A Tale Of Two Popstars, chapter 33
What do you do when you find out that maybe everything you’d convinced yourself of was wrong? That maybe you’d been ignoring the right thing all along? What do you do when you’re faced with the reality? That whatever you thought before was nothing like what this was now. What do you do when you know that in one spontaneous impulse you have decided what you couldn’t commit to before? That you thought you had fallen but you hadn’t realized until that moment you were way more than that; you’d been drowning the entire time. What do you do when you’re uncertain? Because when he asked her what it meant and she asked him if things changed, the answers were unknown. What do you do?
Was it complicated? Damn straight. Was she going to mess this up? Maybe. Was he? Possibly. Was it worth it? Hell yes. If anything else, even amongst the questions and doubt, that’s all that really mattered in the end wasn’t it? It was worth it to know what this whole thing was going to turn out to be. In the end the smiles would make up for the tears. In the end all those face-to-face conversations would replace those long distance phone calls. In the end the person would replace those pictures. In the end things would be simple. Because you know in the end love is simple. It’s just that. Love.
For the first time in a long time, things were as they should be. It felt right. Not perfect. Right. And you didn’t mess with right did you? No way. Especially when what you had started out with was wrong. No need for perfection. Perfection was an illusion, and Stef had finally discovered what Billie Joe had already figured out long ago, they were anything but. They were real, so very real. They were as real as anything she had ever known.
So what do you do then? What do you do when you’ve got two people dealing with their careers, with their mistakes, with their feelings, and with their options? Well, you do the only thing you can do. You try. Try to see if this would last. Try to see how far you could go with it. Try to see if you could cope. Try to make this ending not like the ones you had before. Try to prove to each other that this was the right decision. Try to acknowledge that in the end though it might have started out as an accident, maybe it wasn’t one after all. Try to make this relationship work. Because despite the pain, despite the hurt, you couldn’t deny that you needed it to. It was as plain and easy as that Stef C needed Billie Joe Armstrong, and Billie Joe Armstrong needed Stef C. So that’s what they did try. There was no other way. There was no other option. You stuck. You kept. You breathed.
*******************************
Inhale. Time to reflect. Time to bask. Time to live. Stef had made up her mind. She had finally succumbed to what she had fought all along. And so was it no wonder that amidst it all she needed to leave the scrutiny? Disappear? Not really. Not surprising. She wanted to relish in the fact that this was no pretend; there were no cameras, no photographers, and no practiced smiles. She wanted normalcy in their chaotic world for once. She wanted her breathing room. She wanted Billie Joe and Stef, and she was going to get it.
“Karelin Marie!�
“Stef Rose!�
“K. I promise nothing will happen to your house.�
“That’s what you said the last time and you burned down my kitchen.�
“I did not burn down your kitchen!� Stef protested. She bit her fingernail. “I just singed a couple of potholders.�
“You caused a grease fire in my oven Stef.�
“I put it out didn’t I?�
“No.�
“K you’re not even going to be in Horsham by tomorrow! The three of you are going to Hawaii! Don’t you need a house sitter anyway?�
“No.�
“Pretty please.�
“No.�
“Cherry on top.�
“You have your own house!�
“But they’ll look for us there.�
“How about disappearing to some remote island then?�
“We spend way too much time in hotels already! This is my time for normality! Come on! I swear your house will look exactly the same as you left it.�
“I don’t know.�
“Exactly the same…�
“Well. I suppose since you’re technically not going to be—�
Stef’s squeal of delight cut her off. “You are the best!�
“Stef that house is brand new. I don’t care if we are related, you burn it down and I will come after you,� Kara warned on the other side of the line.
“It will be exactly the same,� Stef repeated her earlier statement.
“You’re watering my plants.�
“Tell Lily and Dave I said hi.�
“Feeding the dog.�
“Love you.�
“And do not go near my oven.�
*****************************
Hyperventalation. So like them. Before her, in glossy black and white was a Rolling Stone photo inlay of Stef and Billie Joe smiling at each other like they had just shared some big secret that nobody else was going to be let in on. It was fitting. They’d gone off and disappeared and hadn’t told anyone. It was one thing for Stef to slip away in between tour dates and miss an interview, but when Billie Joe hadn’t shown up for his promotion either, all hell had broken lose. Coupled with rumors that this pop marriage was on the rocks and they were headed for separation and gossip columns that said Stef was pregnant, this was insanity. She slammed down the magazine.
“Shit.�
Emma pressed her head against the wood of her desk, feeling the beginning of a headache take shape courtesy of two pesky popstars. This was so god damn usual. Her hand shot out fumbling for the aspirin bottle. Of course she was unable to locate it before the damn buzzer rang again leaving her no time for recovery. What was new? She pressed the button to answer without lifting her head. “Yeah?�
“Emma, Karen from Entertainment Weekly is on deck. Jeff from The New York Times is on line two. I’ve still got Ron from Rolling Stone on hold on one. Nora from MTV is on line three. She’s been waiting for a while and she’s getting antsy. Gemma from The Daily Mirror is on line four. Chris from People Weekly is on five. Mike from the Associated Press wants to know if he can get any comments from the other guys. I’ve got Entertainment Tonight on six asking if there is any possibility they can get the first exclusive. Stef C’s manager Jeanne is on seven and you’re going to get a kick out of this…I’ve got all the members of Green Day minus Billie Joe of course on line eight.�
Emma let out a heated sigh. She lifted her head and leaned forward towards the speakerphone. “Everyone gets the standard no comment. If they push say that if we have a statement we’ll make one later and they’ll know it. You can tell ET we’ll contemplate their offer but right now we don’t have anything to give them. I’ll talk to Jeanne, but after the boys, so tell her to hold on a minute but that I probably know just as much as she does. And Gina when the lines free up IF they free up can you get me a coffee, black, I’m dying here.� Emma’s eyes landed on her elusive aspirin bottle, finding it hidden underneath that issue of Rolling Stone she had slammed down earlier. No wonder she couldn’t get it before. She snatched it. “You haven’t by some miracle gotten a hold of Billie Joe or Stef have you?� she asked messing with the cap. Damn child safety proof for making it more difficult for her to open the darn thing in her state of mind.
“Nope. Still not answering their cell phones.�
“You tried both sets? Billie Joe carries two.�
“Just getting voicemail.�
Emma stopped fiddling with the bottle cap for a moment at the update. “Well keep trying. One of them is going to have to stop ignoring me sooner or later. And when they do make sure to put them through immediately. I don’t care who’s on hold or who I’m talking too. I’ll be damned if they disappear without warning and leave me here with all the dirty work. I think I’m going to have a heart attack and I am way too young to die.� She worked at the cap again, finally able to twist it open after her first several attempts. She tilted that aspirin bottle quickly. Nothing. It was empty of course. Her day was just getting better. She contemplated banging her head on her desk. But that would make the pain worse wouldn’t it? Damn it. “You know what Gina? Now that I think about it, cross them off my Christmas list. I’ve done enough for those two the past eight months to never have to buy them a thing again. I’m the one they should be buying for.� Emma trashed the bottle. “And locate some aspirin too? Pronto.�
Her assistant chuckled. “You got it boss.�
Emma placed her headset back on preparing for the onslaught of talking she was going to have to suffer through. “Now explain to me how in the hell it is possible that both the other Green Day guys are on line eight?�
*****************************
Oxygen. He still had to remind himself to breathe whenever he watched her sleep. It never failed. Even in the beginning it couldn’t be helped. Somehow the air would just catch in his throat as soon as his eyes fell on her. With her hair spread all around, those long eyelashes pressed against that smooth skin, her chest rising in falling with every breath, god she looked like an angel. Oxygen. Every. Single. Time.
He couldn’t comprehend how one person could affect him like that by just being. But she did. And she was there lying in his arms. She was his. His angel. He couldn’t help but pull her tighter to him, breathing her in. Vanilla. It was always vanilla.
“Almost there?� her voice broke through suddenly, as she stirred in his arms.
Billie Joe brushed back the stray pieces of hair that had fallen from her face at the movement. “Almost,� he answered softly, lightly tracing a finger down her cheek just to make sure she was really here with him.
Stef yawned a little. “Emma is probably going insane right now.�
Billie Joe chuckled. “Probably.�
“You think we should call?� she asked softly, still a bit tired.
“Maybe when we get there, then it’ll be too late to go back.�
Stef absently played with his shirt. “You know she’s going to kill us for just disappearing like this without warning anybody.�
“Well she’ll just have to wait to do it. I haven’t seen you in a month.�
Sighing she snuggled closer to him. “Feels like longer.�
“Know what that means though?�
She lifted her eyes up to meet his. “What?�
“I missed you more.�
Stef blushed at the words. “You think you are so smooth.�
He leaned down. “Red and you fit together Stevie,� he whispered right before she swatted him playfully.
“Now I’m remembering why I didn’t miss you.�
“But you did miss me.�
Stef smiled then, her eyes drifting to their hands, lying there side by side. She reached out to trace his wedding band with the same finger that held hers. Real. Billie Joe and Stef. The thought made her feel warm all over. “Billie Joe?�
“Hmm?� he responded as his fingers lightly trailed up and down her arm.
Stef pressed a cheek against his chest. “I love you.�
Complexity finally gave way to simplicity. “I love you.�
He kissed the top of her forehead. “I love you too.�
And it was true, in the end, nothing else mattered.
*****************************
Exhale. Freedom. Truth. Reality. That's where they found it. It was waiting for them when they arrived, resting on the kitchen island, propped up against a single black video cassette tape, and surrounded by an array of take out menus. A simple black pen scrawl across the front. A quick note.
Two things about yourself you should know Stef.
1) Despite what you might believe you’ve never been able to hold your alcohol
2) You’ve never been able to keep a secret from me to save your life. Even with Billie Joe’s help you’re still awful at it.
So knowing that let me share two things about me.
1) I’m not stupid.
2) I’m just as good as pretending as you are.
Yes. You read right. I know all about what happened in Las Vegas, Stef C Armstrong. Don’t be so shocked. And yes before you think it I had every intention of saying something when I got there, but after I saw you two together I changed my mind.
So I left this tape for you. I thought you might want to watch this. I was actually going to send it just in case you staYed stubborn. It shows what you should have already known from day one and just finally figured out. Good thing you took my advice for once and got out of denial. I was afraid I was going to have to give you another metaphorical speech. Though you know you might hear one from mom. Since I’m on a roll here, more advice from one sister to another… You better let them meet Billie Joe soon or you’re never going to hear the end of it.
Remember don’t forget to water the plants and feed the dog. And call Emma will you? She seems frantic. I told her I had no idea where you were. You so owe me. Give my love to Billie Joe.
--K
P.S. Do not burn the kitchen down.
___________________________________
Stef adjusted the headphones. “I’m so sorry that I couldn’t make it in yesterday Jojo. But I thought of a way I could make it up to everyone. I brought in a bribe so I wouldn’t get in too much trouble.
“Well from where I’m sitting I’d predict definite forgiveness,� Jojo commented as
Stef turned and smiled at Billie Joe sitting beside her.
He leaned into the microphone. “Hey LA.�
The switchboard lit up like a Christmas tree.
“I think the listeners know what that bribe is. The lights are all blinking here. It looks like we got tons of calls coming through let me go ahead and answer at least one of them… Hey you’re on the air!�
“OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! AM I REALLY ON?�
“You’re definitely on sweetie,� Stef answered amused at the girl’s excitement.
“OH MY GOD STEF?�
“That would be her name. What’s yours darling?� Jojo chuckled as the caller continued rambling
“It’s Melissa… I can’t believe I got through… JOJO I listen to the show all the time...�
“So glad somebody is! You want to take a guess who Stef brought with her?�
“Stef OH MY GOD is BILLIE JOE there with you?�
Stef took a sip of her water in front of her, biting back a laugh as Billie Joe covered her microphone with his hand and spoke into his. “I hope so,� he said.
The scream was deafening.
“Whoa. Someone’s excited. Want to ask him something Melissa?� Jojo teased.
“Yeah, yeah umm… What are you doing in LA?�
“Following around my woman.�
Stef snickered at the comment. Billie Joe nudged her with his elbow. “Stef and I have promotions and meetings this week. Unfortunately I’m not here to relax. I’m working,� he finished.
Melissa giggled and Jo-Jo cut in. “Hang on the line Melissa we’re going to hook you up with some free stuff okay.� He smiled at the two popstars in front of him as he cut off the call. “If you didn’t catch on with all that commotion folks I’ve got a two-for-one interview today. I’m here with pop’s power couple, Billie Joe Armstrong and Stef C, and I am forced to ask can life get any better for you two? Billie Joe’s got a new album coming out with his group. Stef you’ve got a headline tour coming up. You guys are all love and happiness.�
“Well when you put it that way it almost seems like it can’t!� Billie Joe noted.
Stef laughed. “Honestly.�
“Seriously now you guys! I mean Billie Joe my man you have got the career and the girl. I’m jealous here. I mean this is Stef C we’re talking about.�
Stef leaned into the microphone, opening her mouth to speak but Billie Joe beat her to it. “I know what can I say? She’s definitely a keeper.�
Jojo chuckled. “And with that confession right there we’re going to go to a quick break and then we’ll be back with more music and more with the lucky Billie Joe Armstrong and Stef C. Keep it locked here.�
_____________________________________
October 4
You know people think this life is so glamorous.
It is and it isn’t. You’ve got the glitz every now and then. But about ¾ of the time you’re doing things that aren’t glamorous. In the end this is a job. It’s not all fun and games. People told me that when I first got into this, and you know I didn’t believe them. But it’s true. It is harder than you expect. You’ve got to make a lot of sacrifices to live out your dream. Lots of things you have to do to keep it up. I love what I do. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else, I wouldn’t give this up for anything…but it definitely has its prices…its moments…Stef tilts her head. You have this persona I think. You become your career almost. I don’t think people see that part. That at the end of the day…in the end you know when the cameras are off…we’re just us. It turns off. There is no Billie Joe Green Day and Stef C. We’re just Billie Joe and Stef. And that’s what I love the most. Stef bites her lip. I love us.
_____________________________________
"You okay?"
Stef turned from her gaze out the window and sighed before resting her head on Billie Joe's shoulder.
He kissed her forehead. "Crazy huh?"
"A little."
"We'll be home before you know it."
She nuzzled against Billie Joe’s neck seeking comfort. "I know."
_____________________________________
You know what I hate about being a “celebrity�. You get to this point where people make you seem larger than life.
You’re not.
You live your life in the public eye but in the end you’re just like everyone else. And I think a lot of people are surprised to find that when we’re not doing things related to our careers we’re just doing everyday things. We aren’t meeting up with other famous people. We aren’t going to all these parties or doing anything that wild and outrageous. Honestly those are the last things I want to be doing. When you’re working you’re working. When you’re not, you’re not.
_____________________________________
“What popstars do on their down time...ooh primo parking spot up front Billie Joe…get it…See that MTV…� Stef pointed to the grocery store in front of her. “We live an exciting life. We’re going grocery shopping,� she explained as Billie Joe and she headed towards the bright lights of the store. “And I’m sad to say that it’s something we haven’t done in a while.�
“Because we’re lazy…� Billie Joe said as he grabbed a shopping cart.
“But now we’re out of food so we’re forced too, and you lucky people at home get to partake in our errands.�
“We should just head to the frozen food section,� Billie Joe remarked as they weaved into the aisle.
“Fine dining. You become a multi-platinum recording artist and you too can buy frozen,� Stef joked as Billie Joe dropped something into the cart. “Baby I thought we were buying real food.�
“Popsicles are real food.�
_____________________________________
You know the best parts of my life are spent doing what most people would take for granted. The times where you can just sit at home or go to a movie. Stef and I are like that you know? We’re just normal, nothing that flashy. We’re…Stef and Billie Joe…Billie Joe looks straight into the camera. We’re real.
Just real.
_____________________________________
“Best feature? Oh gosh.� Stef turned to face Billie Joe. “That’s a good question…Ummm…�
“You like how she’s taking a LONG time to answer this one,� Billie Joe said pointedly, chastising Stef for her inability to answer.
Stef laughed. “But there are just so many great things about you sweetie,� she defended.
“So name one already so I don’t feel all inadequate and pathetic because my wife can’t name one,� Billie Joe whined playfully.
“Well…he has a nice smile.�
Billie Joe groaned. “Stevie. All that time and that’s the best you can come up with? That’s it?�
“What do you mean that’s it? The smile should be rendered illegal Billie Joe.� Stef turned to the camera. “You all agree right? The boy is like walking charm. I swear it. He flashes a smile and suddenly people are just letting him get away with everything.� She turned back to Billie Joe, letting out a squeal when Billie Joe kissed the top of her nose.
“I like your nose.�
“Now who’s the one coming up with lame answers?� Stef remarked.
“It’s cute.�
“It’s cute? I had a better explanation than it’s cute.�
“You’re cute.� Billie Joe smiled at her.
Stef fell back against the sofa dramatically. “See what I mean about that smile?� She lifted herself back up. “Now I’m going to believe that the statement was the best compliment I ever heard in my entire life.� She grinned and turned to Billie Joe. “So I’m cute huh?�
“Very,� Billie Joe clarified.
Stef traced his nose with her finger. “I’m not taking back my answer. I still like your smile best,� she said, her finger landing on his lips. He kissed it.
“Or maybe I like your lips…� Stef trailed off.
“Because I’m a good kisser,� Billie Joe taunted.
Stef’s jaw dropped. “I can’t believe you just said that!�
“Admit it Stef,�
She gave him a look and then faced frontward. “Secrets revealed only on MTV. Billie Joe Armstrong is the BEST kisser in the whole wide world,� she said dryly “And I’d just like to point out that this proves he really does have a big ego,� she added smirking. She stared up over the cameras. “He’s giving me that look isn’t he?� she asked.
Voices in the background affirmed the obvious.
Billie Joe started tickling her. “Billie Joe…we’re not going to finish…if you keep doing that,� she said in between giggles. “Then take that one back Mrs. Armstrong,� he said stopping.
Stef didn’t bat an eyelash. “Okay fine. Mr. Armstrong, you’re not the best kisser in the whole wide world.�
“Do you see what I have to put up with?� Billie Joe cracked jokingly, and pointed to the woman beside him.
She planted a kiss on his cheek. “You can’t hate me Billie Joe. You LOVE me. Me and my cute nose.�
He smiled. “That so?�
“You love me…� Stef sing-songed.
Billie Joe leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips. She pressed her forehead against his for a moment, and then she turned and smiled at the cameras.
Stef winked at the cameras. “Alright I admit it. Nobody kisses like Billie Joe Armstrong.�
And with that said the screen faded to black.
*THE END*
Was it complicated? Damn straight. Was she going to mess this up? Maybe. Was he? Possibly. Was it worth it? Hell yes. If anything else, even amongst the questions and doubt, that’s all that really mattered in the end wasn’t it? It was worth it to know what this whole thing was going to turn out to be. In the end the smiles would make up for the tears. In the end all those face-to-face conversations would replace those long distance phone calls. In the end the person would replace those pictures. In the end things would be simple. Because you know in the end love is simple. It’s just that. Love.
For the first time in a long time, things were as they should be. It felt right. Not perfect. Right. And you didn’t mess with right did you? No way. Especially when what you had started out with was wrong. No need for perfection. Perfection was an illusion, and Stef had finally discovered what Billie Joe had already figured out long ago, they were anything but. They were real, so very real. They were as real as anything she had ever known.
So what do you do then? What do you do when you’ve got two people dealing with their careers, with their mistakes, with their feelings, and with their options? Well, you do the only thing you can do. You try. Try to see if this would last. Try to see how far you could go with it. Try to see if you could cope. Try to make this ending not like the ones you had before. Try to prove to each other that this was the right decision. Try to acknowledge that in the end though it might have started out as an accident, maybe it wasn’t one after all. Try to make this relationship work. Because despite the pain, despite the hurt, you couldn’t deny that you needed it to. It was as plain and easy as that Stef C needed Billie Joe Armstrong, and Billie Joe Armstrong needed Stef C. So that’s what they did try. There was no other way. There was no other option. You stuck. You kept. You breathed.
*******************************
Inhale. Time to reflect. Time to bask. Time to live. Stef had made up her mind. She had finally succumbed to what she had fought all along. And so was it no wonder that amidst it all she needed to leave the scrutiny? Disappear? Not really. Not surprising. She wanted to relish in the fact that this was no pretend; there were no cameras, no photographers, and no practiced smiles. She wanted normalcy in their chaotic world for once. She wanted her breathing room. She wanted Billie Joe and Stef, and she was going to get it.
“Karelin Marie!�
“Stef Rose!�
“K. I promise nothing will happen to your house.�
“That’s what you said the last time and you burned down my kitchen.�
“I did not burn down your kitchen!� Stef protested. She bit her fingernail. “I just singed a couple of potholders.�
“You caused a grease fire in my oven Stef.�
“I put it out didn’t I?�
“No.�
“K you’re not even going to be in Horsham by tomorrow! The three of you are going to Hawaii! Don’t you need a house sitter anyway?�
“No.�
“Pretty please.�
“No.�
“Cherry on top.�
“You have your own house!�
“But they’ll look for us there.�
“How about disappearing to some remote island then?�
“We spend way too much time in hotels already! This is my time for normality! Come on! I swear your house will look exactly the same as you left it.�
“I don’t know.�
“Exactly the same…�
“Well. I suppose since you’re technically not going to be—�
Stef’s squeal of delight cut her off. “You are the best!�
“Stef that house is brand new. I don’t care if we are related, you burn it down and I will come after you,� Kara warned on the other side of the line.
“It will be exactly the same,� Stef repeated her earlier statement.
“You’re watering my plants.�
“Tell Lily and Dave I said hi.�
“Feeding the dog.�
“Love you.�
“And do not go near my oven.�
*****************************
Hyperventalation. So like them. Before her, in glossy black and white was a Rolling Stone photo inlay of Stef and Billie Joe smiling at each other like they had just shared some big secret that nobody else was going to be let in on. It was fitting. They’d gone off and disappeared and hadn’t told anyone. It was one thing for Stef to slip away in between tour dates and miss an interview, but when Billie Joe hadn’t shown up for his promotion either, all hell had broken lose. Coupled with rumors that this pop marriage was on the rocks and they were headed for separation and gossip columns that said Stef was pregnant, this was insanity. She slammed down the magazine.
“Shit.�
Emma pressed her head against the wood of her desk, feeling the beginning of a headache take shape courtesy of two pesky popstars. This was so god damn usual. Her hand shot out fumbling for the aspirin bottle. Of course she was unable to locate it before the damn buzzer rang again leaving her no time for recovery. What was new? She pressed the button to answer without lifting her head. “Yeah?�
“Emma, Karen from Entertainment Weekly is on deck. Jeff from The New York Times is on line two. I’ve still got Ron from Rolling Stone on hold on one. Nora from MTV is on line three. She’s been waiting for a while and she’s getting antsy. Gemma from The Daily Mirror is on line four. Chris from People Weekly is on five. Mike from the Associated Press wants to know if he can get any comments from the other guys. I’ve got Entertainment Tonight on six asking if there is any possibility they can get the first exclusive. Stef C’s manager Jeanne is on seven and you’re going to get a kick out of this…I’ve got all the members of Green Day minus Billie Joe of course on line eight.�
Emma let out a heated sigh. She lifted her head and leaned forward towards the speakerphone. “Everyone gets the standard no comment. If they push say that if we have a statement we’ll make one later and they’ll know it. You can tell ET we’ll contemplate their offer but right now we don’t have anything to give them. I’ll talk to Jeanne, but after the boys, so tell her to hold on a minute but that I probably know just as much as she does. And Gina when the lines free up IF they free up can you get me a coffee, black, I’m dying here.� Emma’s eyes landed on her elusive aspirin bottle, finding it hidden underneath that issue of Rolling Stone she had slammed down earlier. No wonder she couldn’t get it before. She snatched it. “You haven’t by some miracle gotten a hold of Billie Joe or Stef have you?� she asked messing with the cap. Damn child safety proof for making it more difficult for her to open the darn thing in her state of mind.
“Nope. Still not answering their cell phones.�
“You tried both sets? Billie Joe carries two.�
“Just getting voicemail.�
Emma stopped fiddling with the bottle cap for a moment at the update. “Well keep trying. One of them is going to have to stop ignoring me sooner or later. And when they do make sure to put them through immediately. I don’t care who’s on hold or who I’m talking too. I’ll be damned if they disappear without warning and leave me here with all the dirty work. I think I’m going to have a heart attack and I am way too young to die.� She worked at the cap again, finally able to twist it open after her first several attempts. She tilted that aspirin bottle quickly. Nothing. It was empty of course. Her day was just getting better. She contemplated banging her head on her desk. But that would make the pain worse wouldn’t it? Damn it. “You know what Gina? Now that I think about it, cross them off my Christmas list. I’ve done enough for those two the past eight months to never have to buy them a thing again. I’m the one they should be buying for.� Emma trashed the bottle. “And locate some aspirin too? Pronto.�
Her assistant chuckled. “You got it boss.�
Emma placed her headset back on preparing for the onslaught of talking she was going to have to suffer through. “Now explain to me how in the hell it is possible that both the other Green Day guys are on line eight?�
*****************************
Oxygen. He still had to remind himself to breathe whenever he watched her sleep. It never failed. Even in the beginning it couldn’t be helped. Somehow the air would just catch in his throat as soon as his eyes fell on her. With her hair spread all around, those long eyelashes pressed against that smooth skin, her chest rising in falling with every breath, god she looked like an angel. Oxygen. Every. Single. Time.
He couldn’t comprehend how one person could affect him like that by just being. But she did. And she was there lying in his arms. She was his. His angel. He couldn’t help but pull her tighter to him, breathing her in. Vanilla. It was always vanilla.
“Almost there?� her voice broke through suddenly, as she stirred in his arms.
Billie Joe brushed back the stray pieces of hair that had fallen from her face at the movement. “Almost,� he answered softly, lightly tracing a finger down her cheek just to make sure she was really here with him.
Stef yawned a little. “Emma is probably going insane right now.�
Billie Joe chuckled. “Probably.�
“You think we should call?� she asked softly, still a bit tired.
“Maybe when we get there, then it’ll be too late to go back.�
Stef absently played with his shirt. “You know she’s going to kill us for just disappearing like this without warning anybody.�
“Well she’ll just have to wait to do it. I haven’t seen you in a month.�
Sighing she snuggled closer to him. “Feels like longer.�
“Know what that means though?�
She lifted her eyes up to meet his. “What?�
“I missed you more.�
Stef blushed at the words. “You think you are so smooth.�
He leaned down. “Red and you fit together Stevie,� he whispered right before she swatted him playfully.
“Now I’m remembering why I didn’t miss you.�
“But you did miss me.�
Stef smiled then, her eyes drifting to their hands, lying there side by side. She reached out to trace his wedding band with the same finger that held hers. Real. Billie Joe and Stef. The thought made her feel warm all over. “Billie Joe?�
“Hmm?� he responded as his fingers lightly trailed up and down her arm.
Stef pressed a cheek against his chest. “I love you.�
Complexity finally gave way to simplicity. “I love you.�
He kissed the top of her forehead. “I love you too.�
And it was true, in the end, nothing else mattered.
*****************************
Exhale. Freedom. Truth. Reality. That's where they found it. It was waiting for them when they arrived, resting on the kitchen island, propped up against a single black video cassette tape, and surrounded by an array of take out menus. A simple black pen scrawl across the front. A quick note.
Two things about yourself you should know Stef.
1) Despite what you might believe you’ve never been able to hold your alcohol
2) You’ve never been able to keep a secret from me to save your life. Even with Billie Joe’s help you’re still awful at it.
So knowing that let me share two things about me.
1) I’m not stupid.
2) I’m just as good as pretending as you are.
Yes. You read right. I know all about what happened in Las Vegas, Stef C Armstrong. Don’t be so shocked. And yes before you think it I had every intention of saying something when I got there, but after I saw you two together I changed my mind.
So I left this tape for you. I thought you might want to watch this. I was actually going to send it just in case you staYed stubborn. It shows what you should have already known from day one and just finally figured out. Good thing you took my advice for once and got out of denial. I was afraid I was going to have to give you another metaphorical speech. Though you know you might hear one from mom. Since I’m on a roll here, more advice from one sister to another… You better let them meet Billie Joe soon or you’re never going to hear the end of it.
Remember don’t forget to water the plants and feed the dog. And call Emma will you? She seems frantic. I told her I had no idea where you were. You so owe me. Give my love to Billie Joe.
--K
P.S. Do not burn the kitchen down.
___________________________________
Stef adjusted the headphones. “I’m so sorry that I couldn’t make it in yesterday Jojo. But I thought of a way I could make it up to everyone. I brought in a bribe so I wouldn’t get in too much trouble.
“Well from where I’m sitting I’d predict definite forgiveness,� Jojo commented as
Stef turned and smiled at Billie Joe sitting beside her.
He leaned into the microphone. “Hey LA.�
The switchboard lit up like a Christmas tree.
“I think the listeners know what that bribe is. The lights are all blinking here. It looks like we got tons of calls coming through let me go ahead and answer at least one of them… Hey you’re on the air!�
“OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! AM I REALLY ON?�
“You’re definitely on sweetie,� Stef answered amused at the girl’s excitement.
“OH MY GOD STEF?�
“That would be her name. What’s yours darling?� Jojo chuckled as the caller continued rambling
“It’s Melissa… I can’t believe I got through… JOJO I listen to the show all the time...�
“So glad somebody is! You want to take a guess who Stef brought with her?�
“Stef OH MY GOD is BILLIE JOE there with you?�
Stef took a sip of her water in front of her, biting back a laugh as Billie Joe covered her microphone with his hand and spoke into his. “I hope so,� he said.
The scream was deafening.
“Whoa. Someone’s excited. Want to ask him something Melissa?� Jojo teased.
“Yeah, yeah umm… What are you doing in LA?�
“Following around my woman.�
Stef snickered at the comment. Billie Joe nudged her with his elbow. “Stef and I have promotions and meetings this week. Unfortunately I’m not here to relax. I’m working,� he finished.
Melissa giggled and Jo-Jo cut in. “Hang on the line Melissa we’re going to hook you up with some free stuff okay.� He smiled at the two popstars in front of him as he cut off the call. “If you didn’t catch on with all that commotion folks I’ve got a two-for-one interview today. I’m here with pop’s power couple, Billie Joe Armstrong and Stef C, and I am forced to ask can life get any better for you two? Billie Joe’s got a new album coming out with his group. Stef you’ve got a headline tour coming up. You guys are all love and happiness.�
“Well when you put it that way it almost seems like it can’t!� Billie Joe noted.
Stef laughed. “Honestly.�
“Seriously now you guys! I mean Billie Joe my man you have got the career and the girl. I’m jealous here. I mean this is Stef C we’re talking about.�
Stef leaned into the microphone, opening her mouth to speak but Billie Joe beat her to it. “I know what can I say? She’s definitely a keeper.�
Jojo chuckled. “And with that confession right there we’re going to go to a quick break and then we’ll be back with more music and more with the lucky Billie Joe Armstrong and Stef C. Keep it locked here.�
_____________________________________
October 4
You know people think this life is so glamorous.
It is and it isn’t. You’ve got the glitz every now and then. But about ¾ of the time you’re doing things that aren’t glamorous. In the end this is a job. It’s not all fun and games. People told me that when I first got into this, and you know I didn’t believe them. But it’s true. It is harder than you expect. You’ve got to make a lot of sacrifices to live out your dream. Lots of things you have to do to keep it up. I love what I do. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else, I wouldn’t give this up for anything…but it definitely has its prices…its moments…Stef tilts her head. You have this persona I think. You become your career almost. I don’t think people see that part. That at the end of the day…in the end you know when the cameras are off…we’re just us. It turns off. There is no Billie Joe Green Day and Stef C. We’re just Billie Joe and Stef. And that’s what I love the most. Stef bites her lip. I love us.
_____________________________________
"You okay?"
Stef turned from her gaze out the window and sighed before resting her head on Billie Joe's shoulder.
He kissed her forehead. "Crazy huh?"
"A little."
"We'll be home before you know it."
She nuzzled against Billie Joe’s neck seeking comfort. "I know."
_____________________________________
You know what I hate about being a “celebrity�. You get to this point where people make you seem larger than life.
You’re not.
You live your life in the public eye but in the end you’re just like everyone else. And I think a lot of people are surprised to find that when we’re not doing things related to our careers we’re just doing everyday things. We aren’t meeting up with other famous people. We aren’t going to all these parties or doing anything that wild and outrageous. Honestly those are the last things I want to be doing. When you’re working you’re working. When you’re not, you’re not.
_____________________________________
“What popstars do on their down time...ooh primo parking spot up front Billie Joe…get it…See that MTV…� Stef pointed to the grocery store in front of her. “We live an exciting life. We’re going grocery shopping,� she explained as Billie Joe and she headed towards the bright lights of the store. “And I’m sad to say that it’s something we haven’t done in a while.�
“Because we’re lazy…� Billie Joe said as he grabbed a shopping cart.
“But now we’re out of food so we’re forced too, and you lucky people at home get to partake in our errands.�
“We should just head to the frozen food section,� Billie Joe remarked as they weaved into the aisle.
“Fine dining. You become a multi-platinum recording artist and you too can buy frozen,� Stef joked as Billie Joe dropped something into the cart. “Baby I thought we were buying real food.�
“Popsicles are real food.�
_____________________________________
You know the best parts of my life are spent doing what most people would take for granted. The times where you can just sit at home or go to a movie. Stef and I are like that you know? We’re just normal, nothing that flashy. We’re…Stef and Billie Joe…Billie Joe looks straight into the camera. We’re real.
Just real.
_____________________________________
“Best feature? Oh gosh.� Stef turned to face Billie Joe. “That’s a good question…Ummm…�
“You like how she’s taking a LONG time to answer this one,� Billie Joe said pointedly, chastising Stef for her inability to answer.
Stef laughed. “But there are just so many great things about you sweetie,� she defended.
“So name one already so I don’t feel all inadequate and pathetic because my wife can’t name one,� Billie Joe whined playfully.
“Well…he has a nice smile.�
Billie Joe groaned. “Stevie. All that time and that’s the best you can come up with? That’s it?�
“What do you mean that’s it? The smile should be rendered illegal Billie Joe.� Stef turned to the camera. “You all agree right? The boy is like walking charm. I swear it. He flashes a smile and suddenly people are just letting him get away with everything.� She turned back to Billie Joe, letting out a squeal when Billie Joe kissed the top of her nose.
“I like your nose.�
“Now who’s the one coming up with lame answers?� Stef remarked.
“It’s cute.�
“It’s cute? I had a better explanation than it’s cute.�
“You’re cute.� Billie Joe smiled at her.
Stef fell back against the sofa dramatically. “See what I mean about that smile?� She lifted herself back up. “Now I’m going to believe that the statement was the best compliment I ever heard in my entire life.� She grinned and turned to Billie Joe. “So I’m cute huh?�
“Very,� Billie Joe clarified.
Stef traced his nose with her finger. “I’m not taking back my answer. I still like your smile best,� she said, her finger landing on his lips. He kissed it.
“Or maybe I like your lips…� Stef trailed off.
“Because I’m a good kisser,� Billie Joe taunted.
Stef’s jaw dropped. “I can’t believe you just said that!�
“Admit it Stef,�
She gave him a look and then faced frontward. “Secrets revealed only on MTV. Billie Joe Armstrong is the BEST kisser in the whole wide world,� she said dryly “And I’d just like to point out that this proves he really does have a big ego,� she added smirking. She stared up over the cameras. “He’s giving me that look isn’t he?� she asked.
Voices in the background affirmed the obvious.
Billie Joe started tickling her. “Billie Joe…we’re not going to finish…if you keep doing that,� she said in between giggles. “Then take that one back Mrs. Armstrong,� he said stopping.
Stef didn’t bat an eyelash. “Okay fine. Mr. Armstrong, you’re not the best kisser in the whole wide world.�
“Do you see what I have to put up with?� Billie Joe cracked jokingly, and pointed to the woman beside him.
She planted a kiss on his cheek. “You can’t hate me Billie Joe. You LOVE me. Me and my cute nose.�
He smiled. “That so?�
“You love me…� Stef sing-songed.
Billie Joe leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips. She pressed her forehead against his for a moment, and then she turned and smiled at the cameras.
Stef winked at the cameras. “Alright I admit it. Nobody kisses like Billie Joe Armstrong.�
And with that said the screen faded to black.
*THE END*
Previous | Page 33/33
