They went to a few of AJ's "Johnny NoName" shows because Brian was scheduled to appear at some of them. Shayla got a kick out of seeing AJ perform. He was a riot and the shows were out of control. It was fun though and he was good. Word was beginning to get around that Brian had a new girlfriend, especially because Shayla went with Brian to AJ's shows and a couple people saw them together, and all the BSB events. But so far they were doing a good job of avoiding the press and any pictures. The relationship was progressing and they both knew they were falling madly in love with each other. They had a run in with Leighanne and her new boyfriend. It was awkward for all of them. Leighanne was quite taken aback learning Brian was seeing Shayla.
But the time eventually rolled around for the guys to go to the Bahama's to begin working on their new album. They were going to be gone for 2 weeks. It seemed like it was going to be forever. Brian called 2 or 3 times a day. Shayla couldn't wait to see him again. They would have about 2 1/2 months when Brian got back before they were leaving again for Sweden and the UK for more work on the album. It wasn't going to be an easy summer and start for a relationship but they were determined to make the best of it. Once summer was over things would be better. It would be hectic because they would launching the new album and starting another world tour that would begin in Europe, then come back to the US and last through most of 2001 but they would at least be together most of the time because Shayla would be touring with them as their photographer.
They had begun talking about living together and eliminating one of the houses. It was silly to live next door to each other and be spending all their time going from house to house. However, they decided to wait until the end of summer to make the decision to sell one of them, so they could be more sure of themselves and the stability of the relationship. They had pretty much decided on staying at Shayla's and selling Brian's, so Shayla didn't have to leave her home. Brian was used to never being in one home long. Also, so she didn't have to live where he had lived with Leighanne. The only drawback of Shayla's was no pool and no music room. But they figured if they decided they would be keeping the home long enough, they could always put in a pool and build a music room/studio.
Sometimes Shayla wondered if things were moving too fast and that maybe Brian should've taken more time to get over Leighanne or just be by himself. But she knew that she loved him so much and knew he loved her. He was an incredible person. He treated her so well and she knew it was fate that brought them together. He was constantly sending her something while he was gone. He had arranged with a local florist before he left, for a different kind of flowers to be delivered to Shayla everyday while he was gone. When he would call at night, he would sing to her over the phone to say goodnight. He was just absolutely incredible. Shayla was completely amazed by him.
Nick and McKenzie however, were driving Brian and Shayla crazy. They were having a hard time being apart and missing each other. They'd make it, they just couldn't stand it and complained to everyone else all the time so they wouldn't complain to each other. McKenzie's name had been leaked to the press and she'd had to kinda barricade herself in the house lately except to go to school. There were only a few friends she could still trust and that was a little hard on her. Shayla was a little concerned whether McKenzie would be able to handle all this. They'd made plans that Nick would be going straight to McKenzie's on the way back from the Bahama's. Then the next day the two would drive up to Tampa and Brian and Shayla would go with them to see Nick's family so they could meet McKenzie. McKenzie was going to be spending the whole summer at Shayla's, and from the looks of things, most likely Nick too. There was always Brian's house if he and Shayla needed some privacy. That was one more reason to wait till the end of summer to decide what to do about the houses. They knew Nick and McKenzie would probably get on their nerves after a while.
Finally the 2 weeks had passed and the guys were coming home. Shayla was so excited driving to the airport to pick up Brian. She met Howie's mom and sister at the terminal waiting to pick him and AJ up. Shayla was picking up Brian and Kevin. Brian said that Kevin and Kristin had officially, completely broken up and Kevin had really been down in the dumps about it the whole trip.
Shayla stood on a chair looking for Brian in the crowd as they came off the plane. She finally spotted him and shrieked she was so happy. He looked so good. He was all tan and his hair was really blond from being in the sun. She jumped off the chair, when Brian spotted her and began running towards him, while Howie's mom and sister laughed at her eagerness. They met halfway as he dropped his bags and picked her up as she flew into his arms. She planted kisses all over his face.
"Oh I missed you so, so, much," she said.
Brian laughed at her as he put her down. "I missed you too. I love you so much. And I can't wait to get you home," he said whispering that last part in her ear.
"Didn't anybody miss me?" Kevin asked pouting.
Shayla giggled. "Oh poor Kevy, of course I missed you too," she said as Kevin stuck out his bottom lip pretending to pout and Brian laughed and shook his head at him. "Awww, here," she said giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek. Kevin went back to smiling. "Welcome home to you too," Shayla said.
"Thank you. I feel much better now," Kevin said.
"Ok come back to me now. I need more hugs and kisses," Brian said draping his arm around her shoulder.
They talked the whole way home. Brian and Kevin told her all about their time in the Bahama's and about some of the new songs they'd written. Although Brian pretty much told her everyday what they'd been up to, it was still good to just be talking in person. Brian was so happy to see her bright smile. They both had a thing about each others smiles. The three of them went out to dinner and then they dropped Kevin off and went home.
Shayla pulled into the garage and parked the car. As they got out she popped the back hatch of the jeep so they could get Brian's bags. But when she got to the back of the car to help him with his things, he closed the hatch and swooped her up in his arms instead, and ran with her into the house laughing. He headed up the steps to her bedroom and tossed her shrieking onto the bed, jumping on top of her.
*The Next Day*
Brian woke Shayla up the next morning nibbling on her neck and shoulders. "Good morning," Shayla said barely opening her eyes. She took his hands and wrapped his arms tightly around her. She'd slept so soundly last night having him there.
"mmmm,I'm so in love with you," Brian whispered in her ear, and kissing her neck.
"I love you too," she said turning over to face him. He pulled her closing wrapping their bodies together and kissed her.
"Yes," he groaned frustrated. "What time are Nick and McKenzie getting here this afternoon?"
"Around 2:00 I think. Ya know, I'm really surprised at those two. I'm really proud of them for making this work. They're both so young," Shayla said.
"Nick talked to her the whole time we were in the Bahama's. His phone bill is going to be tremendous. Not that mine is going to be much better," Brian said laughing.
"I'm so glad you're back. I missed you so much. I'm not going to be able to stand it when you're gone again," Shayla said pouting.
Brian rolled on top of her. "You won't have to. You'll be with us remember, Ms. Photographer."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," she said stroking his back.
"Well, let me show you what it's going to be like every day so you don't forget again," he said kissing and caressing her. He made love to her again and they layed in each others arms until they absolutely had to get up so they wouldn't be late.
After they showered and dressed they decided to take the dogs out for a walk before Nick and McKenzie got there. They had gone down the street and back and were standing in Shayla's yard watching the dogs play. Brian embraced Shayla and was kissing her when they heard the shutter of a camera clicking. Brian looked across the street to see a photographer frantically snapping pictures.
"Damnit," he said. "That didn't take long." Shayla peered over her sunglasses to see where the photographer was. Brian wrapped his arm around her burying her head into his chest and led her into the house calling the dogs to follow.
"Well, they know you're back," Shayla said as they got inside. Brian went around closing all the blinds.
"I'm sorry. I was hoping you wouldn't have to deal with being in the news so fast," he said.
"It's ok honey, I can deal with it," Shayla said.
"I know ya can. I just hate that you have to lose your privacy. You realize those pictures will be in the papers and magazines by tomorrow morning," he said.
"Oh well, it's not like we can do anything about it now. What about you though? Are you ok with people knowing about me?" Shayla asked.
"Are you kidding? It's fine with me, I love you. I just don't think you have any idea what they're going to do to you. They'll be following you everywhere, trying to get pictures and find out every bit of information they can about you," Brian said.
"I'll survive honey," Shayla told him. "We knew it would happen sooner or later."
"I better call Nick on his cell and tell him to be careful when they get here. They should be here soon," Brian said picking up the phone.
"Tell him to honk and we can open the garage door and they just pull on in so that guy can't get their pictures. They won't have to get out of the car outside," Shayla said taking the dogs in the kitchen for water.
"Good idea," Brian said. He told Nick what was happening and told Shayla they were about 10 minutes away.