Backstage at the Staples Center, the Smackdown crew and roster ran around, the usual hustle and bustle of everyone trying to get ready for a show. I put my black designer Dolce and Gabana glasses on and began directing traffic. Most people said those glasses made me look smart. Mike said they made me look sexy.
I glanced down at the production notes. It was my job to facilitate communication from management to the wrestlers to the crew. I wasn't above fetching a coffee or plunging a toilet when needed. I did any and everything asked of me. I liked keeping busy, feeling needed. Sitting at home twiddling my thumbs was not my cup of tea. I felt like I made a real difference in the WWE and that they, especially the Smackdown side, really appreciated my efforts. Considering what was in our joint bank account, I certainly didn't need the 1200 dollars a week that I was paid but it was nice to earn my own money, cash that I had busted my ass for.
"Yo, Claud, can I get the production notes from the meeting earlier? I had a question about my match."
I turned and say Jayson Paul, known to the WWE Universe as JTG, one half of the tag team Cryme Tyme.
"Sure thing, Jay. Let me know if you need anything else, babe."
I was a glorified gopher but I loved the excitement of it all. The wrestlers depended on me to take care of them and I depended on them to let me. I needed to feel useful in my life.
"Claudia, can I see you for a moment?"
I looked over and saw someone waving at me. I felt butterflies in my stomach. The man summoning me went by the name of Kevin Dunn, a revered long time producer for WWE programming. He was easygoing and soft spoken with a wonderful sense of humor but being that he was so high in the chain of command, I still got nervous in his presence.
"Kevin," I walked over and kissed his cheek. "How are you? It's so good to see you. I figured you were going to be in town."
With all the brands performing in Los Angeles, it was common knowledge that some of the corporate bigwigs would be in town.
"Just checking things out but I see everything is running smoothly, which is pretty much the case whenever you're around."
"Thank you," I blushed.
"Don't be so modest, kid. You're a valuable asset to this company."
"I appreciate it."
"You've done such a great job on Raw, Smackdown and ECW, which brings me to why I wanted to see you. I guess you've heard about the start of NXT."
"I have," I nodded. "I think it's an awesome concept. I hear the talent in FCW is very good, should be a tough competition."
"We're excited about it. This project is Vince's baby and he hand selected every pro and rookie. I'm sure Mike has told you the good news."
"He has. He's very happy and I'm happy for him."
"The WWE has no off season as you know and we're constantly testing the waters, trying new endeavors. It's trial and error behind the scenes but in front of the camera, in front of the fans, it's imperative that we're perfect all the time. We need our best crew members on that set."
"I agree."
"Good. That is why I want to offer you the job."
I frowned.
"What job? Kevin, what's going on?"
"We haven't hired a production coordinator for NXT. It's an important job and requires flexibility, knowledge of the company, a good attitude, and the ability to multi-task. It's a very big deal and we would be quite selective of who we'd hire but the more I thought about it, the more I couldn't see anyone doing this but you."
"Me?"
"Longer hours, more work but an increase in salary and the chance to spend more time with your husband. I hate to put the pressure on you but I need your answer as soon as possible. If you decline the position, Claudia, we'll have start looking for another hire immediately."
It was unexpected but I never once thought about saying no. It was a super opportunity and I was flattered to even be considered.
"Yes," I grinned. "Um, yes. Wow. This is…this is absolutely amazing. I'd be honored to accept your offer and I promise I won't let you down."
He patted me on the shoulder.
"I know you won't. Meet me at 11 tomorrow morning here at the back office reserved for the executives. We'll talk more then."
"You got it," I said as he walked away.
My heart was still fluttering as I tried to get back to finishing up the final preparations for the Smackdown event.
"What was that all about?" a male voice asked as I felt a slap on my behind.
"Mike, is that you?" I teased.
"Damn well better be," he pulled me into a hug and a kiss.
I liked it when he was in a good mood.
"Kevin wanted to talk to me. We have a meeting tomorrow morning."
"Everything alright?"
My eyes danced around.
"I'd say so. I just got a promotion."
"A promotion? Seriously? Man, Claud, that's great!" he lifted me up and twirled me around. "Didn't see that one coming, did you?"
"Actually no but who's complaining? I'm thrilled."
"Then we'll have to celebrate later. How about I take you out? Any restaurant you want. Sound okay?"
"Baby, that sounds fabulous. Thank you."
"So what are you going to be doing?"
"I am going to be with you," I smiled.
"Come again?"
"You're looking at the new production coordinator for NXT."
I waited for him to share in my joy but I watched as the smile disappeared and his face fell.
"What did you just say?"
"I said…"
"No, Claudia, I heard you, I just can't believe what I heard. I don't believe this shit."
He was starting to look angry.
"What's wrong?" I questioned.
"What's wrong? Are you kidding me? Everything is wrong. You start your whining and crying because I get the pro deal on NXT, now next thing I know you're following me around like a stray mutt. What's your problem?"
"Mike, it's not like that. I didn't ask, I swear. I had no idea. I mean, I'm just as shocked as you are. Kevin offered me the job out of the blue. What was I supposed to say, no?"
"Yes. That's exactly what you were supposed to say. One word, two letters. No. See how easy that is?"
"Come on. You know good and well it's not a good look in this industry to say no to your boss."
"Who cares?" he got louder. "God, Claud, you act like this is your life career or something. It's not. It's just a stupid job that I hooked you up with, hoping it would get you off my case. It's not even that important."
"It's important to me. Excuse me for thinking that my husband would be happy for me"
"You know what? I'm not having this conversation with you. This is pointless."
"What do you want me to do, tell Kevin tomorrow that I changed my mind? That I quit the WWE altogether?"
"I don't give a rat's ass what you do. Besides, when did my opinion start counting with you anyway?"
I opened my mouth to speak, to defend myself but it was of no use. He was pissed and had already stormed off leaving me red faced and upset in front of my co-workers. I thought he would be happy for me. I thought he would be proud that Corporate thought I was doing such a great job. More than anything I thought he would be excited that we'd get to spend more time together. But he was only annoyed which left me to think that more time together was the last thing he wanted.
I was determined not to cry, not at work. Mike loved me. He was just stressed. And he was just being Mike. It was no secret that he could be a little self-absorbed at times. But it would all blow over. We'd talk and make up and make love and get over it. Eventually he would come around and things would work themselves out and NXT would be positive thing for our marriage. Surely, I could convince him of that. I just had to convince myself first.
