DISCLAIMER: I do not own any wrestlers mentioned in this story. This is just pure fiction. I only own those you do not recognize.
A/N: This story has been on my mind for a while. I hope you enjoy it.
Allen "AJ" Jones was sitting in the local bar having a beer after a long day at work. He worked at the local auto repair shop in Gainsville, Georgia. He ordered another beer, not in any hurry to get home. He was having trouble with his wife, constantly arguing. He really wanted kids, but when they argued he was glad they didn't have any.
AJ sighed as he finished the last of his beer. He looked at his phone and noticed it was just after 7pm. He knew he should be getting home. He got up and took some money out of pocket and threw it in the tip jar. He turned to start walking out the door before freezing. He couldn't believe he was seeing the person walking through the door.
Margaret "Maggie" Anderson walked through the doors of the bar. She just moved back to town after being away for college where she was studying to be a photographer. She had to move back to town to take care of her sick dad.
"Maggie?" AJ approached her. "I thought you were living in Charleston?"
Maggie looked up at the man that was talking to her and softly smiled "Hey AJ. I just moved back to town a few days ago. I have to take care of daddy."
AJ looked down "I heard he was sick. I'm sorry to hear that. If there is anything you need or if you ever need help let me know. I still live just down the road."
"Thank you, AJ. I'll keep that in mind." she looked at the bar. "Now if you'll excuse me I have to get a job." she walked towards the bar and started talking to the bartender Mark Calaway, who just so happens to also be the owner.
AJ stood back and watched as Maggie talked to Mark. He smiled softly as he watched them shake hands and she had a big smile on her face. "Got the job?" he asked as she walked towards him.
"I start tomorrow"
"Congratulations. I guess I'll have to come back tomorrow and have a drink." he took his phone out of his pocket when he felt it vibrating. He sighed when he saw it was his wife Lindsey calling. "I better get going. I'll see you later." he turned and walked out the door while he answered the phone "Hey Linds. I'm on my way home."
"Where are you Allen? My parents are here for dinner. I told you they were coming."
Sighing he scratched the back of his head "Sorry, I forgot about them coming. I'll be home soon."
"You were at that bar again, weren't you? I swear AJ, you spend more time at that shop and bar than you do at home. Don't even bother coming home right now. You'll be staying on the couch tonight." and with that she hung up on him
"Fuck!" AJ cursed loudly.
Maggie was walking out of the bar and heard the end of the conversation. She slowly walked over to him "Everything ok AJ?"
AJ turned around quickly, not expecting someone to be there. "My wife is being ridiculous. She doesn't want me coming home right now."
"I'm sorry to hear that." she looked down at her feet "You could come home with me for dinner. I made chili."
"Thank you for the offer. But I don't want to impose."
"You're not. I made plenty and I'm sure daddy would love to see you."
"Are you sure?"
Maggie smiled "Of course I'm sure. Now come on." she said before they both got in their cars and made their way to her house
Once they got to her house they got out of their cars and made their way inside "Daddy I'm home" she took her jacket off and hung it on the hook by the door. "And I brought company"
Mike Anderson walked out to the foyer, followed by his son and Maggie's older brother Karl. "Oh, hey AJ."
"Hey Mr. Anderson. Hey Karl."
Karl worked at the auto shop with AJ, along with their friend Luke Gallows. "AJ. I'm surprised to see you here." Karl said as he wrapped his arm over his sister's shoulders.
"Problems with the wife. Maggie invited me over until it was safe to go home. I hope it's alright I'm here."
"Of course it is. You're practically family. You can come over any time." Mike said as he patted AJ on the back.
"I'm make cornbread to have with the chili. How about you guys go chat?" Maggie suggested.
"OK, come on guys." Mike said.
AJ followed behind Mike, but Karl followed his sister "I'll be with you guys in a minute." once Maggie and Karl got in the kitchen he made sure the others were out of hearing range. "Mags, what are you doing? You know AJ is married right?"
Sighing, Maggie turned to look at her older brother "I'm not doing anything. I was just being nice. Besides, he is too old for me, he is 15 years older than I am. He has been your friend for a long time."
"I know. I'm just looking out for you. That's what older brothers are for." he playfully ruffled Maggie's waist length brown hair.
"Karl, you big goof." Maggie laughed and started fixing her hair "Now get out of here so I can finish this cornbread." she was about to pour the cornbread mix in the cast iron skillet when she was pulled into a hug.
"I love you Maggie." it was Karl. "I missed you so much while you were gone."
"I love you too. And I missed you too." she hugged him back tightly. "I'm glad to be home. I just wish it wasn't under these circumstances." she said while putting he cornbread in the oven.
"I know. We'll get through this. Dad is tough."
"I know he is." Maggie said as AJ walked through the kitchen door. "Hey AJ. I hope you're hungry."
"Yeah I am. Everything ok?" AJ asked seeing the sad look in Maggie's dark brown eyes.
"Everything is fine. Karl and I were just talking." she looked in AJ's blue eyes. Truthfully, she always had a crush on AJ. But she would never do anything about it. She didn't want to upset her brother and she wasn't a home wrecker.
A few minutes later the oven beeped and she got the cornbread out. While letting it cool down she got bowls out and put chili in them before putting them all on the table. She then poured every one a glass of sweet tea and put that on the table too. After putting everything on the table she cut the cornbread and put it on a plate. On the way to the dining room she called out to the guys "Dinner is ready."
Dinner went by smoothly with fun conversation. When everyone was done, AJ helped Maddie clear the table and do the dishes.
"Thank you for inviting me." AJ said as Maggie walked outside with him to his car.
"It was no problem. I'll see you later. Maybe tomorrow night if you come to the bar."
"We'll see. Depends on how my conversation goes with Lindsey when I get home." he leaned in and kissed Maggie's soft cheek "See you later."
Maggie just stood there grinning hard as she watched AJ drive away. She touched the cheek AJ just kissed and felt her cheeks burning. She never been so happy to be home.
A/N 2: What did you think? Is it a keeper? Please review and let me know what you think.