Dixie leaned back against her seat and looked out the window as the airplane began it's descent towards the airport. She was finally in New York City.

It wasn't long before the plane taxied to the runway and approached the tunnel. As it came to a stop, and the captain announced their arrival, she rose from her seat and collected her carryon.

As she made her way through the tunnel and towards the airport terminal she began to frown, thinking back on her goodbye with Serge and children.

Tamara, while thrilled to be staying with her father, hadn't said so much as a goodbye when it was time for Dixie to leave. Davy had been understandably disappointed that he couldn't go, but had given her a quick hug. Even Serge had, surprisingly, wished her a good and safe trip. Dixie had appreciated that he was at least trying to be civil. If only for the children's sake.

She emerged from the tunnel and began to make her way through the airport and towards the baggage claim.

She had only gone a few steps, though, when she heard a voice call behind her, "Well this sure is a far cry from Tennessee."

Smiling, she turned to find James Storm standing behind her. She offered him a warm hug and greeted him.

"Did you just get in?" she asked as they pulled back.

"Yep. About ten minutes ago." James told her, "I haven't seen Sting or Hogan yet, but I imagine they'll be coming in soon."

"If you want to go on ahead to the hotel," Dixie informed him, "I'll be along shortly. I need to grab my bags and check and see if the guys have made it in yet."

"My mom would tan my hide if she heard I hadn't helped a lady with her bags." James winked at her, earning a giggle from the Impact owner.

As they collected her bags Dixie went over the week's itinerary with him, "There's a cocktail party tonight. Tomorrow is the summit. Meet and greet with fans, interviews. That sort of thing. Oh, and we'll be playing your video, too-"

"Dixie," James looked down at her with a teasing grin, "This ain't my first rodeo."

Dixie couldn't help but laugh at that, "Touché."

As they were making their way from the baggage claim they ran into Hulk. He and James shook hands before he turned and shook Dixie's hand.

"This feels like déjà vu." he greeted her.

Dixie nodded, but her mind wandered back to the last time she was there in New York with Hulk Hogan. She had been so full of hope back then. So sure that Impact was coming to a turning point and things would be changing for the better. Had she only known then. . .

She closed her eyes briefly, putting those past feelings out of her mind. Things were different now. She had her company back. Hogan wasn't that man anymore. Everything would end better this time.

"Sting should be coming in at anytime." Hogan informed them as he checked his watch.

"Let's go meet 'im." James hitched his bag up higher on his shoulder and the three headed off.

They didn't have to wait long. Within about ten minutes the wrestler emerged from the tunnel. As he entered the airport his eyes instantly fell on Dixie, James and Hulk.

Grinning, he approached them, "What a welcome party."

He shook hands with James and Hulk, who greeted him favorably. As he turned Dixie stepped up to him, offering a bright smile.

Without saying a word he reached for her, pulling her into long hug. Dixie leaned up, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she returned the embrace.

She had to close her eyes for a moment, overcome with emotion. It wasn't until that moment that she realized just how much she had missed him.

Sting held her tightly against him, reveling in the feel of her in his arms. He knew he shouldn't have, but he couldn't help but think of how perfectly she fit against him. And how good it felt to be that close to her.

James and Hulk watched the pair for a few moments before exchanging looks. James arched an eyebrow in silent question. Hogan offered a shrug in response.

All too soon Dixie pulled back. Sting reluctantly loosened his hold and let her go.

"Hi." she smiled up at him.

"Hi." Sting repeated, grinning, "Let me just get my bags and we can go."

The foursome went with Sting as he collected his bags and soon they were heading out of the airport and into the waiting limo.

As they made their way through the heavy New York City traffic and towards the hotel the four talked, catching up with one another and discussing the activities of the day.

"If you guys want," Dixie was telling them, "You can take the afternoon off. Rest. Get a bite to eat. Whatever you want. The cocktail party isn't until eight tonight.

"Tomorrow is the summit, press conferences and interviews. That sort of thing." she went on, turning to James, "James, your video will be presented towards the end of the Impact meet and greet."

She began to smile as she added, "You'll be happy to know that it's still in the Top Five on CMT. I cannot tell you how proud we all are of you."

Her eyes lit up, "Oh, that reminds me. CMT wants to do an interview with you at the summit."

"Look at you, Mr. Superstar." Sting joked good-naturedly, "Can I get your autograph?"

"Who are you again?" James looked at Sting from over his shades.

The four laughed.

Some time later they reached the hotel. As the limo drew to a stop they began to climb out, Sting holding out his hand to help Dixie out.

She gave him a grateful smile and stepped out onto the sidewalk. They looked at one another for a few moments before Dixie slowly pulled her hand from his grasp. She bowed her head, pretending to smooth out a few invisible wrinkles in her suit. Sting looked down at her, thoughtful.

Dixie led the way into the hotel and the group got checked in. As they stepped into the elevator James replied, "I wanna get a work out in before the party tonight. Anyone else want to come along?"

"No thanks, Brother." Hogan told him, "I'm gonna crash in my room for awhile."

"Maybe later." Sting nodded to him.

"Lightweights." James teased and Sting took a shot at him. James took one back.

Dixie smiled at them and shook her head. Boys would be boys.

It wasn't long before they came to a stop, both Hulk and James exiting the elevator. They told Dixie and Sting they'd see them tonight, bid them goodbye, and the doors soon closed. The elevator once again began it's ascent.

The now twosome found themselves looking everywhere but at each other. Dixie to the floor and Sting to the numbers that counted off above the door.

Neither could understand why they suddenly felt so nervous. It was strange. It didn't make sense. They had known each other for years; there was no reason to be nervous.

The pair chanced a glance at one another and suddenly began to laugh, breaking the tension. They realized just how silly they were acting.

"Are you tired from the flight?" Sting asked her.

"Not really." Dixie shook her head, "Actually, I wanted to go out for a bit. Pick up some presents for Tamara and Davy."

"Ah." Sting nodded with a grin, "A little I'm-feeling-guilty-about-leaving-you-so-have-a-mountin-of-presents gifts."

Dixie laughed, "Something like that."

Sting leaned in and replied with a smirk, "I was thinking of doing the same thing."

Dixie beamed up at him.

The elevator came to a stop and they were surprised when they both stepped out onto the same floor.

"Fancy meeting you here." Sting quipped and Dixie smiled.

They walked over to their rooms and began to laugh. Sting's room was just two doors down from her own.

He started to open his door when he stopped and leaned against it.

"I don't feel like getting settled in right now." he told her, his thumb flicking over the side of his room card key, "Are you up for getting those gifts?"

"Sure." Dixie told him, "That sounds like fun."

Sting's grin grew.

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Madison stood before the full length mirror in her bedroom. She smoothed out her hair and smiled brightly at her reflection.

The Knockout was on cloud nine. Serge had called a few hours earlier and told her he needed to see her. He had something important to tell her.

Her smile grew more feline in nature as she continued to preen. He was going to come over, beg her forgiveness and then he was going to propose. She just knew it.

She checked out her reflection and snickered. Not that she could blame him. She was gorgeous after all. Not to mention the Queen Bee of Impact Wrestling. He would be a fool not to want to marry her.

At that moment her doorbell rang. Madison jumped into the air and practically squealed. She started to rush to the front door when she stopped herself. No. No, she was going to make him wait.

She casually walked down the hallway, passing another mirror. She drew to a stop and inspected herself.

Perfect, she thought with a bright grin.

But then she thought better and hunched over, adjusting her cleavage so that it was more prominent.

"You are amazing." she told herself before continuing on to the door.

"Oh, hello." she greeted Serge with a breezy tone as she opened it.

"Madison." Serge nodded, a serious expression on his face, "Can I come in?"

Aww, he looks so nervous! she thought to herself, How cute!

"Of course." Madison turned and sashayed into the living room.

She made sure to wiggle her hips as she walked; an incentive for him to see just what he would be getting if he married her.

Serge closed the door and followed after her, frowning. He watched as she slinked over to her sofa and took a seat, just like a queen taking her throne.

Madison smiled coyly up at him but her smile quickly faltered when he didn't sit beside her on the couch, but instead chose a chair opposite her.

"So," she once again flashed a smile, putting that little slight behind her, "What did you want to see me about?"

Before he could speak she quickly checked her clock and added, "But you better make it quick. I have. . .well, plans."

"Yeah." Serge nodded, seemingly undeterred by her announcement, "I just wanted to say thank you for agreeing to see me. I don't like how we left things last time."

"I don't either." Madison admitted.

"And I heard you had wanted to see me at the show." Serge went on, "I'm just sorry I had to leave before I could meet with you."

"Oh." Madison offered a charming smile, "That's all right. I'm sure you were busy."

"Yeah." he told her, "There was a lot I wanted to talk to you about-"

"Oh me, too." Madison interrupted earnestly, "So much."

Serge offered her a fleeting smile but it soon faded away. It was obvious there was something on his mind. Madison just wished he would hurry up and get on with it.

"I want to do this right." he reached into the pocket of his jacket.

Madison's gaze locked on his hand, a triumphant look in her eyes. She began to beam as he removed his hand and she discovered he was holding a small jewelry box.

"I really am sorry, Madison." Serge stated as he handed her the box.

Madison glanced down at it, a little perplexed. She had assumed that he would take out the ring, himself. Before he proposed, that was. And why wasn't he getting down on bended knee?

Oh well. All that mattered was that the diamond was big and shiny.

Grinning, she quickly opened the box. Her smile disappeared and her eyes began to narrow in confusion as she took it the box's contents.

What stared back at her was not a diamond ring, as she had assumed. Instead, in it's place, was a pair of amber earrings.

"What is this?" she scoffed, unable to hid her irritation.

"A present." Serge told her, "My way of saying I'm sorry."

"Oh." she looked at the earrings again. They really weren't her style. In fact, they looked more like they were for. . .

She looked over at him, irritation beginning to well up inside her.

"You know," she said, tossing the box back to Serge, "I don't really think these earrings are me."

Serge looked down at the box, his own annoyance starting to rise. On that note, it was best that he said what he had come to say and be done with it.

"I really wish you'd reconsider." he stated, holding the box out to her, "I don't want there to be any animosity between us."

"What are you saying?" Madison demanded, her voice going up an octave as she snatched the box back.

"You're an amazing woman." he told her, "Fun loving, vivacious and incredible sexy. And I've enjoyed our time together."

"Wait a minute." Madison held up her hand, her features twisting in fury and disbelief, "This sounds like you're breaking up with me. Are you breaking up with me?"

Serge reached out and tried to take her hand in his. But Madison jeered and yanked her hand from his grasp.

He placed his hands on his thighs and sighed, grasping that this was going to be much harder than he thought. Of course, it was only foolish thinking on his part that it would be easy. It was Madison Rayne after all.

"You were exactly what I needed during this low point in my life." Serge tried to go on, but she, again, cut him off.

"Ugh, excuse me." Madison sneered, "I was exactly what you needed during this 'low point in your life'? What the hell does that even mean? Are you saying I was only good enough for you when you hit rock bottom?"

Serge closed his eyes and mentally counted to ten. Okay, this was going to be extremely difficult.

"That's not what I'm saying at all." he said as he opened his eyes and fixed her with what he hoped was a charming smile.

"The truth is, it's me." he told her, "I'm just not in the right frame of mind to be in a relationship right now. You deserve somebody better. Somebody who can give you the world. And unfortunately I can't do that."

Madison couldn't believe him. Did he actually think she would buy his load of crap? Well, he was true about how she deserved somebody better and could give her the world and all that. But the rest of it? His excuse had to be the most pathetic thing she had ever heard.

"How stupid do you think I am?" she asked angrily.

"I don't." Serge was quick to say, "Madison, I'm sorry if you're hurt but-"

"Save it!" she snapped as she jumped to her feet, "Do you know who I am? I'm Madison Rayne. The Queen. I am the best thing that will ever happen to you.

"Do you know how many guys would beg to date me right now? All I have to do is snap my fingers," she snapped her fingers for emphasis, "And they would be lining up around the block in seconds."

Serge said nothing. He imagined that she could be half right. She was a pretty girl. Any guy would take one look at her and want to date her. But then all she'd have to do is open her mouth and he imagined those very same guys would turn and run screaming for the hills.

"You're right." he stated, trying to placate her, "You're absolutely right."

Madison wanted to scream. She wanted to hit him. This was not how it was supposed to be. He was supposed to be begging for a second chance now. He was supposed to be down on his knees, pleading for her to take him back. He was not supposed to be sitting there calm and collective, acting like his life was not going to be in ruins because she was no longer in it. The nerve of him!

"Get out!" she shrieked, pointing to the door, "Get out right now, you pathetic, worthless excuse for a man!"

Serge didn't have to be told twice. He stood and quickly made his way to the door.

"I really am sorry, Madison." he told her as he opened the door and stepped outside.

"Ugh, shut up!" Madison yelled as she threw the box at him, "I don't want to hear anymore of your lame excuses!"

She started to slam the door when she stopped and flung it back open.

"Oh, and Serge?" she called out to him sweetly.

Serge flinched and slowly turned back to her.

She gave him a syrupy smile and cooed, "Sting is twice the man you are. I wouldn't be surprised if, right now, he and your future ex-wife were enjoying everything New York City has to offer them. Think about that tonight when you're in your pathetic little condo all alone."

And with that she slammed the door closed in his face.

Serge stared at the closed door, eyes constricted in tightly leashed fury. He hated to admit it, but Madison's words cut him. Deep.

His hand tightened on the jewelry box until his knuckles turned white and cracked from the effort. In his mind all he could picture was Dixie and Sting. In New York City. Together.

He wouldn't put it past the so-called Icon to put the moves on his wife while they were alone together. In fact, he was sure of it.

Serge turned on his heels and began to storm back towards his sports car.

He wanted his wife back. Now.

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Dixie and Sting sat in the middle of a quaint café later that afternoon, having lunch. It was a mini celebration for the successful shopping trip.

Usually Sting hated shopping, but being with Dixie had actually made it fun. She had been a big help when he was stuck on what to buy for his daughter. He honestly would have been lost without her input.

"Thanks again." he told her, pointing his fork in her direction, "I had no idea what to get Gracie.

"I've faced Vader, Sid Vicious, Muta and Abyss," he leaned in close, feinting horror, "And I wasn't nearly as afraid as I was, today, when I had to deal with all of that girly stuff."

He took her hand, gushing jokingly, "Thank you! Thank you, Dixie, you saved me!"

"No problem." Dixie laughed at him, "And thank you for your suggestions on what to buy Davy. I'm sure he's going to love those video games."

"Yeah, well my boys like them." Sting told her, "So I figured they'd be right up the big guy's alley."

Dixie glanced down at her chicken, poking at it with her fork as she murmured, "I just hope that my gifts for Tamara make up for her being angry with me."

"I take it she wasn't happy about this trip." Sting surmised.

"To put it mildly, no." Dixie sighed and set her fork on the plate, "And not just about the trip, though that's her newest grievance against me. No, she's still angry about the separation."

Sting glanced down at his own plate, lips pursed in thought. He would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't curious about what was going on on that front.

"How are things between you and Serge?" he found himself asking.

"All right, I suppose." she looked up at him, clarifying, "We were at least civil to each other the last few times we talked. He even wished me a good trip before I left."

"I'm glad for that." Sting told her and he meant it.

"I'm just not sure what I should do." Dixie exhaled, "Sometimes I feel like I should save my marriage."

She hedged before going on, her voice quiet, "But often I think that maybe a divorce really would be for the best."

Sting leaned back in his chair, milling over her words.

"I notice you keep saying what you should do." he said at last, looking at her pointedly, "But what is it that you want to do?"

Dixie paused, thoughtful at that. The truth was, she hadn't realized she was thinking in terms of 'should' and what was to be expected. But the fact was that she had been. Unfortunately, that didn't help her in trying to figure out her decision on what to do about Serge.

"I don't know." she admitted, "Honestly, I just don't know."

Sting felt his gut clench at that. It wasn't exactly the answer he wanted to hear. But he remained silent and allowed her to go on.

"I do think the time apart as been good for me, though." she explained, "It's given me a chance to think things through."

She reached over and took his hand, offering him a slight smile. Sting's hand tightened in hers, enjoying her touch more than maybe he should have.

"Thank you for listening to me ramble." she told him as she placed her other hand on top of his and offered him a hint of a smile.

"You're not rambling." he assured her as his hand, as well, came to rest atop hers, "You know you can tell me anything. I'm here for you, Dixie. I'll always be here for you."

"I know." she looked deeply into his eyes and replied sincerely, "Thank you for being such a great friend."

Sting smiled at her but inside he was cringing. There was that word again. Friend. He didn't want to just be her friend. He wanted more from her. He wanted all of her.

He wanted her.

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The cocktail party was in full swing by the time Dixie, Hulk and James entered the ballroom that night. It was a lavish affair with beautifully dressed execs and stars and tasteful and exquisite decorations.

As the trio made their way into the room Hulk snagged three glasses of champagne from a nearby waiter and handed them to Dixie and James.

He raised his glass in a toast, "Here's to a productive evening."

The three clinked their glasses in agreement.

"I know I probably shouldn't be saying this," James looked at Dixie with a teasing grin, "But, Ms. Carter, you look mighty fine in that cocktail dress of yours."

Dixie glanced down at her royal blue, Grecian dress and smiled, flattered.

She turned back to the guys and raised her glass to them, "And might I just say, gentlemen, that you both look very handsome in your suits."

James pulled at the collar of his dress shirt and offered a weak smile, the Impact champion clearly uncomfortable, "Thanks."

Dixie smiled and took a sip of her drink. Her eyes began to scan the room as she looked for Sting. He had said he would meet them there but she saw no sign of him yet.

She knew it was silly, but she was starting to feel a little anxious about seeing him. Like a school girl waiting for her first big date. It made her feel ridiculous.

And yet, she couldn't help the butterflies that were flapping their wings like mad in her stomach.

"Dixie?" Hulk called out to her, snapping his fingers.

Dixie blinked, coming out of her thoughts.

"Yes?" she asked, slowly giving him her full attention.

Hulk and James grinned at one another before Hulk repeated his question, "Who should we be focusing on tonight?"

"Oh." Dixie searched out the room as she thought, "The man by the buffet, the older gentleman with the gray hair and glasses. That's Terry German. He's one of the executive producers for the Spike Guys' Choice Awards. And the two standing by the balcony door. The young ones with the brown hair and glasses and blonde hair and goatee. Marcus Phillips and Dan Jorston. They head up Deadliest Warrior."

She took James's arm and directed his attention to an older woman with blonde hair, "That's Nancy Galloway. She runs the day-to-day programming for CMT. I'll introduce you to her later."

Turning back to the guys she shrugged, "Other than that, just feel the place out."

"Well look at all the beautiful people." came a quip.

Dixie began to beam as they turned to see Sting standing behind them. At the sight of him she couldn't control the rush that came over her. He looked so handsome in his dark suit, sans sunglasses.

Sting's eyes focused solely on Dixie, the wrestler liking what he saw. Just when he thought she couldn't get more beautiful she would turn around and surprise him.

"Hi." she greeted him softly as he approached.

"Hi." he repeated as he came to stand before her.

They shared a long, steady gaze. For all intents and purposes, they could have been the only two people in the room.

Dixie was the first to break eye contact. She backed away and offered a weak laugh, "All right, guys. Let's go mingle."

"Yay." James murmured without enthusiasm and even Sting, himself, didn't look up for the task.

"All right." the Icon stated, imitating Dixie good-naturedly, "Let's go mingle."