Boiled Eggs, Italian Roast, and Shrimp Steaks



Within their first year of marriage, the Backstreet Boys decided to push their careers aside for a while. Kevin wanted to lay low and concentrate on his family. AJ and Marcy continued making beautiful music together— eloping in Vegas, then composing and managing upcoming young artists. Brian made a solo album and went and platinum, winning a grammy as well. When he was free to do his own thing, Brian had a soulful sound that won everyone’s heart, even those who weren’t BSB fans. Howie disappeared. He’d send post cards to everyone every month from a different country. But beyond that, he remained scarce and traveled the world.

Nick did nothing. He didn’t know what to do. He was comfortable sitting around the house and enjoying the married life, without the hassles of working. Rianna continued working. Still running the club and teaching dance classes. And despite her hectic schedule, she was still able to spoil her husband to death.

She was always making him lovely meals, sleeping with him at least twice a day, dancing for him, doing anything possible to keep a smile on his handsome face.

But suddenly, her moods changed. Once his wife would wake up early and freshen up just so that he’d have something beautiful to look at upon opening his eyes. Now she just stayed in bed and slept until noon. She no longer had the desire to talk. Her communication was limited to “huh?”...“what?”...”yeah”...“nah”... and a series of moans. Her hunger for love-making died. She used to jump into bed with Nick anytime they got a chance. Now, if Nick wanted to have fun, he’d have to beg.

She was changing. Nick worried. Rianna was an energetic dancer, full of life and excitement. Now she just sat around the house watching movies and letting time float by.

“I’m going to the store, want anything?” Nick asked, jingling his keys in his hand. Rianna muted the television and thought it over.

‘Yeah, get me some Starbuck’s Italian Roast ice cream. Oh, and stop by Garrett’s and get me a whole shrimp steak sub, with everything. And fries!” Nick made a face. As if cheese steaks weren’t greasy and nasty enough, she had to add shrimp. He detested seafood.

“We need eggs too.” She called out, unmuting to the TV.

“I just bought eggs Monday.” He replied. It was Thursday.

“Well, buy more.” She lifted her plate and exposed three hard-boiled eggs cut in halves. The salt shaker was on the table. She ate all of the eggs just like that? He shook his head in pity.

“You know what else we’re out of? That cherry Mountain Dew! I’ve been craving a nice cold one all day.” Nick looked in the trash can and saw all six bottles of the soda, emptied.

He bought all that his wife requested, though he hated to watch her eat it. He had never seen someone eat a whole cheese steak sub, 2 bottles of Red Zone, 3 boiled eggs, and 75% of a quart of ice cream in one sitting.

“Baby you shouldn’t be eating so much.” He said, clearing the table of her trash. She dismissed his suggestion, paying more attention to the TV.

“You’re gaining weight.” Nick didn’t think his last comment would upset Rianna. But she stormed up to their bedroom and locked the door behind herself.

“Baby, please open the door. I’m sorry, what I said was wrong.” Rianna opened the door and Nick stopped talking. She sat down on their large unkempt bed and looked up into Nick’s sorry eyes.

“I am getting fat. I had no real reason to react the way I did. And I’m sorry for being so bitchy lately. But I can’t help it... it all happened so fast and I... I’m still adjusting.” All that she said went right over Nick’s head. He had no earthly idea what she was talking about. Rianna got up and went into the bathroom. She returned with a small tube, handing it to him.

“It’s the fourth test I’ve taken this week. I did it again while you were gone today. So far, they’ve all been positive. I know I should have shared my suspicions with you in the very beginning, but we haven’t even been married a year yet.” Rianna began to cry and Nick held her, looking at the pregnancy test in his hand over her shoulder.

“It’s ok. Everything is ok. Nothing bad will come out of this. We’re gonna be parents, and that’s wonderful, baby.” At that moment, Nick said whatever he knew his wife would want to hear. But inside, he was falling apart. A baby? Now? Like she said, they haven’t been married very long. Why a baby so soon?

He thought about it more. It wasn’t just a baby. That growing life was a product of their love. Their family was growing. A baby! A little son or daughter on the way. This wasn’t a sad time. It was a time for celebration! Nick jumped up to his feet with a smile on his face.

“Rianna! We’re having a baby! My God! A baby!” He shouted to the top of his lungs. “I gotta tell someone! Who can we tell first? Your parents? Mine? Who are you calling now?” Nick screamed hysterically.

“Garrett’s... I want another sub. Carrying a little Carter is hard work. Builds up an appetite.


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