Chapter 3: Decisions, Decisions
Several hours later….
I picked up the landline phone to dial my Cuz home number, who is only across the street. Ring, Ring I hear on the other line Ring, Ring I glace at the clock. Re' should be up by now. She's probably doing some work in her office, too." Hello." I finally hear on the other line. "Hi, Cuz! You are up aren't you? Or are you still lounging about?" I asked.
"Yes, Ang I am up. I'm working on some case files that are coming up in a few weeks. You forgot that I have to go to that conference in Canada. I will be studying a special case while I am there. It's a new twist on a technique that a young Surgeon perfected and most likely will be used very soon in the States here."
Honestly, with all the things going on with my friends, Randy, JayCee, and John, lately and not to mention Jayson (JTG) it did slip my mind. Re' had only known of the Jayson situation going on. "Yes, it did kinda slip my mind for a minute. My mind is only focusing on Monday and getting these issues I have to resolve. Didn't we figured out that's the same week that Raw will be there too in Canada. Cuz, I have a couple of issues and I hope that you can help me. First off, what do you think about Logan and Tamera? Whom should I put in charge at S.T.S. and whom should I pull as my personal assistant?"
"Yeah it is the same week WWE visits Canada. Ang, I had a chance to hang out with both Logan and Tamera and it is just whom you would like. They both can do either job that you decided to put them in. I know that's not much help but maybe you should think of whom deserves the top position more at S.T.S. I hope that gives you some outlook on it. Now what are the other issues you have?"
"Well, Re' second one has to deal with my consultant business? I can get enough main supplies to get many orders done but where can I store them?"
"Store them. I do not understand?"
"Oh, let me back up. I have decided to hire a sales person or two for Angel's Touch Gifts, Etc., my creative consulting business, while I'm on the road. I can cut them a paycheck when I get home or leave a few at The Family Clinic for them to pick up when its time. My concern is I can buy as much of my main supplies like: baskets, big rolls of clear wrapping paper, ribbon, bow small gift bags, stuffing filler etc. Anything dealing with the specialty items I have company credit cards or my credit line so it will be taken care of. So where can I put my supplies for the sales person to get orders and make baskets to be picked up delivered?"
"You can use the medium-size storage building behind your home that you have extra furnishings in? That would be big enough to store all the things you use, have easy access to, and locks up."
"Yes, I could do that but then I would have to give the access code to my gate and security. I would rather not. What about my office? "
"Your home office? You talk about security issues…you might come back to nothing in your house but a box of arm and hammer in your refrigerator."
We both burst out laughing and after I caught my breath," No, Re' my office at the clinic. It's big enough if I organize it correctly. They will come in when the clinic is already open so they won't need any keys to get in and leave before the clinic closes. They will not be doing any late deliveries or pickups so that is a down side for now but at least my business can be up and running again."
"That sounds like a plan, Ang. Any more thoughts towards S.T.S?"
"Not yet, but I am gonna put both Tame and Lo pro's and con's on a paper and go from there. I will then be able to make the best decision not only for me but for them also. I will ponder S.T.S. positions and let you know what my final decisions are. Bye, Cuz."
"Bye, talk to you later. And if you need any more thoughts on the subjects call me."
"O.K." We both hung up the phone. I'm going to get to these decisions right now. Now that I have settled on what to do with Angel's Touch Gift, Etc. I have to get S.T.S. done. Lo has seniority at S.T.S. and worked for WWE well before Tame was hired. Tame has been able to cover both Lo and my shifts when we are on other projects. I wonder if Lo had her heart set on S.T.S. or being my Assistant. The only con I could foresee from either is that Lo, has her party ways but I cannot say that has really interfere with her work performance, and as for Tame, it just that she has never been head of a department or an Assistant? I will have to position the rest of the crew into Raw, ECW, Superstars and SD, too. I wonder if it is too early to bother Randy for his opinions yet. Yeah, like he really wants to discuss my work dilemma with what he is going thru.
Buzz Buzz I glance at the clock…well it shouldn't be Jayson (JTG)…SD house show should have started…I pick up my cell to see who the text was from. It was from JayCee. It read: I know U r havin issues w/ JTG but Call me l8r. I think Jay has figured out a few things from our last phone conversation. I know she'll be upset at me but I won't be speaking to her until Monday afternoon. I hope by then Randy will have had a chance to at least explain things to John and then both he and JayCee will understand the position I was in. I might have to talk to John but what could I actually say.
I have to go over the schedule for this week-end and the Promo for Mayweather. I flip a few pages in my red Raw binder to look over the Superstars who were working Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I notice Randy's name on the list them besides it says 'reschedule'. Randy was supposed to have work this week-end. I wonder why he didn't tell me that he took off. He knows that I would see it on the list. My friend, Randel, what shall I ever do with him. I pick up my phone to call him but I glance at the clock on the wall. It's around suppertime and I'm sure that he has to feed Alanna and get her ready for bed. And who knows how long it will take her to fall asleep. I'll wait to call him a little later. I'll ask him why he didn't tell me. I hope that he knows I would not be mad at him for that. I'll tell him what Jay text me back from earlier, too. It read: Y what's up w/ JTG? Not gonna talk bout RKO. R kill me despite being BF Fiancé'. I have just a few more decisions to make concerning my S.T.S. Crew before I break for supper myself
JayCee's Point of View
A dip in the pool was a good idea that John had. My only wish was that the water could take away his worry as it did to cool us off from the Florida heat. Even though, John has laughed and joked around for the past several house on the outside; I know that is not how he feels on the inside. John is worried about his best friend and no matter what he says or does it's not going to change unless he speaks to Randy or sees Randy Monday.
"Jay, I'm getting myself a glass of lemonade. Do you want me to bring you another glass, too?" John asked me before heading inside.
"Yes, please. If you don't mind?"
"Of course not." He replied.
My mind has relaxed a little bit from all the stress going on earlier. I think John was finally starting to relax, too. I know John won't be happy about my decision to call Angie concerning our earlier conversation but I just have to find out what the deal really is. Angie had sent me a text when we were on our way home about her and Jayson breaking up and decisions that she had to make for work. She also told me not to say anything about RKO. I ask her what happen between her and JTG. I told her I wasn't going to say anything about RKO because he'd kill me despite me being John's Fiancé' regardless if John was his best friend.
Every quiet moment I can't stop thinking so much about the whole…..messed up situation. I don't want to even think along those lines but there is no other words to describe it…it's a situation that is—well, messed up. I stretch out on the pool chair for my cell phone. I text Angie. It read: I know you're having issues about JTG and work but call me later. I may be wrong on some part or may be the whole of what I think Angie knows about Randy but I want to make sure that I'm not making more out of the whole thing. My thoughts went back to Angie and my conversation hours earlier but John interrupts them. John walks back outside with two tall glasses of lemonade. He hands me one as he puts his on the patio table between us.
"Here you go Jay."
I take a big sip and let the cold drink being me back to the moment. "That sure hits the spot. Thanks." I said.
"You're welcome." John reply. "Are you O.K. Jay?"
"Yeah." I gave a quick smile to mask over what I had been thinking and what I had done by texting Ang. I don't keep secrets from John and he doesn't keep any from me. But I think I will tell him later on what I did and what I find out. "Can you apply some more sunscreen on my back?"
"Sure."
I think about all of this later on and as for now I let the worry flow from me as John hands rub sunscreen lotion onto my back. When John finished he does some more laps in the pool until the sun sets.
John's Point of View
It was an unusually quiet ride in the car as I drove us home. Once we got here, I changed into one of my swim trunks as JayCee put on one of her many 2-piece bathing suits. I grab the mini boom box, tune it to Hot 107 and headed outside to the patio area. JayCee followed soon enough wearing her shades with sunscreen lotion, a magazine (she's been meaning to read) and two beach towels. As she fixed the towels on the lounge chairs, I hugged her tight around her waist from behind and told her for us to relax and not think about what's going on—at least for the next couple of hours. She agreed as I pulled her into the pool with me.
She got on top of the floating lounger in the pool as I did some laps to clear my mind. I got into a rhythm as my hands cut into the water doing freestyle strokes and let my mind wonder. I just wish it wouldn't go to the very situation. I just told JayCee we were not going to think about at least for the next several hours. The situation to be truthfully wasn't so bad—Randy is not the 1st wrestler whose wife has asked…with some demanded a separation no matter how short or long it may be. My real concern was why he wouldn't tell me what was going on. It's tearing me up inside not knowing if he's at least O.K. I've decided to call Angie at least I'll know something. Now that I made that decision I think can relax a little bit. I did some more laps and pulled JayCee in the water with me. It was great spending some time with her and finally relaxing. When JayCee got out the pool to get herself something to drink, I took a break from doing laps and jumped into the floating lounger. Over an hour had past and I was at some sort of peace. I jumped off the lounger and got out the pool. "Jay, I'm getting myself a glass of lemonade. Do you want me to bring you another glass, too?" I ask her before heading inside.
"Yes, please if you don't mind?" She replies.
"Of course not." I said and went inside. I grab two tall glasses from the cabinet and set them on the counter. I look at my cell phone for any messages from Randy but there were none. I know that I had decided to call Angie but I thought I'd do it a little later. Oh! What the hell. I picked up my phone scroll down and dialed Angie's number. "Hi, Angie. It's John. Are you busy? Can we talk?" I started. I told Angie that I didn't know what was going on and if she would explain some things to me if she could. I told her the entire scenario of the events that happened earlier between her and JayCee's conversation and my thoughts on it. She told me or tried not to tell me anything I reminded her of our private talks between us in the past and told her how loyal and a true friend she had become to me. I of all people respected that of her and would expect the same kind of loyalty as I did then. I broke down to tell her my real concern was for Randy and what his state of mind was. She didn't have to explain anything but just tell me if he was alright.
She finally broke down and said truly as far as she knew Randy was as O.K. as he could be under the circumstances and that was as much as she could say. She said I should just trust Randy and wait until Monday. She knew that it would be hard for me to do but please try to understand his position and hers. She did ask if I or JayCee was upset with her. I told her no because I figure that if Randy did tell her anything that he might have asked her not to say anything to anyone and that was something I didn't want her to do was to betray his confidence. She more than respected my wishes over a month ago with the whole ex situation so how could I not do the same now. I told her I wouldn't say anything to JayCee until Monday and I'll to my best to control the situation on my end.
"O.K. John. Sorry that I couldn't tell you more but you know. I'll see you and JayCee on Monday and we'll talk more—all of us. You guys travel safe."
"Bye, Angie."
"Bye, John."
"Oh! And Ang'"
"Yes, John?"
"Thanks and if you do speak to him tell him that I understand."
"John, if I happen to talk to him I promise I will. And John thanks for understanding."
We both hung up. I felt a whole lot better about the whole thing. I put my phone back on the counter and poured the lemonade in the glasses. JayCee must be wondering if I had to go somewhere to make the lemonade because I'm taking so long. I'm not too happy about keeping most of this from Jay but at least until closer to Monday. I grab the two, cool glasses and headed back outside to the patio area where Jay was tanning her. I handed her the glass and set mine on the table beside my chair before I sat down. "Here you go Jay."
She took a big gulp before she answered. "That sure hits the spot. Thanks."
"You're welcome." I notice Jay being a bit out of sorts. "Are you O.K Jay?"
"Yeah." she responded and shook her head yes.
Maybe the heat was getting to her but I let the subject drop.
"Can you apply some more sunscreen on my back?" she asked.
" Sure." I squeeze some of the sunscreen lotion onto her back and rub it all over. I would have messed with Jay more but I wanted to spend some more time in the pool. I finished and Jay lay out to get some more sun. I jump in the pool and did some more laps myself feeling much better than I did earlier. I didn't even notice when the sun was actually setting.
Angie's point of view
I had just finished my supper even thought it was a bit early when my phone rang. The screen on the phone read 'The Champ'. I just knew that he was gonna call before too long and this time it won't be a female voice on the other end. I pushed the green talk button and heard the strong male voice on the other end say, "Hi Angie. It's John. Are you busy? Can we talk?" just flow all in one line. "Hi, John. No I'm not at this moment and of course, we can always talk."
He told me that he didn't know what was going on and if I could explain some things to him. He told me of what I already suspected that Jay figured out some things from our conversation earlier today, which I knew she would. I tried my hardest not to tell John anything but I couldn't lie to him. Especially, after he reminded me of our private talks in the past that we had when he was with his ex, and how loyal he thought I was and was a true friend to him. He said he respected that of me—of how loyal I am to my friends.
When he broke down and told me his real concern was for his best friend and his state of mind…he didn't want any explanations at all….only if he was O.K. How could I not tell him what truth I could without betraying Randy's confidence? I couldn't get into too much but I just told him to trust Randy until Monday. If he only knew Randy was such a good friend that he just didn't want to break into John's happiness—that is the only reason why John didn't know before we all went home. I knew it would be a hard thing for John to wait but I ask him to understand Randy's position and mine.
I was scared to ask John if he or JayCee were mad at me….thank goodness that they were not. He figured out by words I was using to a certain extent that Randy did tell me something but ask me not to tell anyone—and it was O.K. Before we ended our phone call John told me that he wasn't going to say anything to Jay until Monday and he would do his best to steer her from getting to the bottom of this from me…not to put me in any more of an awkward position. "O.K. John. Sorry that I couldn't tell you more but you know. I'll see you and JayCee on Monday and we'll talk more—all of us. You guys travel safe."
"Bye Angie." John said.
"Bye John."
"Oh! Ang'…." John pauses.
"Yes, John?" A little nervous of what he could say.
"Thanks for being a good friend to us all. And if you do speak to him tell him I understand."
"If I happen to talk to him I promise you that I will. Thanks for saying what you did and understanding." We both hung up. I think he had a feeling if I hadn't already talk to Randy that I would soon and he was so right.
Randy's point of view
I was going to put Alana to sleep after her bath but my Dad wanted to so I let him. It was nice seeing Cowboy Bob hold this little tiny girl close and sings Johnny Cash songs for her to go to sleep. It gave me enough time to get a work out in before I talk to Angie again. I know that she saw by now that I took off this week-end but I will make it up soon enough. Let me get my iPod and get to working out. If it wasn't late I would go to the gym but maybe tomorrow. I guess I will have to do with working out in the basement. I'll do my arms and abs….1, 2, 3, 4, 5…14, 15. Whew. Last set….1, 2, 3, 4, 5…14, 15. O.K. I'll jump in the shower, grab a bite, and then phone Ang.
I check on Alana after my shower …she's sleeping peacefully. Mom and Dad have the baby monitor with them. They are great grandparents to just do this with me while Sam and I figure some things out. I pick up my cell—I see a few more calls from John but I expected that. I dial Angie's number—I hear 'Please enjoy this music selection while your party is being located'…then Drake's song 'Best I ever had' plays. Angie picked up soon after. "Hi."
"Hi." Was her reply.
"What you are up too?" I asked.
"I'm just finishing up the last decisions. How are you?"
"Good. I just got a workout in. Lanna sleeping and Mom and Dad are watching her."
"Glad to hear. I've had some other developments since this morning. If I didn't consider you a friend…you would own me."
"What developments have happen now?"
"Well, JayCee has figured out things from our conversation this morning."
"Is that all?"
"No, far from it. I talk to your best friend just a little while ago."
"I figured he would probably call you. So what did he have to say?"
"I promise him I would tell you something if I happen to talk to you."
"What did you promise John to tell me?"
"John said that He understood—like there are no hard feelings about all this. Randy, I couldn't lie to him. I had to tell him when he asks about you that as far as I knew you were as well to be expected under the circumstances. I told him to trust you and wait on Monday. Please don't be mad at me. I had to tell him something especially after he told me that he consider me a good friend and he respected the loyalty I had shown you and him. I just couldn't bear it." She said getting a little choked up.
Hearing her voice tremble a bit, how could I be angry? "I'm not mad at all Angie. Was that all what was said."
"Pretty much. He also said that he would take care of things on his end with JayCee until Monday. Randy, I don't want to get in deeper into this already complicated situation but may I ask how are you gonna handle things then?"
"I will get a message to John for him and Jay to meet me at the hotel. I rather discuss things there so no one will hear what is going on ….at least right now."
"Sounds like a plan to me. So what's on the agenda for the rest of the evening?'
"Probably talk to you for awhile, and then watch a movie."
"Why would I want to waste my time with a friend, who was supposed to listen to my decisions and didn't want to?"
Feeling unusually guilty for her going thru all this….we spent the next several hours talking about the decisions she made on her consulting business and for S.T.S. I chimed in on a few suggestions here and there but Angie had a pretty good handle on things. She told me how she was going to handle her friendship with JTG. I was the last person who should be trying to give advice relationship advice…so I just listened. I told her I owed her lunch already but we would work something else out for her taking this flack for me. Angie wasn't even upset when she mentions or asks why I didn't tell her that I took off this week-end. She is a real cool chick. I think this is one of the first times in a very long time that I have a platonic relationship with a female friend. She ended up putting on the same movie as I did and we talk over the phone.
Angie's point of view
I woke up early with my cell next to me on my pillow. I was still a little tired so I close my eyes for another second when I heard snoring. My eyes flew open…being a bit confused and I started to look around. I glanced at my cell phone when I heard the snoring sound coming out from it. I pick it up to look at the screen and saw it was on speaker. Upon further investigation I notice I still have an open call. I couldn't help but chuckle when I realize who was on the other line. "Wake up, sleepy head. Wake up." I still didn't hear any response. "Good morning, sleepy head. Wake up. Come on now Randel—it's time to get up." I finally heard some groins. "Randel, its Angie—wake up."
"Angie? Where are you?" He said groggily. "You called early this morning. I must have pushed the talk button and fell back asleep." I hear now more clearly.
"Randy, are you awake now?"
"Yes, I am now. Good morning Angie."
"Randy look at the minutes on the screen of your phone. We both must have fell asleep watching the movie and just left the line open."
"That's funny. Why didn't you hang up when you woke up?"
"I just heard the snoring and when I realize I just couldn't hand up on you like that."
"Well thank you for not just hanging up on me. I guess I'll go to the gym and get a work out in."
"I figure as much. I am going to do some of my necessary errands and deal with my consultant business. Have a good day and talk to you later. Bye Randy."
"You, too. Bye Angie"
Many hours later…
I had completed most of my errands, post the job openings to Craig list and gone to re-arrange my office at the clinic. I set up interviews for tomorrow. All I could do now was to continue buying the necessary inventory and setting up everything. I was so busy with it all the things to get ready that the day just slip away.
Monday morning …August 24, 2009
Re' and I had said our goodbyes at the airport gate. I was probably going to see her in three weeks when WWE goes to Canada. I ask her only to drop in today on the three girls I hired. If they had any questions about anything or needed something to not hesitate and call me. I had an mini orientation of sorts yesterday. The girls were split up for one mainly on the phones/Internet sales, one on delivery/pick-ups, and the other one was on supplies/specialty items. They all would help the other out in case it got busy on one particular part of the business. I would Skype in when I could but mostly they would be learning together. I think they are going to work out for the most part.
I was about to turn off my cell when a text came thru from Randy. It read: Swing by hotel b 4 U go 2 arena. Talk w/ Cena/JC.—RKO. I knew Randy was going to talk to John and JayCee at the hotel about the situation that happen before they all went to the arena. He didn't want others to over hear any of their conversation. I wonder what else was up but I'll find out in a couple of hours. As soon as I landed, I grab my bags and went to the hotel. I knocked on Randy's hotel door and saw that John and JayCee were already there. I hug them all 'Hello', just our La. Way, and sat down. Randy finishes explaining to them what actually happen before the week-end and how I got tied up into it. I only ask John and Jay to forgive me for not speaking on the situation. John had said he had but it was nice to see his expression and Jay hugged me again and said everything was cool. We all decided to go to the arena together so I left my bags there and walked to John's rental.
When we arrived at the arena, I left them at the door and headed to the S.T.S. area. I had to hand out all the new positions and duties with my crew. I told them all that they job positions would become permanent on 1st of next month so if anyone messed up royally they would go back to their previous position. I went to my office to call Melina and give her the script for the promo with Mayweather and her wardrobe. Mayweather's entourage was not too difficult to deal with but there were about a dozen or so guys with him. The Raw house show was good especially the part where Floyd 'Money' Mayweather knocked down the Big Show. I knew 'Money' had deadly hands but I didn't think enough to knock a giant like the Big Show.
The next day…Tuesday
ECW, Superstars and SD house shows came out with some good shows too. There was a buzz about Matt Hardy's tweet on Twitter to his brother Jeff….simply—'Hardy Empire to begin'. On Smack Down, Jeff Hardy announced to the WWE Universe that he was leaving to heal properly. Rumors were already in the air about his leaving a few weeks ago even before the last match the Hardy Boyz performed. I guess I wasn't the only one having to make big decisions this week-end. Those Decisions….Decisions…..