When the Cameras Stop Rolling

Cabin Fever

Rachel...

She was exactly 2.7 minutes away from running into his arms. She hadn't seen Bryan in almost two weeks and their daily face times were no longer enough. While she hated leaving her dog, Copper, at home; she knew he would have a great time spending a few days with her nephews. She'd been waiting for this weekend since she left her last happy couple's weekend, and when she received a text from Bryan that read, "1.3 minutes..." she squealed and giggled in the back of the van.

It was almost midnight and the South Carolina night was dark. The network always made sure they traveled late, and on weekend nights. This way, it was less likely they would have their picture taken, or entertainment outlets would catch on to their secret rendezvous. Like clock work, the network van pulled into the garage, just over a minute after Bryan's text. Once the garage door let down completely, she saw the interior door fling open. Bryan, wearing a v-neck white t-shirt that some how clung to every ab on his body, was flashing his gorgeous smile. His black basketball shorts hung loose on his hips and he was, now, standing bare foot in the doorway.

Her car door was opened by a network staffer, named Bill. "I need your phone." Bill said, in a serious tone. "We can't have any social media slip-ups. We have a desktop inside you can use to check your e-mail, and a camera for pictures." Rachel poked her bottom lip out and handed her phone over. "The fridge is fully stocked, and as usual, just give us a ring on the land line and we'll bring you any take out from any restaurant within 30 miles." He flashed a quick grin. "Enjoy." He stepped to the side to let her pass, and she hopped out of the van.

Bryan was bringing the last of her bags in, when she stepped into the kitchen. He closed the door and she leaped into his arms for a long kiss. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the minty hint of mouth wash, while running her fingers through his damp hair. "Mmmm...you must of just gotten out the shower," she sighed when the kiss ended.

"I did." Bryan said. "And I cooked, too," he added before giving her another quick peck on the lips.

"Yay! I'm hungry!" Bryan laughed out loud. She was a picky eater, but she was always up for food or snacks. I'm hungry or I'm starving had started to become something of a catch phrase, for her. "It smells amazing in here! What did you cook?"

Bryan, now standing behind her, wrapped his hands around her waist. "I...made...pork chops!"

"Omg?! Did you really? Baby, those are my favorite!" Rachel exclaimed. "Wait...I thought you didn't know how to make those? Are you keeping secrets?" She had a sly grin on her face.

Taking her hand and leading her to the set kitchen table, he explained, "So check it out--what I did was, for the past two weeks, I invited different friends and family over for dinner--like, basically every night. And guess what I served them..."

"PORK CHOPS!" they both exclaimed, simultaneously. "These should be perfect for you, babe." he said confidently. Rachel missed him so much. How could she not when he went out of his way to make her this happy. Her eyes followed his handsome figure walking over to the sound system. After a few clicks on a remote, 'Living for the Love of You" softly filled the room. Rachel smiled, "Hold up! What do you know about the Isley Brothers?!"

"When you're a grown man, like me, you can broil pork chops, have good credit, and you can groove to old school RnB at the same damn time!" Bryan said this as he shimmied and spun, trying to do mock Motown moves. Rachel, doubled over laughing and reached her arms out for a hug. The next three days were going to be awesome! This is exactly what she needed.