Breathing Again

Dinner

Rob's POV:

On the last day of rehearsal I heard that some of the crew were planning to try the restaurant from across the street. Since I'd have two free days ahead I decided to meet them there at 7. I wasn't sure if Kristen was gonna join as well and I didn't know what I was hoping for, but when she came in later that evening I felt my heart flutter. She sat down pretty close to me, just one guy was between us and I felt queasy. I'm glad I had already finished my burger. It was hard to decipher the look she gave me. I guess it was anxiety mixed with affection? When she ordered the spiciest meal off the menu I couldn't help but smile. That's my girl. No Robert. Your girl is at home. It seemed like a jinx when her name popped up on my phone's screen a minute later. I got up and headed out to answer the call.
"Suki?"
"Hey Rob, you have a minute?"
"Sure, is something wrong?"
"I don't know how to approach this... Well, here goes nothing. I got an offer to star as one of the main characters in this series I auditioned for a few months ago and they're planning to shoot for 8 months."
"Oh my gosh that's amazing! I'm so proud of you!!!"
"Well thanks.... The thing is preproduction starts in a few weeks already and I haven't told you the worst part yet. We're gonna be shooting all of it in Costa Rica."
"Oh. Well 8 months isn't thaat long, right? Nothing we can't handle."
"Yeah I agree. The thing is there already is a lot of anticipation for this show and if it's as successful as presumed, there might be other seasons following. But only time will tell I guess... I hate telling you this over the phone but with your movie and my schedule there was no other way."
"Sure, I understand, don't worry about that. As you said, time will tell but above all else I am just so happy for you. I think this is a once in a lifetime experience and you sure would regret turning this down someday, don't you think?"
"You took the words right out of my mouth. I knew you'd understand and support me, hun."
"Of course I do"
"Well I have a meeting to get to early in the morning tomorrow so I'll be heading to bed early. Talk to you soon okay, I love you."
"Goodnight Suki, love you too. I'm proud of you. Bye bye"

When I reentered the diner after processing the call I noticed that most of the people had left by now. There were only two other women from the crew who seemed to be gathering their things to leave as well and at the other end of the table there was Kristen, scrolling through her phone. I got back to my seat. "You look pretty lonely over there." I noted. "Well it was my fault I showed up so late, I fell asleep right after the rehearsal earlier. I'm just finishing my food now." She smiled at me. I sat down next to her and looked at the menu to order another drink. "I happened to see your face during your call outside and noticed the surprised look, good news I hope?" She asked. "Well yeah, I guess so." I was telling her about Sukis new job as the waiter brought us our drinks. "To new opportunities" She toasted her non alcoholic beer to me, referring to my girlfriend's situation but I couldn't help but imagine what the future would hold. We spent the next hours talking about everything and nothing, sharing many laughs, talking about the movie and enjoying each other's company like back in the day. On our way back to the hotel I asked her if she was tired. "Not really", she replied, "I started this show on Netflix, I'm probably gonna binge watch it all night since we're having the weekend off." "What show?" I asked her. "Manifest" she replied. "Oh my God I love it, I'm on season 3." "Whaaat? Me too! It's so amazing, we should totally watch it together." I was surprised by her suggestion, but nothing was easier to accept. "Sure, I have a stash of my mum's homemade biscuits in my suite, you could come over if you want.", I proposed while we were waiting for the elevator. "Who could say no to some British 'biscuits'?" She mimicked, adding "I'm a sucker for any kinds of cookies as you know."

Kristen's POV:

We made ourselves comfortable on his bed and started snacking on the cookies while watching Netflix. On the one hand I cursed myself for suggesting this, but on the other hand I nearly bursted from happiness. I could tell he was getting sleepy from the alcohol and gradually sliding further down on the bed. When I got up to sneak off to my own room I instantly heard his complaint: "I thought we were binge watching all night?" he grinned at me "But if you're tired already just go ahead, but don't complain if I finish season 3 before you." "I thought you were asleep, I was gonna turn it off and continue watching in my room so you can get some rest." "Well I'm awake so there's no need for you to do that." He patted the space next to him and I was more than willing to return to the bed. After another episode, I gave in and lay down beside him. The next thing I remember is waking up from the sun. At first I didn't know where I was or what day of the week it was, but then everything came back in a rush. Fuck! I fell asleep. I was laying on my side facing the wall and his arm was draped around my waist. I looked over my shoulder and saw that he was still sleeping. I tried to escape from his grip but of course - he woke up.