I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Chapter 1
This story is a continuation of ‘But I Want To’, a short Sav story. Again, it is completely fictional and is based upon a song that does not belong to me. As a matter of fact, there are many songs in this story that are works of various artists. If you would like information on any of the songs, please contact me at Kimmi@rockparadise.us and I’ll be happy to pass it along. Enjoy!!
“Hello?” Sav answered the telephone in his hotel room.
“I heard you blokes were in town for a spell,” a husky voice spoke.
“Mutt? Yeah. How goes?”
“Pretty well. Look, I’ve got a meeting with a new singer for lunch. Why don’t you meet me after and we’ll have a few drinks and catch up?”
“Lovely, just tell me where and when…”
Mindee looked up from her drink to see her new producer looking down at her.
“Hey, Mutt,” she grimaced.
“Any new songs?”
“I am at a t-total road block. I don’t know what the problem is.”
“I do,” Todd crossed his arms.
“I don’t recall askin’ you,” she growled.
“Let’s listen to what he has to say,” Mutt was amused by her spunkiness.
“She writes from her life. And all she’s been doin’ for the last year is touring. It’s hard to draw from life experiences when you’ve had none.”
“You make me sound like a damn prude,” she laughed. “Maybe bein’ here in San Francisco will inspire me.”
“It’s been known to happen,” Mutt looked at her. “Let me see the one you’ve got.”
She bit her lip and looked down at her journal before passing it off to him.
He looked over the notes to get an idea of the tune before reading the lyrics. “I can’t believe I’ve found you, only to let you go… Fate did a number on me… If you end up with my arms around you… It’s meant to be… Well, maybe my crazy is showing… But maybe I’m hooked on your touch… But wherever my life is going… There ain’t no rush ‘cause… Wherever you’re going… I’d like to go to… If you don’t have anything… Better to do… I’d love to spend… Some more time together… So what are you doing… Between now and forever…”
“I’d say we have a great start,” he smiled over his sunglasses. “Now we just need to tap it for more inspiration.”
“I wish we could,” she whispered as a shadow passed over her.
“Aye, sorry I’m so early. I wasn’t sure how traffic was goin’.”
The hair on the back of her neck began to tingle as she looked up to see him.
“No problem,” Mutt rose to his feet and shook his hand. “Rick Savage, this is…”
His eyes widened as he looked at her for the first time. “Mindee?”
Todd smiled as he crossed his arms. “They met briefly last year at a gig last year.”
“Ah,” Mutt nodded.
“How are you?” She casually looked him over.
“Good,” he did the same. “So you’re workin’ with Mutt now? That’s great.”
“Yeah,” she locked her eyes with his. They stood there for a while without saying a word.
“Hey Min, we’ve got a magazine thing to get to,” Todd felt like an ass for breaking them up.
“Yeah,” she looked away and nodded. It was back to business. She looked up at Mutt as she gathered her things. “I’ll try to tap into that vibe again.”
“I’m sure you’ll have no trouble,” he looked over to see Sav watching her every move.
“It was great seein’ you again,” she looked up at Sav.
“You too. Good luck on the new album,” he grinned at her.
“Thanks,” she rushed off with Todd following closely behind.
Once they were clearly out of earshot, Mutt turned to his old friend. “Mind tellin’ me what that was about?”
“We… met once, that’s all.”
“Good. You can return this to her for me tonight,” he handed him her journal.
He smiled as he nodded. “Thanks.”
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Chapter 2
Mindee stared at the pen in her hand. She sighed and then closed her eyes. First of all, she needed to settle the hell down. The songs won’t get written if all she can think about was blue eyes and… the night in her hotel room. She shook off the goose bumps as a knock on the door interrupted her.
“Damn it all to hell,” she purred as she shuffled her socking feet to answer. Her heart nearly stopped when she looked out into the hall.
“Sorry to bother you, but Mutt asked that I drop this by,” he held out her journal for her to take.
Without another word, she jumped into his arms and wrapped hers tightly around his neck. He laughed before pulling her closer for a rather long, reacquainting kiss.
They broke away after what seemed like an eternity, to catch their breaths and smile.
“Um… think you could break away for writing a bit and grab some dinner?”
“I don’t know, I was kinda on a roll,” she lied. “Maybe for a little bit.”
He looked over her tight t-shirt, jeans and socks, fighting back the urge to push her into the room and take off from where they started over a year ago. “Somethin’ quick and casual.”
“Been there, done that…” she winked before walking into her room for her shoes.
He let out a tiny growl as he watched her backside leave the room. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as his pocket began to ring. “Sav.”
“Thought we were doin’ dinner t’night?” Joe spoke.
“Sorry, forgot,” he huffed.
“No problem, we’ll just wait for ya.”
“I sorta made other plans, mate.”
“Really? And do these plans ‘ave a name?”
“Yeah, Taco Bell,” he chuckled.
“Really, do I know ‘er?”
“Not personally, no.”
“You’re killin’ me ‘ere, Savage! I didn’t think you were seein’ anyone!”
“Have a nice dinner, Joe. Give the lads hell for me.”
“Always, but…”
“G’night, mate,” he pressed the button to hang up the phone and slipped it back into his pocket.
“You were kiddin’ about Taco Bell, right?” Mindee returned.
“I ‘ave coupons,” he teased. “No. I ‘ave somethin’ completely different in mind.”
“This… is… awesome!” Mindee looked around as they stepped through the gates of a local carnival. “Do you have any idea how long it’s been since the last fair I’ve been to?”
“I thought you might like it,” he took her hand in his, “So, where to first?”
“Ooh! Roasted corn! Cotton candy!” she was like a kid lost in a candy store. “Have you ever had one of those giant turkey legs?”
“No,” he laughed as she pulled him through the crowd.
They ate dinner and rode a few rides before playing carnival games. It was getting late, but neither wanted to admit it. And neither wanted to leave.
“So, what next?” he grinned as he handed her the stuffed dinosaur he had won for shooting ducks.
“Ferris Wheel?” she asked shyly.
“You usually save that for last, don’t you?”
She pouted as she looked away. “I need to get back to work. My band’s comin’ in two days and I’ve only got one song finished.”
He ran his thumb across hers. “The Ferris Wheel it is, then.”
They waited in line quietly. He finally spoke up. “I read the song.”
“Huh?” her mind had been off somewhere else. “What song?”
“Between Now and Forever. I really liked it.”
“Thanks,” she smiled. “Parts of my life always seem to end up in my songs.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. After we met, I went out and got a few of your CDs.”
She began to giggle.
“What’s so funny?”
“So did I.”
“Really?” he laughed. “Cool.”
They stepped up into a blue basket and then began laughing again. Slowly, the ride was filled with passengers. Once everyone was on, it began moving. Mindee closed her eyes and took a deep breath as they reached the top.
“Cold?” Sav felt her shiver and pulled her closer to him.
“I’m fine,” she looked up into his eyes. “Thank you for tonight.”
“I’m just glad you enjoyed it.”
“More than you can possibly imagine.”
“Oh, I think I can,” he brushed his lips across hers.
Sav walked Mindee back to her door and quickly planted a kiss on her. She wove her fingers into his hair and pulled him closer. As he moved to kiss her neck, she reared her head back and closed her eyes. “I really have to get back to work.”
“Okay,” he breathed into her ear.
“Mmm,” she moaned. “You can only come in for a few minutes,” she opened the door and led him in.
They fell back to the sofa and began undressing one another. “Okay, I’ll be the one to stop,” he sat up and caught his breath.
She looked over at the clock. “If you leave by 10:00, I can still get some work done.”
“Plenty of time,” he glanced at the red ‘8:45’ on the television before sweeping her up to carry her into the bedroom.
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Chapter 3
The alarm clock began to buzz, signaling the start of the day. Mindee slapped the snooze button and returned to her spot under Sav’s arm, tightly snuggled against his body.
“Oops,” he chuckled.
“Talk about will power,” she giggled.
“Sorry you didn’t get anythin’ done last night.”
“I’ll just have to work today,” she kissed his hand.
“It would probably be best if I left to run a few errands, then,” he kissed her shoulder.
“Uh, huh,” she rolled over to face him. “Will you take a shower with me? I’m not quite ready to let you go yet.”
“Twist my arm, luv.”
“Bout time you show your mug ‘round ‘ere!” Joe peeked over his sunglasses before teeing off.
“Where’d you disappear to last night?” Phil handed him a bottle of water.
“Remember Mindee Thompson? From the ‘Pride of America’ tour?”
“She’s ‘ere?” Phil raised his eyebrows. “Good on ya!”
“Mindee?” Joe frowned as his ball landed in the rough. “Mindee…”
“Long brown hair, dark eyes, country singer…” Phil reminded him.
“Oh! The bird with the guitar! Wow, you went out with her? She remembered you?”
“Well of course she remem…” he froze as he realized he never told them.
“You sneaky little wanker! You did meet her then!” Phil laughed heartily. “You shag ‘er?”
“You two are completely high class, ya know it?” he smirked as he pulled his club out of the bag.
“So? Did ya?” Joe waited.
“Piss off!” he laughed.
Mindee strummed her guitar a few times before writing a few lines down. She then hummed a few lines and penned them as well. She ignored the knock at the door and continued.
“Min! It’s Todd, open up!”
She sighed as she stormed to the door and opened it. “I’m on a roll and you’re intrudin’!”
“So you’re actually workin’? I thought maybe you were playin’ hooky last night.”
“Huh?” she returned to her seat with her guitar in her lap.
“Where were you last night? We had a dinner interview with the record company, remember?”
“I completely forgot, Todd. I’m sorry,” she sighed.
“So? I think I deserve an explanation for savin’ your ass.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Remember Rick Savage?”
“Oh, you mean the guy you couldn’t take your eyes off yesterday. That one?”
“We went out last night.”
“Normally, I’d rip you a new one, but since you’re actually working…” he noticed that she was no longer paying attention, but writing. “Can I see?”
“I only have the lyrics to the chorus, but here,” she played it for him. “I know I should get some sleep… I’m at the beginning of another long week… but I don’t want you to go… no I don’t want you to go… I guess another minute wouldn’t do no harm… Why not spend it in each other’s arms… ‘Cause I don’t want you to go… No I don’t want you to go…”
“I’m likin’ it. Think you could have it finished by tomorrow?”
“If you’ll go away and let me work!” she barked before smiling at him. “By, Toddles.”
“Tell Mr. Savage I said ‘Hi’.”
“Will do.”
Sav blinked his eyes later that night and realized that Mindee was no longer in bed. He glanced at the clock to see that it was 1:00 AM. The sound of guitar music filtered through the room as he walked toward the suite and looked out.
She was in nothing but his shirt with her guitar resting across her knees, working away at a song. He smiled as he leaned against the frame of the door and watched. “On another roll?”
She looked up and grinned at him. “Yes, Mr. ‘I promise I’ll be gone by 10:00’. Would you like a listen?”
“Sure.”
She winked before starting. “Monday mornin’ is such a rush… Here it is again sneakin’ up on us… Uh-huh yeah… This is the part you know I don’t like… We say good-buy and then we kiss good night… Uh-huh yeah… I know it’s one o’clock… And we said you’d be gone by ten… So much for those eight hours… I swore that I’d get in… I know I should get some sleep… I’m at the beginning of another long week… but I don’t want you to go… no I don’t want you to go… I guess another minute wouldn’t do no harm… Why not spend it in each other’s arms… ‘Cause I don’t want you to go… No I don’t want you to go… We always say just one more kiss… But it always seems to never end like this… Uh-huh yeah… A few dozen and a couple more… Before we know it it’s after four… Uh-huh yeah… I know tomorrow my best friend… Will be my coffee cup… ‘Cause here we go again… Watchin’ the sun come up…
She stopped. “Chorus… you know how it goes,” she giggled.
“I do,” he walked over to the sofa and took the guitar away from her.
“Am I ever gonna get anything done?” she whispered as he pushed her back onto the sofa and began to unbutton the shirt.
“I can leave. If it’s really what you want.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him.
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Chapter 4
“Okay, Min. Let’s do it again,” Mutt spoke over the microphone.
She nodded before taking a sip of water and a deep breath. The play back began as she closed her eyes. “The sunlight on my shoulders, the smile on my face… My secret weapon, my favorite place… The reason my heart skips a beat… The broom that sweeps me off my feet… A gentle inspiration… My weary soul’s salvation… The half that makes me whole… The gravity that grounds me… The arms I want around me… Never letting go… I’ve lived, I’ve lived enough… To know what is, and what’s not… You are- You are…”
“Great,” he interrupted her. “We’ll break for the day and then work on backing vocals at 10:00 AM.”
She sighed as she nodded her head.
“Ave you told ‘er?” Joe sat back in the chair in Sav’s hotel room and stretched his arms.
“Yeah, she knows,” he pouted.
“You gonna be able to do it?”
He rolled his eyes. “Never stopped me before.”
“I’ve never seen you this in love before.”
“How exactly am I supposed to answer that?” he spat as the door opened.
“Well, it’s 2:00 AM, so it must be a Mutt Lange lunch break!” Joe laughed.
“Exactly what friggin’ clock is he workin’ off of?” Mindee mumbled as she closed the door behind her.
“His own,” they both answered.
She let out a frustrated sigh before walking to the refrigerator for a glimpse of what he had. Deciding on a carrot, she returned to the conversation. “So what are you two up to?”
“Shootin’ the shite, bored out of our sculls,” Joe sighed. “Girls night out.”
“Lucky them,” she raised her eyebrows before turning to Sav. “You packed?”
He nodded before looking at Joe.
“Wow, look at the time,” Joe quickly stood. “Catch you kids later.”
“Bye, Joe,” Mindee kept her eyes on Sav. She waited until the door closed before speaking. “What was that?”
“Thought we could use a little privacy,” he sighed as he slid next to her on the sofa.
“I like that idea,” she whispered. “So how is this gonna work?”
“Well, we’re all gonna go home, gather our songwriting material, and start recording demos. Then, the guys in LA will get together at Phil’s, record their bits, and send them to Joe’s. As soon as I get a chance, I’ll try to get back for a visit or two. Or three,” he kissed her ear.
She smiled brightly. “It’s completely up to you.”
“I want to be with you. But I ‘ave to work,” he sighed.
“I know, Rick. I know better than anyone, I think.”
“Yeah,” he smiled. “I know.”
“I know you know,” she whispered. She wanted to say it. Her body yearned for her to say it. She felt like she was about to explode with it. But something didn’t feel right. What was he thinking? What if he wasn’t ready to say it?
“What’s wrong?” he noticed the look on her face.
“I’ve got a song in my head. We don’t have lyrics yet, but it’s drivin’me batty.”
“It’ll come to you,” he kissed her. “Maybe you just need some more inspiration.”
“Maybe,” she pulled on his bottom lip with her teeth as he pushed her down onto the sofa. They both let out a yelp as a cushion gave way and they toppled to the floor.
“Maybe we should do this in bed,” he helped her up.
She only laughed as she followed him.
She lay in his arms that morning and went over the song that was still in her head. She rolled over and watched him sleep for a long while before she gave in and slipped off to the suite to write.
The words seemed to flow from her pen as tears poured down her cheeks. She couldn’t stop if she wanted to, and nothing else seemed to exist. It was only when she finished that she noticed him standing in the doorway. “Hi,” she wiped her face.
“What happened?”
“Oh,” she smiled for him and laughed. “I finished the song.”
“Are you okay?” he knelt before her and looked into her eyes.
“I don’t know anymore, Rick,” she whispered as she touched his cheek.
He moved her hand to his lips and gently kissed them. “Please come back to bed.”
She smiled as she moved her hand and leaned in for a kiss.
He slid his arms around her and pulled her with him to the bedroom. There, he stared into her eyes and placed her softly onto the bed. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
Another tear escaped her eye as she desperately fought the words that were again on the tip of her tongue.
“No tears, Min. No goodbyes and no tears.”
She smiled as he climbed beside her on the bed. “You got it.”
Without another word, he covered her with his body and kissed her deeply. She let herself go completely as she burned his touch into her memory.
They made passionate love as the world spun around them. She held tightly to him as he pushed as deeply inside her as he possibly could. They felt as though they were truly one; one body, one mind, one soul.
A sea of warmth flooded them both as their bodies began to shudder. They held tightly to one another and enjoyed the waves of pleasure until they were once again conscious of reality. Neither said a word, they simply stared into one another’s eyes until sleep once again overtook them.
Sav finished packing his final things and took one final trip to the bedroom. He knelt beside and watched her sleep for a moment. “Mindee?”
She didn’t answer.
He gently placed a kiss on her cheek and ran his fingers through her hair. A tear escaped his eye as he sighed and bent down to whisper in her ear. “I love you.”
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Chapter 5
“Ready, Min,” Mutt spoke as he waited.
She nodded as the backing tracks began. “As I watch you while you’re sleeping… You don’t know what I’m going through… Dealing with all my emotions… And wondering if your love is true… You’ve given me no cause to doubt you… And I know passion burns in your heart… But does that same fire keep on burning… In the hours that we spend apart…
Sav listened to the track on the CD called ‘San Francisco’ and closed his eyes as he listened to her sultry voice. “If you knew the question… That burns in my mind… Then you’d know why I worry so much… I can’t help but wonder… When we fell in love… Sweetheart, did you fall far enough…” God, he missed her.
Mindee and her band debuted the song on the Country Music Awards. “There’s something I feel when I touch you… And that’s when I really get scared… ‘Cause I know there’s women who would die for… The feeling I’m feeling right here… Oh I’ll be tormented forever… Unless I can give my fear up… I’ve got to stop acting so foolish… I’ve tortured myself long enough…”
Sav stormed into Joe’s house and yelled at him from the balcony. “I think it’s time for a break!”
“And why is that?” he smiled as he leisurely floated on his back.
“It’s been four months and we’re still stuck on the same bloody song.”
“And Miss Mindee’s tour kicks off in a few months.”
He looked away. “I know.”
“Well then, looks like we’re goin’ to LA!”
“Mindeeeee!!!!!” fans were screaming as her limo pulled up to the record store. She stepped out wearing a tight, black halter-top and matching mini-skirt with a silver chain-link belt hanging from her hips. She waved and smiled as flashbulbs went off everywhere.
They spent three hours at the record store. Then, there were three radio station interviews. Then, the listening party for record company execs.
She walked into her newly purchased apartment at 1:00 AM and dropped her keys onto the table as she kicked her heels off across the floor. Her first stop was the answering machine. As usual, the button was flashing. She closed her eyes and braced herself to hear his voice again. It was bittersweet to hear his voice every night, but not be able to touch him.
She pressed the button. “Aye, Min. Missed you again. Doesn’t look like we’re gonna be able to break for a while. Saw your interview with CMT last night, you looked great. God, I miss you,” there was a long pause. “Hopefully you’ll be able to catch me with your next call. I’ll be at Joe’s early. Talk to ya soon.”
She let out a deep sigh and then smiled. Better than nothing, right? She looked at her watch and bit her lip. It was 7:00 AM there. He wouldn’t be up yet. She could wait… her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She frowned as she made her way to look through the peephole. She couldn’t see anything, as something was covering it.
“Who the hell…” she cracked the door open slightly only to see a rose being shoved it. It was a peach rose, her favorite. And only one person knew that.
Without a second thought, she swung the door open and stepped out into the hall and into his arms. “You big liar!” she squealed before kissing him.
He said nothing, and simply reveled in the moment. Her bare back felt so soft as he touched her, it was almost more than he could take. She moaned into his mouth while weaving her fingers into the curls that she missed so much.
They finally broke their kiss to look at one another. Both had the same breathless expression as they managed out the same three words. “I love you.”
She smiled as she bit her lip. He smiled before moving in for another kiss.
“Come on,” he pulled her into the apartment.
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Chapter 6
Sav concentrated on the rythm of the breathing on his neck as he closed his eyes. Her alarm clock was about to go off and he wanted to get as much time with her as he possibly could. She whimpered as she nuzzled deeper into the crook of his neck.
“Mornin’,” she whispered before yawning.
“Shh. It’s not time yet,” he kissed her cheek.
“Sorry,” she smiled as she began to nibble on his neck. “It just felt to me like you were awake,” she began to stroke his morning erection.
“I am now,” he growled before pulling her on top of him.
“Good,” she pushed herself onto him just as her alarm began to ring.
He swung his arm over to hit the snooze button.
“You’re late,” Todd huffed as Mindee stepped into the makeup trailer.
“Then dock my pay,” she smiled.
“How long is he gonna be here?”
Her smile disappeared. “Not long enough.”
“You know, I can’t help but wonder…”
“What?” she asked as the makeup artist began working.
“How is your relationship going to work?”
“What do you mean?”
“What I mean, Darlin’, is that we’re goin’ to South America for three months. Then, we’ll be touring the US for four. Then Canada. He’ll be in the studio and then probably another tour of his own. What kind of relationship is that?”
“It’s not. It’s phone calls and love letters for a very long time,” she sighed.
“Then what are you gonna do?”
“Don’t you think I’ve thought about that? It’s the reason that neither of us has declared a commitment.”
“You may have not declared one, but you are Mindee. It’s crazy to deny that you two are completely in love with one another.”
She stared at her manager. “I’m not denyin’ anything, Todd.”
“Then tell me, Min. I’ve gotta be sure that you’re gonna give it all you got on tour. Your fans deserve that.”
“I don’t care anymore, okay?” she spat. “If he were to ask me to give everything up and move to Ireland, I would without a second thought. I’ve had my 15 minutes of fame and I’m over it. I’m ready to move on.”
“And has he asked you?” he waited.
She closed her eyes as the makeup artist worked on them. “No.”
“You are at the top of your career, Mindee. Your fans absolutely adore you. Don’t throw it away,” he pleaded. “You mean so much to so many other people. You’re the reason your band is doin’ what they love. You may walk away for yourself, but you’ll be lettin’ a lot of other people down.”
“Todd, please…”
“Just think about it. This isn’t a decision for you. It affects everyone.”
She sighed as she opened her eyes. “Fine.”
“So? How’s Mindee?” Joe asked.
“Great. Video shoot at the moment,” Sav sighed as he lay back on the chez lounge.
They were both quiet. Then, Joe decided to start.
“Ever notice how jealous she gets of the girls?”
“Girls?”
“Anita, Julie, Lauren and Bobbie? When they go out together?”
“I suppose. She’s busy, though. She’s got commitments.”
He paused. “She’ll never be one of the girls, ya know. She won’t be at the awards shows, the gigs, the studio…”
“I know that, Joe,” he raised his voice.
“Just thought you should think about it, that’s all.”
He sat up and gazed at him over his sunglasses. “I think about it every bloody minute of the day. As a matter of fact, I’ve even thought of the reverse. I can’t be at any of her awards shows, her gigs, her appearances. And you know what? If she were to ask me to give it up and go with her, I might just think about it!” he walked back into the apartment and slammed the door.
Joe sat in the lounger and rubbed his face as he sighed.
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Chapter 7
“You know,” Mindee spoke while cuddled close to Sav in her oversized stuffed chair. “My first show is in San Francisco.”
“I saw that,” he smiled.
“Can you be there? I know it was a few days after you planned to go home…”
His finger over her lips interrupted her. “I’ll be there.”
“I want the day off,” Mindee walked into the arena.
“Excuse me?” Todd huffed.
“Rehearsals are perfect. I’ll double up on interviews tomorrow mornin’ before the show. I want today off.”
“Why yes, your highness,” Charlie laughed.
“Hey, that means the day off for y’all too,” she looked around the room at her band. “All y’all.”
“Yeah!” the all began to mumble as Mindee waited for Todd’s answer.
“I’ve completely lost control, haven’t I?” he sighed as she kissed his cheek and ran out the door.
Sav and Mindee spent the entire day at the pier, a seafood festival, riding trolleys, and shopping. They were tiring and ready to call it a day when something in the distance caught their eye. They both stared at the huge Ferris wheel and then smiled.
“C’mon, baby,” he kissed her before pulling her off to the carnival.
She laughed as he paid for 20 tickets. “Guess we’re closin’ them down!”
“Watch this,” he walked up to the ticket attendant at the Ferris wheel. “We really don’t wanna be bothered,” he handed him the tickets and pulled her to the next seat.
“Yes, sir!”
Mindee giggled as the ride quickly started, but then quieted. Both were silent as they held tightly onto one another and took in the cool night air.
“Min, there’s somethin’ I need to say,” he started.
“Don’t,” she looked up at him with sad eyes. “We promised a long time ago. No goodbyes and no tears.”
He smiled at her. “You’re right.”
“I know,” she grinned.
“I know you know,” he kissed her.
The band mingled with a few fans and company people as Mindee made her rounds. Sav walked up to Todd and patted him on the shoulder. “Take care of her, will ya?”
“I’ll do my best, Sav,” he nodded. “You stayin’ for the show?”
“I’ll be gone before she gets off. I think it’s better that way,” he looked away.
“Maybe,” he felt his stomach drop. “You know, she told me that if you were…”
“That’s between you and her, I’m sure,” he nodded.
“Hey, guys,” Mindee hugged Joe and Phil. “Never thought I’d see y’all at a show like mine.”
“Neither did we,” Joe chuckled.
“Well, glad you’re here,” she smiled before looking over her shoulder to see Sav with Todd. “Please take care of him.”
“We’ll get ‘im back to work, luv,” Phil nodded.
“That’s probably a great thing,” she smiled.
Joe looked up at Phil and growled. “He told me somethin’ the other day, and I think…”
“People say funny things sometimes that they don’t mean,” her eyes widened. “And they should just be ignored,” she nodded.
“Ten minutes, Min!” Trey yelled out.
She nodded as she took a huge drink of water. On her way out, Sav grabbed her hand. They stopped and watched each other for a moment.
“Love you,” she whispered.
“Always,” he whispered as she pulled away and walked out the door.
“God, they’re killin’ me!” Phil rubbed his face.
“Shhh,” Joe chuckled.
Sav rejoined them. “Ready?”
“Aren’t we sittin’ stage left?” Joe asked.
“Right,” he nodded. “And we best find our seats.”
“The sunlight on my shoulders, the smile on my face… My secret weapon, my favorite place… The reason my heart skips a beat… The broom that sweeps me off my feet… A gentle inspiration… My weary soul’s salvation… The half that makes me whole… The gravity that grounds me… The arms I want around me… Never letting go… I’ve lived, I’ve lived enough… To know what is, and what’s not… You are- You are… All the love I wanna make… Every breath I wanna take… The rush that’s running down my spine… The touch that takes me every time… An innocent seduction… I can’t get enough and… I can’t help but let it show… I lose all my composure… I’m totally exposed and… The reason I let go… is… I’ve lived, I’ve lived enough… To know what is, and what’s not… You are- You are… My every hope… My every dream… You are my everything… I’ve lived, I’ve lived enough… To know what is, and what’s not… You are- You are… The sunlight on my shoulders, the smile on my face… My secret weapon, my favorite place…”
That night, after the show, Mindee showered and prepared to board the jet to Argentina. She took one final look around the empty arena before stepping outside into the night air.
“You okay, Min?” Todd rested his hand on her shoulder.
“Great,” she smiled.
“Kickin’ show tonight. Got lots of pictures too. Everyone will have a memory of San Francisco tonight,” he stepped onto the bus.
“I don’t need pictures to remind me of San Francisco,” she sighed as she followed him.
Can't Say Goodbye
Back to Sav's Page