IMPORTANT: I made a couple of changes to chapter 1, and added to it a bit. If you have already read chapter 1, you'll probably want to read it again.

I'm so sorry the story hasn't been updated more often. Things get really hectic around the holidays. I guess I've also had writer's block… but I think I've figured out the direction of the story for now.

The first chapter was somewhat a prologue/introduction, and now the rest of the story will start unfolding. I'm putting a lot of thought into developing each of the characters too, and you'll see that gradually as it progresses. Thanks so much to my first 2 reviewers—you're both awesome. I know this chapter is a little bit short, but I didn't think I'd find a good spot to stop it if I kept writing. Enjoy!

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Chapter 2: Hiding Something

"Damn, kid, you must love living like this, huh?" Maddie tried to lighten the mood. Rey's hotel room was huge; much larger than she was used to.

He chuckled, "Sure… but you know it wasn't always like this."

"I know. I'm proud of you. You deserve all of this." She smiled warmly at him. The two of them had been friends for years; she had known him well before he started working for World Wrestling Entertainment.

"Do you want anything to drink?" Rey offered, tossing his jacket over the back of a chair.

"No, I'm okay."

"Something to eat?"

Before she had the chance to answer, the door to the bedroom opened behind him. A brunette came walking out wearing what looked like a pair of Rey's boxers and one of his t-shirts.

Maddie smiled politely at her. Rey's gaze followed hers and he turned. "Oh, hey… you're up."

"Okay please tell me you haven't been going commando all night, Rey." Maddie snickered.

"Girl, you're nuts! Of course not!" He shook his head, laughing.

"K. I'm sorry, Rey. I didn't know you were… errm… busy. You should have said something. If this isn't a good time, I can leave."

"What?! Ay mami! You really got the wrong idea!" Rey laughed and stood up. "Maddie, this is Maria." Rey explained, referring to the brunette beside him. "Maria, this is my friend Maddie."

"It's nice to meet you," Maddie laughed.

"It's nice to meet you too." Maria turned towards Rey, "I'm sorry… I didn't know you had plans."

"Naw, they came up suddenly."

He turned back towards Maddie, "Maria and I work together."

"Cool."

"Well, you've both got things to do. It was nice meeting you." She smiled at Maddie, and then turned towards Rey. "I'll leave you two alone to talk. Thanks for letting me crash here for the night." She kissed him on the cheek and headed into the bedroom, shutting the door behind her to leave them in privacy.

"Oh I've got the wrong idea, huh?" Maddie giggled.

"I told you—we work together." He sat down on the couch, facing her.

"Well, that would be one way of putting it."

His eyes grew wider and his jaw dropped open. "Christ, Maddie… we work together for WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT…" He clarified.

"Well… you're turning bright red. That's so cute."

"I'm not!" Rey muttered defensively, and then covered his cheeks with his hands, leaning with his elbows propped on his knees.

"Okay, okay. But she is cute, Rey."

"We need to talk." Rey changed the subject.

"I don't know what you want to talk about. I already told you everything that happened…"

Rey gave her a challenging look.

"What? I DID!" She exclaimed.

"Did you?" Rey questioned, looking her directly in the eye. They had known each other so long that he could usually read her like a book.

Maddie shifted uncomfortably, "Yes."

Rey kept his eyes locked on hers for a couple of seconds, as if still unsure of whether or not she was telling him the truth, but then his eyes softened up. "I'm proud of you, Maddie. I'm glad you stood up for yourself."

Maddie's face fell and she looked away. "Thanks."

"Are you okay?" He noticed her mood change.

"I'm fine… I'm just a little tired."

"Okay. Why don't you rest for a bit? I have to make a phone call anyways." He stood up and pulled his cell phone from his pocket.

"Fine. But first—about this girl—we're not finished yet."

"Madds… there's honestly nothing going on. She's great… she's really sweet and I like spending time with her. We're just friends, and there's nothing else there. Now get some sleep."

"Okay." She nodded, and repositioned herself so she was lying down. She felt awful. She felt sick and tired, and now she felt guilty too. Maybe she did need a little bit of rest; it might calm her emotions.

Rey walked into the kitchen area and flipped his phone open. He searched through his contacts and found the number he wanted, and then hit 'call.'

After a few rings, the voicemail picked up. 'I'm not here right now, I'm busy. 'Call ya back later—I've got your girl here, in a tizzy.' Rey laughed at his friend's sorry excuse for a quick voicemail rap.

'… Aha! (Long pause) Get lost! What the hell are you waiting for? Oh, the beep? BEEEEEEPPPPP!'

He waited for the actual beep which came a few seconds later. "Yo, John, what's up man? It's ReyRey. Listen, I really need a favor. As soon as you get this, give me a call."