Part 1 of 3


She picked up her phone and dialed, “All right you bastard, you win. I’m coming out of hiding soon,” she said to the sleepy voice on the other end.

“That’s great news Baby, just great. Was it my suave conversation last night,” he asked her with a chuckle, referencing their late night phone chat.

“Shit. NOT. But thanks for trying. David has a real tough schedule coming up and needs some help,” she admitted.

“No shit? So when are you rejoining the world,” he asked.

“Not until Tuesday, at least. I have some stuff that’s been hanging around for a while and since I’m right here, I might as well take care of it,” she said without thought.

“Baby, where is here,” he asked quietly. She grimaced and debated with herself. She knew his schedule.

“ Vancouver ,” she said quietly.

“No shit,” he said, smiling to himself, instantly wide awake. He knew they had a show to do there in two days. Maybe he’d get to see her finally. “What’s the stuff you have to take care of,” he asked her, genuinely interested.

“Real estate stuff. Finalizing and approving some things. Seems they don’t like to trust the photos they send me, even though they take them,” she shook her head at that.

“No shit,” he said again.

“John. I’m going to hang up if that’s all you’re going to say,” she snapped at him.

“Sorry Baby. I’m just waking up and I’m trying to picture you as a real estate tycoon. It’s just that I’m surprised. I had no idea,” he admitted. She sighed.

“John, there’s a lot more in my life than wrestling, you know that. I can take care of most of it by phone, fax and email. These goofs want to do it the old fashioned way, in person,” she said with irritation.

He was quiet as he processed what she said. It made sense to him that she had other stuff going on, since Dave’s schedule wasn’t a full time job for her usually. It also explained why she always had that damn little computer with her. She was working on other shit at the same time. Damn, she was amazing he thought, once he worked out how she did it.

“Can I leave you a pass for Monday,” he asked without any preamble.

“Yeah, I miss seeing some folks and it’s always good to freak people out and show up when you’re not expected. Is Vince with you guys for Monday,” she asked.

“Oh yeah. He wants to make sure I don’t do anything stupid,” he explained.

“Okay. My business is scheduled for mid day. Are you available for lunch or coffee,” she asked him.

“Hell yes, I am. Even if I’m not, I am,” he stated. She laughed with him at his pronouncement.

“Okay. I’ll call you with the details either Sunday night or Monday morning. Sound good,” she asked.

“Yeah, sounds real good,” he said.

“Thank you John, thanks for everything,” she said quietly.

“Ah, you know how I am about damsels in distress. See you Monday, Baby,” he said as he disconnected and smiled, knowing that Monday couldn’t get there fast enough for him.

She was waiting for him at the coffee shop as agreed. He almost didn’t recognize her in her casual clothes. He was so used to seeing her in her business suits that he almost walked right by her. When he did see her, he smiled and recognized how good she looked. She had changed her hair color slightly, she had some color in her cheeks and he could tell she had put on some much needed weight. She looked healthier and hotter than he remembered. He hid his surprise at her nose piercing. He instantly decided he liked it. It was an accent, not a detraction like he'd seen on so many others.

“Hi, Baby. Look at you, dressed like you’re slummin,” he teased. She stood up with a smile and gave him a big hug. He returned her embrace and held on for a moment, savoring the feel of her in his arms again.

“John. John, people are staring,” she said from deep in his chest.

“Fuck ‘em. Let ‘em stare. I don’t care right now. You look so good, Carrie. I’m so glad you could make it today,” he said sincerely. She pulled away and kissed his lips lightly.

She crinkled her nose at him and said, “You won’t be happy. The goofs that I told you about that I was supposed to meet with before, had to reschedule. I gotta meet with them in half an hour. I’m so sorry to ruin the day. It’s only supposed to take half an hour, probably lots less. You wanna join me? It’s just a walk through of a building. They don’t think I understand the property or something. I don’t know. So they want to show it to me in person. I’d love it if you could join me then we can spend the afternoon together. Well, what little you’ll have left.”

“You sure this isn’t just a way to ditch me?” he looked at her as he considered the thought. “Does it matter that I’m not in my business duds? I won’t scare them away, will I,” he asked. He was in his usual baggy jeans and t shirt.

She laughed and said, “This is where I say fuck ‘em. See how I’m dressed? I dressed this way on purpose, partly because it’s what I’m comfortable in and partly because I know they aren’t expecting some chick in a t-shirt and jeans to show up. They’re expecting someone stuffy and serious.” He nodded his understanding.

“Baby, I’d love to go with you if you don’t think I’d be in the way or something,” he said.

They had enough time for him to drive his rental back to the hotel and jump in hers. She had been in town long enough to know where she needed to go for today’s meeting. She still got lost if she ventured out of the city, but the building was right in the heart of it, prime real estate according to her research and advisors.

He was again surprised as they pulled up to a large block of condominiums. They were over looking the harbor and the mountains were a stunning backdrop. They looked like they were brand new and some weren’t quite finished.

“This is where you’re buying one? Looks expensive,” he said to her. She shook her head at him.

“Yeah, it is. But John, I’m not just buying one, I’m buying all of them,” she laughed at his startled look. “Remember real estate mogul? That’s me. Well not really, but I do have investment properties and this one might be another, depending on the reception I receive today. It’s all about the bull shit and how they play it. I know you can relate to that,” she laughed at his confused frown.

“Baby, you always surprise me, so I guess I’m just going to stand back and watch a pro do her thang,” he chuckled as he climbed out of the car.

He followed her up to the first condo and waited as she knocked. The door was opened by a blonde man in a dark grey suit, who looked to be in his early forties, trying hard to hang on to his thirties by combing is hair over the thin patch. He wasn’t prepared for the sight that greeted him, she could tell. Let’s see how well he recovers his composure, was her thought. He shook her hand firmly, allowed himself to be introduced to her hulking friend and asked if she would like to look at this first one, before they got started on the tour.

She understood what he was doing, it gave him a chance to appraise her and get his shit back together while appearing helpful at the same time. She’d seen it all before, but he was playing the game correctly so far. John stayed silent beside her, but followed her as she walked through the unit, looking at rooms, closets and other amenities. He almost said something a couple of times, particularly when he saw the view from the master bedroom, but managed to stop himself. She just smiled, knowing he wasn’t too shabby a poker player either.

She knew the ground units were the lesser of the units, but they were still very impressive. She thought that she might reserve one for herself, so she’d have a nice place to stay if she visited the beautiful city again. She walked back to find their guide waiting for them, in the foyer. She smiled as she thought of condos having foyers. It was just so silly, but whatever. She knew that it was all about the packaging. Their guide escorted them to the elevator and explained which units were completed, and what was left to be done on the remaining ones.

“Do you have a completion date,” she asked him.

“Yes, all will be completed within two weeks from now,” he said. “They will be available for occupancy by mid month.

He opened the door to the next completed one, this one was on the third floor and she knew the views would be even better. She just hoped John would be able to contain himself. The guide stayed outside, giving them the privacy to explore at their leisure. John looked around with a grin on his face, just shaking his head. The rooms were larger, the kitchen was impressive in size considering it was really just a fancy apartment, as she always thought of condos. John was in the master bedroom, looking at the mountains when she walked in.

“Baby, look at that. Imagine waking up to that view every morning,” he said to her as he shook his head. The view was awe inspiring, she had to admit. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him so he could steal a quick kiss from her. She was surprised, he winked at her and laughed as he released her.

They walked out and met up with their patient guide so he could show them the penthouse suite. She had seen the pictures and knew a special treat was there for anyone with enough money to buy it. The elevator opened up in to the apartment itself, in to it’s own foyer. There’s that silly word again, but this time it did fit, she knew. There were high glass ceilings above to let in the light in the entryway. She shot John a quick warning look to keep quiet, he nodded. Their guide was still with them.

“What did you want to show me about this unit,” she asked him, knowing it was the outside patio and panoramic view.

“If you please, follow me. This unit has something special for those that enjoy the water and the mountains,” he said as he dramatically opened the blinds and door to the kitchen patio. She nodded and quietly walked out on it, looking at the view, seeing the potential and realizing her research had been right. But she knew that being close to the mountains meant that that view would sometimes be shrouded in clouds. She had lived in similar regions before. She walked the entire patio that encompassed the top unit, noting the hot tub looked functional already. There were a few things that she would change if she lived in it, but that wasn’t her plan, was it? She walked through the inside, paying particular attention to the bathrooms, since she loved big, deep tubs. She wasn’t disappointed. John had been quiet beside her since they first entered the unit. Their time was up and she turned to thank their polite and helpful guide. He escorted them down to their car and waved as they left.

“Damn Baby,” he said before they’d barely pulled away. “You sell drugs or something? Is that how you can afford that shit? I don’t think I could,” he admitted.

“You’re right, you couldn’t or at least you shouldn’t yet. And no I don’t sell drugs, I don’t do anything illegal. I’ve just been damn lucky in some things,” she smiled secretly.

“That Penthouse was sweet. I’d like to live there. Imagine waking up to those views every day. Something I’d almost consider moving here for,” he said with a smile. She shook her head at him, he was just silly sometimes. But he was also a good friend and she loved him for it. She nodded as she flipped open her phone and hit one of her speed dial buttons.

“Yeah, just finished. Yeah…I still don’t know why….but yeah….No, I’m still a bitch about that…no…okay. Thanks, send it to me and we’ll see if they want to play. Thanks, bye.” She flipped her phone closed and looked over at her passenger. He was quiet again, probably realizing that she had just agreed to buy that complex for whatever sum.

“Did you just say yes to that,” he asked her. She nodded. He didn’t know what to say.

“Where do you want to go now, John? Did you want to get any sight seeing in? This is a beautiful city and I know you guys don’t get much time to enjoy it. Your schedule hasn’t changed from the last time we talked, has it,” she asked.

“No, we still got plenty of time,” he told her. He knew what he really wanted to do, but that wasn’t going to happen so he’d just enjoy hanging out with her. She nodded and pointed the car to the fantastic park that she spotted the other day. It wasn’t too far from them and it showed all of the city’s best features.

Once they parked and walked toward the gates, he reached to hold her hand. She smiled at his action. He gently squeezed her hand and returned her smile. They paid their admittance since it was also a zoo and wandered through the beautiful grounds, talking about their lives, catching each other up on the latest happenings. As always, John had some funny stories to make her laugh, they usually included a brother or two.

She was laughing as she asked him, “Why do they let you do that shit to them? They gotta know you’re gonna do it?”

“I don’t know, but they always fall for it. Must be suckers for punishment,” he said.

It made him realize the truth in his own words. He knew there wasn’t a future with her, but he loved her in spite of that and enjoyed every moment he had with her, like today. After walking through the park for a couple of hours, it was time to drive John back to the hotel so he could get his car.

“Baby, I left your name at the gate for a pass. You buzz my cell if it’s not there so I can bust some ass, okay,” he said as he climbed out of her car.

“Okay, John. Thanks, thanks for today. I enjoyed it,” she smiled into his surprised eyes as he closed the door and patted the roof to let her know he was clear.

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Part 2 of 3


Luckily, there was a pass for her at the gate. She chose to arrive a couple of hours before show time, so she could visit with some friends. She knew she was excited about seeing some people that she hadn’t seen in a couple of months. She hoped they’d be happy to see her. She was disappointed but knew that Nan & Hunter were at home, taking a well deserved break. Rick was not at the arena tonight helping behind the scenes either.

The first person she spotted was Big Show. She knew him from a few pay per views and he was always nice and polite to her. He stopped and looked at her for a moment, trying to figure out where he had seen her before, she guessed.

“Does it help if I have Triple H or Batista near me,” she laughed as she asked him.

“Damn, Carrie. How are you? What are you doing here? Dave here with you?” he said as he picked her up in a Big Show hug.

“Ribs, babe, remember my ribs,” she said as he picked her up.

“Sorry, but damn. It’s good to see you. You just dropping in for a little RAW fix?” he teased her. She nodded and she waved a finger at him, telling him he was bad.

“How are things, how’s the new baby who isn’t really a baby any more is he,” she asked him.

“No, he’s mobile and driving his mom crazy,” he laughed. They were walking towards the catering area as they talked. It was usually a good place to start if you were looking for someone. He saw her start to walk towards the food and he warned, “Carrie, don’t. It’s not good today. I don’t know what the hell it is but just don’t.”

“What about the coffee, is that icky too,” she asked as she turned toward her favorite drug of choice, caffeine.

“Coffee’s good or there would be a riot. Hey, I gotta get ready and tape up. It was good to see you. Tell Dave I said hey and see you at the next pay per view maybe,” he said as he turned to leave her to her coffee.

She said her thanks and poured her coffee. She liked it straight and strong, a hell of a lot like she liked her men, she giggled to herself. What the hell? Where did that come from, she wondered. Must be all the damn testosterone in the air. Someone else walked up to get coffee, he looked vaguely familiar. She couldn’t place him for a moment. She sipped her coffee and wanted to top it off, so she waited until he was finished. Her brain supplied the man’s name after several seconds.

“Rob? What the hell’s happened,” she asked the startled man who turned to look at the tiny vision of beauty in front of him.

“Um, what do you mean,” he said as he tried to remember her name. He knew he knew her, but didn’t know her as well as he wanted.

“Honey, you’ve been over cooked by the bulbs and you make me look like I’m fat,” she explained.

“Carrie, why are you dogging me about my new image? I came up with most of it myself,” he said proudly. He was glad he remembered her name, he also remember she was off limits.

“Okay, you look good, just a little too brown honey. What’s with the see thru’s,” she smiled as she noticed them.

“It’s all part of the new me. It’s gonna be great, just wait. People are gonna love to hate me. They love watching me, but they’ll hate me. They gotta hate someone since Triple H is on vacation. Angle can’t do it all himself,” he told her. She nodded her agreement. She didn’t know Kurt very well, but thought he was a funny guy, especially after a few beers. She knew he was happily married so he didn’t go out with the boys often, but when he did, he was funny.

After topping off her coffee, she tapped Rob on the shoulder and said, “Have a good night, Rob. I’ll probably see you later.” He nodded and walked away. She thought she recognized a certain blonde laughing his ass off at some story his buddy was telling. She walked towards them just to say hi. He caught sight of her and waved her over with a smile.

“Carrie, good to see you, sweetheart. You look good lady. Those boys at Smack Down must get better food than us. Don’t go near it today, it’s bad,” Shelton said, grinning to his buddy.

“Yeah, Big Show warned me,” she said as she was greeted by two big goofy grins on their faces. “You two look good. Some interesting shit you guys are wrapped up in. How’s that going,” she directed to the tall blond man.

“Okay now. It was hard at first, but a lot better now. It’s weird having people boo and cheer you at the same time,” he confessed.

She nodded, knowing that only a few were comfortable with that and of them, only a very select few were good at it. The man walking towards her with a smile just for her was one of the few.

“Carrie, great to see you. You look great, just great,” he said as he hugged her. “Dave here tonight,” he asked.

“No, flying solo. I had some stuff to do in town so why not drop in on the boys and see what’s screwed up now,” she laughed. He laughed with her, knowing she was a good problem solver. She managed to make things go a lot smoother, even if it had nothing to do with Dave. “Shawn, is Vince here tonight,” she asked

“Oh yeah, he won’t leave his show this close to a pay per view to anyone else’s hands, even if they are family. Shane’s here too, somewhere,” he shared.

“I’ll be happy if I can avoid the senior, let me know if he’s right behind me, will ya,’ she smirked.

He gave her a small headshake and smiled. She walked away, looking at some new faces and some old faces. Oh shit, she was going to scream like a little girl. She didn’t know he was here tonight. He was the only other one who made her get all silly and girlie. Shit, maybe he didn’t see me, she prayed. Nope, I’m safe. Take a deep breath and drink your coffee and count your blessings. She was standing off to the side, just watching the activity of the talent and crew, watching the pace quicken as show time got closer. She loved that about the business, the pace. But it was also what kicked her ass and she knew it.

She was thinking about some of the sillier times watching Kurt get stupid when she heard a deep quiet voice on her left say, “Carrie. I didn’t know you were coming tonight. Good to see you. How are the boys at Smack Down treating you?”

She turned to look into the eyes of the immortal Hulk Hogan. She always got stupid and very girlie around him. She felt like she was eight years old watching him beat on someone in the ring, every time she met him. He had asked her to call him his given name, but she was way too uncomfortable to do that, so she did what she did with Mr. Flair (shit, Ric) and didn’t call him anything. She thought she had managed to dodge him earlier.

“Thanks, things are good there. Different but good. Travel schedule is a little odd, but doable. How are you and how is the family with you back on the road again,” she asked, knowing that it was one of the reasons he semi retired a few years ago.

“They know it’s temporary, how temporary we haven’t talked about, but it’s fun. It wasn’t fun a few years ago,” he revealed. She was just going to reply to him, when John spotted her. Subtlety wasn’t a strong point with him that was certain, she grimaced.

He couldn’t help himself. He was grinning, seeing his idol and his girl, okay not his girl any more, but still his friend, talking to each other. It was just too awesome he thought, as he strode over to them quickly.

“Hulk,” he said as he nodded and shook his hand. Hogan nodded back to him. “Carrie, you made it. Good to see you,” he said as he hugged her.

Hogan was a little surprised by his young friend’s reaction. He didn’t know Cena knew Evolution’s Lil’ Sis.

“John, careful or you’ll be wearing my coffee,” she warned him. He stepped away from her, but he was still wearing a big grin. “What are you two doing tonight, do you know yet,” she asked them.

“I have a run in, but that’s not until the second hour,” said Hogan.

“I get another two on one,” he smiled as he told her. She looked at him strangely.

“Um, okay. You don’t sound too worried about it,” she noted.

John shrugged but was still smiling. Hogan looked at his young friend and knew he needed to get some coffee or something because Cena was totally focused on her.

“Good to see you, Carrie. Will we you see you later,” he asked as he started to walk away.

She nodded. Just as she was going to say something to John, the latest batch of diva wanna be’s walked by. They all looked at her like she was something they scraped off their shoes. She smiled as they walked away.

“Nice to know some things never change,” she said to John.

He was glad they didn’t stop and try to talk to him. There were a couple he had tried to prove something to himself with a couple of weeks ago.

“Yeah, it’ll be done soon so don’t sweat it. Most of them don’t know which way is up half the time. I don’t know how they manage to get here on Monday’s sometimes,” he shared.

She laughed at his remark. She was well aware of his recent activities, but it wasn’t her problem. She didn’t have any claim on him. He asked her more about the condos they saw today and she explained in more depth now that they had a little time.

Shawn walked away from talking to her and flipped open his cell.

“Hey, Carrie’s here tonight. Did you know she was going to be here,” he asked the voice on the other end.

“Really? No, I didn’t. She look okay, she look like she was feeling okay,” Hunter asked him.

“Buddy, she looks great. She looks like she gained a little weight and she looks a lot younger, but maybe it’s just the t-shirt and jeans. I didn’t know she was going to be here, that’s all. Dave okay,” he asked.

“Yeah, last I talked to him. He’s on the road, but let me call him to check. Thanks for the heads up and keep an eye on her for me, will ya Shawn,” Hunter asked his long time friend.

“You got it buddy. Talk to you soon, bye,” and he disconnected.

David hung up his cell and shook his head. He knew she was going to be joining him on the road the next weekend, but she didn’t tell him she was going to drop in on RAW first. It wasn’t that she needed to check in with him. He was worried about her being there without him or Hunter to make sure she was safe. Some of the boys could get out of hand and he was worried, he admitted to himself. Hunter told him Shawn was there and would watch over her and keep her safe. He hoped Shawn was discreet or she would be pissed and purposely reckless. Shawn had no idea how stubborn she could be. He hoped Shawn didn’t find out first hand. Maybe he should call Kris and ask her if she knew about the RAW visit; on second thought, maybe not. He didn’t want to worry her anymore than she already was about her sister. Carrie had called him and told him she’d help him next weekend because his schedule was packed and possibly changeable, but she told him she wasn’t going back home with him after, but other than that, he still didn’t know what was going on with her.

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Part 3 of 3


After grabbing a beer for herself, she made her way through the crowded bar, looking for a table. She saw Kane sitting quietly by himself at one and knew she could sit with him. He was usually welcoming to her, plus she knew that the rest of the boys would leave her alone if she was with him. The fans always stayed away from him, she remembered.

“Mind,” she asked as she looked at him and the empty chair. He smiled and pulled the chair out for her. She hadn’t spoken to him all evening so she didn’t know how he was doing.

“How are you, Carrie,” he asked in his very quiet deep voice.

She nodded and sipped her beer before she said anything. “I’m good. You look like you’re doing a lot better. No hopping around that I could see,” she said in reference to his recent knee repair.

He smirked and said, “You admit that you watched my match? Does Dave know?”

“What? That I watched your match? I don’t think he cares one way or another. Triple H on the other hand…” she sipped her beer again instead of finishing her sentence or answering his real question.

“You’ve always been too smart for your own good, Stretch. That you’re here at RAW,” he clarified. He knew that she had avoided answering the first time, so he spelled it out for her.

“I don’t know. I’m sure someone’s called him by now,” she said as she looked across the bar at Shawn.

He made no effort to hide his obvious babysitting duty. He nodded and smiled at her. She shook her head and shifted back to the big man at the table.

“It’s good to see you, Stretch. How come you’re here,” Kane asked quietly. He knew she had a boyfriend. ‘Taker had told him, he’d also said it wasn’t him.

She crinkled her nose before she explained, “I was in the neighborhood.” At his look of disbelief she said, “Really.”

He mentally shrugged and let the matter drop. It didn’t matter to him, one way or another. He was just surprised that she was at RAW at all. They both turned to follow the noise of some disturbance near the entrance. She was too short to see and her vantage point wasn’t helpful either.

“Sounds like the champ is in the house,” Kane said as he reached for his nearly empty glass of beer.

He watched her to see if he’d get a reaction to his news. Normally she was open and friendly to most of the backstage workers, he knew. He had been surprised today to find out that Cena knew her at all. She nodded at his words and looked at her self appointed escort and shook her head.

“Let me buy you another beer and you can tell me a story about why you’re in the neighborhood,” Kane said as he grabbed her empty glass.

She nodded and watched him walk towards the bar. Her eyes flicked over to her escort and saw he was in conversation with someone and didn’t currently have his eyes glued on her. Time to visit the restroom quickly, she thought.

Once she was inside one of the stalls, she heard two girls, women? She wasn’t sure, but they twittered excitedly to each other about the hot men from RAW at the bar tonight.

“Did you see Shawn Michaels,” said one.

“I know! Oh my God, I know,” said the other.

“He can preach to me any time,” said the first one.

“Hell with that. Let me worship his temple, honey,” said her friend. Carrie smiled to herself as she listened to the two. “You’re just pissed because Triple H isn’t here tonight,” she continued. Carrie was surprised, most ladies loved to hate him, she thought.

“Yeah, it’s a bummer that he’s home or on vacation somewhere. I’ve waited for months to come to this show and then I hear he’s not even here. I almost didn’t come tonight,” she said.

“I’ll never understand what you see in that guy, Rita. Never understand why you’d want to jump that asshole,” her friend stated.

“Yeah, whatever. This from someone who thinks Cena is hot? Puh-lease! Let me have my hot bastard and you can have your boy.”

Carrie heard them finish up at the sink and waited for the door to open and close again before she left her stall. It had been a while since she had been on the outside looking in and she had to smile at the conversation she'd just over heard.

She opened the door and headed back to the table and saw that Kane had returned with two glasses of beer, but he looked pissed.

“Hey, thanks for the beer,” she said as she slid back into her seat. His frown was erased at her words and he nodded and lifted his glass in mock salute to her.

“Seems your bodyguard thinks I’m bad for you,” he said quietly.

She shook her head and swiveled in her chair to give an angry glare to her self appointed protector. He smiled in response. Asshole.

“How you gonna expand my ed u ma cation,” she asked with a giggle.

It was their running joke. Kane was always reading, reading something of substance. She was always reading too, but not always substantive stuff.

“Sheeeeiiiit,” he chuckled. “I don’t know if you want to know what I’m currently reading, not your thing. Not at all,” he said with a sly grin.

“Oh,” she challenged him.

“Yeah, I’m reading some historical stuff. It’s really interesting to me, but I don’t know…” his voice trailed off.

She was intrigued. He usually read some very interesting stuff; historical, biographical, it didn’t matter. It was almost always interesting.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean,” she asked as she took a long drink of her beer.
She saw him think about his answer for a moment. It looked like he was trying hard to choose the right words.

“Just say it. If you piss me off, I’ll kick your ass. But just say it,” she said in exasperation.

“It about some of the early saints and some of the early church doctrine, plus it’s a mystery thrown in,” he said quietly. She smiled. He was trying so hard to not offend her.

“I bet that’s interesting. Some of the things that shaped current doctrine are very interesting. It puts a whole new spin on stuff, I know,” she said.

He looked relieved that she wasn’t upset. She was so used to being a minority in a gentile society that it didn’t faze her, ever.

“I took several classes about comparative world religions years ago. Those were some of the most interesting shit I elected to take,” she said honestly.

“Carrie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be an asshole. It’s just I didn’t, I wasn’t sure…” he finished lamely and looked down at his beer.

“Kane, I thought we had this conversation a long time ago. Whatever works for you, works for you. We’re all different, thank God. As long as you don’t proselytize to me, I won’t to you. You know there’s very little you can say that will piss me off, that certainly isn’t one of them,” she smiled and shook her head at him.

He was such a big goof sometimes. She knew she was also one of the few that knew he was a devout man, irrespective of the role he played in front of the cameras.

“Tell me how it feels to be back in the ring, Shorty,” she grinned.

He almost spit out his mouthful of beer. Lucky for both of them he managed to swallow instead of spraying her with it. He forgot that she called him that. Other than from her, he hadn’t been called short since he was in diapers, probably. Once he regained the power of speech, he told her about his ring return and how the first couple of weeks he was leery. She listened to him talk to her and heard many of the things he didn’t say. She knew he hated being the stand in for Matt in the previous story lines and she knew he was relieved that he didn’t have to play that shit again.

He amazed himself as he talked to her. He opened up to her about a lot of stuff, stuff that he never talked to any of the guys about. Most of them didn’t want to hear him, or didn’t want to talk to him. But here was this tiny woman sitting in front of him and letting him tell her about his life and his worries and triumphs. It was too bad Dave got transferred to Smack Down. He missed the talks he had with her. He missed debating her latest reading material since she always seemed to be reading some shit. He really missed working out in the gym at the same time as her, he finally admitted. He gave himself a mental shake to get his brain back into a safe area and looked at his watch.

“Stretch, I hate to say it, but I gotta love you and leave you. I have an early flight tomorrow,” he said into her green eyes.

“Oh, okay. I’m gonna head out soon anyway. I wouldn’t want Shawn to loose any beauty sleep because of me,” she giggled. He chuckled and hugged her quickly and stepped back.

“It was good talking to you. I noticed you didn’t tell me a story about why you’re here. Don’t think you’re off the hook, sweetie. Not at all,” he smiled at her nod. He walked away from her and headed to the door.

On his way past the bar, Shawn looked at him and said, “About time Buddy. I thought you were gonna talk all night.”

“Yeah, whatever. You know she can take care of herself? She doesn’t need you or Triple H,” Kane said quietly as he walked away.

Shawn watched him as he considered the big man’s words. His attention was snapped back to Carrie’s table because Cena slid in next to her with a loud laugh. He didn’t hear what was said, but he noticed the man’s body language.

“Imagine seeing you here, pretty lady,” John laughed.

“I’m surprised you were able to make it this far without having someone crying at your feet, Champ,” she said with a giggle.

She was aware of some of the things her species did when confronted with one of the guys they had been fantasizing about forever. Sometimes it was funny, sometimes it was creepy and sometimes it was down right embarrassing.

“I told them I had to see someone about somethin’ important,” he winked.

She shook her head at him. He was still flying high from the ring, so she knew she’d never be able to have an intelligent conversation with him.

“Looks like they couldn’t wait,” she said in reference to the encroaching crowd easing towards her safe corner.

She scanned for an exit because she did not want to get stuck in the corner with all the fans clamoring for John’s attention. She didn’t have the patience or the stomach for it.

“I’ll talk to ya later,” she said as she grabbed her half full glass and walked away before she got trapped.

She missed the look of pain that passed over his face before it was quickly replaced by the public WWE Champ persona he presented to his impatient fans. He turned to them with sharpie in hand, ready to continue to sign anything they put in front of him, even if it was a body part. He didn’t care. He had seen some nice parts in the last few years, he thought to himself.

The self appointed protector witnessed her escape, Cena’s reaction and then his acceptance of it as he turned to the fans. There was something going on there, he knew. It might only be one sided, but he felt even more protective of Hunter’s Lil Sis than before. She was swimming with sharks and he didn’t want to see her get hurt.

Carrie zeroed in on a friend that she hadn’t seen in a long time, at a small table. She hadn’t seen her at the arena earlier, but knew she was back in the ring. She must have missed her earlier.

“Looking good, Canuck,” she said to the blonde beauty.

“Thanks. I’m finally feeling good too,” Trish admitted.

“Yeah,” Carrie grimaced as she remembered how much pain Trish had been working with before her surgery.

“Looks like you and the doctor were kinda cozy for a while,” Trish observed. Trish liked Carrie, she knew there was no competition from her. She didn’t want her job or her spot at the top of the roster and knew she was genuine, something that very few other women were in the business.

“Yeah, but his screaming groupies couldn’t be without him for very long,” she chuckled. Trish giggled at her friend’s comment. They had many conversations over the years about some of the more ridiculous things that female fans did to get the boys’ attention. Most of them didn’t work.

“Tell me why that was hired,” Trish said as she pointed out the youngest and most arrogant wrestler. He was fondling some of the women in the bar and they seemed to like it, judging by the brainless giggling.

“I don’t know, honey. I really don’t. It’s not like he can talk, or walk or anything,” she supplied. “Blame it on Vince. That’s what I do. All stupid things are Vince’s fault, didn’t you know,” Carrie asked her friend.

Trish giggled at her and nodded. She’d never understand why McAsshole had been hired. He spoke worse than even she did when she started.

“I leave for a little while and everything goes to shit. What’s up with that,” Trish asked her curly haired friend.

“Vince, honey. It’s always Vince’s fault. Repeat after me. It’s Vince’s fault. It gets easier with practice,” she chuckled.

They were both quiet, lost in their own thoughts for a few moments as they let the noise of the busy bar wash over them.

“Tell me how Jared handled you going back to work,” Carrie asked her.

Trish laughed before she told her about her boyfriend’s misgivings and how much of a worrier he was. Sounded too familiar to Carrie for comfort, but she listened as the WWE Women’s Champ shared some of her home life with her. They were both laughing at some of the silly things Jared had given her for her birthday.

Shawn kept an eye on Lil’ Sis as she talked with Trish. He had forgotten how many people she knew. He always tended to think of her cloistered in Evolution’s locker room, but that obviously hadn’t been the case considering how many people she had spoken to since she showed up today. He wondered if Hunter was aware of all her connections.

John also had part of his attention on the small table in the corner with the two beautiful ladies. He was always happy to see and speak to his fans, but he had hoped to have more time with her tonight.

Carrie saw Trish stiffen and shut her mouth with an inaudible snap suddenly. She felt a presence behind her, but wasn’t going to look around. She was spared trying to guess who the unwelcome visitor was by his own impatience.

“You look beautiful tonight, Trish,” Masters said.

“Thanks,” was all she said in response. She didn’t want to engage him in any conversation, she just wanted him to go away.

“How come you never stop and say hi,” he asked her.

He was angling, trying to catch a very big fish. But she wasn’t jumping to his bait. It wasn’t something he was accustomed to in his 22 years. He usually had to fight the ladies off with a big stick so he wanted to see what made this pretty blonde different.

“As I was saying, before we were so rudely interrupted, we tried to figure out how to use it. It wasn’t until he broke down and actually read the directions that,” was all she got out before her chair was spun around to face the large man that she had ignored.

“Hey! How come you’re so rude? I asked you a question,” he said into the angry blonde’s glare. She looked hot when she’s pissed, he noticed.

Carrie stayed quiet, but knew she would step in if help was needed. This young buck needed to learn, needed to learn that not all women thought he was hot shit.

“Mister, ah. Masters, is it,” Trish questioned him. He nodded and waited. “I don’t believe you were invited into this private conversation. When my friend and I are finished, I might be able to find you and answer you, but until then…butt out.”

Her words and her arms folded across her chest left no doubt about her feelings. Carrie snuck a quick glance at her friend and saw her minuscule wink. She didn’t look at the young man who was being ignored, but knew he was still standing near. He’s probably burning some brain cells as he tried to figure out what to do next, she thought to herself.

“Just what I thought. You’re one of them women that thinks you’re too good for the rest of us. You’re just a high priced bitch,” he finished loudly. He didn’t get a chance to say anything else before he was flat on his back, howling in pain.

“Good one,” Carrie said to her friend. Trish grinned and buffed her nails on her shirt.

“Buy that lady a beer,” someone said from across the bar. Trish smiled but shook her head. She’d had her fill tonight.

“I told you that would come in handy one day,” Carrie giggled to her friend.

They had chuckled about making sure to hit at least two of the three “N”s. Trish had hit two in rapid succession with spectacular results.

“I was pretty sure I’d have to search to find that boy’s nuts, so I went for his knee and nose. No one will notice,” she said in reference to his broken nose.

“You’re bad. On that note, I’m gonna get out of here before you get us into more trouble,” Carrie said.

“Yeah, good idea. You staying here,” Trish asked as they got up and left the groaning man to his misery on the floor.

“No way. I want quiet, not drunken singing in the halls, or groaning at all hours,” she giggled as she stepped past the downed man.

Shawn had watched Masters approach and shook his head at the young man’s stupidity. He’d learn, but it looked like he was going to have to learn the hard way. He had just made the decision to step in as Trish took him down quickly. He pursed his lips in appreciation of her action. He’d keep that in mind the next time he felt like being uppity with her, he chuckled. His wife would never believe it. She thought Trish was sweet and kind. She was, but she was also something else. He watched Lil’ Sis head towards the door and was ready to finally call it a night when Cena’s swift movement caught his eye and shut his mouth. He was going to call out good night to Carrie, but Cena’s movement stopped him.

Carrie headed out the door without a backward glance so she was unaware of anyone wanting to speak to her or buy her another beer. She just wanted to go back to her room and curl up in the huge bed with a fat book and let her brain shut off for a while.

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