The Voices Made Me Do It

Inktober day 2

June Gloom

My hand instantly went to the wetness, as I pulled it away I looked at the sticky red remnants on my fingers, someone was bleeding. “Shit Elle, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you!” “GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER.” Rob snarled at a pale faced Shane.  I felt his strong arms scoop me up gently. Hitting the button in the lift with his elbow. “I’m taking you to the ER babe. I can’t believe he just did that. How are you feeling? Are you feeling dizzy?” his face was concerned, a bruise already forming on his chin. “I’m so sorry Rob, I didn’t know he’d be there, I didn’t know.”  “it’s not your fault Elle, it’s Mr ‘I can’t control my tempers’.  He’s unreal.”  Hailing a taxi, he helped me get into the back. Just as we were about to pull off I heard Vikki and Shane shout at us to wait for them. “Just go please.” I mumbled, lacing my fingers through his.  “I think the bleedings stopped now.” “I don’t care we’re going to get you checked out.  Shit, have you your insurance info with you?” he reached for my bag that was still round my shoulder and began rummaging.  

*A few hours later*

“Just a flesh wound, nothing to worry about. Just rest up tomorrow and if you start to feel nauseous or you lose consciousness at any point get back here.”  She smiled at me before handing my discharge papers to Rob. “Just make sure she relaxes.”  A final smile and she was gone.  I swung my legs over the side of the bed, and looked up at Rob, his jaw set firmly. I’d never seen him look so furious in the years I’d known him.  Offering me a hand he pulled me carefully to my feet, putting an arm round my shoulders he pulled me close and lead me out the door. I heard Shane before I saw him, feeling Robs grip on my shoulders tighten slightly.  “Just say nothing, let’s get back to mine, I want to get coffee and book our flights back to LA.” I looked up at him, hoping my eyes would portray the desperation.  Both Vikki and Shane came running to us, she looked positively sick with worry.  “Elle you okay?” she opened up her arms to hug me, when I refused to move she put them back to her sides.  “Rob let’s go, please.” “What the fuck? What have I done?” her eyes filled with tears.  It upset me to see her like this, but then so did the fact my ex had come sauntering out of the apartment I’d shared with her as if it was nothing major.  I’d been happy this morning, things were starting to look up and now this. “Let’s go.” With that I walked out of the double doors.

#Ringing sound#

“Hey Sophia, sorry to bug ya at this time of night.” I smiled at her

“Nothing to be sorry for Elle, what’s up? You never call me Sophia!” her face was a feeble attempt at a smile.

“I so do. But yeah I have a HUGE favour to ask you.” Pausing for a second I shifted my feet slightly so that they were resting over a sleeping Robs legs.  “There’s a lot of shit going on here and its too much to explain over the phone, but I was wondering could I come stay with you for a while, till I get myself sorted out?” I chewed on my lower lip.  

“Of course you can, are you okay? What’s going on can you give me a synopsis?” her head cocked to the side as  she waited for on my  reply.  

“I will be when I get away from Nashville.  Booking flights as we speak, Rob’ll be with me too if that’s okay.  Promise it’ll not be for long.”

“Chick you can stay for as long as you need, just be prepared for puppy piles on a regular basis.” She chuckled a little.

“Thanks Soph. you’re the best. See you in a couple days, gotta arrange to get stuff into storage.  Love ya.”

“Love you too.  Call me when you get here.” *Call disconnected*

Well that was one thing crossed off my list. I headed to the living room to cross the next thing off. When I got there I noticed Vikki’s keys gone.  Oh well, searching for the legal pad I knew had been on the sideboard I hopped up onto the couch and began to write.

***

“Pleasure to finally meet you face to face Mr McMahon.” Vikki smiled broadly, removing her hand from his and sitting down in the seat Shane had pulled out for her.  “Hi Dad.” Hugging his father Shane took the seat beside her,  placing the folder on the table.  “So where shall we begin then Vikki?” Vince had this way of smiling at you as if you were nothing but a pawn, a piece of cannon fodder and it made her uncomfortable, but still she sat there in awe of a man she could only describe as her hero. “Well in the folder I have the signed contracts from the talent and team I’ve taken with me from TNA. There’s also the terms that have been agreed on as well as confidentiality waiver with regards to the goings on behind the scenes of TNA.  By the time we’re finished with them TNA’s reputation is going to be dirt.” Smiling back at him she caught her reflection in the window behind him and realised she looked simply evil at this moment, almost in a cartoon villain style. “Just what I wanted to hear, and Shane what part do you play in this?” He turned to his son at this point, rifling through the papers as he did so. “Well this is the thing dad, I had an idea to run past you…” “Go on.” “Well speaking to Steph the other weekend, she said you were planning taking Smackdown live again in the near future, I wondered if I could come back on board, try and help out with it?” Shane looked from his father to Vikki, hoping that he didn’t sound as desperate as he felt, he needed something to distract himself from missing her, loving her, losing her.  “Well that’s an idea but Stephanie and Paul run Raw and quite frankly I don’t think they’d have any need for a third set of hands…convince me.” Vince’s head cocked to the side, it reminded Vikki of a scene from the Jungle Book when Kaa was surveying Mowgli getting ready to devour him. “Paul has NXT, Steph could run one show I could do the other, create a bit of rivalry between them, obviously we’d need to give it a bit of time, let me back in the swing of things but by this time next year I think we could have not only destroyed Dixie but also taken WWE to the top of the world again Dad.” Shane’s smile was contagious, Vikki couldn’t resist beaming too.  “I like it, but I need to run it through Stephanie and Paul first. They’re principle owners after all. Leave it with me and we can arrange a meeting next week. Vikki if you’d like to make your way to the office second on the left you’ll find Mark Caranno waiting to discuss matters further with you with regards to talent and getting your team settled in, I’d like a word with my son in private if you don’t mind.” He stood up and offered his hand again in a way that said we’re done and this isn’t a request. Vikki turned to Shane who mumbled that he’d meet her at the car. She left the office, closing the door shut behind her, not wanting to look to overwhelmed. She was busy sorting her skirt while walking to Carannos office when she accidentally bumped into someone walking the opposite direction. “Oh my sorry, I should have been looking where I was going.” Vikki looked up at the person she’d almost run over. “It’s fine, we all do it from time to time.” The pretty dark haired woman smiled at her. Vikki couldn’t help but feel she recognised her from somewhere. Shaking the thought from her head she smiled in farewell and walked towards Marks office, ready to organise the rest of her life!

***

When my father in law had called this morning, no wait my ex-father in law.  I didn’t know what to expect, we hand’t spoken much since our last meeting.  Things with Shane hadn’t changed any since the divorce and he was still pining over her. It made me sick to think of it.  Knocking on the door of the office I waited.  “Come in.” Here we go for whatever Vincent McMahon had in store.  I stopped dead, looking from one McMahon to the other, “Erm…am I early? I can come back.” I made to leave the last thing I needed was a confrontation with Shane.  “No stay, I need you both here…there are matters to be discussed that will affect you both.”  “Dad what’s this all about?” “Nice to see you too Shane.” I rolled my eyes at him, always a flair for the dramatics. “Sorry, Hi Maris.  How’ve you been?” A forced smile stretched along his face, we really had come so far from the loved up couple in our wedding photos.  I missed that care-free Shane. The one who spontaneously decided to go get ice-cream at 3 am just because we could or decided that date night could be in a random city anywhere in the world.  “Sit down, we can begin.” Vince stated this rather matter of factly.  I obliged, sitting quickly beside Shane.  “Good, now here’s how it’s going to go.  You two are going to attend couples counseling. Now that Shane is over his mid-life crisis you can focus on putting it behind you and getting on with your family.” He paused. “Your little stunt with the actress has caused enough trouble, this is a family company both internally and publicly.  What you do reflects on this business and quite frankly divorce is not something I agree with.  However what’s done is done and you can now move forward together.”  He finished, looking from myself to Shane. “Are you out of your mind!? No seriously Dad, have you had an aneurysm or something!?”  Shane was on his feet, his hands placed on the table. I reached out, trying to calm him down.  Get him to sit before he did something stupid.  He shook it off as if it were nothing more than a fly.  “Shane calm down. Please honey just sit down.” “Don’t call me honey, you were in on this weren’t you you manipulative bitch.” The last part came out more like a snarl.  “Dad this is not happening.  You cannot force us together.  Marissa and I are OVER have been for a long time.  We have three beautiful boys who deserve their parents to be happy.  This isn’t your time anymore Dad, people get divorced, the world doesn’t come to a grinding halt. I am in love with Elle, more than I have or ever will love anyone. That won’t change.”  Vince let out a cold laugh. “She ran away at the first sign of trouble, and it didn’t take much of a push did it?”  Wait a second he was about to spill all wasn’t he. “I…I have to go, I need to pick the boys up.  Vince we’re done, completely and I mean that.  Don’t bother anymore it’s clear it’s a losing battle.”  With that I got up an made for the door. “The boys will be at Stephanie’s at 8pm for you.”  I gave a weak smile towards Shane before I closed the door behind me.  I didn’t want him to see the tears that were beginning to fill my eyes.  

***

All of Me

I woke up the next day and stretched my legs out, my foot grazing something, no wait someONE in the bed beside me. I rolled over expecting it to be Vikki, she had a habit of falling asleep when we watched movies and I never bothered to waken her up to go to her own bed because it was most definitely safer prodding a mountain lion.  Turning round I realised that it most definitely wasn’t my best friend and was in fact Shane.  I smiled as a flashback from the night before popped into my head.  What had started as an innocent game of never have I ever; ended in clothes being strewn across the hotel suite, hot kisses and a steamy shower before we both fell into bed at 3am. As soon as we had his arms had been round me, pulling me close and nuzzling his chin on the top of my head.  If this was all a dream I didn’t ever want to wake up.  He stirred slightly, hoping I hadn’t woken him, I gently lifted myself up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed.  I felt arms round my waist “where do you think you’re going?” He tugged me back towards him, spinning my body round to face him.  I was distinctly aware of the fact that I wasn’t wearing a shred of clothing.  “Morning beautiful.” I was greeted by a half sleepy smile.  “Morning yourself, I didn’t wake you did I?”  I added. “If I was woken up like that every morning I’d consider myself a lucky man” he grinned in reply.  His lips met mine in a slow, sweet kiss. His hand slipping up my sides, I quivered under his touch. He definitely knew how to drive me wild.  Before I knew it his fingers were gently caressing my breasts, his tongue slipping in and out of my mouth.  “You are amazing you know that?” He whispered against my lips.  He rolled over, his knee shifted slightly, urging me to move my own. I obliged, happily.  His kisses were trailing down my neck now.  Stopping only to flick his tongue across my nipples, causing them to, if it was possible harden more.  He continued down my torso finally reaching his destination.  I could feel his warm breath against my skin, causing me to wriggle in anticipation.  His tongue darted out quickly touching my sweet spot.  His free hand moved to his already hard member working it. Shane’s head lifted, turning his face to me with a smile he moved to position himself properly.  Just as he was about to give us both the one thing we were dying for my door burst open. “MORNING ELLE!” She stopped dead when she saw the scurrying of myself and Shane to cover ourselves up. I snorted in laughter, utterly mortified at the current situation.  “Um, er. I’ll leave you too it.” She stuttered walking out of the room and hastily closing the door behind her.  “Oh my god!” I burst out laughing as Shane turned to face me.  “Eh I think she might know about us now.” Shane said joining in with my now belly aching laughter. I stood up and picked up a shirt that was lying on the floor, walking to the dresser to relieve some underwear.  “I’ll be back in a sec.”  I slipped out of the bedroom and pulled the door closed behind me.

“V where’dya go?” I called through the living area. “My room please tell me you have clothes on.”  “Fuck off I’m not that bad.” I shouted back, sticking my middle finger up at her as she walked through the door from her room.  “You could have at least put a scrunchie on the door or something!?” She said shoving me playfully.  “I didn’t know it was gonna happen did I.  And anyway, YOU’RE the one that went to a fortune teller, did they not predict that you’d walk in on your bestie getting down n dirty? I’d ask for my money back if I was you.”  I put my hands on my hips in mock defiance.  “Fuck off asshole.  So where is he then, you may as well introduce us now.” She replied with a glare. “Um I kinda can’t,”  I glanced around the living room gesturing to all of his clothes lying about.  “I did wonder who’s washing basket had thrown up in here.”  She rolled her eyes at me.  “Also, I’d have definitely put him down as a briefs man not boxers.” “Boxers leave more room to move, I don’t feel as restricted then.” Came a voice from my doorway.  “Speaking of, any chance I can get mine?”I picked them up and threw them towards him, hitting him square between the eyes.  “Whoops, my bad!”  I held my hands up in surrender before turning to retrieve the rest of his things.  “Hi Vikki nice to meetcha” he said when he was finally dressed.  “You too Shane.” She smiled back at him.  “Ergh stop being so proper you losers.” I pretended to dry heave before getting up and heading for the kitchen area, I needed coffee. “Some of us are classy and don’t leave there clothes strewn across the communal area, they also leave some sort of DO NOT ENTER sign about to save their friends from walking in on….well that.” She feigned a disgusted look. My two thumbs met, creating a ‘W’ as I retorted  “Whatever. Now do you want coffee or not you chastity belt?”

*1 week later*

What Are You Waiting For

*several months later*

Stephanie strode through the hall towards her fathers office.  He needed someone to remind him what this company was really about.  Viewership was dropping week on week and no matter what the Authority tried it didn’t make a difference. The fans, their universe was disappearing and her father just couldn’t see past the fact that ‘his company was multi-billion dollar and they would like it or lump it.’  She raised her hand to knock the door. “Dad can we talk? I have an idea.”  “Not now Stephanie. I’m in the middle of something.”  She glanced into the room to see her sister in law sitting there. “I said NOT NOW.” The last two words seemed to be snarled at her.  What the hell.  Why the heck was she there? Stephanie turned on her heel and made the journey to the garage, she needed to head home Paul would be back from Europe tonight and she wanted to make sure that the girls were ready.  What was going on with her father could wait.  

“Murph, Rory, Vaughn get your butts down here. Daddy’s just pulling in to the drive.”  She smiled to herself as she heard the stampede of their little ones feet tearing down the hall.  “Daddy’s home, daddy’s home, DADDY’S HOME!”  Came the chorus of voices.  “Sssh, sssh remember we want to surprise him. Quick babies, hide.”  She smiled watching them scurry about trying to find a placed to hide.  The front door opened, and her husband walked through, arms laden with cuddly toys. “Hey, is anyone home? Stephie? Girls?”  The girls started sniggering.  “Oh no, I’m all alone.  Who am I going to give these teddies too?  I better send them back to Europe then.”  She met her husbands eyes, there was never anything but pure love in those eyes; he winked at her before spinning round towards the door.  “Noooo daddy wait!”  Their youngest daughter ran towards him, followed closely by the other pair.  Their arms encircling his legs.  “We missed you papa bear.”  He dropped the contents of his arms, scooping the girls up and hugging them tight.  She followed suit, moving in to join the bear hug.  

“I don’t understand what the hell she was doing there, Dad was being really strange.”  Steph leaned back into her husbands hands as they gently massaged her shoulders.  “Steph you know as well as I do what your father is like.  He schemes when things aren’t going the way he likes them.  What she has to do with anything I don’t know but we’ll find out.”  He put his arms round her shoulders pulling her to him.  “We’ll do it like we always do…together.”  

***

*2 Months later*

I threw my leg over the saddle, leaning forward to try and settle her.  She instantly soothed, sitting up straighter I gently dug my heels in to her side to encourage her to move forward.  We disappeared into the forest, my tent in the saddle bag that was gently butting against my leg.  This was my thinking time, I felt most at peace in the country with Ghost.  I needed to try and figure out what I was going to say to my parents. Mainly my mum. “Yeah mum,dad I’m in a relationship that I’ve been keeping from you all.  Why you ask? Because he’s the eldest son of one of America’s most powerful families.”  What a stupid way to word it.  I had to give it a go though it had been almost a year since we’d decided to give things a go.  I carried further down the trail and found my favourite spot by the lake to pitch the tent for the night.  I tethered Ghost out, giving her free reign to potter about while I set about getting the tent up.  ‘I don’t blame you, for being you. But you can’t blame me for hating it. So say what are you waiting for…’ I danced around for a second before it clicked with me that my phone was ringing.  “Hey hey hey!”  Vikki shouted down the phone.  “Hey you! What’s up?”  I answered.  “I have awesome news! Wait where the heck are you?”  The question sounded confused.  “Out with Ghost for a trek.  I needed a break.  What’s your news?  Has John finally split up with Coatstand and realised his undying love for you?”  I chuckled to myself.  “Fuck off, it’ll happen some day, just not today.  I got the job!! You’re speaking to TNA’s new creative senior!”  She squealed the last part, causing Ghost to fidget uncomfortably. “Jesus Christ well done! Wait that means you’re working for the enemy now doesn’t it?”  “Go to hell asshole, it’s a step closer to my dream job. So yeah how awesome am I.  Let’s go celebrate next weekend?” She was so happy, and I was for her.  I couldn’t help but feel this could be a recipe for disaster though.  

Later in the evening I decided that it was time for bed.  I made sure Ghost was properly tethered, the last thing I needed was her making a run for it.  Curling up in my sleeping bag I threw my phone beside me.  A few hours later I was rudely awoken by a rumbling sound. Rubbing my eyes I looked to see the screen of my phone lit up. ‘Shane calling’ he knew I was away this weekend, and knew it would be late here, I worried something might be up but then figured I was being daft.  Our relationship was still relatively new so I figured it was okay just to leave it.  Plus I wanted sleep. I hit silence and put the phone down.  A few minutes later though it buzzed again.

*Shane iMessage*

“Hey, sorry I know you’re sleeping.  Just wanted to catch up cause I hadn’t heard from you in a few days.  Hope you’re okay. See you next week. X”

Smiling to myself I quickly tapped my “I can’t wait.  See you soon. Xo” reply.  I locked the screen and forced myself to sleep.  I genuinely couldn’t wait to see him, but the lingering feeling I had been having for a long time that there was a disaster just round the corner was creeping in.  Nothing ever went right for me. Why should Shane and I be any different?

***

LA Devotee

I sat on the bed, my iPad and keyboard on my lap, Big Bang Theory serving as background noise.  Movement  distracted me from the script I was reading through.  Shane rolled onto his side, still snoring lightly. I smiled, this was what I had always wanted.  The only thing that would have improved it would have been a cup of coffee in my hand.  I flicked to the next page.  ‘Sarah turns to the new-comer who’s dishevelled look reminds her of when she’d first arrived in the city, no money and no prospects but now look at her.  She owned this town. “SEIZE THE OUTSIDER” Sarah screamed’ *scene*. Wow this script was fairly catching my attention, I was excited about the audition next week and possibly more excited about seeing the Sophster! I set the iPad on my bedside locker and got up from the bed as quietly as I could.  Grabbing the notepad beside my bed I scribbled a quick note.  “Gone for a run to explore Nashville picking up some coffee on my way back, I might even get you Krispy Kreme too.  Call me when you’re up. E <3”

I stopped, leaning forward and bracing my hands on my knees, glancing at my  watch I realised I’d been out for nearly two and a half hours…whoops.  I checked my notifications, a few snapchats from some friends back home and a couple of Instagram mentions about Fall Out Boys latest video that I’d been part of, nothing too exciting. I figured Shane must still be sleeping so headed towards Krispy Kreme, waking him up with doughnuts was a sure fire way of getting me in his good books, so when I told him I was having a girls night with Sophia after my audition I wouldn’t be the worst girlfriend in the world.  I could get used to living in The Gulch, there were plenty of places to eat and drink, drink especially.  I placed my coffee order and turned to lean on the bar,  pulling my phone from my pocket. I flicked to my wrestling news app to see if anything exciting was happening behind the scenes. One headline caught my attention ‘Shane McMahon Caught With Mystery Woman – Does Marissa Know?’  clicking the link I skimmed through the story, ‘significantly younger’ ‘home-wrecking’ ‘selfish’ flashed at me. What the hell? Sure enough they had a picture of me.  Thankfully I’d had my Ray-Bans and a baseball cap on pulled low so it wasn’t completely obvious who I was, but none-the-less they had my face sprawled all over their damn page.  My heart was racing, they were speculating as to who I was.  Suspecting wannabe’s and gold-diggers.  Just what I needed. I barely heard the barista call my name, she came round the counter, touching my arm lightly to get my attention. I shook my head, trying to clear it of the million-mile an hour thoughts that were now going through it.  “You’re her aren’t you? I thought it when you walked in.”  “Wh…What?!” I snapped at her, she looked a little scared. “Y-you were in Fall Out Boys video for 4th Of July. Or you look a helluva lot like the girl that was in it.  Sorry I didn’t mean to offend you.”  She smiled sheepishly at me.  “Oh that, yeah I am. Sorry you startled me is all.  I take it you’re a FOB fan then?” “That’s soooo cool. I’m really jealous.  Have you known them long?”  She was positively bouncing on the balls of her feet.  If I hadn’t been so pissed off about the article I’d probably have been more excited at her response. “A small while, I’ve been a fan from the very beginning.  I remember when Andy wasn’t even in the band.” I chuckled.  She beamed at me.  “Look I’m really sorry I have to go, it was lovely meeting you though” I glanced at her name tag “Ashleigh. Thanks for the coffee you’re a little angel.” I scooped the cups up, nodding goodbye and hightailed it back to my apartment.

“I FUCKING WARNED YOU THIS WOULD HAPPEN SHANE!” I snarled at him.  He’d shrugged off the article saying it was nothing because they wouldn’t even know it was me.  What he didn’t realise was my family would know me, my friends would know me.  Apparently that wasn’t a sufficient enough reason for me being furious.  “How the hell can you not care?  Why is it so fucking important to keep our divorce private?  We’re doing nothing fucking wrong!”  I balled my hands up, my nails digging into my palm.  “Elle, it’s not as simple as that. You know I need to keep things civil for the boys.”  He pleaded with me.  “It is simple.  You and Marissa ARE. DIVORCED. D. I. V. O. R. C. E. D! See it’s just eight letters. Dec, Ken and Rogan all know.  They don’t need protecting from that. What about protecting me? Or don’t you give a damn about the fact I’m being called a home-wrecking whore?” I could feel hot tears building up, I couldn’t tell if they were because I was upset or infuriated.  He made to come closer to me, reaching a hand out I smacked it away.  “Don’t be like this Elle. My kids are part of the package, you knew this from the get-go.” Sighing he dropped his hands to his sides, and thumped down on the sofa. I glared at him. “This has NOTHING to do with the boys. It’s about me, about the fact that I AM BEING TRAILED THROUGH THE DIRT.  I’ve done NOTHING wrong Shane, and yet I’m being made to look like a dirty mistress.  But sure that’s dead on provided the media doesn’t find out you got divorced NEARLY THREE YEARS AGO!” I picked my phone up from the counter along with my bag and car keys. “Do you know what Mr McMahon, you can go to hell because I’m not fighting any more.  It’s clear I’m fucking losing.” I didn’t even wait to hear his response, slamming the door behind me and heading towards the currently opening lift. I vaguely registered bumping into someone.  Smashing my fist against the close door button repeatedly before he could make it from my apartment to join me.  I needed to get the hell away from him.

“I just don’t know what to do Steph, she went crazy and  now she’s not answering her phone.”  It’d been almost 2 weeks since he had last spoken to his girlfriend.  Spoken to was putting it nicely, she’d shouted at him; he’d attempted to keep a cool, reasoning head.  “Elle’s still quite young, she’s not had to deal with grown up situations such as this.  She doesn’t understand the politics and PR that is a divorce.” Stephanie answered matter of factly.  Shane shook his head, he hated that people brought their age gap into things it didn’t matter to him, nor Elle.  “She’s perfectly capable of understanding what’s going on.  It just hit her out of nowhere is all.”  “You’re maybe right, I don’t know Shane.  Just give her space, see what happens.”  Steph smiled at him. “Look I gotta go, I’ve a meeting with Dad early tomorrow.  Are you and the boys still coming here next weekend?”  “Yeah I think so, just gotta call Maris and confirm. Tell the girls uncle Shane can’t wait to see them. Love Ya sis.” He smiled feebly.  Hitting the end call button I glanced at the message I’d just received. ‘We still set for tomorrow? I can’t wait to see you. V’ he tapped a quick reply before switching the phone to silent and headed to bed. Things were going to get very messy soon and right now, sleep was the only thing he was almost sure of.

Hoes Over Bros

I awoke the next morning with a mouth as dry as the Sahara.  How much had I drunk last night, oh my god! An image  popped into my head clearly I’d had weird dreams last night, or was it a flashback? I reached across for my phone that I’d haphazardly put on the bedside locker.  

*one new message*

‘Hope your head isn’t too bad this morning beautiful. Enjoy Axxess, maybe grab a coffee at some point today? X’

Wait a minute? Had that actually happened, or was it some other Shane messaging me?  I flicked through the stream of messages I’d apparently sent last night. Holy Santa Claus shit.  I was struggling to process what I was seeing, just a casual selfie of myself and the now exceptionally handsome Shane McMahon.  I lay there, figuring out what in the hell I was gonna say.  All of a sudden, what felt like a highlight reel of the previous night started to play.  Wow we’d really clicked.

‘Um hey, no it’s good lol.. How’s yours? We fairly put it away last night haha. Sorry if I made a total dick of myself. Xo’

My finger hovered over the send button…should I really be doing this?  Fuck it, life was too short.  I was going home in a week anyway. Tapping my home button I swiped across to find my FaceTime app. Let’s see if V was even remotely human yet.  

*connecting*

“‘WAKEY WAKEY RISE AND SHINE, GET UP TO FUCK IT’S AXXESS TIME!” I shouted at her, making sure the phone screen was angled towards my now open curtains that the sun was blazing through. “Oh my god, I hate you! Go fuck yourself!”

*call ended*

Yep Agent V was most definitely Agent Grumpy Drawers this morning, she’d obviously been drinking a helluva lot more than I had last night. Oh well, her problem.  She had Ray-bans she could put in headphones…whatever.  I wanted breakfast and she needed fed too otherwise meeting Randy Orton and John Cena was going to be a solo affair on my part.  Right first step  would be getting my own ass outta bed.  Just as I had lifted myself off the bed my phone buzzed again. I scooped it up quickly, hoping it’d be him. Great I was acting like a 13 year old with a crush.  

‘Lol yea we sure did. Of course you didn’t what makes you think you did? And you didn’t answer my question – coffee? X’

‘I dunno, just feel like drunk Elle was a dick. Yeah coffee sounds good. I’m just heading for a shower just now, don’t have to be at Axxess till this afternoon that – suits for grumpy drawers better too. Free once I’m showered though…if you are? Xo’

‘sounds good, carousel bar again? Coffee’s good there.’

My stomach was doing somersaults.  I tapped my reply before heading into the ensuite and  grabbing  a fresh set of towels from the shelf.  Hoping that the running water would settle my head and stomach at the same time.  A short while later I was just doing the finishing touches to my makeup when my phone buzzed again to let me know my car was waiting.  This whole Uber thing was great, the UK definitely needed something like this, so much more efficient.  I grabbed a pen and quickly wrote a note to V: - ‘Gone for coffee, call me when you’re human.  Love Ya bitch <3’

One final check of my lipstick before I got out of the car and I was ready.  As I approached the steps up to the bar I heard a voice I recognised, turning round I spotted Shane leaning against the wall.  “Hey Elle, you look stunning.” He smiled,walking towards me and opening his arms for a hug.  “Ha you’re not so bad yourself. And Hey to you too.  I returned the hug, noticing the way I seemed to fit against him.  As I stepped back, he kept an arm around me, guiding me towards the private courtyard area at the rear of the building.  “Saves from prying eyes, means we can actually chat in peace.” He said casually.  I smiled up at him, the butterflies were worse now, fluttering more whenever his arm shifted slightly.  We chatted for a while; about nothing, about everything.  I didn’t speak to people I didn’t know like this, I never had…people weren’t to be trusted.  What was it about this guy that just made it easy to open up to him.  “So I have to ask, although I’m hoping the fact you’re here with me just now is the answer…” Shane spoke softly, almost a whisper at the end. “Go on” I smiled, reaching forward to place a hand on his.  I don’t know whether I was trying to comfort him or I just wanted to feel close to him.  “…well I wondered really, are you single or do you have a guy at home? Sorry if that seems really forward.” He almost looked embarrassed to be asking that.  I chuckled, pausing for a second.  I could see the disappointment building in his eyes. “Yes I am, I wouldn’t be out for coffee or have spent the majority of last night with a random guy if I hadn’t been.  Trust me.”  I gave his hand a squeeze before reaching for my now ringing iPhone. Shit a FaceTime call rather than just a call. I lifted my finger to my lips gesturing Shane to keep quiet. His reply was a simple smile.  

*connected*

“Where the heck are you? I’m up and showered, I want breakfast.” Vikki pouted at me. Glancing down at my watch I let out a quick gasp, it was nearly 12 o’clock. “if you’d read my note Madam Moody.  You’d have seen that I’d gone out for coffee because you were being a gobshite.” I stuck my tongue out at her. The waitress had come back to see if we wanted more coffee, I looked from my phone to Shane nervously.  I was met with a feigned puppy dog look before he smirked and told the waitress we were fine. “Elle, Elle, ELLE! For gods sake stop staring at the hot New Orleans boys and pay attention to me you two-legged twonk!”  She shouted.  “Sorry I can’t help it, they’re just so pretty.”  I stuck my tongue out again, this time making eye contact with Shane, who’s cheeks were flushing slightly.  I reached forward for my coffee cup, taking in the last few dregs and resting my hand on the table after putting it down.  “Right do you want to meet me somewhere for brunch dickhead? I’m in the Carousel bar just now, they’ll be serving in about ten minutes or so.” I felt something brush against the palm of my outstretched hand, looking down I saw he was tracing patterns with his finger absent-mindedly.  He really was dreamy.  What the hell was wrong wth me, I was being soppy.  “Why are you so distracted anyway? Pay attention to me.”  Vikki clearly needed to be fed, I was right though she was like a bear this morning.  “YOU didn’t answer ME! Do you wanna grab a car and meet me here? I can come meet you out the front?”  I rolled my eyes at her, being met with a steely glare in response. “Fine, but you totally could have brought me something back..instead of just leaving me all alone and defenceless here.” She smirked “I was so scared all by myself, anything could have happened.  I could have been abducted by John or something.”  I snorted, loudly with laughter. “In your fucking dreams V. You’d have been thanking me in that case anyway though, so when you really think about it I was doing you a favour leaving you in peace this morning.” I put on my best ‘I’m right and you’re wrong’ face.  “Fuck of asshole. See you soon. I’ll call you when I’m pulling up.”  With that she hung up. I checked to be sure it was definitely disconnected before I set it back on the table.  “So I’ve only got you for a ten minutes or so now?” He smiled before adding “Better make it count.” With that he leaned forward joining our lips together, his fingers entangling through my hair.  It was both slow and passionate. When we finally broke apart our foreheads rested against each other’s; I couldn’t help but sit there mesmerised by his eyes.  He blinked a couple of times before giving me an Eskimo kiss and another quick peck and retreating back to his own seat.  His hand had trailed down from my hair and was now lightly holding mine.  A simple act but one that had my heart doing flips.  “So, when am I going to get to see you again?” He asked standing up, gently tugging my hand to get me to my feet too.  “Who says you’re gonna?” I asked, lightly  shoving his chest with my free hand.  He grabbed it, lacing his fingers through mine and pulling me in close. “I think we both know there’s something between us and we deserve to give it a chance to see what happens.” He kissed me again, this one more hungry than the last, more longing.  My phone started to ring again ripping me from my bliss.  “You better go, I’ll call you later.” I wrapped my arms around his neck giving him a quick peck.  “Or I could stay and we could go run away together?” He smirked at me, that cheeky grin I recognised from last night.  I chuckled at him, shoving his chest away from me.  “Go, go before V see’s you and I get accused of being the worst best friend ever. We always say ‘hoes before bros’ and I’ve ditched her this morning to spend time with a devilishly handsome man.” I went to shove him again only to be enveloped in his arms. “I don’t think anyone has ever called me devilishly handsome before…I’ll take it.  Right I’m going, I’m going. Make sure and call me later.”  He gave me a final squeeze and put his sun glasses firmly over his face, kissing my cheek and walking away.  I stood for a second watching him go.  Before feeling my phone go again.  Oh shit Vikki was here.  I gave it another minute before I headed after him towards the entrance.

“HOLY SHIT ELLE YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHO I JUST SAW LEAVING HERE!” Vikki gave me an excited hug before waiting for my reply. “Um I dunno the Hardy Boyz?” I shrugged my shoulders with a laugh. “Very fucking funny, no Shane McMahon.  He was definitely trying to un-noticed though.  Clearly doesn’t want people to know he’s here for ‘Mania.  Let’s eat I’m starving.” We made our way to the table Shane and I had shared all morning.  I ordered another coffee and some bacon fries, not wanting anything too heavy.  Glancing at my phone to check the time. Just as I was about to put it away I noticed a new message.

‘Really enjoyed myself this morning. Well worth getting up early for. Hope you didn’t get into too much trouble. X’

I grinned, and clicked in the box to reply. ‘Me too.  You’re not bad company at all. And I suppose you can kiss okay too :P she spotted you leaving so was more interested in you keeping a low profile than giving off to me haha. What’s your plans for the rest of today then? Xo’

The message instantly went to *read* and the infamous 3 bouncing dots appeared.  

‘Only okay? I’m a little hurt by that =P oh did she, I thought I recognised her from last night if I’m honest.  Not doing much today, have a bit of work to do with creative but my minds a little distracted.  Are you heading to Axxess straight after? X’

I bit my lip slightly, thinking about my reply.  “Elle, Elle, ELLE!”  A hand came down and snatched up my phone.  “Ok you’ve been stuck on that thing since I got here…who the heck are you messaging?” She went to look but thankfully the screen had locked by then.  “No one, now hand it over.” I tried to keep my voice calm and steady, tried to hide my nervousness.  “Bull shit, you’re my best friend…I know you.”  “I told you, no one.  I need to pee, back in a sec.” I said, getting up and quickly heading for the bathroom.

*** I watched as she walked away, picking up her phone again when she was out of sight.  Tapping in her passcode, I was gonna get to the bottom of this.  She was definitely up to something.