Author Notes: Thanks for the kind reviews I am glad that you are enjoying my story I have a lot more planned so please keep coming back. Also just wanted to say when it comes to grammar and spelling I do suck at it I have stated before. Thank god for spell check and my biggest fan my 16 no make that almost 17 year old daughter who tries to catch when I do make big mistakes. Though this story she not getting to check a lot before I post because of my doing it so late at night. But when it comes to grammar I will never be great at it. I write for the enjoyment of writing and figure the grammar can't be too bad I have a handful of people who read my stuff regularly. I do want to say the ("") quotation marks I was using were a reference point of action which normally I use () asterisks for but have switched on this story cause the key has been acting up and I missed that they were even coming up on the posted copy as the asterisks do not show when I post so I will go back to them so there no confusion. But any way please Read and Review.
Thank you,
Cat Lea Takersdarkone
Seven
Mark smiles a little because he looks up and sees that Glen is watching him in the rearview mirror of his truck as they come to stop at a stop light. He can tell that Glen is smiling himself and is glad that maybe Glen is finding what he has been looking for since his divorce. Stevie moves some and flinches with a little moan which cause Mark to talk his hand off of hers on the shifter and reaches up to softly touch her cheek once again. Concern and worry in his eyes as he talks softly too her.
"Stevie girl are you still with me darling? Talk to me little girl please."
"I'm still here with you Mark; I am fine so please you do not need to worry any more about me. I just have a bit of a headache is all and moving around kind of sucks right now."
"Yeah little girl think moving might for a few days. Hope you don't have a lot of stuff to do for a day or two."
"A little but at least no trips this week so that a good thing. But I do have to go over my clients list for any changes they have made in the schedules. And I have two designs to finish and two pieces I need to finish up and send out. But at least I already cut the stones for those two."
Stevie moves a little more biting back a moan and then opens her eyes when she feel him still watching her and tries to smile a little for him. He smiles back and then softly moves some of her hair out of her eyes before moving his hand back down to cover her on the shifter. Stevie takes a deep breath and then says what she been wanting to since they started this ride to her house but has been chicken to do.
"Mark you said you and Glen haven't checked into your hotel yet right?"
"Right so far we hadn't done that. Though now I am wondering if it is even worth it check out is like in six hours and I figure won't even be to the hotel for another hour or so because I want to make sure you get settled and are all right."
"You don't have to I am fine and Jesse will be a mother hen over me anyway."
"Yes little girl I do cause I still think I should have forced you go to the hospital. So the least I am going to do is make sure you are all tucked in and safe. So no fighting me on that one little girl do you understand?"
"All right I understand and thank you for every thing you have done. And well I was thinking that then why don't you and Glen just crash at Jesse and my place? There are a couple of guest bedrooms that aren't in uses you guys could use them. I mean with all you did for us that the least we can do for you all."
Mark glances over at Stevie who looks back at him though the lights are killing her head. He smiles and nods his head yes at her.
"That would actually be real nice then we could catch a few hours sleep before heading on out for our drive home. And I could make sure you are all right too before we do."
"Good then that settled and maybe it would give Glen and Jesse a little time to get to know each other."
"Yes Stevie it would and maybe I can get to know you a little better too? That is if that would be all right with you?"
"Maybe Mark and actually that might be nice. So do you have big plans this week that you have to rush to get home too?"
"Nope all we are getting home to is maybe doing some unpacking that we been putting off since we moved in. That and finding someone to maybe help us decorate the place. It still got that all white wall thing going. Then next weekend we are heading out to Mississippi for next weeks shows."
Stevie bites her lip thinking for a moment and leans back closing her eyes again this time because she doesn't want Mark to see the hope in her eyes as she gets up the nerve to do what she never has before. Mark sense she is nervous and glances over at her but waits for her to say what she going too.
"Well if you're not in a hurry, if you want to stick around a few days maybe I could show you a little bit of Chicago as a thank you for all you have done. You and Glen could stay at the house with Jesse and me."
Mark grins and can hear the hope she is trying to hide in her voice and takes a breath before responding hoping to hide some of his happiness's at her asking.
"I would have to talk to Glen but I doubt that he would have a problem with sticking around for a few days and it might be fun. We don't usually get to see a lot of a town where we do shows and I would love to see a little bit of Chicago little girl. But little girl, that is only if you and Jesse really don't mind us being at your house for the couple of day."
"Really Mark I would make sure it fun we could check out some of the great sites. And I know Jesse wouldn't mind."
Stevie sits up without thinking and has to reach out to grip the dash board with her other hand to stop from hitting it with her face as she gets dizzy. Mark reaches out and moves her to settle back against the back of the seat.
"Easy there little girl I want you well enough to show me around so first thing you just sit there and relax. And then after we all get some sleep we can talk about what to go and see or do."
"All right that sounds like a good plan. And I know Jesse has no trips or major meeting this week so she will be free too."
"How do you know that little one?"
"Easy Mark I been organizing her life for the last five years or more. She was one of my first clients when I started my first business. She was starting hers about the same time or was trying to keep it going. Jesse is one of the most unorganized people I have ever met. She is a great person but sucks at keeping track of where she supposed to be and at what time, so I keep her going."
"Maybe I should hire you to do that for Glen and even me some cause we keep losing signings and getting into trouble. You seen his system with his little bits of papers in his wallet do you think you can help him?"
"Like I told you if you want I can organize any one. Maybe while you are at the house the next couple of days we can take a look at his and your schedules and see how I can help if you want."
"I think that would be a good idea Stevie do you charge lots for your organizing services?"
"Yes I am very expensive, but being you saved me I think I can maybe work a deal for you two."
Mark looks over and sees the smile on her lip and knows she is joking with him and this makes him laugh out right a good hardy laugh.
"Well then we will sit down and talk about what you can do for me. I mean us then later this week."
Stevie peeks a quick glance at Mark who cheeks have blushed a little and then closes her eyes.
"Oh and Mark if you really are looking to find some one who decorates you might want to have Jesse show you her books. She is great at what she does. Just don't give her freedom on colors."
"Glen and I will do that but why not freedom on colors? I mean if she good she must do well with colors right?"
"Well you will see when we get to my house. Not that she bad but she does have a bit of a wild side to her sometimes. Though with our house I did tell her do what she wanted cause that her things not mine at all."
"Really Stevie she has a bit of a wild side? What about you little girls do you have a bit of a wild side?"
"Me? I don't know Jesse says I am too serious and reserved that I need to loosen up. Hell she going to be shocked just with the fact I have invites you two to stay a few days. That why she painted our house the colors she did because she says I need a wild side. Or neighbors didn't like it and tried to sue us so we would have to paint it normal."
"Didn't work I am gathering?"
"Well let's say when pushed I can be a bit of a bitch or am learning to be. Another thing is that I won't be told how to live my life not even if it just the colors of our house."
"Now you have me intrigued to see this house. I have all kinds of colors running through my mind now"
"Just wait to you see it you will know it a block away I promise you that. And when we get there if Jesse has Glen, park your truck on the right of the driveway the door opener is right above you. You can pull it right into the garage for me on the left.
"Not a problem sweetheart. Oh but I am having trouble seeing you as a bitch sorry little girl you're too sweet. Even if you do have what looks like a great punch when you want too or could have if you where taught how to put more power behind it."
"Trust me Mark I am a bitch when my back is against the wall. And shit I wish I knew how to put more into my punch. But only when I really need it like with Johnny and some of the assholes out there because I am tired of them."
Mark hears the hurt in her voice and squeezes her hand.
"Well little girl maybe after your not dizzy and can see again, maybe then I can help you with a few pointers on how to hit with more force."
"Really Mark you would do that?"
"Yes little girl for self-defense purposes I would gladly do that for you. Hell maybe even I can even show you a wrestling move or two that might work for you."
Stevie looks up at him her eyes going open and wide. Mark looks over and laughs softly.
"Now you're just teasing me Mark Callaway. And you know I don't know anything about wrestling."
"Nope I am not Stevie Nick Skynard. I thinking maybe teaching you a few moves so you can get away would be a good ideal. Or better yet teach you to tombstone them so they leave you alone. And maybe if you will let me I will teach you a little about wrestling so you know what it is."
"A tombstone, now why do I get a feeling that that got to hurt? And I would love for you to teach me about wrestling because of it being part of you Mark. But some thing tells me I don't think I am going to like parts of it. Especially the parts where the chair, and ladders come in that you where talking about earlier. I don't think I am going to want to see you hit with things."
Mark laughs and squeezes Stevie hand again gently.
"Darling what don't want to see me bleeding or hurting?"
"No I don't Mark. I like you too much and would be scared or worried. Silly I know but guess that me. But I would like to know about what you do if you really wanted me to know about it."
"I would love to show you what wrestling is if you really would like to know."
"I would love too Mark."
"Well then I will be your teacher little girl."
"I think this will be fun Mark. Thank you."
"You're welcome now before we get to your house how about that information on Jesse? After all I still want some on you too."
"That right I am sorry I forgot I think it this headache, it making it hard to remember. Or to even keep a train of thoughts going in one way."
Mark looks over once more worried at her. She quickly opens her eyes and reaches her other hand out to rest it on his arm.
"Don't worry I have always been like this too though so lets see what I should tell you about Jesse. I guess one thing you or he will never have to worry about Jesse is that she is going after any one for their money or power. All she wants from someone is that she be accepted for what she is and does and not to be asked to stop. Not to be someone trophy. She been that already and hated it so much she gave him half of what she had earned on her own even before the marriage. Oh and she pays alimony to him so she been taken too and hurt."
"What a bastard to do that to a woman."
"Yeah he was a bastard and seems there are both men and woman who doing it. And that wasn't even the worst of him. Bastard belittled her and tried to make her feel like shit every chance he got. He even hired a decorator to come in and do their house while she was away on a job. After she had done it and it was supposed to be in a magazine. He told them he hated her style or lack of. He tried to ruin her business and for a bit he almost did. That caused her to feel worthless and she turned to booze and drugs. Till she realized it was get out or lose every thing including her self."
Mark growls some and shakes his head.
"Now what a bunch of bullshit that is. But she was able to turn it all around?"
"Yeah Mark she did turn it all around. Which including the drugs and booze though she and I both have dipped into those demons. And some times they try to come back but we fight for what is right. Some day though she wants a family and a husband who will support her in backing her not money wise."
Stevie moves some so she can see his eyes as she says they. He looks down and nods some.
"We have all had trouble Stevie and we all fight demons. Some times it easier with a good friend or friends."
"That true Mark. So there you have it that my best friend Jesse. If there anything else I really don't know what to tell you."
"Sounds like you covered it all Stevie. I think her and Glen could be good for each other."
She leans back and closes her eye bring her other hand up to rub her temple.
"So let's see what to tell you about me?"
"You don't have to Mark in less you want too."
"I want you to know about me little girl just not sure what to tell you."
"How about just the basics Mark because we don't have too much time before we get to mine and Jesse house."
"All right then I better talk fast because I want to hear about you too."
Stevie laughs open her eyes. She watches Mark's truck swerve and has to laugh again when Mark mutter."
"Damn it Glen stop kissing her and keep your damn mind and my truck on the road."
"Mark, why don't you tell me about yourself so you aren't thinking about killing him so you keep my bird on the road please?
Mark laughs and nods.
"Fine then I will tell you about myself in less then one hundred words. And then I will do the same.
"All right Mark."
"Let's see I know you know I am a wrestler and have been for over 20 years. So I guess I will tell you I been married twice and divorced. I wasn't what could keep them happy. The first wanted me home more and the second wanted to be in my glory. I have 3 children. The first is a son with my first wife. He lives in Georgia. I get to see him but seem to never be enough. The second wife and I have two daughters. She was for a part working with me and Glen till she got pregnant. I didn't want her out there after so she stayed home and pissed at me. By the time I wanted her to travel again she was pregnant again. So we both drifted and she took me for what she could. My little girls live 30 minutes from me but she is fighting me on seeing the. They live in our home in Texas and I did cheat on her. We actually cheated on each other. I cheated with a woman for work who wanted what I could get her. She got some but I got smart and we broke it off. And that about all I have to say. I mean I know there more and if you ask I will tell Stevie. But that what I can that you about me in a couple hundred words or less."
"Sounds fair Mark but also sounds as if you have been hurt too."
"I have and I have turned to booze and pills to ease my pains too Stevie. To handle both the physical and the emotional pain of everything but Glen help me get straight."
"Glad he was there for you then. And it sucks you got screwed over so bad. Kids should have their dad."
"Yeah well I fucked up too. So now Stevie your turn, give me who Stevie Nick Skynard is in a few hundred words."
"Sure why not seems you already know some of the important parts of what is me. I don't have any kids. I work for myself and put most my time into my two business. I have turned to substances for comfort. I have not to good taste or luck with men. I was born in a jail but never been back since. I have a brother and father both doing time for murder. I watched my mother killed when I was a kid. I have been married twice in my life. Once to a Chicago Cop who though of me as his property and not his wife. I was sixteen at the time and though I had met the man who would love me for life. I got a black eye for wedding present for getting my first tattoo. It was of a small white dove and the dates we where married. It now is a bleeding white dove. My second husband was a rich and famous Chicago businessman who didn't realize I loved only him not his money or his power. I never fit in but that does not matter now. I have been pregnant once but he causes me to lose that child but not my life which would have been easier. It wasn't meant to be I guess. I put things behind me and move on and that basically me."
She says this so clinical that Mark looks over to see that her eyes are closed but that there are a few tears on her cheek. Mark watches her for a few second wondering if she has ever gotten over things. Unsure what to say he is silent for a second finally Stevie talks.
"So there what you wanted I hope. If not ask me what you want tomorrow but right now this head is killing me."
"Sounds good and fair little girl other then you have tattoos?
"Yes I actually have about a dozen and want a lot more. What about you Mark do you have any tattoos?"
"I sure do darling I will show you them later if you want?"
"I would love that Mark. I got a thing about tattoos and even drew two of mine."
"Then we will show and tell later."
Mark looks up and sees Glen pulling into a driveway and starts to laugh.
"Wow your house is black and red?"
Stevie laughs and opens her eyes seeing Glen parking in the right side of the driveway and nods.
"That would be correct and that is mine an Jesse house. If you pull into the left you can put the bird right in the garage and then we can go right in threw to the kitchen door."
"Sure thing little darling I can do that for you. And I will have to admit I can't wait to see what colors she used on the inside?"
"Some are regular and some well you have to see to believe."
Mark pulls up next to his truck and sees Jesse and Glen kissing and laughs. Stevie shakes her head and grins. She then moves some and reaches over Mark head and hits the button for the garage door which causes Glen and Jesse to pull back for a second. They grin over at Mark and Stevie. Stevie points to the garage and then sits back as pain hits her hard and bites a moan back. Mark frowns and pulls in stopping the car and turning it off. He turns to Stevie and looks at her noticing she is pale and looking sick. She goes to reach for the door which Glen opens up because Stevie can. He and Jesse have walked into the garage after locking Mark truck and up to her side of the Trans Am.. Mark gets out and comes around just as Stevie pulls herself out. Mark takes a step toward her as she turns toward him looking at him and tries to smile. She does this and then she passes out cold. Stevie would have hit the garage floor if Glen hadn't reached out and grabbed her picking her up and then handing her to a concerned Mark. They follow Jesse up to the kitchen door and on in completely in silence. Jesse leads them to Stevie bedroom.