Dean gripped the steering wheel. His knuckles where white, Roman sat next to him rubbing his forehead. Bo had propped himself in the middle leaning in from the back seat, right between Roman and Dean's faces. "And this was at my mom's house," Bo managed to shove his phone in Romans face. "It was my dad's birthday."
Roman gave a quick glance and nodded. They had been driving for two hours and Bo had not stopped talking. The fact that Dean and Roman had stopped responding over an hour ago, didn't seem to matter. "Why did she have your jacket?" Roman sat up.
"Told you, she was cold," Dean said keeping his eyes on the road. "We went for milkshakes. I got bacon, don't think I will do that again."
"Just the two of you," Roman hitched an eyebrow.
"She wasn't talking to anyone." Dean's voice was filled with annoyance.
"Who wasn't?" Bo asked looking between them.
"I would leave that alone," Roman shook his head.
"You know girls and guys can be just friends." Dean casts his eyes over to Roman.
"I believe that," Bo interjected.
"You know how people talk," Roman shifted in his seat.
"Let them," Dean huffed, "she's not like that. And I am not after that." Dean didn't feel like justifying himself. Isabella was someone he just liked. She was nice, and a bit shy. He truly felt bad, the whole situation was beyond awkward. Dean was only looking for friendship.
"You don't know how you come off," Roman tried to smooth things over. Roman loved Dean like a brother. There were times when Dean had no filter. He didn't see how he came off, but Roman knew Dean had one of the biggest hearts. He could truly see people. Dean could simply look at a person and tell you what mood they were in. A few sentences and he could tell if you were lying. All these things made Dean great, but Roman also knew people talked. They gossiped started rumors. It was something to do, past the time. "I know Isabella is trying to stay on the down low."
"She is a lovely girl," Bo smiled.
"I just didn't want her to think we wouldn't talk to her because of Seth." Dean tossed his hand up.
"I talk to her all the time," Bo said all smiles.
"You would talk to the dead," Dean hitched a thumb back at Bo. "I just talk to her as a friend that is it. If you or anyone else wants to read more into it than," Dean shrugged his shoulders. "Hell, just make it good."
"Dean," Roman knew he hit a nerve, "you ever think she may be getting the wrong idea?" Dean rolled his eyes.
"No," Dean thumb-drummed the steering wheel. "That is the last thing she is looking for. Who knew milk shakes would lead to this? You know, you are the only who has brought it up."
"I didn't mean to pry," Roman held his hand up, "sorry." Dean let out a deep breath.
"I know you don't understand," Dean's voice was low, "she just needs a friend. She won't talk to the girls because of the whole Zahra thing. She wouldn't talk to us because of Seth. I just thought if I extended the olive branch."
"Dean, that was very thoughtful of you," Bo cheerful voice was right between Roman and Dean again. "I remember when I started, even though my father had worked for the company."
"Lord, Jesus," Roman head fall back hitting the head rest. Dean groaned as Bo rumbled on.
Isabella waited for Stephanie to finish her phone call. She kept putting her finger up and smiling at Isabella. Isabella had to admit, Stephanie was intimidating. She knew what she wanted, when she wanted it and how to get it. Isabella did admire how strong she was.
"I am so sorry," Stephanie smiled, waving Isabella over. "Thank you for waiting." Isabella just smiled and nodded. "As you know, we have a big NXT event coming up. I would like you to go with us. There a few girls I would like you to work with. They will be making their NXT debut. Plus in two weeks, Charlotte, Becky, and Sasha will be here." Stephanie never bothered with small talk.
"Sure," Isabella nodded, "I can make arrangements, just let me know times." Isabella pulled her phone out.
"Oh I was thinking that you could fly with my husband and I. I mean I asked last minute," Stephanie held her hand in front of her. "Plus I would like some time to talk, about the clothing line, and a few other ideas."
"Sure, I mean I can get a ticket," Isabella did not know what to think. Her boss was offering her a ride on their private jet.
"No no" Stephanie shook her head, "we will be leaving tomorrow."
"Well, ok" Isabella laughed. She could feel butterflies in her stomach. There was something in the way Stephanie said other ideas.
Isabella sat with her hands in her lap and seat belt fastened. She watched as everyone around her took their seat. She sat facing Hunter. She had never really talked to Hunter.
"Ever flown on a private jet before?" Hunter smiled.
"Not like this," Isabella looked around. "Just first class once."
"How are things going here," Hunter asked, he crossed his leg over his knee.
"I like it, busy," Isabella looked out the window feeling the plane start to move. Stephanie quickly took her seat next to her husband.
"I am glad we will get this time to talk," Stephanie smiled at Isabella. Nervousness filled Isabella, what if they were not happy with her? They wouldn't go through all this to fire her. Maybe she had done something wrong? They planned to give her a talking to.
"Hunter and I," Stephanie took her husband's hand. "Well a lot of people within the company are very impressed with you."
"Thank you," Isabella wasn't sure if it was the plane taking off or nerves that were making her stomach flip.
"You have a great work ethic and everyone really loves working with you," Hunter said.
"Well, it is easy I like my job," Isabella tried to keep her voice steady.
"And you are very good at it. You are great with time management, flexible and seem very eager." Stephanie crossed her legs. "I know you were talking about opening your own shop. And we signed a six month contract, but we think we could work something out. Like were you help design not only the lady's ring gear, but there would be the clothing line we hope to get out by the spring. Also designing dresses, maybe suits for things like Hall of Fame and the other events we do." Isabella bit her bottom lip, Stephanie paused. "I can tell you have questions."
"I am very flattered but, I really want something that is mine." Isabella didn't want to sound unappreciative.
"I understand that," Hunter shook his head. "We are just offering the foot work to be over. You would have customers, and we are willing to give you twenty percent of the profits. If you look at last year's merchandise you know how much that is," Hunter raise his eyebrow. "We have no doubt that this woman's clothing line will take off." Isabella was sure it was more than any money she would make with her own shop. Plus the coast of overhead would be acute. "It would be ours, you would have almost total control over design ideas. Of course Vince has finally say."
"Well, if I were to accept," Isabella started, "what about travel, and would I still work with the talent?"
"Not like now, you would have to come to certain events, fittings things like that. Plus there would be meeting in Connecticut, were our headquarters are." Stephanie answered. "Again it is a lot to think about. Take the time and let us know."
"Ok," was the only answer Isabella could come up with. She almost had to wonder why they were so interested in her.
Hunter took his watch off and laid in on the dresser. "Think she will take it," he watched Stephanie take her shoes off.
"I don't know," Stephanie placed her shoes at the end of the bed, "you want room service?" Hunter nodded, looking for a menu.
"I have to say," he said reading over the menu, "I was surprised the Bella's didn't snatch her up and do their own thing with her. I was surprised they recommended her."
"Oh they didn't" Stephanie shook her head.
"Well," Hunter looked up confused, "who did?"
"No one I saw her work, liked it. I saw her with Seth and liked how she carried herself." Stephanie walked over to Hunter. He watched his wife after all these years he knew her well. She was a lot like her father. Her head was always in the business. Thinking of a way to make it better.
"Stephanie you are not trying, I mean you wouldn't think," Hunter stood greeting his wife in the middle of the room.
"What are you talking about," Stephanie smiled.
"I know you don't like her and with what happened" Hunter didn't need to say names.
"No she is not my favorite person." Stephanie looked up at her husband. She had made it very clear to Hunter that after Zahra and Seth photo shoot has been made public they were both on thin ice. Hunter didn't want to fire Seth over it. Truth be told at the time they needed him. And to fire Zahra would be hypocritical. But no Stephanie didn't like her. She didn't like that she had done what she did. She was angrier at Seth, he was in the spot light. To be so foolish. But what really bothered Stephanie was neither seem to have any shame about any of it. As if no one was allowed to have an opinion about it. Stephanie couldn't imagine having to face people after something like that had gotten out. But Zahra seemed almost proud of her self. In the end Zahra got what she wanted.
"Hunter with were we are at as a company. I don't know if she fits. All I am saying."
"So you hired Seth's ex hoping," Hunter rolled his hands.
"I hired her because she is talented," Stephanie raised her eyebrow, "you have to admit he was happy with her, they looked cute. I am sure if you google her no nudes come up." Stephanie tilted her head.
"Steph," Hunter took her chin in his hand, "it won't work. Leave this alone. If you think she will work out with this clothing thing," he bent down kissing her forehead. "We make champions not couples."
Want to say thank you to Pennie for beta this for me.
I hope everyone's stomach and bank accounts have recovered from Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
Thank you to anyone who took the time to read, follow or take to time to write a review.