As the cab pulled up to the building, she pulled out a compact, to check her make-up. She was glad the bruise on her cheek had faded over the last couple of days, and the make-up did a good job of covering it. She moved the mirror around making sure her dark brown hair was in place. She quickly closed the compact as she caught sight of her green eyes, hoping she would be able to hide the pain in them.

Sam Hennig showed her backstage pass at the door, and was let into the arena. She looked around, not really sure of where to go, or how to find who she was looking for. She started walking down the hall, passing numerous people, but no one really looked at her. They all seemed so busy. It seemed like ages since she had been backstage. Not since she was little, and had joined her father a few times, but at that time she was always running around with her siblings. She had just gotten back from Georgia, where she had spent the last four years of her life. But now she was ready for a new start. She had just pulled out her phone as she was walking, but before she could dial she ran right into someone.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." She said, looking up to see the sexy South African in front of her, with a smile on his face.

"No. It's ok." His charming accent ringing in her ears.
"I haven't seen you around backstage before."

Sam flashed her pass. "It's been several years." She smiled.

"Samantha? Is that you?" A familiar voice sounded from down the hall, causing her to look up smiling.

"Hey Cody." Sam called, waving. Cody had been one of her playmates many years ago, in the backstage area. She hadn't seen him in many, at least in person.
"You haven't seen Joe, have you?" She asked as he pulled her into a hug.

"Joe?" Justin asked.

"Oh, um, Michael McGillicutty." She said.

"He's in the locker room. Why don't you come with us and grab something to eat, while we wait for him?" Cody asked. She agreed and they walked to the catering area. She grabbed a water and a small bag of chips.

"Really? That's all?" Cody asked.

"I really just ate before my flight. I'm not that hungry." Sam said as they sat down.

"So what brings you here to see McGillicutty?" Justin asked.
"He your boyfriend? You know he's married?"

Sam and Cody laughed.
"Yes, I know he's married. He's my brother." Sam smiled.
"Sorry, I guess we haven't really been introduced." She held out her hand. "I'm Samantha Hennig."

He took her hand. "Paul, you can call me PJ. Nice to meet you." He smiled.
"So how do you know Runnels?"

"Cody and I used to run around together when our dads would let us come to the shows." Sam said.

"Yeah, man, those were the days." Cody smiled.
"So, it's been what, close to five years since I've seen you?"

"Um, yeah, I guess so. At my wedding." Sam said, suddenly feeling the need to hide her empty left hand.

"I noticed the tan lines from your ring. Sorry to hear about all that." Cody said.

"It's alright." Sam smiled. "I think I rushed into it. Things are better since I filed for the divorce." She unconsciously raised her hand to her left cheek, slightly rubbing it.

"Alright guys, quit trying to ogle my baby sister." Joe smiled as he walked into the room.
Sam was on her feet, and ran to hug him.

"I've missed you, Joey." She said, tears in her eyes. He held her for what seemed like hours.

"You need to talk?" He asked her, knowing that she hadn't told him all the details of her marriage, but when she had called him for help, and had told him that her husband was beating her, he wired her the money she needed to start the divorce, and get away from him. He had known there was something wrong when she had almost completely cut off contact with him, but he couldn't make her call him, or see him. She was an adult.
"How's your cheek?" He whispered, able to see the bruise.

"I'm ok." Sam smiled. "I just missed you. Thank you for your help."

"Anytime, Sammy." He said. He took a seat at the table, as Sam went to the bathroom.

"Your sister's looking good, Joe." Cody smiled.

"She's hot." PJ grinned.

"Stop. Leave her alone. She's had it rough the past few years." Joe said.
"She's going to be traveling with me for a while. Hands off." He said, looking at Cody.

Cody rolled his eyes. "Come on, you know we have never had a romantic past. We're friends. That's it."

"Sure, say whatever you will." Joe said.
"I saw how drunk you got at her wedding. I see the way you look at her."

"There is nothing there. We're just friends. Chill." Cody said, getting up to leave.

"You're leaving?" Sam asked as she walked back in, running into Cody in the doorway.

He looked back at Joe, then smiled softly at Sam. "I have to get dressed for tonight. Don't worry, I'll see you around." He turned towards the table. "Gabriel, come on, let's give the siblings a few minutes alone."

Sam sat down across from her brother. Her stomach was flipping with nerves. She knew that she was going to have to explain what had happened in her marriage. She also knew her brother would take it as if it was his fault for not being there to help her. Since their father had died, he had taken the role of her protector.

"I won't make you talk, but I'm here to listen. Anytime you need to talk, I'm here." He smiled.

"Thank you." Sam said.

"Right now, I'm just glad you're here and you're safe." Joe smiled at her.