Nic's mouth gaped open as Mike explained Vince's new storyline idea. Without saying anything more, he started chuckling. "Dude, it's not funny," Mike said, completely irritated.
"No, you are wrong on this- it's completely hilarious," he laughed, getting up off his hotel bed. It was now Monday morning, 2 full days since Mike was told of the romantic storyline, and he had yet to tell Taylor. "Why are you getting so mad about it?"
Mike sighed, banging his head against the wall. "First of all, Eve and I had a fling not all that long ago. That in its self will make the situation uncomfortable. Then I am a newlywed- I don't already need to be causing problems with Taylor."
"First of all," Nic began as he got his gym bag ready, "It's not like you're going to be developing real feelings for Eve, and it's not like you have feelings for her now. You just need to be honest with Taylor, and just explain that it's just work. She's the person you're going home too each week. She is the woman you are married too. Good grief, quit being such a puss!" he exclaimed. "Now, are you going to the gym with me, Punk and Kofi?"
"No, I'm going to call Taylor. I'll go the gym later," Mike responded as he grabbed his cell phone off the dresser.
Once the hotel room door was closed, he began dialing the brunette's phone number. It rang longer than normal, and as Mike frowned, Taylor finally answered.
"Sorry babe, I was in the shower," she said in between breaths.
"That's ok. Are you heading toward the hospital or something?"
"No no," she responded, collapsing on their bed. "I picked up some extra hours last night and I literally just got up and was in the shower when you first called."
"Oh I see," Mike responded, grabbing his lap top. "Do you have a little while, or do you have plans?"
Even though he couldn't see her, Taylor shook her head. "No I couldn't sleep anymore so that is why I got up to shower. Is everything ok, Mike?"
"Yea everything is fine. I just have some down time for a little while before I need to head toward the arena. I was wondering if you wanted to SKYPE for a few minutes- I need to talk to you about something."
"Ok sure," replied Taylor. "Is everything ok? You sound kind of worried."
"Yea, everything is good. Like I said, I want to tell you this face to face."
"Oh, ok," she stammered. "Give me just a few minutes and I'll be on. I love you."
"I love you too baby girl," he said. "Talk to you soon," Mike replied before hanging up the phone.
As Taylor was logging on to her computer and getting on the internet, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous in talking with the WWE superstar. She couldn't shake the feeling he was nervous about something. He had never sounded like that to her before. Moments later, she saw Mike's screen name and logged right in. Both smiled once in view.
"Hey Mike!" she exclaimed.
"Hey honey! How is everything?"
"I can't complain. I spent most of the weekend at the hospital, ugh!" she stated sarcastically. "How about you? How is the road trip?"
Mike took a deep breath, it was now or never. "I had a talk with Vince the other day, and he's changing up my storyline."
"Oh yea? You're not going to lose the belt, are you?"
He shook his head. "No I'm not going to lose it. I'm still going to have my same storyline with Cena. In fact, tonight during our match you are going to see me hold the back of my neck at times- that is all planned. I won't be really hurt."
"I'm glad you told me that, and I hope you didn't just jinx yourself," Taylor smiled.
Mike smirked. "Yea I hope not either. But there is more. Vince wants me to pair up with a diva."
"What do you mean pair up?" she asked.
"It's called a romantic storyline. Eve and I would talk backstage, she would go to the ring with me and…Vince might want kissing on the cheek and stuff."
Silence fell over Taylor, and the longer she didn't say anything the more Mike knew she was upset. "Mike isn't that considered cheating?" she finally asked.
"Technically yes, and believe me I'm not too fond of the idea. I'm trying to convince boss man to ax it."
"Do you think he will?"
Slowly, Mike shook his head. "No, I really doubt it. But just remember babe, it's just work. You are the one I come home too. You are the one I married. I'm in love with you," he stated, pointing toward the computer screen.
Taylor took a deep breath, and stewed over the idea in silence for several minutes. "And Vince probably wouldn't listen to me if I asked to talk to him, huh?"
Mike shook his head. "No, he wouldn't. In fact, I'd probably get in trouble because he doesn't like to be told his ideas are not good- especially from the talent's family members."
"Then, I really don't have a choice."
"I'm sorry baby," he said, sticking out his lower lip in hopes of creating a smile. He didn't succeed. "I promise this is just work. No true feelings are being exchanged. It's like if I'd be in a movie- just acting. You are the one I come home too and you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with."
Slowly, a small smile spread across the young brunette's face. "That's my girl," he stated.
"I'm sorry; I can't help but feel a little jealous. But like you said, it's just acting and it won't last forever."
"Atta girl. Tays, I hate to cut this short, but I need to get down to the arena soon, and I haven't been to the gym yet. I love you, and I will see you on Wednesday morning."
"I love you too Mike. Bye," she smiled.
Mike returned her smile and then reluctantly shut down his lap top. He intentionally left out the little detail of Eve being a former fling. That would just cause un-necessary drama.
Later on that afternoon, Mike arrived at the arena and didn't know what to expect. He knew he'd be having a match against John Cena, but would Vince start the storyline with Eve? Once he rounded the corner and witnessed Vince's assistant, Meredith, coming toward him, he knew he had his answer.
"Hi Mike, here is your new script for your storylines with John and Eve," Meredith stated. "Your due in front of catering in another hour- so you and Eve can film your first promo."
He inwardly groaned. "Ok, thanks Meredith."
Once he found the locker room, Mike was thankful no one was in there. He threw his bag against the lockers and took a quick look at the script.
That night, as RAW began, both Melissa and Taylor got comfortable on the couch. "I can't believe they paired Mike up with Eve. If they were going to pair him up with someone, it should have been someone else. Like Layla or even Kaitlyn," Melissa retorted.
"So, you don't think I have anything to worry about?"
"No way. I've seen Mike look at you Taylor. He loves you. Besides, the WWE likes to pair popular wrestlers up with divas every so often. So I'm sure this won't be the only time while he's with the company," Melissa said.
Taylor shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe," she quietly answered. "I think it's time for Mike's promo-he is on the screen."
The screen showed Mike dressed in a white dress shirt, and dark dress pants and jacket. In his smug persona, he was polishing the title belt as Eve came up from behind him.
"Hey Miz," she smiled.
Mike turned around and smirked. "Hey Eve. I caught your match last week- you deserve to be champion."
"Aw thanks," she said, cocking her head to the side. "And I was thinking…that two champions together could create one powerful team."
"I'm not sure I know what you are talking about."
"Anytime you want company at the ring, in a match, or whatever tickles your fancy, I'm right here," Eve explained in a flirtatious tone, running her finger down the middle of Mike's shirt. She then kissed her pointer and middle fingers, and placed them on Mike's cheek before walking away.
Taylor rolled her eyes as she stood. "She might as well ask to get into his pants."
Melissa snorted as she walked her friend walk away. "I am still in shock that Mike had a fling with that woman."
Wide eyed, Taylor turned back toward her friend. "Excuse me, what did you say? Mike had a fling with Eve?!"