They found a diner that was open late after RAW. Undertaker let them all in what was going on and had talked to Shawn Michaels as well.
X-Pac who was looking like he went nine rounds with Tyson was skeptical. "Why should we trust her. Hunter, just cause you're banging this chick why should we trust her?"
"Pac, I'm still a little hesitant too. But, something tells me that even though she is a hardass, she's not a lier. Besides, has Taker ever lied to us?" Hunter meant that and Pac knew it.
X-Pac rubbed his head looking at Holly who, for once, didn't seem so threatening. She looked sad and a little remorseful. "Ok, Holly, I'm going to try to get on your side of this but, if you're just playing us there will be trouble."
Holly shook her head yes. Road Dogg never really had an issue. He knew it was Vince's fault from the start. Billy just sat staring at her with his arms crossed. "I'll believe it when I see it. I don't think she has enough self-control to just be on our side. I give it a day and she will be fighting with someone. But, Kane and Taker I trust. So, what do we do now?"
Hunter leaned back putting his arm around the back of Holly's chair. "Use Vince's own weapon against him."
Holly looked over and smirked. "And, I know exactly how to do it…."
She shared her plan and everyone agreed. Play it cool, until time to strike. Exactly what her brothers always taught her. Something Holly never learned was control and, patience. Looking over the men at the table she realized that the thing her brothers were trying to teach her all along was right in front of her. Learning to think beyond herself. And more importantly, compassion and respect.
Date night was nerve-wracking. She hadn't been on a real date in a long time. Holly stood in the hotel room bathroom looking at herself in the mirror. She hadn't seen herself in anything but black band t-shirts or leather in years. Waiting for Hunter was excruciating. She actually didn't even expect him to show up at all. After the way, she had been acting. She couldn't really blame him. She went to the bed sitting just waiting. Looking at the clock every few seconds. It seemed like a minute was an hour. "Great. He's late. He's not coming. Probably payback for everything. Girlfriend my ass." She put her head down playing with the hem of her royal blue long sleeve mini A-line dress. Soft curls in a pretty updo fell around her face with soft pretty makeup.
A few minutes later a knock came at the door. Holly jumped, "Oh god. He's here. Crap. Why did I buy this girly dress? I need to change." Another knock came. "Dang...ok Holly, you can do this. Be yourself." It took a bit for her to get the nerve to answer the door.
She got up going to the door. Hunter was already walking away. "I should have known. She's blowing me off." He huffed heading down the hall.
She walked out to the hall. "Hunter." She said softly and shyly.
He turned back seeing her smiling sweetly. He walked back in his black dress slacks and a button up white shirt. He handed her a single red rose and kissed her cheek. "You look like a girl." His eyes fell over her. She looked so soft and feminine. Not hard metal chic at all.
She frowned looking down at herself, "I know. Too prissy right. I'll go change."
He grabbed her hand pulling her back to him. "No. No...I didn't mean it like that. You look...soft and pretty. Beautiful actually. I like it." He smiled. Holly could feel herself blushing. "Ready?" He reached out his arms for her to take it. She smiled and agreed.
The whole way to the restaurant Holly couldn't stop smiling but, was afraid to speak. It seemed like every time she talked to him last few weeks it ended badly. "Something wrong Holly?"
"No. Just...I don't want to ruin this. I always end up screwing things up." She looked away.
"Relax sweetheart. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. Just be yourself." Hunter reached over touching her hand.
"That's just it. Myself is never good enough. That's why people leave me."
"I am not going anywhere. I want to know the girl behind this hard exterior. I honestly don't think you're all that you let on. Are you?"
"Not really. You were right about me though. I was trying to live up to my brother's reputations and forgot how to be myself. I am a little like both of them. But, the person right now. This is me. Not the hardass who fights all the time. I just thought it was the only way I can get any respect from people." She drank from her wine.
"That's not respect. That's fear and intimidation. It's great you can stand up for yourself. But, I like this Holly I've been seeing the last couple of days a lot better." He kissed her hand.
"Hunter, is our plan going to get everyone in trouble? I know you all love your job even if Vince is a huge pain in the butt."
He laughed, "No. It's just how it is here. Vince likes messing with people. That's just part of the job."
"Seriously, this is the weirdest place I have ever worked. And people say sideshows people are freaks. You all are a bunch of lunatics." Holly laughed.
"If that isn't calling the kettle black. Says the girl who gets horny by pissing people off." He smirked.
"No. I just get turned on by pissing you off. Because I know secretary it gets you hot too. Our angry sex night was actually pretty exciting. Want me to slap you again?" She winked.
"Nope. Next time it's my turn. Your ass is going to be red with my handprint, bad girl." he winked.
"Spanking? Humm. How can I make you mad later?" She pretended to be thinking.
"You are going to be a handful aren't you?" He chuckled.
"I can be good too. Very good." She ran her foot up his leg under the table. "I'm sorry about how I treated you and the guys."
"I know. I forgive you."
"The guys don't. They still think I'm going to do something to them. Everyone thinks I'm a monster and maybe I am." Holly's eyes said it all. She was hurting inside and hated how people thought of her.
"I think Taker brought you here for a reason. He told me one day he was worried about you. He was afraid you were going to get in real trouble. He wants to see you happy again."
"I know. He and Kane are all I have since I was a kid. Sometimes I feel like I am disappointing them."
"Never too late to start making a change. You are tough. That's part of why I like you. But, the anger in you is what worries me. Holly, not everyone is going to hurt you." He tried to get her to let down her wall.
"You mean by everyone, you really mean you. Right?"
"Yes. But, I need to be clear too. No more of this attacking me or my friends. I am not saying to not defend yourself when necessary. Just use a little restraint and, compassion." He smiled sweetly.
"I promise Hunter. I will try." She got up and went to sit in his lap hugging him. "I am so sorry. I will make it up to you."
"I know you will." He kissed her cheek.