A few hours later and I was busy taking photos of Randy as he paraded himself downstage and did some of his fancy tricks. The crowds were going crazy at his little show and I couldn't help but be proud of my family and friends as I lost myself in the moment.
My finger pressed against the capture button, I tried to get some brilliant shots but even slightly unfocused would do. All I needed to paint with was a basic outline and then as time progressed I would be able to know my subject's facial expressions enough to be able to fill in those last minute details.
"Cass" I ignored whoever was shouting me as I leaned a bit closer over the edge just trying to get that perfect...
A large boulder stepped in front of my lens making me lean back and lower the device just to see who had the audacity to ruin my perfect shot. "Excuse me" I retort getting a wee bit annoyed.
"You see this is a match" He said in a rather gritty and nasally voice. "And you watch matches with your eyes and not through a lens" I looked up seeing a sweat and god knows what stained greying tank top, faint ginger stubble and a large dirty smirk playing across some male wrestlers face.
The referee, crowds and commentators go crazy. I see other photographers in the pit with me lapping up this moment and taking photos for me. "Well you see" I began to play that innocent poor me card. "I'm just trying to do my job so do us all a favour and do yours". I smile teasingly and raise my camera making him actually bark out a laugh before heading back into his match. What an ass.
The match soon ended with Randy winning and his opponents escaping through the crowds which striked me as weird. But whilst the lights dimmed again and the crew set up the next match, I took it as my chance to escape backstage to see my sister and to maybe start sketching up some drafts.
The corridors weren't as scary now that people dotted them but I felt a bit like the new kid in high school as a few looked up and watched me try and find Steph. I made my way through wrestlers, crew members and a few fans allowed backstage until finally I found Steph and Paul's office. Knocking gently, I opened the door and found myself walking into the chest of the guy from earlier. "You again?" He growled making me roll my eyes.
Steph looked rather alarmed as she heard his words. "Excuse me Mr Good but what is going on with you and my sister?" She asked watching his reaction carefully as his eyes widened.
"This is your sister? Christ sorry kid for my behaviour in the ring" His eyes twinkled as he said it and I knew for a moment that he didn't mean it. "I'm Jon by the way or as the crowd knows me, Dean Ambrose. Call me either" He holds out a hand for me to shake and I take it uncertain as to why I'm shaking hands with him.
"I'm Cassiopeia McMahon but call me Cass" I say introducing myself with a soft smile. Maybe he isn't as bad I thought. He looks at me strangely, like there's some weird emotion or thought but I shake it off and look behind him to my sister and her husband.
"I've got the photos of Randy for you guys so I'm going to head to the hotel and start a sketch on that now. However I think for practical reasons I'm going to have to paint these at home as they'll take forever to dry and it's just easier for me and you guys" I said hoping Paul at least would understand.
I forgot that Jon was in the room until he spoke. "Wait what's going on? Who's painting what?"
"Oh we were going to announce this in the morning to you and the rest of the employees but Cassie here agreed to paint you all so we can auction them off for charity"
I waited for the questions of if you're any good or the usual paint my good side but instead I got "That's quite impressive. If you let me know in advance I'll try to clean up some of my moves so you can get those shots"
"Thanks I appreciate it" He nods and leaves the room.
The office is quiet and weird except for Paul. Paul just types away at his laptop writing something or maybe playing a game. It was plausible either way. "Okay so I'll see you guys at the hotel. Call me if you desperately need me otherwise you'll see me when you're back" I say picking up my jacket and bags from the floor where I'd shoved them earlier in the day.
Steph gets up and hugs me whilst Paul gives me a nod. I smile softly and wave a goodbye as I make my way through the doorway back into the corridor.
"Hey so you said you were going back to the hotel and I was kinda wondering if you wouldn't mind company? One taxi is better than two" Jon said coming out from nowhere. I jumped seeing him leaning against the wall, a hand pushing through his messy curls. "Sorry didn't mean to scare you"
"It's fine but that's fine. Are you ready to go now?" I ask noting his lack of belongings.
He shakes his head. "I just have to grab my jacket and bag but I can meet you back here in five?"
I nod and watch as he runs off down some corridor. I guess it was just me that didn't understand the geography of this place. Leaning against the wall myself, I occupy the time scrolling through my phone and sending a quick message to one of my friends that lived nearby asking them if things were okay in my house. After that, I went through my email to see if the gallery had been in contact and found that one of my paintings so far had sold and a few were interested in some of my nautical pieces. Maybe things were picking up.
Footsteps got closer bringing me out of my bubble and I saw that Jon had returned wearing a leather jacket and carrying a holdall. "Okay I'm good now" He says close to me and we walk out of the venue side by side getting to know one another.
