Author's Notes: Seeing as you're all such good little review bunnies and I'm in such a good mood about Cena winning the WWE title; I thought, what the hell, I'll post a new chapter now!

Gin, as always you have my eternal gratitude for beta'ing for me.

In addition, thanks for the reviews from nychick4, Disco Inferno1, MissPhilippinesSuperStar, foolishangel87, Pure 'n' White and IMissPadfoot. You guys rock!

I also though I'd take this chance to clear something up, as a few reviewers have commented on it. Mike and Sam have no sexual feelings for each other. They've been friends for fifteen years and tried dating while in high school, but it was too awkward, as they were so close.Any jealousy is only because they're so close, and if one of them develops a relationship with someone else, they feel pushed out and like they're losing their best friend. I hope that helped to clear things up.

Anywho… enjoy…

Chapter Eleven: Lunch with Alison.

Wednesday morning was a hectic scramble to get ready. After being asleep for an hour, Melina had disturbed Sam. The diva was very drunk and felt it necessary to have an in-depth talk with the blonde about her sex life.

With only a few hours sleep, the two wrestlers had to drag themselves out of bed to be on time for their flight.

Arriving in the bar to grab a coffee, Sam found Cheryl, Mike and Alison enjoying breakfast. The three diners looked as though they'd been awake for hours.

"Morning," she yawned taking the free seat next to Cheryl.

"Morning. You look tired, rough night?" asked the red head.

"Yeah, Melina kept me awake all night talking about Nitro."

"More details than you wanted to hear?"

"Something like that."

When Mike headed to the restroom, Sam used the opportunity to talk to her best friend's girlfriend.

"Hey Alison, I was hoping we could have lunch together this afternoon."

"Yeah sure," replied the P.A.

"I was thinking we could head to a restaurant or something, my treat," the blonde went on.

"I'd love that. I want to get to know you better, as you and Mike are so close."

"I feel the same way. And I have to apologise to you, I think I've been a little quick to judge you."

"Don't worry about it. I can see how it would be kind of hard for you."

"Thanks," replied Sam, feeling guilty that she had treated Alison so unfairly.

With breakfast over, the four people got into a cab for the airport. Sam feeling anxious to meet up with Cena.

Waiting for the boarding call, Sam impenitently rapped her fingers on the seat.

"What's wrong? You're normally fine with flying," asked Mike.

"Nothing, I just wanna get on the plane."

"Ah, I see what's got you so edgy," the black haired man said, nodding towards the WWE champion. "Are you sitting with him?"

"Yeah. Does my hair and make-up look ok?"

"Shut up! You look fine," her friend teased.

Oh god, oh god. The blonde thought, drumming her fingers a little harder.

When the call for the Nebraska flight came, Sam leapt off her seat.

"Come on. The plane's in," she called, running off.

The blonde almost knocked the flight attendant over in her hurry to show the woman her ticket.

A few minutes later Cheryl, Mike and Alison joined the diva.

"What's gotten into you? Back at the hotel you were almost half asleep," questioned the Women's Champion.

"She's excited to be sitting by lover boy," teased Mike.

The blonde blushed.

For ten minutes, Sam stood bopping up and down, waiting for her row of seats to be called. Her friends' were called first and the three people boarded the plane.

Hurry up damn it.

The diva became increasingly annoyed as the flight attendant seemed to take forever to call her row.

Finally the woman's voice rang out, "Row eleven please."

Sam ran onto the plane and took her seat, pulling out a compact mirror to double check her appearance. Five minutes later, Cena still hadn't got on the plane.

Where is he?

Mike stood up to look back at his friend, who was sitting three rows behind him.

The blonde peeped round her seat and shrugged.

Another five minutes passed and a businessperson took the seat to Sam's left in a smart suit.

"Excuse me sir, is there anyone else waiting to board?" she asked.

"Sorry ma'am, I don't think so," he replied.

Damn.

As the final flight call came, Sam started to worry. She'd seen Cena in the airport earlier, what had happened to him?

As if to answer her question, the WWE champion appeared and took the seat to her right.

"Where have you been?" she barked.

"God calm down. I was on my cell and missed the call," he replied.

"Oh," she said sheepishly.

"Why? What's so important?"

"Nothing. I just wondered where you'd got to, that's all."

"Well it's ok, I'm here now. I'm starting to think you were missing me," Cena grinned.

"No, never. I just couldn't wait to tell you how stupid your hair looks this morning," she lied, actually thinking it looked very nice.

He laughed, "So how did you sleep? I had Nitro talking to me all night."

"Same, Melina kept me up to all hours rabbiting on."

"I told you, you should just switch rooms with her," he joked.

"No, because then you'd keep me awake all night."

"Only if you wanted me to."

Sam blushed

"I sorted things out with Mike and I'm having lunch with Alison this afternoon," the blonde said, changing the subject.

"That's great; I told you everything would be alright."

The woman smiled and nodded, "So, have you spoken to your sister?"

"Yeah, that's who I was on the phone to. I told her I thought she's being silly rushing into things. She wasn't too pleased to hear that."

"I bet. Will you get to meet her new fiancé on Sunday?"

"Yeah, I've already warned her I'll be having words with him."

"I take it she didn't like that either?"

"No, she told me to stop interfering in her life, which is ironic really. She keeps asking when I'm going to get a girlfriend."

"What did you say to her?"

"I told her that it's none of her business if I have a girlfriend or not. She said that Mom mentioned I was seeing someone on Saturday."

The diva turned red, "What have you being saying to Brittany and your mom then?"

"Nothing much, I was just telling Mom about us working together and mentioned that we were going for a drink. She seems to think she'll have a wedding to plan soon," Cena said, turning the same colour as Sam.

The blended giggled, "Guess you'll have to set her straight then."

"Looks that way," he replied. "So, how about you? Have you spoken to your mom?"

"Nah, I'm still avoiding calling her. I know I should, but I just can't face Steve. Every time I think about going home, I remember he'll be there and change my mind," said the diva.

"You'll have to see them soon though, otherwise she'll think something's wrong," said the champion.

"Yeah, I know. She's already suspicious because I had Christmas dinner with Mike's family," answered Sam.

"Can't you just tell her how you feel?" asked Cena.

"I doubt she'd believe me if I did. In her eyes, Steve can do no wrong," Sam replied.

"Humm... tough call. If it was me, I'd have it out with the guy," he said.

"I tried that a few years back. He called me a spoilt cow that was too selfish to let her mom be happy," shrugged the blonde.

"Couldn't you take Mike along to back you up? Surely he knows what Steve's like, then he could tell your mom too," suggested the brown haired man.

"I could, but I don't think even that would help. She's too blinded by how she feels for Steve. I think it's because after Dad died, she though no one would love her again," mused the woman.

"God, I wish there was something I could do to help. It's not nice when you fall out with your family," he said.

"Thanks, that's real sweet of you. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and call her. I could give it one last go and hope for the best," said Sam.

"That's a good idea, you've got nothing to loose," Cena said.

"Yeah, I'll call her when I get to the hotel," decided the blonde.

"Well, good luck," he replied.

"Thanks."

Sam felt better for having talked about her family situation. She knew Cena was right. She had nothing to lose and couldn't go on avoiding her mom and step-dad forever. Who knows, maybe it'll go really well, she thought.

Cena smiled at Sam and then pulled out his I-pod. Turning the music player on, he silently sung along to the tune.

With nothing else to do the diva pulled out her I-pod too. Usually she read a book on flights, but as she'd finished the one by Phillip Pullman and hadn't had a chance to go to a bookshop, she was stuck with listening to music.

The blonde grinned to herself as some cheesy 80's song started. She really did have appalling music taste but didn't care what others thought as she liked it.

'Addicted to Love' by Robert Palmer ended as the flight assistant announced the plane would be landing in five minutes time.

Tapping her fingers along to the next track, Sam packed up the few things from her travel bag.

As the plane touched down in Nebraska, both wrestlers pocketed their I-pods.

"See you later John," Sam called, walking down the aisle towards her friends.

"Bye," he shouted back.

Together Sam, Cheryl, Mike and Alison rode in a cab to the hotel.

"Still on for lunch?" the blonde asked the P.A.

"Yeah, what time?" asked the mousey haired woman.

"In about an hour ok? I wanna freshen up and call my mom first," said Sam.

"Alright. Meet you in the lobby?" Alison enquired.

"Yeah," agreed to diva, turning to Mike as he was tugging on her sleeve.

"How come I'm not invited to lunch?" he asked.

"It's a girl thing. Wanna join us, Cheryl?" replied Sam turning to the red head.

"Nah, I'll pass if you don't mind. I think I'll lave a little lie down," answered the Women's champion.

The four-some arrived at the hotel and departed to their rooms.

Sam was thankful that Melina was elsewhere, as it gave her the chance to call her mom before she got ready for lunch.

The blonde's hands shook as she dialed the numbers into her cell.

"Hello? Steven Matthews speaking," answered the man on the other end.

"Hi Steve, its Sam. Is Mom in?" asked the diva.

"Yeah two secs, I'll just get her," said Steve and then called out for Marlie.

"Hello, Marlie speaking," came the voice of Sam's mom.

"Hey Momma, its Sam."

"Aww Sammy, it's great to hear from you. It's been too long," said the older woman.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I've been real busy," lied the blonde.

"Yeah, I've seen you on the T.V. That John Cena is very cute," Marlie said.

"Mother!" exclaimed the diva with a blush.

"So, is he the one that's been taking up all your time?" asked Sam's mom.

"No, just with the new gimmik it's been pretty hectic," replied the younger woman.

"Ah right. But you need a social life too, honey," Marlie said.

"I've got one, mom. I go to the bar most nights with Cheryl and Mike," assured the blonde.

"Yeah, but that's not the same as dating. You haven't had a serious boyfriend since you started in the WWE. How is Mike, by the way?" asked the older woman.

"He's great, he's just started seeing this woman," Sam replied, hoping that would change the subject, but it didn't.

"See, he's getting out there. You won't be young forever and I want some grandchildren while I can still enjoy them," complained Sam's mom.

"Oh, so that's the real reason for the sudden interest," joked the diva.

"I just wanna see my baby happy, that's all," said Marlie.

"And I am, Momma," assured Sam. "Anyway, how have you been?"

"I'm alright, baby. Work is getting tiresome, but other than that I'm good," replied the older woman.

"I have the weekend off, can I come down on Sunday?" the blonde asked.

"Yeah, of course. It's still your home, you know," Marlie said.

"Thanks. Ok, well I gotta go, I'm meeting Mike's girlfriend for lunch," replied the younger woman.

"Ok, have a good few days. I'll see you on Sunday, honey," said Sam's mom.

"Ok, it won't be until later afternoon as I have to fly in from North Dakota."

"Alright, well I'll keep lunch until then."

"Thanks. Take care Momma, see you Sunday."

"You too baby, see you soon," replied Marlie ringing off.

Sam felt better for having spoken to her mom; everything seemed good between them again. She just hoped Steve wasn't an ass when she saw him at the weekend.

With half an hour before she had to meet Alison, Sam changed out of her travelling sweats, showered and changed into clothes that were more formal. She then packed her wrestling gear in her gym bag, intending to give it to Mike so he could take it to the arena. That way she and Alison could go straight to the venue from the restaurant.

Before heading to the lobby, Sam headed to her best friend's room and dropped off her things.

"Have a good afternoon, tell Ali I'll meet her after the show," called the black haired man as the blonde walked down the hall.

"Thanks and I will do," the diva called back,

Alison was waiting for Sam in the lobby. The P.A looked very sweet clothed in a flowery dress and her hair styled.

"Hi," she called out as the blonde arrived down the steps.

"Hey," replied Sam, "All ready to go?"

"Yeah. Where do you fancy heading?" asked the mousey haired woman.

"You pick, as it's my treat," replied Sam.

"Ok, how about Italian?" suggested Alison.

"Yeah, sounds good," said the diva.

The two women headed off and, after ten minutes of walking, found a small Italian cafe.

"This place looks nice," said the P.A.

Sam nodded her agreement and the two ladies went in to find a table.

The choice of food on the menu looked delicious and the blonde felt a little sad that she wasn't hungry enough to eat more. Only wanting a light lunch, she decided on a feta cheese and black olive salad.

Alison ordered mixed vegetables tartlets. The pair shared a bottle of spring water between them.

Waiting for their food, a conversation started.

"So, how long have you been a P.A?" Sam asked the other woman.

"For about six years. I started as a receptionist and worked my way up. How long have you been wrestling?" Alison asked.

"Eight years. I got into it a little at high school, and then when I reached seventeen I began working in the indie leagues. It wasn't too serious at first, as I was doing a business degree. When I finished that, someone from the WWE approached me and I started in OVW. Two years later, I was brought over to 'Raw'," replied Sam.

"Wow, that's a long time. Did you always want to wrestle?" the P.A went on.

"Not at first. I've always enjoyed watching it, but it wasn't until I agreed to go with Mike at high school that I enjoyed doing it too," replied the blonde.

"So, how long have you and Mike been friends?" Alison asked.

"Since I was fifteen. We had chemistry class together, and he was loads better than I was. I started copying off him and we became friends."

"Aw, that's sweet. I know you guys are real close," said the mousey haired woman.

"Yeah, he's like the brother I never had," responded Sam, as their food arrived.

The talking ceased as both women tucked into their meals. Sam's salad was beautiful, and although it was only small, it really filled her up. When the lunch plates cleared away, conversation started up again.

"How long have you known Cheryl? She's such a lovely woman," said the P.A.

"Yeah, she is. Only two years. Ever since I was brought up to 'Raw', she's been my mentor and has really been there for me," answered the blonde. "What are your plans for the weekend?" she went on.

"I'm going home to see my parents on Saturday, and then on Sunday Mike and I are going out for the day," replied Alison.

"Oh, is Mike going home Saturday? That's a shame I'm going on Sunday. I was hoping I could escape to his house if my step-dad gets too much for me," mused the blonde.

"Yeah, Sunday was the only day I was free to see him, sorry. You could go with him if you haven't already got plans though," the mousey haired woman suggested.

"Nah, I'm seeing John on Saturday," replied the diva.

"So, are you guys actually dating now? You always seem so close when you're together," asked the P.A.

Sam blushed, "No, we're just friends. I'm going to see how Saturday goes and then decide if I want more."

"That's a good idea. No points rushing into things, especially as you're working together."

"My thoughts exactly. If it were to go wrong, working with him would be hell."

"Yeah, I remember when I dated this guy at my last job. We broke up after a year and couldn't stand to be around each other. In the end, I had to quit my job. The good thing was I got the WWE job instead," said Alison.

"Let's just hope things with you and Mike go well then. It'd be a shame if either of you felt you had to leave," the blonde half joked.

Alison blushed, "I really hope that doesn't happen. I like Mike a lot and can see us having a future together."

"Well, I'm really pleased for you both. You seem to make each other real happy."

The P.A's blush deepened and she turned the colour of a tomato.

Noticing the time, the two women left the restaurant. They were due to be at the arena soon.

With both ladies' belongings safely with Mike, they got into a cab.

Sam had had a really nice lunch with Alison. The P.A was lovely and the blonde felt guilty for judging her too soon. She seemed to be doing a lot of that recently.

Arriving at the venue, the women parted to go their separate ways.

"I had a lovely time this afternoon," Sam said embracing the other woman.

"Me too, we should do it again," replied Alison.

"Yeah, we should," agreed the blonde, "Will I see you in the bar later?"

Alison nodded and then made her way towards Mr. McMahon's office.

Sam meanwhile went to look for Mike to retrieve her wrestling bag.

"Have a nice lunch?" the black haired man asked as his friend entered the locker-room.

"Yeah thanks. It was great," she replied. "Alison is real nice, I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks. I knew once you got to know her you'd like her," Mike said hugging the blonde.

"Oh yeah, she said she'd see you later after the show," the diva remembered.

"Ok, thanks for letting me know," the Intercontinental Champion smiled.

"No probs. Well, I better be getting ready. Good luck with your match. I'll see you later," said the blonde, walking off.

Tonight, Sam was in a one on one match with Melina in preparation for their bra and panties match next week. Nitro and Cena would be in their respective ladies' corners.

Walking to the woman's locker-room, the blonde felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Recognizing the electricity the touch caused, Sam knew who it was instantly.

The diva turned around to greet John Cena.

"Hey," she smiled.

"Hi. Have a good afternoon?" he asked.

"Yeah, you?" said the diva.

"Yeah, it was pretty quiet. Mel was getting her nails done so Jonny and I had a few drinks in the bar. What have you been up to? How was lunch with Alison?" the Champion asked.

"Good thanks, she's really nice. I called my mom too," the blonde informed him.

"Oh, how did it go?" the brown haired man asked.

"Really well, thanks. I'm going down there on Sunday," replied the diva.

"That's good. I'm pleased it went so well. Hopefully you shouldn't have any problems with Steve," said Cena.

"Yeah, let's hope," said Sam. "Anyway, as much as I'd love to stand around chatting, I need to be getting ready."

"Yeah, me too," he agreed, "See you in a bit."

"Yeah, catch ya later," Sam said, walking off.