Lacey's POV

I stepped through the back entrance into the arena, and it instantly wasn't what I expected. It wasn't like I was expecting everyone to pop out of a hiding place and welcome me back, but I was naturally curious to see what people thought and if they were happy to see me back. The fans would be, I just didn't know about my peers. There was nobody in sight besides the backstage crew.

As I walked, I quickly found the board with the matches scheduled. My name wasn't anywhere on there, and I wasn't in the Divas match which was between Melina and Beth Phoenix. I frowned, securing the strap to my bag on my shoulder, and kept walking, heading towards the Diva's locker room.

It was immediately evident that I had arrived earlier than everyone else when I found the room empty. Can you blame me? I've been out from my ankle injury for quite some time. I sighed to myself, not sure what to do. I didn't really have a reason to unpack or change if my name wasn't even on the card. Maybe I could walk around backstage. I stood up, liking my spontaneous choice better than just sitting around and doing nothing.

I walked with my thumbs hooked around the belt loops of my jeans and offered smiles to the backstage workers that met my eyes. Being apart of the WWE could get lonely, but I didn't mind being alone sometimes.

"Lace?" I jumped as a deep voice called my name. It was one I knew well, and I turned to look behind me. I wasn't at all surprised to see the eyes of John Cena, however, he was shocked to see me.

"Hi, John." I answered cautiously. I didn't realize how much I missed my best friend. Well, former best friend I suppose. We lost touch after I got injured. It hurt knowing he didn't care very much, even if he was busy. One phone call would have been decent for a best friend.

It was almost as if he couldn't speak as he stared. He still had his bag, which told me that he had just arrived as well. Always early, John was. "You're back." I chuckled without humor.

"Yeah, I wanted to get back as soon as possible. I missed it." He nodded slowly and I inspected the ground. This awful, awkward feeling in the air between us was something I hadn't experienced in a long time, especially with John. We were never awkward.

"Well. You look well." He looked down as I looked up. "But you always do." I wasn't sure what to say, so I was thankful when he kept speaking. "Vince wanted to see you. I'd imagine he has things he wants to discuss with you." I nodded and John said nothing as he walked past me. I could only stare before I turned and headed towards Vince's office. Funny how quickly relationships change and people forget. Unfortunately I wasn't the forgetful type.

—

"Just the person I wanted to see." Vince told me as I entered his office on his command. I smiled a small smile and took a seat across from him at his desk. "First of all, how are you?"

"I'm good, thank you for asking. My ankle's much better now." He nodded, his expression turning thoughtful.

"I wanted to talk to you about your new direction and storyline. You see, the creative team had this idea of having a guest host every Monday Night RAW, since we're currently without one. I would like to start that by having you be the first of many, tonight."

"Okay." I nodded, knowing I didn't have much of a choice anyways. "What about a storyline?" His thin lips hinted at a smile as he sat back in his chair.

"Ah, yes." He leaned forward again. "How would you feel about…a romantic storyline?" I blinked.

"Um, well, I guess it wouldn't be bad…it's not something I've done before."

"Change is good." Vince nodded to himself. "We were thinking of pairing you with Randy Orton." The name took me by surprise. Randy Orton? Did he even like Divas, or people in general? In all my years in the WWE, I can't ever remember a time where Randy ever came out to the club with us or to workout or have lunch. Solitude was his best friend.

"Oh…Does Randy approve of this idea?" I asked doubtfully.

"I mentioned the idea last week. I'm really behind this idea, however. It would be good for both of you."

"Mr. McMahon, I'm not sure-"

"I'm sure you have your own concerns, but I'd at least like to give the idea a chance. There really isn't a reason why it wouldn't get over." There was no changing Vince's mind once was big on a certain angle. I could only nod and agree like a scolded or misunderstood teenager.

"Yes, sir." He smiled and stood up.

"Be sure to check with the writers to see what you're doing tonight, it's my understanding that you're starting and ending the show with Randy tonight." I couldn't help but feel excited and surprised at the same time; Divas were rarely involved in starting or ending the show. To be doing both was a huge deal.

"Thank you, Mr. McMahon." I told him as I stood up to leave. I was nearly out the door when he spoke again.

"Oh, and Lacey, be sure to talk with Randy tonight about the segments once you find out what exactly you'll be doing." I nodded and shut the door behind my on my way and groaned internally.

I was 99% sure Randy would want nothing to do with me, and I wasn't excited to be speaking to him.