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Okay - because everyone was so loyal to me - here's Chapter 2!

September 09. 2008

Chapter 2

"Girl - I admit it. Tonight was fun!" Teddie leaned back in her chair and yawned. The neon lights of the bar flickered lazily on the wall overhead.

"You know it," Izzie grinned. "I think that's the wildest it's been backstage since...I don't know! We raised some sort of hell!"

"Sure it was. But you forgot one thing." Teddie wagged her finger at her friend.

"What?"

"You forgot to introduce me to Evan Bourne!"

Izzie's face went blank for a minute, before she remembered and started to laugh.

"I did, didn't I?"

Teddie shrugged. "Doesn't matter."

"I really hope you can come back," Izzie said. "You know, Jeff's free since Ariel left. You should look him up sometime. I'll give you his cell," Izzie pulled out her phone and quickly scribbled the number onto her napkin.

"Thanks," Teddie accepted it. "But you know Izz, I'm not sure I'm up for dating again."

"Two failed relationships isn't the end of the world you know!" Izzie rolled her eyes.

"That's two failed engagements," Teddie pointed out. "Too many more and I'll get a reputation!"

Izzie shook her head. "You're just more ready to ... commit...than most people. You're looking for something serious, not just a lark in the meadow."

"Yeah," Teddie sighed. "I just wish some of the guys would get the memo as well. A lot of guys won't even date someone as young as me if she has a kid because they automatically think of me as loose."

Izzie frowned. "I don't know why people get the impression. You're more mature than most women twice your age."

"I'm only twenty-one," Teddie pointed out.

"Barely legal," she added, motioning to her beer.

"You need to marry someone older than you," Izzie advised. "Older guys are usually better at committing."

"Mmmm," Teddie mused. She'd been wondering whether she should, but she decided to go ahead and ask. "How's Finlay?"

"Bummed that he hasn't heard from you. And, you might be surprised to learn that his divorce with his wife went through."

"Really?" Teddie raised her eyebrows. "I admit, I am surprised."

"I think he's still not over you yet," Izzie paused. "Teddie?"

"Yeah?"

"I gotta ask, do you still have feelings for him?"

Teddie hesitated. "Not really. I was just wondering about if I came back to the WWE..."

"Honestly? Cuz you can tell me if you do."

"No, honestly." Teddie said. "I wasn't too sure about that whole situation in the first place. I think I was so desperate - desperate to be rescued...I don't know. I liked him, but I never honestly thought far beyond that. I guess I never had the opportunity."

"Wow - you sound so sure of yourself," Izzie noted.

"Do I? I guess I am. I mean, my life has changed. I used to try and play it tough, trying to get involved in all these matches and such. I think now I would just be content to work on the sidelines - have a simple life. But not one that's too dull either!" Teddie added with a chuckle.

Izzie smiled.

"So what's up w/you and Shannon?" Teddie asked, leaning forward.

Izzie hesitated. "I haven't talked with him in a while," she admitted.

"What? Why!"

"We had a little argument," Izzie explained. "He said he was in love with me."

"So?"

"So I'm the exact opposite of you. I don't want anything too serious right now. At least, I think I don't."

Teddie grinned. "I recognize that gleam in your eye, Izz. What's up?"

Izzie shook her head, still smiling.

"Spit it out," Teddie urged. "No - let me guess. You have a crush?"

Izzie nodded.

"On a top Raw superstar?" Teddie grasped at straws.

Izzie nodded again, her smile growing wider.

"On...a guy? Ummm...Kane!"

Izzie shook her head. "Rey Mysterio!"

Izzie again shook her head.

"Batista?"

Izzie nodded, her eyes sparkling.

Teddie froze. "You're kidding me!"

Izzie shook her head. "Don't tell anyone! I don't want Shannon finding out."

Teddie slowly shook her head. "Of course not, but...why? Why Batista?"

Izzie snorted. "Just look at him sometime! I should think it would be obvious - the man is gorgeous!"

"I take it John doesn't know?"

"He does," Izzie nodded. "But Batista doesn't. Not yet. I gotta figure out how to let him know."

Teddie bit her lip. "But, you know, I always thought you and Shannon were great together!"

"Don't be a spoilsport," Izzie pouted. "Just humor me."

Teddie forced a smile. "Sure."

September 10. 2008

It was 9:30 on a Tuesday night and her phone was ringing. Teddie glanced down and immediately recognized the number as Izzie's. She flipped open the silver Sanyo.

"Hello?"

"Hey girl - it's me!" Izzie's voice sounded cheerily on the other end.

"Hi Izz."

"Listen, I can't talk for long, but I got a surprise for you."

"For me? What's up?"

"Hang on a sec..."

Teddie heard voices in the background, and then a male voice came on the other end of the line.

"Hey..." He paused. Teddie didn't recognize the voice and frowned.

The speaker made it easy for her, "...it's Evan Bourne."

"Oh!" Teddie felt her cheeks flushing. "I was thinking I'd lost my mind because I was supposed to know who this was!"

"No," She could practically hear him grinning, "I apologize if you were expecting someone else."

"Um, this is a little awkward," Teddie admitted. "Because I don't know you..."

"Don't worry. I don't know you either."

Teddie laughed. "That's true. I can confirm that one."

"Izzie said you were backstage with her last night," Evan said easily.

"Yeah, came back to look around my old stomping grounds. I used to work as a photographer for the WWE," she added.

"So Izzie tells me."

"Yep. I left before you came onto the scene. But don't worry, you've already outlasted me. I only worked for them a grand total of about three months."

"Why did you leave?" Evan asked curiously.

"I just...needed some time off. For me. I'd had a lot of crazy things happening in my life. I still keep up with all the brands though. I'm becoming partial to ECW, I gotta tell you."

He chuckled. "Well, I'll let Mr. Long know."

Teddie laughed. "I'm sure it will leave a lasting impression on him."

"Well Teddie, I got to get ready for my match coming up. It was nice getting to know you, and I apologize for having to run off like this."

"It's no problem," Teddie assured him. "And good luck out there tonight."

"Thanks."

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