Happy New Year Everyone! Wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy year. Thanks again for your thoughtful reviews on both Deep Blue and Southern Sweetness. Both will continue to be updated regularly. And really the reviews are what keep me writing. It lets me know that I'm not just talking to myself and posting a bunch of useless words that are lost out there in cyber land. Thanks so much- you're all too sweet. And for those reading and not reviewing (and I can tell you are based on the traffic stats- WOW), I appreciate you as well, but I still want to hear from you! Talk to me! lol. Kisses, enjoy.

Chapter Twelve.

Mark bit his tongue, and fast. "Oh," he said quietly, "I'm sorry to hear that." Not knowing how else to respond, Mark awkwardly nursed his beer and watched Paige do the same. She smiled, he didn't know any better. "No big deal," Paige said as she downed the remainder of her Corona. "You want another beer?" She asked as she got up and headed towards the fridge. Mark shook his head, "No, I really should be heading outta here..." he said as he finished the bitter liquid, placing the empty bottle on the coffee table.

He stood up and walked over to her, leaning on the kitchen counter as he stared her down. "Let me take you out," Mark said sternly, taking Paige by surprise. She'd thought for sure that after throwing herself at him and getting turned down, he was over it. That's how most men were- once they knew they could have you they were done attempting to get you under the sheets. She cocked her head to the side and thought for a moment. After letting out a light chuckle, she finally nodded. "Have it your way," she said finally, causing the smile on Mark's face to grow wider.

"Bout time girl." He said sarcastically as he placed a kiss on her forehead. "Thursday night, the WWE is having an event here. I want you to come with me." Paige's look went from giddy, to concerned as she rolled her eyes at him. "Seriously? First date and you want me to meet your former co-workers who you traveled cross country with for years? Don't you think that's a little intimidating for me?" She asked as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Mark laughed, "I'd take you on as many first dates as you want, sweetheart. But I was observing your little calender over there and I can see you have your hands full with training for that Pipe thing. So next week it is." Paige shrugged, "Have it your way," she stated again. "Good girl, you're learning fast," Mark joked as he placed his index finger under her chin and lifted her mouth to his, pressing his lips against hers for a long, lingering minute.

Both Mark and Paige jumped as they heard the door slam next to them, and Megan glared at the two with fuming eyes. "What the hell is this crap?" Megan asked, shocked that her best friend was lip locked with this dirt bag again. She threw her keys on the counter and placed a few grocery bags on the chair beside her. Paige sighed and glanced at Mark, "Go," she said in a serious tone. "I'll call you," she whispered as Mark snatched his keys and headed for the door- glaring daggers at Megan as he walked by. Over protective best friends, not something he felt like dealing with.

As the door closed, Megan shot Paige a look from hell. "What the fuck are you doing?" Megan asked, outraged. "You let that seven foot, steroid pumped monster into my apartment without even so much as a spatula in your hands for protection?" Paige cocked an eyebrow, "Megan, what-"

Megan stood and put her hand up to cut Paige off, "Stop. You don't know him. He could be the next Charles Manson for all you fucking know. Did you forget about how he blandly used you for sex?" Paige simply nodded, "Yes. And he admitted he did." She stated calmly. Megan rolled her eyes, "I can't believe you're not hearing or seeing what I am right now. Paige, I know you're not an idiot- please stop acting like one. Don't blow a chance at Pipe for some jackass looking for a rebound."

Megan stood up and stomped off to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Paige sighed and fumbled with the empty beer bottle in her hand. Megan would come around, she'd hoped. But who knows what would happen with Mark in the future. What problems would it cause? What good fortune would it bring? She had no idea, but her world was slowling turning upside down and her head was spinning at the racing thoughts. Her phone began to vibrate on the counter next to her, she picked it up and flipped it open to see Mark's name. She opened the text message and read in silence as butterflies flip flopped in her stomach, 'Next Thursday at 5pm. I'll pick you up. Good luck practicing this week. Talk to you soon.'

She sighed once more and placed the phone back on the counter. She hadn't gone on a date in quite a while, but to go and meet all of Mark's past co-workers and friends, how was she to handle that one? She wasn't a friend of Mark's, hell she was barley an acquaintance. How would he introduce her? Hi Joe Shmoe, this is the girl I fucked last weekend. Paige shook her head, this wasn't going to go over well, the feeling in the pit of her stomach was making her nauseous. "Joshua help me through this one..."