A/N: rkoviper needs to get back in shape. I apologize for my lack of updating... seeing a review made me so sad... it made me realize that I need to hop back on this story. Before I start, I have a few things to say to a few reviewers.
Candicefan- Nina, I'm sorry. I know I said I was going to update this... but failed miserably. I'm making it up to you now, updating this story because I know you love it!
BabiieCakee- Your review flattered me so much, I had to make this chapter particularly for you. :)
Hope you enjoy!
I hate Job evaluations...
Candice needed to get her head in the game for today, as today was Job Evaluation day. A day where critics would come in and evaluate how the entire office operates, and its employees individually. Candice couldn't help but groan, as the world has it's ways of making Candice's life hell- for example, bad timing.
With her argument with Ashley still burned inside her mind, it was nearly impossible for her to concentrate and impress the critics coming to review her and how she works. Hence, 'bad timing.'
"Candice," A voice brings her attention to her front door office, and there stands Shane McMahon, her boss giving her a stern depending look. "Remember what today is, I'm counting on you to do your best. You are our... best worker after all."
Having the boss' son on your ass about what today in particular was... is also a real pain in the ass. Especially seeing how distracted you are.
Offering her best smile, Candice nodded and replied: "You don't need to worry about me Shane. I got this Job Evaluation down."
"That's what I like to hear." Shane turns to leave Candice alone, who sighed at the departure of him. "Yeah, Shane... I got this alright." Candice replied sarcastically, throwing a pen across the room.
Randy had a rough night.
After the episode with Dave, who wouldn't have a rough night? It was amazing how extremely fast a woman can get over a guy.
Randy narrowed his eyebrows, in deep thought. Come to think of it, did he and Candice ever really call it quits? He doesn't think so, but then he recalled the time he was 'fired' for being falsely accused of sexually harassing someone...
Flashback**
"I DID NOT HARASS ANYONE! WHERE ARE YOU GETTING THIS FROM?" Randy asked him.
"Dont worry about it Randy. You heard me the first time, YOU'RE FIRED!" Vince yelled.
"Recently, I've called Randy and offered him a job in my line of work, in my office. It was only a few weeks ago when he accepted it. Now, that he's unemployed, we've came to take him out of your hands. And hopefully leave New Jersey as soon as possible to settle in our new office in the United Kingdom." Regal explained.
"United Kingdom?" Candice turned to Randy. "Is it true? Are you really leaving?" Candice asked him.
Randy, with his eyes on the floor, slowly shook his head. "I'm sorry Candice. I'm sorry I didnt tell you."
xxx
"She's not worth it Candice. Dont worry about her." Randy told her. Turning to Randy, Candice quickly brushed Randy's hands away from her.
"I cant believe you. I cant believe you didnt tell me." Candice shook her head as tears sprang in her eyes.
"Candice..."
"No, just leave me alone."
End**
Randy would like to think that him and Candice, may not have necessarily discussed the two of them breaking up, but the fact how Randy didn't tell her about the job he took... and Candice's reaction, it was a clear signal that Candice wanted nothing to do with Randy.
But this really confused him. Is Candice just upset with him? Or did they honestly break up?
His mind then went back to last night. Candice having this little business 'talk' with Dave Batista. Randy shook his head, and concluded that the two of them, did indeed break up.
And it was all his fault.
Why did he take this job in the first place?
"The scandals." Randy said out loud to himself. That's what it was. There were too many scandals in the office, and it was an extremely unprofessional working environment in the D.I.V.A.S office. Don't get him wrong though, there are plenty of nice people there, some he actually became friends with... but there was entirely too much drama to call that place a 'safe, professional, working environment.'
"My God, Michelle... can't you just go in the bathroom and fix it yourself? I'm tired of fixing your damn bra." Layla complained.
Then again, there were the people that made the working environment unprofessional.
Randy turned to Layla, shaking his head at her. "Really, Lay? Did you have to say that out loud? I'm right here, I don't want to hear about anyone's bra being unhatched."
"Well, I'm sorry... we just have an important thing to do, and I will not stand for babysitting Michelle. She's like a child, Randy. I'm tired of holding her by the hand, and tell her what to do." Layla shook her head.
"Why don't you just fire her? Aren't you over her anyway?"
"I would... but... we need the workers." Layla said shrugging her shoulders. "Then you better live up to babysitting her, because I'm not doing it."
"Lay! I can't do it!" Michelle called out.
Layla sighed turning to meet her friend in the bathroom. Randy couldn't help but wonder...
Where are we going anyway?
Layla, Michelle, and Mr. Regal came out to meet Randy. "Come on, Randal. We must not be late." Mr. Regal called for him. Randy stood on his feet and followed his co-workers out the office building.
Everyone piled inside the limo, and once everyone was inside, and the door was shut... they took off.
"Layla, where are we going?"
"Someplace you're quite familiar with Randy." Layla says smirking at him. Randy shook his head. He obviously didn't like where this was going one bit.
Alright, Candice... calm down... calm down... you can do this... you can ace this job evaluation... it's not like these are people...
Candice immediately regretted herself ever speaking, as she looked up to catch the sight of four people. First was Mr. Regal, Layla, Michelle McCool and none other than Randy Orton.
I know...
"Oh my God..." Candice was on the edge of freaking out. "This can't be true... he can't be... they can't be..." Candice immediately reached over to the page Dave.
"Candice, is there something you need?"
"Is it true?"
"What?" Dave acted so oblivious to the situation, he had absolutely no idea what is going on. "The Job evaluation, did you know that Regal's company are reviewing us?"
"What? No, I had no idea! That's our rival company! What the hell are they doing here?" Candice shook her head. "I have no idea."
Candice looked up through her office door, and was immediately greeted by the infamous smirk of Randy Orton. He shook his head and laughed when he was met with the angry look Candice was giving him.
"Oh, no. I'm going to have a talk with Vince about this." Candice stands up and makes her way out of her office, to Vince's, giving his door a good pounding on.
"Come in," Vince calls.
Candice opened the door and there sat Vince, reading through the D.I.V.A.S magazine. "Vince, did you know about this?"
"Know about what?" Vince asked, an eyebrow perched. "That Regal's company is here to give us job reviews."
"Yes."
"Why would you do something like that, Vince? They are our rival company!" Candice asked him. "Regal and his company just so happen to be superb at giving critical reviews." Vince explained to her. "If there's any reason they shouldn't be here reviewing us-" Vince paused, giving Candice a suspicious look.
"It would be because an employee has a history behind one of Regal's co-workers." Vince says eyeing Candice in particular.
"Is there something you need to tell me, Candice?" Vince asked her.
For a moment, Randy's face flashed through the young brunette's mind, and immediately shook her head. "No, Vince... I was just curious... that's all."
"Very well then. Candice, I suggest you get back to work now... and prepare for your job evaluation."
"Yes sir." Candice turned on her heel, and head back to her office, to see Randy sitting in her seat, with his legs up on the desk.
"Just like ol' times, right Candice?" Randy asked, winking at the young brunette. Candice rolled her eyes. "My, my, this isn't a really good start in your job evaluation, Candice."
"Can you just..." Candice almost nearly snapped on her ex, before she took a deep breath, and decided to approach Randy in a nice calm gesture. "Please, I need to sit in order for you to complete your evaluation on me."
"I think we're off to a good start, Miss Michelle." Randy moves out of Candice's seat, and sits in the seat, positioned in front of her desk, before Layla walks in, slamming her books on the desk, startling Candice.
Layla turned to Randy. "You know Regal said you can't evaluate someone who you personally know. It's unprofessional."
"Yeah, and I bet you didn't tell Regal about our personal relationship together before you set out to hire me, huh?" Randy fought. Layla sat on the chair next to Randy. "Touche. Alright, fine... you can stay. But I'll be asking the questions here."
"I can deal with that." Randy shrugs when he sits back in his seat to watch the evaluation. "Hi, Candice. My name is Layla-"
"I already know you." Candice said, cutting her off immediately.
"Excuse me?"
"We've met before. Don't you remember?"
"Now, now, Candice. Let's keep this professional... shall we?" Randy insisted. "Who's side are you on anyway?"Candice asked bitterly.
"I'm on my own side, thank you very much." Randy retorted. "Anyway," Layla said, ignoring Randy and Candice's bickering.
"Candice, what do you do on your free time?"
"Layla."
"That's a rather personal question, don't you think? Isn't this supposed to be about my job?" Candice asks her. "I meant, on your free time at work? You know... on your break?"
"I listen to music." Candice answered.
"What kind of music?"
"Layla, seriously?" Randy asks butting in. "What?"
"I listen to music that inspires me. Maybe a love song that inspires me to write something about love... a sad love song maybe... and write about how lying is bad... and you can't go anywhere in a relationship lying." Candice replies, her eyes on Randy.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Randy asked, his jaw tightening.
"You of all people, know exactly what I mean." Candice fought.
Layla hit Randy on the shoulder. "This is what happens when you talk Randy. Shut up!" Randy didn't object, he just sat back in his chair, crossing his arms.
"How would you mend a broken relationship?"
"Alright... Layla... a minute please." Randy grabs Layla, and drags her out of Candice's office. "Layla, cut the crap. I know what you are trying to do."
"Really? Please tell me what it is that I am trying to do."
"You're trying to squeeze information out of Candice about our relationship together, and use it to your own advantage. I'm not stupid, Layla. I know when you're scheming."
Layla gasped, putting a dramatic hand on her chest. "Randy, I'm hurt. I can't believe you would think of something like that."
"So Job evaluations huh?" A voice suddenly said. The couple turned to find the amused face of Kelly Blank. "What are you doing here, Barbie?" Layla spat.
"Oh, don't tell me you forgot already. But I work here..." Kelly takes a quick glance in Candice's office. "I don't think it's necessary for two of you to giving Candice a job evaluation." Kelly points out.
"Well, I am." Layla says pointing to herself. "Randy's just being a jackass."
"A smart jackass. Because I knew if I left you two alone in the office it would be a bad idea." Randy retorted.
"Hmmm... you know what. I think Randy's up to something. And it only makes sense that I come in there and answer a few questions too." Kelly insists, as she attempts to go in Candice's office when Layla blocks her.
"I don't think so Barbie."
"I think so." Barbie says literally barging into Candice's office. "Hey Candice."
"What the hell, Barbie? What are you doing here? You're barging into my job evaluation!" Candice yelled, enraged. "Please don't be angry, Candice. I come here for one purpose, and one purpose only. British Bitch over here." Kelly says signalling over to Layla.
She bent down to whisper something in Candice's ear. "Remember what I told you a few days ago? About Layla and Michelle? Well... mainly Layla?"
"Yeah." Candice nods. "Well, she's up to something. I know it. And you have to keep your guard up."
"Candice, I hope you don't mind, but Kelly will be joining you in your job evaluation." Randy informs her. "I think that's the smartest thing you've said all day. Now can we please, proceed with this."
"How well do you work with your employees Candice? Particularly Barbie, here." Layla remarks. "Oh we work together fine." Kelly answers instead. "I'm sorry, I was talking to Candice."
"Well, I was talking to you."
"Yeah... we do work well together." Candice says, trying her best to sooth the tension in the room coming from all directions. It was stressing... first Randy, then Layla... and now Kelly. This was becoming even nerve wrecking as this thing goes on.
"Really?" Layla asked. "Yes. Candice and I, we always come up with ideas and put it into one paper, one article. And it turns out as a success."
"Interesting."
Candice had to admit, as she sat next to Kelly who was a cheerful and happy about 'supposedly' working well together with her, she grew confused, and couldn't help but wonder... why is Barbie acting like they've been best friends all along? When they are really... enemies? Why is she lying like this? Not to mention, what exactly is Barbie's history with Layla?
"Everything okay in here?" Dave asked poking his head in the office. Randy rolled his eyes. "Well, look who it is. Buffy the Womanizer Slayer."
Candice put a tired hand to her head, shaking it. "My God, someone help me."
"What is he doing here?" Dave asked looking at Candice.
"I have absolutely no idea." Candice replied.
"I don't think he belongs here, as he may... cause a distraction with his silly childish little games."
Randy stood up, coming face to face with Dave. "Childish? Well I don't think I like your tone, Mr. Batista." Candice could tell that Randy seemed a little offended by the statement, and despite her job evaluation going on, she had to step in between the two men.
"Alright, gentlemen. Let's not get all fired up. Randy..." Candice says giving her ex a stern look. "I'm pretty sure this inferno has to cool down at some point."
Feeling defeated, Randy sat down. "I guess that's it for today. Come on Randy, we are going." Layla demanded gathering her books, heading out of the office.
"I'll be out there in a minute." Randy says simply when Kelly stands up. "I bet she only did that because I'm here." Kelly couldn't help but giggle. "I'm such an intimidating figure..."
"I guess I'll be going too." Dave says walking out of the office. "Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?" Candice asked her.
"I told you, I know Layla. And she's a bitch." Kelly shrugged when she made her way out of the office. "What was that all about?" Randy asked his ex.
"What was what about?" Candice asked him. "Your answers... to some of the questions."
"I was only being honest Randy, if you didn't know... I'm also inspired by real life situations and relationships." Candice told him.
Randy didn't say much, all he did was shake his head. "So how are you?"
"I'm fine, how are you?"
"I'm okay. I guess... so you and Dave huh?"
"Me and Dave? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Are you guys-"
"Why does it matter?" Candice asked him.
"It matters to me because... well... I want you to be happy." Randy told her simply. Candice swore she saw a hint of jealousy in Randy's face.
"So yeah... we're together." Candice figured, if she try to make Randy jealous... maybe he'd consider getting back together with her, and maybe... just maybe quit the job. She even thought about telling Randy the news of her pregnancy... but then again, she didn't. Because she was afraid... afraid that Randy might run away from her and not own up to taking care of the baby.
"Well, Layla and I- we had bad times... but we're kind of..."
"Together?"
"Yeah." Randy confirmed. He too, also wanted to try and make Candice jealous and he thought that Layla might be the right person to make her jealous.
"Good for you." Candice didn't seem to mind it at first, until he left. She sighed. So he was already with someone else, it's amazing how men get over women at an incredibly fast pace.
Candice shook her head. This whole day has been... hell.
A/N: I wanted to make the chapter long... over at least 1,000 or 2,000 words. I'm pretty sure I accomplished that. This is just my way to make it up to the readers who just been DYING to read this story.
That was some job evaluation, huh? And Layla... wow... she won't give up huh?
Review. :)
