Disclaimer: I own none of the individuals that work in the WWE. I am the sole of owner of Celeste. Special thanks to Seyajany! Thank you for helping me with my writer's block and giving me thoughtful insight.
Chapter 10 – Club Hoppin'
Once Celeste told Naomi and Eve she and Phil kissed, she immediately regretted it. They had a million questions for her, questions she couldn't answer herself. Eve rifled through Celeste's suitcase to find the tiniest and tightest dress for Celeste to wear. Eve wanted to make sure Phil had eyes for no one but Celeste. She picked Celeste's clothes and did her makeup to make her appear sultry. To Celeste's surprise, she didn't appear to look like the trollop she believed Eve would make her into.
As the ladies drove in their rental headed for a bar, Celeste decided tonight was a night of celebration. She did have one reservation, Roman. She saw the discomfort on his face as Phil kissed her and thought he would snatch him up like a ragdoll. Celeste wasn't oblivious that Roman held her hand way too long, just to be touched by her. She wanted to have a good working relationship but all that depended on him and if he could leave the past in the past.
Celeste secretly hopped he would visit any club other than the ones she intended to hit that night, but something in her bones made her believe Roman would make an appearance. It was just a matter of when.
Being in the ring with him, Roman had to be professional. He had to control his urges and emotions. With the ring being their place of business, he had to act in a professional manner and try to make the working relationship work for the good of both their careers. The Shield storyline was indefinite and could end at any moment, or it could continue for a good year or longer. As long as the Shield existed, the two would have loads of interaction with another. This meant many meetings, in ring practices, interviews, and even traveling together.
All this "Roman Time" was the least favorite part of her job. Stolen glances from him and his sudden niceness made her feel as if he was up to something. Around him, she felt the need to be on constant alert. It was hard to put such a foul relationship behind you when the individual who wronged you is constantly in your face, keeping you from moving on.
The first bar they visited had some bikers and their women inhabiting the bar, giving off shades of 'Sons of Anarchy. The ladies walked in like "Grand Opening," then right back out like "Grand Closing." The trio quickly made it back to the car to try to locate another bar.
Eve and Celeste's phones rang at the same time indicating they both received a text. Eve read the text aloud indicating the name of a bar many of the WWE staff were located. Eve entered the address into the GPS and the ladies set off for their new destination. Naomi took the wheel, as she was the designated driver for the night and chauffeured them to their next location.
Naomi was deep in thought, when she felt Eve poke her in the arm. "Huh?" she inquired looking at Eve.
"I asked you when you and Stephen are going to collect on that lunch date you promised him," Eve asked again hoping her response would be yes.
"I don't know, I'm still going to go it's just...I just have to find away to let Jimmy know without it causing a fight. The last thing I need is for him to see Stephen and I out and jump to the wrong conclusions, accuse me of cheating…" Naomi rattled off as the GPS instructed her to make a left turn.
Celeste exhaled as she finally had a reprieve from Eve's interrogation about Phil. She noticed Naomi had been quiet and was concerned about her, she truly wanted the best for her friend.
"Break up with Jimmy and he doesn't have the right to comment on anything," Celeste added her two cents as much like Eve, she wasn't a Jimmy fan. "Break up with him. Break up with him. Break up with him. Instead of encouraging you he acts like he's jealous and like you two are in some competition with each other," she reiterated her stance regarding Jimmy.
Eve turned around to face Celeste, "Not that you are in anyway biased towards the Anoa'i clan right?" she smiled as she teased her, referring to Roman and his cousins the Usos by their family name. Eve and Naomi knew she and Roman had a past, but didn't know the details involving the failed relationship.
Celeste shook her head as she searched her clutch to reapply lip-gloss. She settled into the backseat, taking a quick moment to reminisce about the kiss she and Phil shared and wondered how he would find her tonight.
Noticing Naomi's demeanor, Eve decided to take a different route with her to find out what was going through her head. "You obviously have Jimmy on the mind. What happened did you two fight again?" Eve asked out of concern.
Naomi sadly huffed, "He's just I don't know. He was just rude and snotty today right after I told him the writers intended for Me, Brodus, Cameron, and Tensai to wrestle in a mixed couple match in Wrestlemania.. I then asked him something about packing meds for his migraines then that led to an argument about me acting like I'm his mother. Which in turn led to him stating how I think I'm the shit because of the amount tv time I get."
"Reason number 2,422 as to why you need to dump him and give good old Stephen a chance," Celeste chimed into the conversation. "I always thought he was kind of sexy in a non pigment, ginger sort of way," Celeste chuckled. "Plus I'm a sucker for an accent and I like his, it reminds me a bit of that guy from Highlander, Duncan McCloud from the clan McCloud."
Celeste's nerdiness became apparent given the sudden silence from both of her friends. "Oh come on! Am I the only one to watch the show? The lead had a sexy Scottish accent, and a nice body. He had dark hair and dark, brown eyes that made you feel like he could see to your very core. I know it's an older TV show, but you can still watch it on Netflix or Redbox, you guys don't know what you are missing," Celeste tried to convince them, but her friends weren't taking the bait.
"You may want to get off your computer and put the tv remote down. I'm thinking we need to get you laid, which reminds me we need to have a discussion about Phil," Eve interjected, positive her recommendation should be taken seriously.
"Which we will not have that discussion anymore tonight because our focus for the moment is Naomi," Celeste added trying to avert attention from her own problems.
"I see what you're doing, you can get a pass tonight," Eve laughed.
Eve turned her attention back to Naomi in an effort to sway her into Stephen's direction. "You and Stephen should get to know each other better. If I were you, I could easily see myself having some panty less days for him," she added seeing a tinge of jealousy from Naomi. Celeste watched for her reflection in the rear view mirror.
"Whoa there girl! What was that look for Naomi?" Celeste noticed a change in Naomi as her body tensed up at Eve's admittance.
"Naomi, I'm just kidding around. I have no interest in Stephen other than professional, besides everyone but you seems to see he only has eyes for you," Eve stated while looking out the window as they passed by many streets and buildings.
"He is really sweet and charming. The little interaction I've had with him, I think it would do your heart good to have someone who was nice and could romance you. I'm just saying…" Celeste's voice trickled off."
"Well say less, Cece. I can't even discuss that when I have a boyfriend," Naomi started to say, but was interrupted by Eve.
"Who fights with you probably on purpose so he can go hang out with his boys, because you are all about giving him his 'space' when you both fallout. Who knows what he's doing or who he's doing during those sessions." Eve noted with annoyance. Jimmy was such a source of stress and terrible boyfriend for her friend.
"Enough already! Everyone has rough times, we're no different! We'll work it out somehow." Naomi hit the steering wheel annoyed her friends were bashing her boyfriend and their relationship. Both women looked at her curiously while she tried to regain her composure for the night. An awkward silence loomed within the car as the continued onto their destination.
Eve didn't want them hanging out with each other in a bad mood. "We are supposed to be celebrating Celeste and that amazing job she did tonight! So ladies, here are the rules for tonight. The three of us will get our dance on. Celeste and I will get our drink on. Celeste maybe you'll see Phil tonight so you can get your grope on! Are we all in agreement?" Eve asked trying to bring up everyone's spirits and break the tension.
"Here! Here!" all three women said together as they tried to put their tension behind them.
Naomi pulled into the parking lot and they secured car before heading into the building. The music was loud; the bass carried from the bar all the way into the parking lot. Paying their cover charge, they entered the establishment. The DJ played the latest booty shaking song and brought everyone out to the floor.
As the ladies circled the bar the noticed a good number of mid card and NXT wrestlers in attendance. The crowd in general was a mixed crowd and everyone seemed to be getting along-some getting along a little too well as she watched Justin Gabriel "introducing" himself to a young lady. Glancing around the room, it was obvious Justin's girl for the evening and the other local ring rats got the word the WWE wrestlers were in town and made their presences known wearing their slutty best.
Celeste, Eve, and Naomi located a table and ordered drinks with a server. When she returned, she brought several shots, a couple of waters, and a soda to the table. Eve pulled out cash and tipped the server. Eve slid a soda Naomi's way and a shot towards Celeste to raise for a toast.
"You know I'm not much of a drinker. Besides I need to be mentally here for Smackdown tomorrow," Celeste wanted to be on her "A" game for her debut on Smackdown.
Celeste reached for a glass of water and Naomi the soda. All raised their glasses, while Eve made the toast. "Congratulations to our dear friend Celeste for her amazing Raw debut tonight! Your debut will make a great highlight reel for our future Hall of Famer. May you have all the desires of your heart and we wish you all the success in the world." The ladies clinked their glasses and drank up.
Reaching for the other shot, Eve took a quick shot of Tequila Rose and slammed the shot glass on the table. "You were killing it tonight! I am so proud of you Celeste!," she squealed giving Celeste the biggest hug.
Naomi grabbed her friend and gave Celeste a hard hug, "Now I see why you were secretive and kept this whole thing Shield thing under wraps. The WWE Universe lost it when you beat John Cena." Another Diva gestured for Eve to come over to talk to her. "Hey girls, will be back. I'm going to check on a friend."
Naomi felt a tap on her shoulder and looked up to see a smiling Stephen looking more built then usual in his fitted jeans and grey form fitting button up shirt. "Miss Trinity," he referred to Naomi by her real name.
Naomi looked at Stephen strangely. Backstage, everyone called her by her ring name and nothing more. Her own boyfriend referred to her as Naomi and they shared an intimate relationship. Her friends called her by Naomi, and she had an interpersonal relationship with them for several years.
To her surprise, this man she's had minimal interaction, with had gone through the trouble of finding out what her real name was. These days Jimmy would hardly hassle with opening doors for her and allowing her to walk before him. Like a stranger, she too would have to catch the door to ensure it didn't hit her in the face.
"Miss Trinity?" he called to her again disrupting her battle from within.
Stephen raised a ginger eyebrow as he smoothly asked, "Would ye fancy a dance with me?"
Even with the limited lighting, Naomi could still see his blue eyes sparkling in anticipation of her response.
Naomi's head whipped in Celeste's direction, as she non-verbally asked for assistance to get out of her current situation. Despite it all Jimmy was her man good or bad, and whoever was her man, she made it her duty to be fiercely loyal.
"Stephen…She would love to dance with you!" Celeste snatched Naomi's purse and set it before her, "No worries, I will watch the purses and hold the table down. Go have a good time," urged Celeste.
Naomi narrowed her eyes at her so-called friend. Leaning down to whisper at Celeste so only she could hear she made her displeasure known, "I could hurt you right about now."
"It's a dance. Just a dance. Maybe you'll even enjoy it. Now go!" Celeste hissed.
Stephen offered a muscular arm and Naomi reluctantly accepted his gentleman like gesture, as she allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. "I promise my dancing won't be too traumatic for ye," he stated giving a sly wink.
"I'll be carefully with ye, I wouldn't want our first dance ever to be the last one," he leaned forward holding her hands. The mere fact, he said "our," to reference them both wasn't lost upon her.
The declaration warmed Naomi as she watched Stephen sway side to side to the beat as she moved in accord with him. "I'm impressed Stephen. You move pretty well," her smile lighting up the club.
Stephen chuckled, "On this song I'm doing ok. Generally, I'm suffering from this epidemic called 'The Lefties."
Naomi moved a bit closer to hear him in the loud room, "What's the lefties?'
"I have two left feet when it comes to me dancing." Stephen offered a boyish grin. "But no worries for ye. I could never try to hurt ye. I would always take special care when it comes to ye." Stephen blushed shortly as he wanted to make his intent known, but didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.
Naomi started to back away from him when the song ended. She thought they were done, but Stephen felt otherwise as the DJ selected a slow song. Stephen grabbed her hand and twirled her around, then pulled her close whispering, "Please don't go."
Naomi averted her eyes as she scanned the room to see if anybody else noticed their closeness. Everyone else focused on themselves and not on Stephen and Naomi, which was a relief to her. Stephen sensing her uneasiness loosened his tight hold around her waist, and kept a respectful distance.
"So did ye choose a day for our lunch?" he inquired, hoping the date would be soon. One of her arms slid around his neck and her free hand rested on his strong bicep.
"Yeah, about that Stephen," her face slightly flushed. "I don't think that's a good idea. I'm with Jimmy and I can see him having an issue with us going out. Plus I don't want to be accused of being a cheater…" she stammered when she felt his bicep stiffen.
"Trinity?" Stephen brought one of his pale hands to hold her chin making her look at him. "Are we kind of friends or at the very least acquaintances?" he asked with a slight grin releasing her nervousness. She nodded yes and focused on all he said.
"I don't mean to make ye uncomfortable and I don't want ye to think I'm trying to cause problems for ye and Jimmy. I just like ye and just wanted to get to know ye better is all. I just wanted to be a friend because I see ye upset…a lot and ye shouldn't be," Stephen stared at her, hoping she would be receptive to his plea for friendship.
Naomi remained mesmerized by his words, by his accent. As they silently swayed from side to side, she thought she could use a male friend. Maybe he could help her relate better to Jimmy or give her perspective from the male point of view. She had a dad and brothers but they weren't fans of Jimmy and like her friends would be biased.
Stephen made this little gesture and for some reason it gave her relief. She felt like a heroine in distress being rescued by her Irish warrior from a romance novel. In this moment he made her feel like she was his focus, made her feel important when they interacted. Jimmy hadn't made her feel that way in ages. Stephen placed a finger underneath her chin, urging her to look at his face.
"This pretty face should always wear a smile." His eyes darkened as he felt the urge to kiss her, but doing so would bring a new kind of stress for her. He stated he just wanted to be a friend and he always tried to be a man of his word. Naomi was comfortable just being friends, then a friend she would have.
Stephen held her a little closer to his massive chest as Naomi got caught up in the moment and rested her head on his chest. Dealing with Jimmy was a headache and confusing. He extracted her time and energy with too much ease. Being with Stephen was a different experience. Even in this dance she felt calmness and liked being in Stephen's arms. She felt inner warmth that he cared about her and her well-being.
"Friends?" she stated softly.
Stephen felt the vibration from her speaking against his chest. Running his hand through her hair, Naomi's chocolate colored eyes meet his cool blue ones. "Did you say something Trinity?"
"Stephen, all I can give you…I-I can only be friends. I need you to understand this," she delicately stated not wanting to give him false hope that they could be more.
"I'd rather have ye as a friend than nothing at all," Stephen gave her a slight hug as she embraced him in return.
"About that lunch, do you have an upcoming match for a NXT taping this Saturday?" she asked.
"I'm supposed to make an appearance…" he replied.
"Then Saturday it is, me and you. Lunch." Naomi smiled.
Thanks for taking out time to read, now please review. Thank you.
A/N: Heads up - Sheaomi's in the next chapter.