Chapter 6

A few days had passed since my intense encounter with Jon. After we realized what we were so close to doing that night, we left the room and went our separate ways in silence. I figured I would pretend nothing had happened and avoid him, again. I was immensely attracted to Jon. Luckily it was Thanksgiving week and I was able to gain some distance, he had to travel to the next location for Main Event and the Smackdown taping. I was able to catch a flight back to Connecticut to work and be home for the Thanksgiving holiday. As much as I tried to evade him, it seemed that Jon was becoming noticed by the WWE Universe and, therefore, becoming noticed by the big wigs in the company. And so, as WWE Talent and Branding Coordinator, I had many conversations about Jon and the development of Dean Ambrose while I was working at the WWE headquarters.

It was soon Monday again. Martin was officially retired and home enjoying it. Today was my first day on my own without the support of my mentor. As I awoke in my hotel room, I grabbed my cell phone and noticed I had several emails, text messages from Stephanie & Triple H. I became terrified when I opened the most recent text message from Stephanie and it read, "Have a situation. Call me immediately." A sunken feeling overcame me. "They know." I said to myself realizing they found out about my inappropriate behavior with Jon. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves as I dialed Stephanie's number.

"Emily! We need to talk."

Stephanie said with urgency.

"Of course, Stephanie. Is everything alright?"

I asked, trying my best to hide any apprehension in my voice.

"Yes, we just received information and we need to remedy a situation before it becomes an issue."

Stephanie says in a firm tone.

"Of course, what's happened?"

I asked, even more anxious than before."

"Well, it appears Phil decided to release a podcast about the company and it's a problem."

Stephanie says with annoyance in her voice.

"Oh, I see. What can I do?"

I asked in relief.

"We already sent emails to the roster reminding them of the confidentiality clause in their contracts. Between you and I, we're a little concerned about April. So we wanted to reach out to you to make sure the message is put out there during your huddle, talent is not to address the situation. We're going to leave it to my dad to take care of it during his podcast with Steve."

Stephanie clarifies.

"Understood. I'll make sure to bring it up tonight."

I say as I look over to check the time. I had a few hours to get some work done, get dressed, and get prepped for the roster huddle tonight before Raw.

I decided to nix the driver and rent out a car for the events now that I was on my own. I preferred to drive myself wherever I needed to go. As I pulled up into the arena, I quickly checked my cell phone for any last minute details. Nothing. I smiled as I gathered my things and made my way to the catering area. I preferred a conference room for meetings, but knew that was a luxury that couldn't be afforded in an arena that we only visit for one night. Especially for today since Triple H requested in a company email all talent be handled in one huddle rather than the two separate meeting times. I decided to stick with the catering area for today's massive huddle. I dressed business casual with a black button up blouse, charcoal pencil skirt, and black heeled sandals. As soon as I entered the area to set up, I immediately spotted Nikki with her sister Brie. Nikki was staring daggers at me, yet again. I smirked as I saw her in my peripheral vision. She could be angry all she wanted, all I kept thinking about was how I rejected her little boyfriend. I went over my notes as people began to arrive and take a seat.

"You excited to see her?"

Seth asked as he walked alongside Jon pulling his luggage behind him.

"Shut up, man."

Jon responded as he keeps his gaze down.

Seth grinned as they arrived to the catering area. They just arrived to the arena and immediately reported to Emily, as the company email outlined.

"There she is."

Seth said in a low tone to Jon. Jon brought his focus up and saw her standing there. He couldn't believe how great she looked. He liked the dark colors she was dressed in, but he especially liked how her legs looked in those high heels. He didn't care much for what girls wore, but Emily quickly earned his attention in how she presented herself every time he saw her. He rolled his eyes trying not to think of how great she felt in his arms and how soft her lips felt on his. Jon sat next to Seth as the tucked his hands into his hoodie's front pockets and tried his best to ignore the dirty thoughts coming to him.

"Hello everyone, I trust you all had a great Thanksgiving."

I said as I noticed the catering area becoming jam-packed. Everyone was there including the broadcasting team, Alex Riley and Renee Young. I did become a little anxious thinking about how many bodies were at my attention but held my composure.

"I want to thank you all for coming here as soon as you got it. Your being here tells me you had the chance to read the company email from Hunter. I want to start off with asking if anyone has any questions about the email."

They all stood quiet while some shook their heads or looked around the room.

"I suppose that's a no. Pretty cut and dry email he sent anyway. However, I was requested to go over the confidentiality clause within your contracts. Are there any questions about the clause itself?"

I asked as I saw AJ roll her eyes.

"I have a question."

A booming voice said as John Cena makes his way the front of the crowd.

"The clause says we cannot address anything in regards to the company's terms or development. How does this apply to CM Punk's careless behavior?"

Cena asks standing near Jon.

"Well Cena, the podcast affects business in general for the WWE. He talked about his meeting with Vince and Hunter. Covered the plan that was set for Wrestlemania and mentioned future plans for upcoming even-"

Nikki immediately interrupted me.

"Look, its obvious who this whole thing is about. Just tell us to keep our mouths shut and those of us who care about our careers here will do so."

I try my best to stay collected.

"I understand what you're saying, Nikki. But I'm going to remind you that I was speaking and wasn't finished."

I say firmly.

"I get it. This whole thing is about me."

AJ Lee suddenly says and continues speaking.

"He's my husband and you're probably worried I'm going to do or say something that will damage the WWE even more. Well, to that, I say am familiar with the terms of my contact and don't plan on ignoring that."

Everyone stays quiet while Nikki folds her arms and smiles.

"I'm only going to say this once."

I begin to say as I put my notes down on the table in front of me.

"Yes, this is a business. Yes, I represent Stephanie and Hunter. Yes, I understand not everyone plays well in the sandbox together. However, I'm not going to drill into anyone's head what they already know. I'm not going to generalize everything so feelings don't get hurt. I shoot straight from the hip. I understand why you think you're an issue AJ and, I don't know, maybe you are. But I am not here to point my finger for anyone. I'm here to partner with you guys and make sure you are aware of everything WWE has coming at them. So this calling people out thing, Nikki. It's not going to fly with me. You have an issue with someone. You take it up to Hunter since he's head of Operations. Other than that, keep your opinions to yourself and don't try to override my huddle with assumptions."

Everyone looks to me in surprise. Especially Cena. He lets out a small grin as he stands near Jon.

"Well, look at that, a suit that cares. What a rare find."

Cena says as he taps Jon's chair.

"Please, Cena. Thank you for being cooperative but flattery is not appropriate right now."

I say as I pick up my notes. I peek up in time to see Jon smirking.