Page 22 of Reel Love

I just want to apologize in advance

for having chased you down the street.

~ FRIENDS

Just as Kai predicted, the women are gathered in the Adirondack chairs around the fire pit while the guys huddle around the barbecue. Bodhi’s yard is the perfect spot for a barbecue.

“Does it bother you if we cook shrimp?” Ben asks me with a playful smirk on his face.

“Why would that bother me?”

“They live in the ocean. You know. They’re your little underwater buddies.”

“You’re joking, right?” Bodhi says with a chuckle.

Ben holds his hands up in a gesture of innocence. “Just checking. Just checking.”

I laugh along with the rest of the guys. We exchange stories about memorable guest interactions we’ve had this week. Kai’s at the center, manning the grill, browning marinated chicken andshrimp, skewers of vegetables and some pineapple dipped in brown sugar.

When the platters are piled with everything we’ve cooked, we carry them over to a large farmhouse style table set under the trees. Twinkle lights are strung overhead and tiki torches line the edge of the yard. The couples find seats on the benches around the tables, paired up next to one another. I don’t really feel as out of place as I had expected to. Conversation flows among all of us as we dig into the meal.

“Summer, when does your next film start shooting?” Kalaine asks, rubbing her abdomen.

Kalaine and Bodhi are expecting a child any day now, but here they are, hosting a barbecue like they’ve got all the leisure time in the world.

Ben places his hand on Summer’s back. Summer looks up at him and they exchange a private conversation through a series of glances and facial expressions.

“Well,” Summer says. “I’ve got a contract to start an eight week project in New York in four weeks.” She looks at Ben again and they both smile. “Then I’m going to do a few local commercials and cameos … and then take some time off because …”

Ben shouts, “We’re pregnant!”

Kalaine squeals. “Our babies will be besties!”

The table breaks into mayhem, everyone shouting congratulations, the women standing to give Summer hugs. I study Ben and Summer. They have that thing I was describing to Mom—a tangible love so strong it radiates to anyone around them. That could be said for every couple at the table. You can feel the devotion and connection between each pair. I’m right not to settle for someone sweet and pretty if there’s not that innate attraction and a feeling that I can’t live without her. I’ve seen what’s possible every time one of my friends found their match. For me, it’s finding the love of my life, or nothing.

Once we’re all digging back into the food on our plates,Kalaine announces, “I heard there’s a new Alana Graves movie out. You know her. Right, Summer?”

“I do, though mostly only through our agent. And Alana helped me get a role a few years ago when I was breaking into the business. We don’t hang out or anything.”

I’m holding a piece of shrimp midair in front of my face when Alana Graves’ name is mentioned. I’m a massive fan. My mom puts me to shame with the way she fangirls over Alana. She’s watched Alana ever since her days in TV sitcoms. I saw the shows, of course. They were on in the family room. I only became truly interested in Alana once she started starring in action-adventure roles. Those are more my speed.

“Look at Stevens.” Ben nudges Bodhi. Then he announces to the whole table, “Stevens is ahugefan of Alana’s movies.”

“I’m not ahugefan. I enjoy her work. That’s all. Not really a huge fan at all. Average. I mean, we’re all fans, right?”

Everyone stares at me.

Then Summer breaks the silence. “Oh! We should introduce you to her.”

“No. No. That’s fine.”

I can only imagine meeting her. I’d make a complete idiot of myself, I’m sure.

“Why?” Ben teases. “Are you afraid you’ll freeze up with starstruckness?”

“Nah. No. She’s just another human, right?”

“Exactly,” Summer agrees. “She really is. She’s like the rest of us. You’d love her.”

---