevie knew what she looked like, she'd seen her at her worst, she did not need to impress her in any way, and yet...she reached into the glove box for the lipstick she kept there for emergencies and applied it, internally rolling her eyes at her innate need to look her best for Stevie.She'd been on the treadmill when Stevie called. It was the first time she'd heard from her since visiting the rehearsal and had been waiting for the call, once Stevie had had time to process, speak to her various lawyers and the committee of hangers on and hype people who followed her every move. She's got her response.Sheryl had been steeling herself for the fight since, second guessing how the conversation might go as she grabbed a shower and pulled on the cotton midi dress hanging in her wardrobe and a pair of wedges. She'd been going over comebacks for every argument Stevie might make in the car ride up to the house, hoping the kids weren't around to see when Stevie inevitably loses her temper.She checked the mirror a final time, adjusted the dress to accentuate her breasts a little more - what is wrong with me? Get a grip! - and headed up to the front door of the home that had been hers for 14 years.Stevie was waiting for her, sitting at the grand piano in the foyer and tinkling gently on the keys, another variation on Rhiannon she seemed to be improvising. She glanced up and smiled as she played and Sheryl was caught off guard.She'd expected to walk into Stevie in full regalia, ready for battle, flanked by suits with briefcases full of eloquently worded threats. Instead, here she was, seemingly alone; her hair loosely clipped back off her face, wearing a cardigan over a black cami and yoga pants. She glowed effortlessly."Hi, you."With some apprehension, Sheryl smiled in response and made her way over to the piano. She leant against it as Stevie played around with a chord sequence, struggling to get it exactly right. Without thinking, Sheryl did what she'd done countless times before, reaching down to Stevie's fingers and gently nudging them to a formation she knew would work. Stevie looked up at her as she pressed the keys, Sheryl's fingers still lightly resting on hers, and smiled again as the perfect chord echoed around the room."Got it."As if she'd just realized why she was there, Sheryl suddenly snatched her hand back and broke eye contact. Stevie's smile faltered slightly and she closed the fallboard over the keys."So...""So.""Where are the kids?""Jessica took them to get pizza. They just left."Sheryl nodded and there was a brief pause."Can I be honest? This isn't what I expected."Stevie smirked and chuckled."You thought I'd be lawyered up?""Well...yes." Sheryl glanced around the room. It held a lot of memories for her, good and bad. She remembered sitting on the stairs and waiting for Stevie to get back when she knew she'd spent the night with Lindsey. She remembered Grace surprising them both by taking her first steps from where Stevie stood to greet her after her first trip away from them. She remembered bringing AJ home for the first time. And she remembered stepping out into the bright sunrise as she left a few short months ago."It's not about anyone else, I don't want to involve anyone unless I have to. I told you that.""So you haven't spoken to anyone about it?""Well..." Lindsey had, to everyone's surprise, become a great friend to them both. Once the ambiguity of the nature of their relationship was lost, the moved into something of a second act. They truly knew each other better than anyone and he'd been a constant source of support to her and Sheryl. Still, it didn't feel right to bring him up right now."It's ok. It's a lot to process. So...where are you with it all now?"Stevie bit her lip and shook her head."I don't know." Her mind was blank. She'd figured it all out, known what she was going to say, put her heart on the line and beg if she had to. But now, with Sheryl standing in front of her, she couldn't do it. Lindsey's suggestion hadn't accounted for Sheryl - the fact she was a match for Stevie in a way no one else had been. She could break down her walls with a look.As she tried to swallow her tears, Sheryl joined her on the stool, wrapping her arms around her. She rested her forehead against Stevie's."It's ok." Her voice was a whisper."Don't. Don't go. I don't want you to go.""The kids -""I'm not talking about the kids." Stevie lifted her eyes to look directly into Sheryl's. Their faces were so close one of Stevie's tears had caught Sheryl's cheek."Stevie..." she was barely audible now, as though she didn't dare say her name aloud. She gently wiped her tears away and held her face, only half trying to fight what she wanted.Keeping her eyes on Sheryl's, Stevie twisted slightly into the hand on her face, planting a light kiss on her palm. Sheryl took a shaking breath and moved he'd hand slightly, allowing her thumb to brush over Stevie's pouting lips."Stevie..." she repeated. "We can't."She made no attempts to move, or to actually stop Stevie, who had placed her own hand in the small of Sheryl's back and was kissing the tip of the thumb still pressed against her lips."I need you, Sheryl. I need to -"Whatever she needed to do was lost as Sheryl gave into her desire and crashed her lips into Stevie's. Whatever it was, she was about to find out.
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C/W: smut...did you really think there wouldn't be?"I've missed you so much," Sheryl mumbled breathlessly in between urgent kisses. Needing to be closer to her, she climbed onto Stevie's lap, straddling her on the bench.Stevie ran her hands up Sheryl's toned thighs, pushing up the thin material of the dress as she went. She clutched her hips and Sheryl whimpered slightly, grinding against Stevie. Sheryl was holding Stevie's face in both hands and broke away for a moment, searching Stevie's eyes and immediately finding the desire she needed to see in them. Even before they separated, it hold been so long since they'd shared more than a perfomative hug she'd almost forgotten what this felt like. Almost."I've missed you too. You have no idea." Sheryl smiled and tucked a loose lock of hair behind Stevie's ear. Their lips met again, more gently this time. Sheryl sighed softly and Stevie giggled. She broke the kiss once more and planted a row of light pecks along her jaw, ending at her ear. "Let me fuck you, baby."Sheryl felt goosebumps on the back of her neck as Stevie sucked gently at her pulse point. She nodded and Stevie lifted her so she was sitting on the piano. She planted her legs either side of Stevie on the bench who stood and continued to kiss and nip lightly at the spot on her neck she knew drove her wild."S-stevie...""Mm?""Baby, the kids -""We've got time.""But -""Shhhh."Stevie silenced her with a long, lingering kiss, lazily probing with her tongue until thoughts of anything else were forgotten. She was still holding Sheryl's hips and she began to stroke blindly around for the waistband of her underwear. Sheryl broke the kiss and lay back on the piano so she could lift her hips to help.Stevie smiled down at her, a possessive, triumphant glint in her eye that made Sheryl blush. Hooking her fingers over the waistband, she slid them slowly down Sheryl's thighs. Sheryl lifted her legs to allow her to remove them completely before she discarded them on the floor.She gently parted Sheryl's legs and positioned herself between them again. Sheryl gasped as Stevie hooked her arms under her thighs and grabbed her hips, pulling her in so her ass was hanging off the edge of the piano. Sitting back on the bench, Stevie kissed the inside of Sheryl's knee. Her leg trembled a little as she ran her tongue up the thigh, enjoying the slightly salty taste of the sweat on her skin.Sheryl held her breath as she sensed Stevie pause. She could feel the hot, shallow breaths against the glistening wetness of her core and quickly grew frustrated, knowing Stevie was deliberately teasing her by holding off. It had been so long since she'd known the exquisite pleasure of Stevie's mouth and she couldn't stand to wait another second. She hooked her legs over Stevie's shoulders and reached down to wind her fingers into the thick blonde hair, pulling her in before groaning in relief as she finally felt what she needed.Gripped into position, Stevie smiled to herself as she immediately flicked the tip of her tongue over Sheryl's clit, who responded by jerking wildly at the sudden sensation, but refused to relax her hold. Stevie knew the relentless intensity would bring Sheryl to her peak quickly, but she wasn't ready for that yet; after pushing her to a point where it was almost unbearable she withdrew slightly, tracing languidly down to her center and probing with her tongue.Sheryl arched her back and moaned. Stevie responsively pushed two fingers into her and Sheryl clamped her thighs around her head."Oh - oh fuck, yes..." she looked up at the painting on the ceiling, trying to keep her eyes focussed. It was no good, she couldn't fight it; instead she let herself become lost in the knot she had been carrying in her stomach for months finally loosening, as the waves of pleasure began to roll through her with every expert motion of Stevie's fingers.Stevie maintained her pressure and pace as she felt Sheryl begin to tighten around her, gently but firmly caressing the spot she knew would take her over the edge. Sheryl's hands finally slackened their grip on her hair and she moved them up to cover her own face, her moans muffled. She rolled her hips in time with Stevie's movements, physically urging her on, harder and faster, until she cried out her name and her body shook. Stevie kept going as warm liquid trickled down her hand and the clamping around her fingers slowed.She gave Sheryl a moment to catch her breath before resuming her attentions with her tongue. Sheryl shuddered and laughed at first, trying to push her away, but she was soon helpless again as Stevie slowly flicked her tongue from side to side.Still shaking, Sheryl pushed up onto her elbows, surprised that after all these years Stevie was still able to find now and creative methods to pleasure her. Stevie glanced up, making eye contact, as she continued not to circle, not to move up and down, but side to side.Soon enough Sheryl's curiosity gave way to an intensity of pleasure she hadn't known in years."Oh god, Stevie, don't stop," she gasped. "Please don't - don't stop, it's so good, you have no idea, ahh -"Her whole body was rhythmically jerking in response to every flick of Stevie's tongue. It was as though Stevie had taken her to the edge and was holding her there. It would have been unbearable if it wasn't for the orgasm she could now feel slowly consuming her.She was beyond words now, the only sounds being deep moans punctuated by snatched breaths. Her legs were shaking uncontrollably on Stevie's shoulders and her hands scratched wildly at the varnished surface of the piano, and with a final, piercing cry, it hit her.Stevie allowed herself to be pushed away this time, as wave after wave crashed over Sheryl. Her eyes were squeezed shut and her fists clenched as Stevie got to her feet and lifted her into a seating position, holding her tightly until it was over.Sheryl lifted her head and gave Stevie the punch-drunk smile of satisfaction she'd missed so much. They kissed as Stevie continued to hold Sheryl tightly to her."How was that?""Are you serious? Where did you learn -""Just something I read about. God you look so incredible like that. I've missed doing that so much." Sheryl kissed her again as she moved her hand between them. As she suspected, Stevie was already wet, soaking through her underwear. "What are you doing?""What do you think I'm doing?"Stevie smiled and parted her legs slightly as Sheryl pushed past the waistband of her pants.Stevie rested her cheek against Sheryl's, groaning softly into her ear as her fingers slipped deftly between her folds."My god, baby, you're so wet for me.""If you could see the way you looked, writhing underneath me, you'd - oh! - you'd understand."She knew Stevie wouldn't be able to hold out long standing up like this, so Sheryl wasted no time, following the cues of every sharp breath and quiet whimper.Stevie clutched the edge of the piano as Sheryl kissed her deeply, echoing her moans."Yesss.""That's it baby, are you going to come for me?" Stevie nodded as her head rocked backwards. "Look at me, baby."She used her free hand to lightly hold Stevie's face under her chin. Stevie obeyed, gazing into Sheryl's eyes."That's it. You know I like to watch you come. That's good, I can feel it, keep going for me baby."Stevie's legs began to give way and she gripped the piano until her knuckles were white."Fuck -""Good, that's good. You're almost there, that's it -"Stevie slumped against her shoulder as she came, a silent intake of air followed by a shuddering moan into Sheryl's neck. She sank slowly onto the bench with her head in Sheryl's lap, and they stayed there for a while; Sheryl stroking Stevie's hair as Stevie traced her fingertips up and down Sheryl's calves."Stevie?""Mmm?""Now what?"
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They had moved to the living room; Stevie was curled up on the couch holding a cup of tea and Sheryl was laying with her head in her lap.Not much had been said, both just comfortable in the silence of being around each other."We do need to talk about things, though.""What things?" Stevie stroked the hair on Sheryl's temple gently and sipped her tea.Sheryl waved a hand lazily around the room."This. Life. Everything."Stevie frowned slightly."I don't...what do you mean?""Well, come on, Stevie." She sat up and turned to face her. "What we just did was...incredible, obviously, but - it's not a magic wand, is it?"Stevie gripped her mug a little tighter and gazed into the steaming tea. She said nothing as Sheryl shifted uncomfortably beside her."Stevie, I mean...""But I love you.""And I love you, you know that. But making this work takes so much more.""Do you want to be with me?""Of course!""So I don't see what's complicated about this."Sheryl took a breath and ran her fingers through her hair. Stevie's endless romanticism had always pushed her into the somewhat naive viewpoint that love was enough, despite them being living proof to the contrary."I want to be with you. But the past couple of years have been hell, Stevie. You know that as well as I do. There's so much more to figure out to make this work. Because the way it's been - love isn't enough. Is it?"Stevie remained stony faced, pouting a little at the thought of even having to have this conversation."Well, we'll figure it out.""I want to! But it means working on things, both of us. I know your views on therapy -" Stevie bristled wordlessly, "- but there are other things we can do. Just talking honestly like this is huge. I don't want to rush anything. I want to know this is the right thing, for all of us.""Ok so if we're not rushing, what's the plan? It sounds like you have one.""No...no I don't. You may be surprised to learn that having sex on the piano did not figure into my plans for today.""And yet you wore such a cute dress."Stevie raised a knowing eyebrow and Sheryl blushed as she smiled in response."I never said anything about not wanting you to notice me.""Mhm."Look, you've got the tour right around the corner - why don't we figure things out when that's over?""What, this time next year?"Sheryl opened her mouth to speak but thought better of it. Stevie or one of her people probably had mentioned to her at some point how many dates were on the tour, and she knew Stevie usually needed to take a break every few shows, but a whole year? This was so much of the problem; her career just seemed to loom over their entire relationship.Stevie tilted her head inquiringly."You did know.""I'm sure I did, it's just...it's such a long time, Steves.""So I'll come back between shows. Between every show if I have to, I'll change dates, I don't care. If that's what you need from me, that's what I'll do. But I can't have this hanging over me for a year, and neither can you.""Ok, you're right. See this is - I've missed talking like this. Getting on the same page with you." She linked her fingers through Stevie's on the back of the couch. "But for now at least, can we take things slowly?""A little late for that.""You know what I mean. Just - for now, anyway - keep things between us?""A secret?" A conspiratorial smirk crept over Stevie's face."Well...yeah. Just until we find our groove again.""Just like the old days."They shared a smile as they remembered the lengths they'd gone to to keep their relationship from the world until they were ready."Speaking of - how long until the kids are back?""I got a message from Jessi - they're on their way."Sheryl looked a little crestfallen, hoping they'd have a little more time together."Oh. Well I better go. Don't want to raise any suspicion already."She rose to her feet and straightened her dress before Stevie grabbed her and pulled her back into her lap, kissing her deeply."I can't believe I'm having an affair.""No, you're definitely new to that concept."Stevie jabbed her in the ribs playfully before kissing her again."What if my wife finds out?""If she's anything like mine, she'll understand. You're just too hot to keep away from.""The time apart is going to be tough.""We'll figure it out. Just...just keep talking to me, yeah?"Stevie nodded and they kissed again. Sheryl tangled her fingers into Stevie's hair and her breath hitched as Stevie began to toy with her nipples through the thin material of her dress."I've missed you so much it's driven me crazy.""Me too, baby.""I just want you."Sheryl broke the kiss and got to her feet again."Soon," she promised, still gripping Stevie's hand."Tonight?""Soon."~It was only a matter of moments after Sheryl left that Jessi and the kids returned. Stevie was still in the same place on the couch, lost in her thoughts."We had a great time," Jessica announced, flopping into a chair."They tire you out?""AJ did. Grace...was I really as sullen a teenager as her?""Don't get me started.""How was your afternoon?""Oh, it was great. Much better than I expected it would be, actually.""You look pretty exhausted yourself."Stevie smiled serenely and sipped her lukewarm tea.
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November 2, 2016Stevie gazed at her reflection. Her face glowed from the night cream she'd just applied. She smiled. Even in the fairly unforgiving light of the hotel bathroom, her skin looked great for her age. She glanced down and quickly decided against opening her bathrobe to assess the condition of the rest of her body.There wasn't much she could do about it - criticizing herself for not having the figure she had 30 years ago was dumb and depressing. What mattered was that everything still worked well enough that she could still get up on stage and perform, and that was a blessing. As she thought so, a sudden familiar sharp pain shot up her leg from her foot to her hip. Typical, she sighed, taking the hint and heading to her bed to rest it.She had just put on her glasses and pulled out her journal when she caught sight of a light in her peripheral vision. Her phone. She hated the thing but instructed Karen to plug it in by her bed in every hotel room so she'd remember to check it in case she got any calls. Karen had been confused - most people knew to call her to get to Stevie - but then she didn't know about the one person Stevie actually wanted to talk to being back on the scene.Sure enough, she saw Sheryl had sent her a message.Hey, are you alone? Can you talk? XStevie carefully typed out a response:yes i am alone i am in bed.Sheryl immediately called."Hey.""Is everything ok?""Yeah, everything's fine, did I wake you?""No, no. You just wanted a chat?""Um, yeah." There was a slight pause and Stevie frowned in confusion as she waited to see what Sheryl wanted to talk about. "How was the show?""Yeah, it was great. I'm really enjoying the tour now I'm doing it. The audiences are loving the changes which is always a relief." Sheryl murmured in agreement but said nothing else. "Are you sure you're ok?""Yes. I just - I really can't wait for you to come home."Sheryl was staying at Stevie's house while she was away. Most of the kids' stuff was there and it made no sense to transplant everything to the place Sheryl had been renting. There had been talk of her taking care of Stevie's new puppy, but Stevie decided at the last minute she wanted to take her on the tour with her. Lily was currently curled up on the chair across the room.Staying at Stevie's without her had been more challenging than she anticipated. Stevie's identity was all over it and she missed her more keenly than when they were separated."I know, baby. I wish you were here. This hotel is nice, you'd love it actually.""What would we do if I was there?"There was a subtle change in Sheryl's tone of voice that Stevie picked up on immediately; she became a little breathier in a way that sent a tingle down her spine. So that was why she was calling. They'd figured out phone sex years ago, when Sheryl had been the one away on tour."Oh, you wanna play?""Mhm.""Good girl." She heard Sheryl's breath catch down the line and smirked. "Now, what would we do...what would I do with you...?"Sheryl waited silently on the other end of the phone."Are you in bed right now?""Yes.""Our bed?""Yes.""Are you comfortable?""Yeah.""Good. I want you to feel as good as you look, baby. Stroke your thighs. Are you doing that for me?""Mmm.""Don't do anything else, not yet. Just tease yourself. Stroke yourself gently."The breathing on the phone grew heavier."That's good baby." Stevie closed her eyes and allowed her own free hand to travel down her body, copying the motion she knew Sheryl was doing. Her own arousal was rapidly building to the point of frustration and she knew Sheryl would be feeling the same way. "Spread your legs. Open yourself up for me."She gasped slightly at the feeling of air reaching her wet center, and heard Sheryl do the same."Please let me...""Let you what, baby?""Let me touch..."Stevie smiled at how helplessly in her power Sheryl was, even thousands of miles away."Take your fingers and stroke yourself, a little harder."She did the same and couldn't help but moan aloud when Sheryl gasped "fuck"."Does that feel good?""It feels so good?""Thinking about you is making me so wet, baby. I want to come with you."Sheryl could only moan in response."Keep going, just like that. I'm already close just listening to you moan for me baby. Don't stop.""Fuck Stevie, I'm so wet.""I wish I could taste you. Feel it for me, feel how wet you are. Put your fingers inside yourself."They moaned together as they both did it. Stevie felt hot and tight and knew she wouldn't last long."I'm so close, Stevie, yes, yes -""That's it baby, don't stop. Oh my god, don't stop baby, I need you to come with me.""Mmmh, Stevie, I'm gonna come. Please baby, come with me."She couldn't hold it any longer, and as Sheryl's pleas turned into a cry of ecstasy, she felt her own explosive orgasm."Fuck, yes. Oh god, yes. Oh my god, that was so good, baby."Sheryl responded with a satisfied groan."I love you.""I love you. Same time tomorrow?"
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November 16"Here, can you hold it in your lap?"Karen slid the huge cake box across the car to where Stevie sat as she climbed back in. They'd called to collect it on the way from the airport and Stevie smiled as she lifted the lid and peeked inside; chocolate frosting with Happy Birthday Grace piped across the top.It had in fact been her birthday a few weeks prior, but Stevie was performing in Denver that night. The first opportunity she'd have to get home was now. Grace was given the choice about whether to wait for Stevie to come home or have the party without her, and to no one's surprise, she decided to wait. They may have been a little strained recently, but Grace adored Stevie and they shared a close bond.So it was that they were combining an early Thanksgiving with a belated party for Grace turning 12. Sheryl had planned everything, which made Stevie more than a little nervous - she'd always taken the lead in organising parties and gatherings at the house, but she simply didn't have the capacity this time so it was either Sheryl or hire planners, which felt a little bit extreme for a 12th birthday.Stevie and Karen spent the rest of the journey in comfortable silence. Gripping the cake box, Stevie thought about the day Grace was born. A series of earthquakes had brought LA to a standstill and so it was just the two of them, her and Sheryl. Internally, she had been terrified, but she somehow managed to hold her nerve to keep Sheryl calm. She'd never felt closer to another person than she had in those moments, as together, they brought the daughter into the world Stevie had dreamed of her whole life.Her phone beeped in her jacket pocket and she took it out to find a text from Sheryl.Can't wait for you to get here xxA picture was attached which nearly made Stevie drop the phone. She battled to keep her face neutral so Karen wouldn't suspect anything, but couldn't stop herself from taking several more glances at the image.They arrived at home to find it a hive of activity. Stevie carefully carried the cake through to the kitchen, greeting various friends and family who had already arrived and were helping set up, and introduced herself to the caterers - actually cooking the food was a step too far for Sheryl - as she looked around for her and the children. She heard some talking in the back yard and headed outside."Mama!!" Grace emerged from the group and threw her arms around Stevie's neck. They hugged tightly before her daughter grabbed her wrist and led her into the huge circus tent that had been erected on the lawn. "What do you think?"The interior of the tent was scattered with huge cushions and beanbags, and static disco balls reflected and dappled the light and made the whole place look like some 70s bohemian fever dream. Stevie would have loved something like this back then. In one corner was an elevated stage with a speaker and two microphones set up."I love it. Who's playing?""Anyone! It's karaoke!"Stevie looked stunned."Since when were you interested in karaoke?"Grace rolled her eyes and laughed."You probably aren't aware, but I kind of grew up in a musical family. Don't look at me like that mama! It's fun, I promise! Madison has a karaoke machine at hers and we go on it all the time.""Ok, honey. If it's what you want."Grace beamed at her and she was struck, not for the first time, by how much of her own parents she saw in her daughter. She kissed her on the forehead and they headed back into the yard.She heard Sheryl before she saw her. Her laugh echoed around the garden and Stevie turned instinctively towards the group of guests Grace had been part of and spotted her in the middle of it with a tray of drinks.Sheryl looked up and locked eyes with Stevie as she and Grace made their way back over. She suppressed her excitement and tried to arrange her features into a nonchalant expression as the knot of people opened up for Stevie to join and greet everyone.Their energy was magnetic; in between hugging and kissing her way around the group, Stevie couldn't stop herself repeatedly glancing at Sheryl, catching her eye each time. Of course she looked incredible, whereas Stevie, who'd had a 5am alarm call and 6 hour flight from Boston, felt like a sack of potatoes.Finally, she was able to greet her ostensibly estranged wife, and they felt everyone's eyes on them to see how they were getting on. Stevie kissed her on the cheek, an unseen arm snaking around her back and gripping her waist as she did so."This looks amazing." She gestured around to the tent but her eyes flicked down to Sheryl's skinny t-shirt and hip-hugging jeans as she said it. Sheryl picked up on what she was doing and the shadow of a smirk appeared on her face."Thanks. I wanted to make my girl happy.""Oh, you definitely have. If you'll excuse me," she turned to everyone else, "I need to go and freshen up."Heading back into the house, she passed AJ, who was playing an obnoxiously loud game on some kind of handheld machine."Hello, child of mine.""Hey, mama." He didn't give her more than a second glance, just turned his cheek up to her to receive the obligatory kiss.She rolled her eyes and ruffled his hair as she headed past him and up to her bedroom. She'd only had time to kick off her sneakers and drop her jacket on the bed when she heard her bedroom door close, and grinned as she turned to face the person she knew had joined her.
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Sheryl returned her smile, still leaning back on the door. Without saying a word, Stevie ran back to her and scooped her into her arms, taking Sheryl's breath as they frantically and hungrily kissed.Sheryl was pressed against the door, her hands in Stevie's hair and moaning into her mouth."You are so bad," Stevie mumbled when she finally broke the kiss."What for?""You know what for. Karen almost saw that photo."Sheryl laughed, pulling her hair back lightly to expose and kiss her throat."Well if I'm bad, I need to be punished, don't I?""Mmm." Stevie closed her eyes and bit her lip before seeming to gather herself. "Let me take a shower."Sheryl tightened the grip on her hair with one hand and reached between them to feel Stevie's breast with the other, mouth still firmly against her neck."Baby..." but Sheryl wouldn't budge. Stevie weakened under her attentions and began to return them, slipping her hand past the waistband of her jeans. Sheryl parted her legs slightly to give her better access and groaned against her throat as Stevie's fingers slipped easily between her folds.Sheryl rocked against Stevie's hand as Stevie wrapped her free arm around her weight."Does that feel good?""Mmm." She left Stevie's now very flushed neck and let her head rest back against the door, eyes closed as she lost herself in just how good it felt to have Stevie touching her again. Ironically, it was at that moment Stevie suddenly stopped and withdrew her hand.Sheryl's eyes snapped open and she looked at Stevie in confusion and frustration. Stevie smiled and kissed her."Wait here. Pull your pants down for me." Sheryl immediately did as she was told, watching Stevie make her way over to the bed. She saw her reach into the drawer of her bedside table and smiled as she realized what was happening.Stevie returned her smile as she clutched the toy and hurried back to her. She hooked her empty hand under Sheryl's leg, lifting it and spreading them, and positioned the toy at her entrance."Ok, ready?"Sheryl nodded eagerly and cried out as Stevie pushed it into her as far as Sheryl could take it."Shhh, baby. You have to be quiet.""It's so good.""I know." She began to rhythmically move it and and out of her and Sheryl put her hand over her mouth to muffle her cries of pleasure. "Touch yourself for me."Again, Sheryl did as she was told, holding Stevie's eye contact as she matched her rhythm."Stevie?" The voice outside the door startled them both momentarily. It was Sharon. Sheryl looked panicked but Stevie smiled wickedly."Remember that photo?" She whispered and continued to fuck her. Sheryl's eyes widened, her knuckles white over her mouth. Her other hand had frozen in position. Stevie glanced at it. "Don't you dare stop.""Stevie, are you in there?" There was a light knock on the other side of the door. Stevie was driven wild by the thought of being so close to being caught, and something about the danger spurred Sheryl on as well as she renewed her efforts."I'll be down in a minute!" Stevie called sweetly, not taking her eyes off Sheryl as she started to thrust her hand faster."Ok..." Sharon called back. "Have you seen Sheryl?"Stevie had to stop herself laughing aloud at the situation. She was looking directly at Sheryl, whose whole body was beginning to shake."I'm sure she'll be coming soon.""Hmm?""Sheryl - I'm sure she'll be...back - soon.""Ok."Stevie waited a few seconds before she was sure Sharon had left to allow herself to giggle. Sheryl rolled her eyes and moved her hand from her mouth, grabbing Stevie's shoulder for the extra support."Fuck...you," she gasped."Later, absolutely. Are you going to come for me?""Yes, oh god -" her head dropped back again."Look at me." Sheryl held her gaze as she felt it building. Stevie knew to hit the right spot in the right way and she did so relentlessly as Sheryl opened her mouth in a silent scream of ecstasy before collapsing against her. "That's my good girl.""That was insane.""It's been a while since we've had a danger fuck. You always come a little harder, don't pretend you don't love it. I'm going in the shower, are you joining me?"
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"Where have you been?" Chris scolded as Stevie met him at the bottom of the stairs. She looked him over with a raised eyebrow."Oh, I'm sorry - are you paying my bills?"She brushed past him and made her way outside to the pop up bar which had arrived while she'd been upstairs. Sheryl really had gone to town - it was like being at a music festival."It's just there are a lot of people here Stevie, and they've been asking where you were," he said at her shoulder. She didn't realize he'd followed her outside."Christopher, can you go and make yourself busy?" As he sloped off mumbling to himself, she noticed Lindsey making his way over to her and smiled. He wrapped his arms around her and asked if everything was ok, nodding toward Chris. "Oh fine, he's got a bee in his bonnet because I went upstairs to take a shower.""Oh - I thought he was mad because the caterers told him to step away from the grill when he kept trying to tell them what to do.""God - he's a menace with a grill." She rolled her eyes and grabbed the drink being offered to her before turning properly to Lindsey."How's the tour?""Good, great actually. When are you coming to see it?""When you do it in LA. Who gave you a hickey?""What? What?"He smirked and pointed to her neck. She touched her fingers to it and realized with horror what had happened."Talk later?""Mhm!" She dashed back inside to the nearest bathroom to check her reflection, and gasped. It was very, very obvious. She was trying to figure out what to do when she heard Sheryl's voice outside and opened the door enough to get her attention, pulling her into the bathroom with her."Again, already? People are going to be suspicious -""No! Look what you've done!"Sheryl had had a couple of cocktails and immediately saw the funny side."Stop laughing! Find me something to put on it, some makeup. Or a scarf, I dunno.""A scarf? Stevie it's 75 outside."Stevie glared at her as she backed out of the bathroom with her hands up defensively. She wet a towel and held it against her neck, not sure it would make any difference but she felt as though she had to do something.Sheryl bundled back in and fished Stevie's foundation out of her pocket. Stevie wordlessly grabbed it from her and smeared it over the purple mark on her throat."Are you mad? You weren't complaining at the time!""I'm not mad." She stepped back to see how covered it was before blending it out a little more. "You wanted to be careful and take things slow. Doing stuff like this is just asking to get caught.""You're right.""Not to mention the fact I'm about 50 years too old to be dealing with hickeys, for Christ's sake.""Sorry.""It's ok." She kissed her lightly on the lips. "We can laugh about it in bed later.""Oh? I'm staying over?""Uhh, yes. You owe me one.""Owe you -? Oh, yes I do. Sure you don't want it right now?""Absolutely not, we've raised enough eyebrows as it is."Sheryl nodded and opened the door to check the coast was clear before nodding to Stevie, and they attempted to casually rejoin the party.~The rest of the day went like a dream. By the time evening fell, everyone still in attendance was in the tent taking turns on the karaoke machine. Even Stevie had been dragged up by Sharon and Lori to sing I'm So Excited with them; the song had been everywhere during The Wild Heart tour, and it had been their anthem ever since.Grace's friends had been bugging her all night to get up and sing, and far from her usual outgoing self, she was reluctant to do so. This struck Stevie as odd, considering how excited she'd been about the idea earlier. She kept exchanging confused glances with Sheryl, who had deliberately seated herself a good distance from Stevie, and was as baffled as her by Grace's sudden shyness.Eventually she got up to the mic, and Stevie was surprised to hear the opening notes of Heart's These Dreams, a song that had originally been written for her but that she couldn't get into. It was only when she'd heard Nancy Wilson's vocal on a reworked version she knew what she'd passed up. Nevertheless, it was a challenging song and she realised with a jolt she'd never really heard Grace sing since she was a toddler and would sing along with Stevie to whatever was playing.The tent fell quiet as everyone listened. Grace had Stevie's tone but with a slightly rougher edge to it, and she sang with such emotion that by the time she reached the chorus half the tent had tears in their eyes, her mothers included.As she belted the biggest notes with ease, Sheryl made her way to sit by Stevie, not caring if anyone thought anything of it, just wanting to share the moment. Stevie took her hand and clung to her, neither of them taking their eyes off their daughter. They were utterly awestruck by her, and she had everyone in the palm of her hand by the end of the song.The tent erupted with everyone on their feet as soon as she finished. She covered her face in embarrassment and ran back to her friends as various guests who worked in the industry turned to look knowingly at Sheryl and Stevie."She's got something," Sheryl mumbled, half to herself."She's a child," Stevie reminded her. Sheryl bit her lip, deep in thought."Stevie." She turned to find Karen, worry etched on her face."Kare? What is it?" Sheryl looked around too and frowned in concern."Can - you both better come with me."Leaving the hubbub of the tent, they followed Karen into the house."What is it?""Sit down."They each pulled a stool from under the breakfast bar and glanced at each other in confusion and anxiety before looking back to Karen."Kare, you're scaring me - what's happening?"Karen looked as though she was trying to gather her thoughts."I'm sorry this is happening today -""God damn it, Karen! Just tell us!""I got a call." She looked at them from one to the other. "It - it's been 12 years. Stevie, he's out."
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There was no response when Sheryl knocked on the bathroom door, so she nudged it slightly open to check everything was ok. The bathtub was almost overflowing, with Stevie seemingly oblivious as she sat in the middle of it with her back to Sheryl, hugging her knees with her forehead resting on them. She hadn't bothered to tie her hair up and it hung loose over her shoulders, fanning out into swirling tendrils on the surface of the water.Sheryl wasn't sure if she hadn't heard her over the rushing water , or if she just didn't want to respond. Karen had tried to explain what the man who had tried to murder her being free meant for them both, but she'd glazed over and walked away. both Sheryl and Karen knew her well enough to know Stevie has two reactions to situations like this; she blows up or she shuts down. Of the two, Sheryl preferred the former - at least she was getting her emotions out. This Stevie had taken years to figure out."Hey." She approached and situated herself on the side of the tub, surreptitiously reaching to switch off the faucet before leaning down to Stevie's level.Stevie lifted her head slightly and peered at Sheryl through her bangs. Her eyes, already bloodshot, filled with tears again. Sheryl reached out and tucked away a lock of wet hair sticking to her cheek and Stevie leaned against her hand, but said nothing."The party's done, anyway. Finally got rid of everyone." Stevie hadn't re-emerged the rest of the night so Sheryl had held down the fort, instructing Karen not to let anyone know the news. They'd find out soon enough - the last thing she needed was well-intentioned friends and family trying to help, when all either of them wanted was to be left alone with their thoughts. Eventually, the guests had drifted off. "Well, except Grace's friends who are sleeping over. They wanted to sleep in the tent, so -"Stevie suddenly lifted her head, alarmed."Bring them inside!""Stevie - they're fine. You have to got through the house to get to the yard, it's completely secure. Karen and me checked everything over, the alarm is on, and Grace has her phone in case she needs anything.""But what if -""Honey, listen. He's all the way across the country, he isn't even allowed in the state. He's got, I dunno, a tag or something. Karen's already called the security company and asked for an increase when you're on tour. It's in hand.""It's just so crazy." Stevie was sobbing now. "How can he just go about his life?""Well, he can't, not really. Everyone knows who he is, he's not going to be able to work many places...he's being watched everywhere he goes. He can't get to you. Not to any of us. I promise."Stevie nodded as she processed what Sheryl told her. She was so rational, so calm."I'm glad you're here.""So am I. Now are you finished stewing in this tub or are you staying here all night?""Hand me that towel. Where's AJ?""Sleeping, I checked on him before I came in to you."Stevie climbed out of the tub and wrapped the towel around her. She fought the irrational urge to collect her children and have them in her bed with her so she could keep them safe and close, and headed into her bedroom.Sheryl followed."Do...do you still want me to stay?" Stevie nodded as she perched on the bed. "Ok."She moved to her estranged wife and hugged her. Stevie opened her legs to accommodate her and she stood with their arms wrapped around each other for a while, rivulets of water from Stevie's hair slowly soaking the towel.Eventually Sheryl noticed Stevie's fingers running along the hem of her t shirt before brushing up the skin of her back. Sheryl looked down at her enquiringly and Stevie returned her gaze, brown eyes wide and pleading."Are you sure?""I feel so numb. I need to feel something."Sheryl nodded and leaned down to gently kiss her. She hesitated slightly, anticipating allowing Stevie to control how it progressed, but when Stevie sighed and sank against her it became clear she wanted Sheryl to take the lead.She broke the kiss and quickly removed her jeans and t shirt as Stevie dropped the towel and laid in the middle of the bed. She propped herself up on her elbows and smiled for the first time since hearing the news at Sheryl, who was doing a comically dramatic crawl up the bed toward her.She nudged Stevie's legs apart was she approached her, coming to a stop and kneeling between her thighs."You ok?" She was running her fingers up and down the inside of Stevie's thighs and eliciting a physical reaction, but it was still difficult to judge her headspace."I'm ok." She smiled again. "You're so beautiful. Come here.""You're so beautiful." Stevie lay back as Sheryl made her way up to kiss her again, gently stroking her cheek as she did so. Stevie parted her lips and Sheryl lightly flicked her tongue over them before pushing into her mouth. Stevie took her hungrily, moaning as she reached up to tangle her fingers into Sheryl's hair."Baby...please..." Stevie took Sheryl's hand and slowly tracked it down her body. Sheryl shifted slightly so she was on her side next to Stevie, watching their hands trace over the curve of her breasts, down the softness of her stomach...she caught sight of the scar from the wound that nearly took Stevie from her, faded now, but an eternal reminder of how much she'd almost lost, and she was furious with herself for willingly throwing it all away a few months prior.As a wave of love and gratitude for the woman she married washed over her, she allowed her hand to be manoeuvred between her legs. Stevie's breath caught as she pushed Sheryl's fingers against her core, and she hissed in pleasure as Sheryl began to touch her the way she desperately needed.She rolled her hips up against Sheryl's fingers, wordlessly urging her on as their eyes met. Sheryl smiled and held her eye contact as she pushed her fingers into Stevie, drawing a long moan from her.Stevie bit her lip and continued to grind against Sheryl's fingers. The tension she felt was melting away, and once again, they were the only people in the world. Sheryl knew exactly how to pleasure Stevie, and she quickly had her trembling beneath her.Stevie bit her lip as she felt her orgasm start to build deep within her. She gripped Sheryl's wrist and bucked against her hand. Sheryl leaned over and rested her forehead against Stevie's, looking at her enquiringly as Stevie nodded that she was almost there.Sheryl continued, listening to Stevie's breathing for cues. She held her eye contact and watched as her pleasure overwhelmed her, obliterating the fear and anxiety that had her in a chokehold only an hour before. She smiled at the peace that settled on her features and kissed her again as she felt her body relax beneath her.Tears formed in Stevie's eyes as she gazed into Sheryl's. She closed them and smiled, a tear rolling down into her hair."I love you," she whispered sleepily. She was already gone before she heard Sheryl reply."I love you."
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Sheryl groaned inwardly at the shaft of daylight breaking through the gap in the curtains. Stevie was, at least, finally sleeping soundly, and that was the main thing - she was leaving in the afternoon for her next show tomorrow night.She had seen every hour of the night, she was sure of it. Between her own anxieties she'd tried to hide from Stevie that were keeping her awake, and Stevie herself sleeping fitfully and repeatedly waking in a cold sweat after being haunted by dreams of the attack, she can't have gotten more than a couple of hours of broken rest.She rolled over and was finally drifting off again when she heard the bedroom door quietly open and sprang upright, gripped by irrational fear."AJ - what's wrong, honey?"Her son looked wide-eyed from her, to Stevie, and back again. He seemed shocked to see her there - understandable, he was only just wrapping his head around the fact they'd split up."Um...I'm hungry," he mumbled sleepily."Ok sweetie, I'll be right down."He nodded and wandered away from the door and she sighed, resigning herself to a caffeine fuelled day to get her through, something she hadn't had to deal with since he was a baby. She glanced down at Stevie, who despite being in a deep sleep was still wearing a frown and had a clenched jaw, and stroked her bangs back where they'd stuck to her forehead.~After checking on the girls - all sleeping soundly in the tent after no doubt being awake gossiping most of the night - she silently wrapped her arms around AJ who was twisting from side to side on one of the breakfast bar stools and flicking through channels on the tv. He didn't react to her."What do you want for breakfast, bud?"He shrugged. She had her head in the refrigerator and was holding a cupboard door open, rooting through the options Stevie had in."Pancakes? French toast...omelet?""Not omelet. Mama makes them all the time, I think it's all she knows how to cook."Sheryl smiled to herself."French toast it is."As she was preparing the bread, she sensed his eyes on the back of her head and turned around to look at him."You good?""A little embarrassed."She fought the urge to smile - there was something so endearing about him talking like a little man. He'd always been precocious, so different from Grace, who was smart but to this day enjoyed being coddled and fussed over."What are you feeling a little embarrassed about, buddy?""I know what you were doing when I walked in."Sheryl frowned and shook her head slightly, waiting for him to elaborate. He cast his eyes down and his cheeks flushed. She took a sip of steaming coffee."You've lost me, AJ."He huffed in frustration."You were doing...it.""What?!""I know all about it. The school nurse told Cameron's brother's class," he announced sagely. "When grownups sleep in the bed together with no clothes on it's sex. Mama always wears pyjamas."Sheryl cast her mind to the sight of Stevie's bare shoulders, and she herself holding the blankets round her, when he walked in."Well -""And you're not married anymore. Grace said you didn't love each other anymore. And you should only do it when you love them."She couldn't stop the smile now. For all his supposed worldliness, he was still a little boy with so much to learn about life."Well - it isn't..." she stumbled over the right words, not wanting to leave him with more questions than answers. She hadn't banked on having this conversation at 7am after a sleepless night. "There's a little more to it than just sleeping, which you'll probably understand when you're older. I was - mama wasn't feeling well last night, so I stayed to look after her. Just like when you were little and you were sick and you used to sleep in our bed. Remember?"He paused as he thought about this."But why weren't you wearing pyjamas?"She thought fast."Mama was too sick and...I don't have any here."She turned back to preparing breakfast and he continued watching tv in silence for a few minutes."Mom?""Mm?""How do two women do it?""Breakfast! Breakfast is ready. You want cinnamon or chocolate?""Um, chocolate.""You want chocolate milk?"This was unheard of at this time in the morning, but she was throwing anything at the situation she could to distract him."Sure!"He grinned happily as his breakfast was placed in front of him and she mentally prepared for the incoming sugar rush. Perfect. At least he was occupied and any awkward conversations were put off for another time.She drained her coffee and was back at the espresso machine making a fresh cup when Grace wandered in, obviously drawn through the open door to the smell of food. Her eyes were half closed and her hair was wild. It took her a moment to process the scene."He gets chocolate milk?" She didn't wait for a response, instead heading straight for the bottle and pouring herself a huge glassful. She drank half of it in one go before frowning at Sheryl."What are you still doing here, mom?" Sheryl opened and closed her mouth a few times, glancing nervously at AJ and not wanting to remind him of his unanswered question, but he was already catching on. He opened his mouth to speak but Grace got there first, making a noise of disgust before dramatically throwing herself into the stool next to her brother. "Oh, gross. You and mama had sex!"Sheryl silently cursed Stevie's currently oblivious state and wondered whether it was too early to make her coffee Irish.
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"Oh, it's horrifying."Her words were muffled as she hid her face in her hands, peeking between her fingers at Sheryl's bemused expression. She had brought up her coffee and relayed the conversation in the kitchen."So, next time, you can field those questions.""Absolutely not! We agreed when Grace was little, you're handling the birds and the bees.""What about the birds and the birds?" Stevie waved her hand dismissively and reached for her coffee. "So how did you leave it?""I just told them adult relationships are complicated.""Classic.""Which brings me to my next point."Stevie's heart rate elevated slightly as Sheryl paused."Which is?""What I said before. About taking things slowly, figuring out what we want further down the line.""Mhm.""I couldn't sleep last night. It gave me a lot of time to think. Grace being born was miraculous for a million reasons, not least because she just blew away all the horrible memories from what happened the year before. Last night it all came back -"Her voice cracked and Stevie reached out and took her hand."- I could feel the cold tiles from the waiting room floor on my face. I laid there waiting for them to tell me you - you were gone, and to say g-goodbye.""But I wasn't. You didn't.""No. But that life I'd dreamed of having with you felt as though it was falling away, and it was the worst thing that I could imagine...and then I looked at you just sleeping here, and all I've ever wanted is under this roof, and I can't believe I was prepared to just walk away from all of that after everything.""Well, you already know what I want.""I know." She linked her fingers through Stevie's. "I want it too."They leaned into each other, foreheads touching."Come home."Sheryl nodded and kissed her softly."You should be getting out of bed, Stevie - the car will be here soon to take you to the airport.""I'm not going.""...what? What do you mean?"Stevie took her time to respond, settling back to sip her coffee and looking off at nothing in particular."I can't...I just can't do it, Sheryl. I don't feel safe knowing he's out there.""He can't get to you.""Not here, but someplace else he can!""You'll have security.""I've always had security. It still happened last time.""Only because of Mick's hare-brained cash grab!""What about on stage? What if he has a gun?""Stevie -""It could happen!""Aside from the fact there are metal detectors at every venue and security with eyes on the audience through the whole show, do you really think this man has the means to follow you around the entire country trying to get a shot at you? Where's he gonna get a gun from?""I don't know! Who knows what he's prepared to do?"Stevie..." she got up off the bed, hands pressed into her temples as she began to pace the room. "You can't live your life like this. Are you just going to become a recluse? Just hide away here forever? Bri - that man has severe problems. He's gonna be getting watched like a hawk. Besides, what about all the people who have paid to see you?""They'll understand. If they're really my fans, they'll understand.""Of course they'll understand, but they'll be devastated! You never cancel shows unless you physically can't get on stage and sing.""For someone who never wanted me to go on the tour in the first place, you've certainly got stronger feelings on it than I thought.""Please, Stevie...I didn't want you to go because I felt like we weren't your priority anymore. But now - your heart will always be here with us, no matter where in the world you are. But this is your whole life. Your soul needs to perform, this is who you are. He almost took so much. Don't let him win now, don't let him take away your life force. Please."Tears rolled down Stevie's cheeks and she made no effort to wipe them away as she gazed steadily at Sheryl."I guess he already has. My mind is made up.""I need to call Marty...Karen. I need to get someone to talk some sense into you.""I've already called them. I'll take the financial hit, I've told them. But it's over. I never wanted it to end like this, but...it's over, Sheryl. I'm not singing anymore."~Sheryl scrolled through her phone contacts until she found the number she was looking for. As the phone rang, she prayed she hadn't already left LA after flying in for her Grace, her goddaughter's, birthday party.It was the only person she could think of who would be able to drag Stevie out of this mindset. The only one who knew how she felt, who'd hidden away from performing in fear, and come out the other side happier and more fulfilled than ever. And aside from all that, it was the only person who Stevie had never had a crossed word with; partly because she was too laid back to argue, but primarily because she knew instinctively how to handle Stevie.The phone rang three times before it connected and she heard the familiar rasp down the line."Hello, Sheryl, love - everything alright?""Chris? Can you get here please, as soon as possible? I need your help. Stevie needs you.""I'm on my way."
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"Aunt Chrissy!" AJ threw his arms around her as he opened the door - one of the only people he ever seemed genuinely excited to see."Hello, handsome.""What are you doing here?""I've been summoned. Where's your mum?""Chris." Sheryl appeared in the kitchen doorway and moved to greet her, hugging her tightly. "Thank you for coming.""What's happened? Is she ok? Where is she?"Sheryl glanced down at AJ who was watching the exchange with interest."She's ok - I'll go and tell her you're here." She turned and ran up the staircase. Chris watched her go, concerned, before turning to AJ and brightening immediately."Why don't you show me how you're getting on with that?" She nodded over to the piano. "Have you practised what I showed you?"He grinned and ran over to the stool, beginning to play a jazz standard comfortably, his small fingers dancing across the keys. Chris smiled broadly as she joined him on the seat, picking up a second part and playing along.It was several minutes before Sheryl returned. Christine glanced up at her and looked into her tired, bloodshot eyes as she walked dejectedly down the stairs to them."This boy's got the knack, you know."Sheryl managed a smile at her son."He has. He's started guitar too. We love jamming together, don't we bud?" AJ nodded without looking up, not quite confident enough to take his eyes off his hands as he played. "She won't come down, Chris. She's mad I called you.""Right, well there's a way around that, isn't there?"She got to her feet and patted AJ's shoulder affectionately before winking at Sheryl and heading past her. She stopped halfway up the stairs."Isn't it midday?""Hm?""Lunchtime. Why don't you take the kids out?"Getting the hint, Sheryl nodded and went off to round up Grace.~Stevie pulled the blankets further over her head as she heard what she knew was Christine's knock at the door."Steves." Getting no response, Chris walked in and moved directly to the side of the bed. "Oi."Stevie's fingers curled over the top of the blanket and she pulled it down low enough so that Christine could see her eyes and know she was scowling."Come on, get up. We've both got flights to catch later.""Not going.""Right. Move up then, if you're not getting out, I may as well get in." She kicked off her shoes and Stevie scooched across the bed. "And I'm not into women so don't get funny either.""You wish."She lay facing Stevie. She could feel the warmth of the pillow on her cheek where Stevie's head had been. It was damp with soaked-in tears.As the two women looked at each other, the years melted away and they were girls huddled together under the blankets in Sausalito again, giggling or sharing secrets, or crying together, or holding their breath and waiting for the drunken, drug induced pleading and hammering on the door to stop.Tears pricked Stevie's eyes again at the memory of that time. Christine reached up and carefully wiped one away with her thumb."What's the plan, then? Just rotting in here is it?""You don't understand.""No, I don't, you're right. Do you remember when I left Mac?""Vividly.""I thought I just needed a break from it all. 30 years I'd been part of that jamboree. I thought, 'I'll take a year or so with no pressure, no one to please but myself, and see how I feel'. Had to say I was leaving altogether because Mick wouldn't have pissed off and left me be otherwise.""But you didn't - we wanted you back for Say You Will, that was what, 5 or 6 years later.""Yes I know. Because by that time I couldn't come back. Not if I wanted to. Christ knows how many air miles I'd racked up in my life, but I couldn't talk myself down about this paralyzing terror of flying I'd developed. I'd gotten so settled into my safe little bubble, I couldn't leave it.""Chris, look -""I don't have many regrets in my life. Hardly any, in fact. Do you know what I do regret?""Letting them talk you into pulling Silver Springs from Rumours?"Christine jabbed her in the ribs and they smirked at each other."Alright, yes, that. But also...I wasn't there for you. When you were in the hospital for weeks on end, everyone was there, you know that?""Yes.""Except I wasn't. I tried so hard, just to buy a ticket. I was livid with myself. There you were, fighting for your fucking life, and I was fretting about making the same journey I'd made a million times without trouble. You needed me, you...you needed me."Now they were both crying. Stevie couldn't believe she even had any tears left."Chris...I didn't care, I was in a goddamn coma.""All the more reason to be there. I could have talked to you without you answering back for once."Stevie threw her head back and laughed, for the first time since the night before. Chris sensed her physically soften and knew she was on the right track."I can't stand you.""I know. I can't stand you either." They smiled at the joke they'd shared so long they'd forgotten who had started it. "The point is this; something that seemed so insignificant in the grand scheme of things spiralled so quickly that I missed so much and I can never get it back. Recording with the band, your wedding, the kids being tiny...thank god Sheryl knows how to do the face calling and showed me otherwise they wouldn't have known who I am. It probably surprised you that I flew over for the party, but the reality is I'm so wracked with guilt at missing so much of Grace's life I'll take any chance I can to visit with both hands."Stevie smiled as she listened to her best friend and sighed."I understand what you're saying, Chris, I do...but it's different. My life is in danger.""Is it? Objectively, rationally, is it? Any one of us could be gone tomorrow, Steves. We're not spring chickens anymore, and given the life we've led it's pretty miraculous we've even made it this far. You could just easily drop dead here in your own home. Don't live with regrets, darling. Don't let him take that from you. Looking at the facts, you're probably as likely to die at the hands of a maniac as I am to die in a plane crash. But we carry on despite the odds. That's what we do.""But how do I get over the fear?""It's a 3 step program. Step one is you stop festering in misery and get in the shower." She climbed out of the bed, dragging Stevie to her feet and across to the en suite. "Step two, you tell me where the good wine is and I'll have a glass waiting for you when you're dressed and downstairs.""The door to the cellar is just off the kitchen.""Right. And step three...step three is you just learn to live with it. Some days will be worse than others, but you grit your teeth and get on with it, and you revel in the defiance of living your life despite the danger. Let me go and open this wine.""Chris?""Yes.""I'm glad you're here.""So am I, love. So am I."
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December 3, 2023"Are you ready?" Sheryl emerged from the bathroom, fiddling with her earring. Her floor length black gown caught on the doorframe and she grunted in frustration."Told you to wear the mini dress.""You had an ulterior motive for me wearing the mini dress. It's hardly appropriate. But look." Stevie turned from the dressing table and chuckled as Sheryl stuck a toned leg out at an unnatural angle through the thigh-high slit that was otherwise unnoticeable."You can hardly walk around like that all night.""I don't intend to. It's a little secret, just for you."Stevie smiled and appraised the full look, gesturing with her finger for Sheryl to turn on the spot, which she did. Her hair was blown out into beachy waves, her makeup was subtle, and she didn't look a day older than she had the day Stevie first met her."You look phenomenal.""Thank you, baby." She leant down and kissed Stevie lightly, careful not to smudge their lipstick. "So do you."Stevie sighed and turned back into the mirror. The woman looking back at her was becoming less and less familiar as time marched on, and the world around her felt more like a stranger."Hey." Sheryl crouched beside her and they both looked at their reflections. "Every day is a gift.""I know." She touched her fingers to the diamond encrusted songbird necklace around her neck that had once been Christine's."I really do love your hair like that." She got to her feet and brushed her fingers through Stevie's natural curls. The weekend had been so packed she hadn't had time to style it in time for tonight, and Sheryl had convinced her to leave it.Stevie smiled wryly."My mother would disagree.""Well, your mother was wrong about a few things, wasn't she? Now c'mere, let me get a look at you."Stevie got slowly to her feet, leaning on the dressing table for support. She paused a second as she waited for her knee to adjust to standing and turned to Sheryl, arms extended gracefully as she did so."Perfect." Margi had designed her a dress for the occasion. It was a deep, ruby red, and had hallmarks of her evolving style over the years; the handkerchief skirt was layers of chiffon, the top was corseted and the matching crushed velvet jacket had 3/4 length sleeves. She'd had some boots made too - the first knee-highs she'd worn in years, black suede, the heels and platforms considerably lower than she used to wear, but still higher than anything she'd worn in a while."You're going to have to hold my hand so I don't break my neck.""I can do that." She reached out and took Stevie's outstretched hands in hers, gently pulling her in. Gently placing her fingers on the back of Stevie's neck, she used her thumbs to tilt up her chin and kissed her softly again, before touching their foreheads together as they always had."I'm so proud of you."Stevie wrapped her arms around Sheryl's waist."I'm so happy you're here."They shared the silence for a moment before the door burst open."Oh, god - do you ever put each other down? You're senior citizens now.""Do you ever knock? How did you even get a key?""You gave me the spare, mom. Your mind is going."Grace strolled past them and dropped down onto the bed."It's lovely to see you honey, but did you want something particular?""Oh, yes - the car's here."Stevie and Sheryl raised their eyebrows at each other."And you say your mom's mind is going?""It's called ADHD, mama dear. I keep telling you to look into it, you might -""Not this again." She waved a dismissive hand. "You look beautiful darling.""Thank you." Grace got to her feet and kissed Stevie on the cheek, stooping slightly in her own towering heels. "So do you.""Grace, are those my shoes?"She lifted the leg of her wide-leg suit pants and winked at Sheryl."The ones I had didn't look right.""They do look great on her, honey."Sheryl glanced at the matching cockeyed smiles and couldn't argue, instead rolling her eyes and ushering them both towards the door."Stevie, do we have everything?""Yes, dear, I think so.""Ok. Grace, stop fluffing your hair, you look perfect."AJ met them in the hallway."The car's here - Grace, why are you wearing a suit?"She thrust her hands in her pockets."Because I look incredible in a suit. Why are you wearing a suit?""Mom! Look at us! We look like your staff, her shirt is even the same color as mine!""White is a fairly common color for a shirt, AJ. Come on, Stevie, we're gonna be late.""They'll wait." Stevie reached up to brush AJ's hair out of his eyes. At 15, he towered above the women in his family. Stevie sighed as she remembered ruffling his hair as a little boy. "Look at this handsome man.""Mama..." he blushed and kissed the top of her head. Sheryl and Grace were at the elevator by now."Can we please go?! How this family gets anywhere on time is beyond me."~Stevie had had more "pinch me" moments in her life than she could remember. She'd learned over the years to take everything in her stride, but even now, despite having a whole weekend dedicated to the occasion, she couldn't quite believe she was receiving the Kennedy Center Honors. She repeatedly ran her fingers over the rainbow ribbon around her neck, and glanced from side to side at her fellow honorees to remind herself it was very real.She'd been transfixed by the gala performance; so much so she'd completely forgotten a whole section of it would be dedicated to her, and as a stream of friends paid the final tributes of the night all to her life and career, she became overwhelmed. She turned to look behind her for support, but couldn't immediately see Sheryl or the kids, who were seated a couple of rows back.Before she had chance to really look for them, the crowd cheered as the driving rhythmic riff of Edge Of Seventeen, the last song of the night, filled the opera house, and she smiled as she turned back to the stage before doing a double take.Of course. Sheryl grinned up at her from the stage as she played. She'd changed out of the dress she'd been wearing into - what else - the mini dress Stevie had wanted her to wear. Stevie laughed and clapped her hands as she noticed she had reclaimed her shoes from Grace, who was standing at the microphone, wearing Stevie's old White Winged Dove Tour outfit, from the shawl to the boots.Although she'd promised Stevie and Sheryl she would focus on her grades in school - and she had - Grace had developed a huge social media following performing covers and more recently, her own music. Stevie especially was anxious about the idea of her going into the industry, but no one could deny she had a gift for singing and song writing.She was in the middle of a year out following high school while she figured out whether she wanted to go to college or pursue her music career, but as she began to sing, it was clear to everyone present, even Stevie, she belonged on the stage.Stevie's eyes shone with pride, and when she realized AJ was at the piano, she couldn't hold back her tears anymore. The family she'd never imagined for herself, never known she'd even wanted, performing a song she felt like she'd written in another lifetime.As Grace kicked and twirled around the stage, she saw herself, all those years ago, on her first solo tour. She remembered thinking she'd made it; she would never have felt like she'd achieved more than she had in that moment.How wrong she was. How she wished she could go back to that girl, at the height of her fame, and tell her the dream was only just beginning. How she wished she could tell her she really would have it all - maybe not the way she expected, but how perfectly it would all end up. And how she wished she could tell her that it would be ok. For all the men who had hurt her and would hurt her, one day - one hot, New York night - she'll step out on a fire escape for some air, and everything she thinks she knows about love will change, and, from the place she least expects it, someone will heal it all for good.Ah, if only love comes round againIt will have been...worth the ride.