A/N: Hey there! It's been a while, I know, so I'm glad to be able to post a new chapter of this today. I will be attending Raw tomorrow night, and although it's bittersweet since Seth won't be there, I'm sure it'll still be a lot of fun. Hope you like what I did with this installment. Enjoy!

Renesa hadn't known whether to be offended or tickled at the package found on her doorstep over the weekend. Vince had rushed a mystery shipment to her home, which had arrived the Saturday before she was set to fly out to Des Moines, Iowa for Raw. Inside the cardboard box provided courtesy of UPS, Renesa found a smaller jewelery case, a glistening Cartier watch enclosed. She had gasped while pulling the beauty out, an 18K pink gold crown complemented by a sapphire dial. Joining the tiny hands of the clock was a second sapphire crystal, a pink gold bracelet bringing the jewel to completion.

With her mouth wide open, Renesa had run her fingertips over the face of the watch, recognizing the Cartier name immediately. The company had built a solid reputation for making some of the most dazzling, expensive watches on the planet, and she had zero doubts that Vince had dropped tens of thousands of dollars on her present, at the very least. When she finally found the strength to peel her eyes away, Renesa had also noticed a small white envelope inside the package, and she opened it up to reveal a note card:

My dearest Renesa,

I do hope you love the gift. I gather that since you'll always know what time it is now, you'll no longer have any excuses to be late for your meetings.

Love,

Dad

With a gleam in her eye and a song in her heart, Renesa replayed that very moment in her mind as she stared out the plane window. For the first time ever, she had opted out of flying to Iowa on the private jet with Paul and Stephanie. Part of her felt like they were a little too into each other's space, and she wanted them to get couple time while she got solo time. Besides, flying commercial was oddly refreshing and made her feel like a regular person, the way she used to be before the family name and the WWE had taken over all of her senses.

Pushing her new watch up and down her wrist, Renesa was pleased to find that her stomach hadn't wound itself in knots as it had on her first day with the company. She had at least a little bit of experience behind her, and knowing what to expect always helped. Flipping through a small daily planner she had brought along with her carry-on luggage, Renesa found the proper date and read through her notes. Although she was expected at the arena hours before the show was set to begin, her first meeting wasn't until early afternoon. 1:00PM, to be exact.

In the meantime, Vince had instructed Renesa to job shadow Stephanie during the late morning hours. She would follow along and witness firsthand what went into the preparations for a show so that, when the following weeks rolled around, Renesa would know exactly what to do upon arriving at the arena without any additional instruction. She was being trained to become the next Stephanie, which wasn't all bad, because she loved and adored her sister dearly, but Renesa didn't want to lose herself in the shuffle. When they were set to land, an announcement was made over the intercom and everyone was welcomed to Des Moines.

Once inside the airport, Renesa had grabbed a coffee and a bite to eat before picking up her rental and heading to the arena. Seth crossed her mind a few times, and she even felt a pang of sadness when she wondered if he was working out at the nearest Crossfit that morning. Wherever he was, he was there without her, and it cut a little deeper than she expected for someone she hadn't known all that long. Spring had been good to Iowa, and the sun was dazzling and more pleasant than expected, although she did have to shed herself of her favorite fuzzy cardigan upon her arrival at the Wells Fargo Arena.

Renesa was stunned that the second she entered the door, only a few feet away, Stephanie was waiting. Her back was perched up against the wall and she smiled softly as she skimmed over an unheard joke, her fingers vigorously tapping the screen of her phone. Seeing that she was composing a text message response, Renesa paused and waited for her to finish. When Stephanie glanced up, her eyes lit as soon as she noticed her sister, and her knee-jerk reaction was to extend her arms. Renesa met her halfway and they held each other close, bouncing on their feet while they hugged.

"It's my long lost sister! I missed you so much!" Stephanie exaggerated. She kissed Renesa's cheek before pulling away, then kissed her own palm and pressed it to Renesa's other cheek. "What would I ever do without you?"

"Quit being so dramatic," Renesa said, rolling her eyes. She flushed when she noticed an event security guard standing nearby and grinning at both of them. Renesa imagined they made a pretty wacky set of sisters when strangers observed them in public. When the silliness passed, Renesa remembered herself and knew their day couldn't get underway without a few necessary words. "The last time I was here at work, things didn't go as planned, and I want you to know how sorry I am. I acted like a brat, and I should have stuck with my job and recovered. Forgive me?"

"All's forgiven. It's been forgiven for a long time, honestly," Stephanie said. She slipped her arm around Renesa's shoulders and they headed down the hallway. "I can never stay mad for long, and especially not at my own flesh and blood. I knew you were just overwhelmed and stressed, but I felt like you threw in the towel way too easily, which is what made me walk away from you like that. I'm sorry, too."

"You shouldn't be apologizing, Steph."

"I know, but I am, because I think I could have handled myself a little better. I shouldn't have given up on you. Maybe you would have stayed if I had tried harder to keep you."

"It's not your fault," Renesa repeated, asking, "Is Paul mad at me?"

"Seriously?" Stephanie snickered. "Paul's the most forgiving, non-grudge holding man around. He was never even mad at you to begin with. Neither of us were. We just didn't understand why somebody in your position would be giving up so easily, but maybe we haven't made you feel as welcome as we should have. I know you think I don't understand you right now, but I do get it. I was in your exact position in the summer of 1998 when I first started."

"That was different," Renesa replied. She allowed Stephanie to lead her to their first stop of the morning, which was most likely Stephanie's own office. Unless, that was, Vince had finally given Renesa an office of her own, but she wasn't holding her breath yet. Stephanie hadn't just magically received an office, either. They had to earn their rewards, and Renesa had a feeling there was plenty of earning to be done on her part. "You grew up around the business and already knew a ton of the people. I'm coming into this blindly with almost no friends. I feel way more alone than you probably were."

"I can see that, but people around here want to be your friend. They want to know you, and when you left, I get the impression that it made some people feel like you were blowing them off. I know you've gone a ton of emotions trapped inside of you right now, but you have to consider the feelings of others, too. Seth was super bummed that you were gone."

"When I talked to him, he didn't seem all that upset, but I think he was mad at me for expecting sympathy about leaving. I did call him and sort of try to guilt-trip him, which was wrong. I think I just needed to hear with my own ears that someone missed me."

Stephanie's brows raised and she studied Renesa's face with an unreadable expression, like she was thinking something that she didn't quite know how to verbalize. Finally, she made her attempt. "Um, you still call Seth?"

"Sometimes," Renesa shrugged.

"And he calls you?"

"Not really anymore, but it's just a thing that happens every once in a while. Like, if we want to meet up or something, we'll check in with the other person."

"Okay," she said, tipping her head. She dragged the word out unnecessarily long, giving Renesa the feeling she was disagreeing with the action without actually saying it. Except she had said it before, and Renesa didn't care. Stephanie had gone after Paul when she wasn't supposed to be talking to him back in the day, and Renesa could do the same with Seth if she wanted to. In actuality, she wouldn't even consider herself to be chasing after Seth. They were just friends, and last she checked, that wasn't against the law.

"Whatever," Renesa mumbled, turning her head away so Stephanie hopefully wouldn't hear her. No such luck.

"What?" Stephanie asked, leaning in close. So close the scent of her perfume met Renesa where she stood. "Did I just hear a 'whatever' out of you?"

"You're so annoying sometimes."

"I'm so annoying?" Stephanie asked coyly, pointing to herself. "How can you call your big sister annoying?"

"Stop trying to boss me around."

"I haven't even said anything."

"I know, but it was implied."

"I can't help it if you're hearing or seeing things that aren't there," Stephanie shrugged. As she finished her sentence, she gave Renesa's far shoulder a squeeze, further leading Renesa to believe that she wasn't imagining things. She was being actively monitored by Paul, Stephanie, and probably Vince too, and it wasn't only concerning her job performance. If they had their way, she would cease all contact with any of the male superstars. That simply wasn't going to happen.

They finally reached the wooden door with Stephanie's name on it, exactly as Renesa had predicted, and they stepped inside together, Stephanie making certain the door was shut and locked behind them. She took her place in the rolling chair behind her desk, which looked plenty more comfortable than the stationary chair Renesa dropped into. Sliding her elbows onto the desk, Renesa stared across the way at Stephanie, who offered up a brilliant smile. "Dad wanted me to come get you and show you what I do in the early hours before all the meetings start. I only have you for the next hour or so, then you're on your own."

"I'm cool with that," Renesa nodded.

"And from what I understand, we have you for a whole year now, so I expect that no matter what happens, there won't be any quitting, yes?"

"Yes, Steph, no more quitting."

"Thank you," she nodded, booting up the computer on her desk. She waved Renesa around to the other side with her, and Renesa brought her chair along, since she assumed she would be there a while. "So, let's get started. First thing you do is check your email to see what Dad — Vince —" she corrected, "wants you to work on for the series of meetings that you'll have in the afternoon. We didn't have you do this before, but we're having you do it now, because we know you have tons of great ideas to add to the process."

As Stephanie tapped away ferociously at the keyboard, Renesa peered over her shoulder, trying to take it all in, even though she knew she would have tons of questions the entire way through. "Which email account do I use? Does Dad...uh, Vince, even know my email address?"

"You'll be using your work email. Give me a second and I'll show you how to get logged into that."

"Okay."

"So, see this?" Stephanie asked. Renesa inched forward as Stephanie pointed to a series of new emails at the top of her screen. She clicked on the first one that had been sent and allowed Renesa a few seconds to read through it. "Everyone who writes for the company is assigned a list of potential matches and outcomes for that night's Raw show, and the main aim is for us to go through all the scenarios, pick out the ones we think work the best with continuity, and add our own fresher ideas to them."

"I think I see," Renesa nodded.

"You're a writer, so I'll explain it this way. It would basically be like if someone gave you a list of potential story plots, and you went through and picked the one you thought sounded best and just added on all the details of what you wanted to do with that particular idea. Make sure whatever you have is good, because it does count, and you will be expected to present your ideas at the meetings today. I know it doesn't seem like much time, but that's why you have to work efficiently."

"I'm ready, then. Do I work from this office with you today?"

"Yes. We'll go to Vince's office and grab your company laptop, and once we get you logged into your work email, you can read what's waiting in there for you and get started."

"It's so weird to hear you call him Vince all the time," Renesa said, cringing the tiniest bit. Stephanie followed the look with laughter. "I mean, I understand why you do it, but it feels...different."

"I have to refer to him as Vince when I'm speaking to the talent, so it's easier for me if I call him Vince all the time when I'm at work, even when I'm just talking to you. It's a little odd, I know, but you'll get used to it, trust me. You're going to be doing the same thing over the course of the next year, so it'll come like second nature after a while."

Staring past Stephanie at the computer screen, Renesa asked, "If this is all so self-explanatory, why did I need to shadow you for the morning?"

"That's a good question," Stephanie admitted, rubbing her hands together. "I think Dad's just wanting me to get you into the swing of it all so that when you get to the arena in the future, you can start working right away without having to be confused about what's expected of you. We want to do everything to promote your success."

"Okay, business lady."

Stephanie swatted Renesa's thigh. "Don't tease me. It hurts my feelings."

Growing more serious, Renesa asked suddenly, "You really love it here, don't you?"

Stephanie took pause and pressed her lips together, nodding slowly as she formulated a response in her head. Breathing out evenly, she slipped her hand over top of Renesa's and patted it. "I always tease Paul and tell him that this company was my first true love, way before he ever came along, and I think in a lot of ways, it was. Being a part of this business is what made me who I am, and I can never pay it back enough for that. It gave me a connection to my family, it gave me my career, it gave me my husband, and ultimately, it gave me my kids. I know it can do that for you, too."

"Minus the husband part since you guys won't even let me talk to Seth, right?"

Stephanie held her arms out and shook her head. "Hey, who am I to stand in the way of friendship? I haven't kept you and Seth apart. I was only trying to warn you because, to be fully honest, if Dad knew you and Seth sometimes call each other on the phone, he would be angry. Not like over the top angry, but he wouldn't give his blessing. I think the only reason he made an exception for me and Paul was because he always valued Paul's opinions and insight. He wanted me to be with someone like that."

Renesa leaned back in her seat and stretched her arms above her head, letting out a yawn. When her hands fell back into her lap, she replied, "But you and Paul assume I'm talking to Seth so that it can turn into something more. I'm not seeing it that way and neither is he. We just like each other and want to be friends."

"I know, but that's how it always begins," Stephanie warned. She realized they were getting off track and were already supposed to be engrossed in work, but this was a discussion too important to pass by. "When Paul and I were first put into our storyline together, we had an instant connection, and we said the same thing: we were only friends. But when you're together all the time and you have a ton in common and the physical attraction is there, it's almost impossible for something more not to develop."

"I never said there was a physical attraction," Renesa argued, smirking when Stephanie gave her the side eye. "What?"

"I know what kind of guys you like, and Seth's your type. I know he is, so don't even try to lie."

"He is hot," Renesa murmured, dramatically fanning her eyelids as she gazed into space. Stephanie didn't bother trying to hide her amusement this time.

"I knew it."

"I'm not trying to have anything with him except a friendship, though. Nothing more, nothing less. I would never want a serious relationship with someone who has to be on the road for 300 plus days of the year. I mean, no offense, but I can't see myself doing too well with my husband always being gone."

"Hey, none taken," Stephanie said. "I know it's not for a lot of people, but Paul and I just work somehow. I don't know how we do it, but I think we understand each other better than most because he knows what I deal with in the office and I know what he deals with on the road. It all goes back to our connection."

"I don't know who I could ever connect with like that," Renesa surmised, "but I want a life like yours someday. I'd like to be married and have kids and a nice home and a great career." Perching her chin on Stephanie's nearest shoulder, Renesa remarked, "I totally want to be you when I grow up."

Tipping her head back and cackling, Stephanie rubbed the top of Renesa's head. "Aww, sweetie, you'll be just fine. I have more faith in you than you'll ever know, and someday, the right man will come along and you'll get everything that you dreamed of and more."

"Thanks, Steph."

"You're welcome," she returned, patting Renesa's thigh. "Now come on, let's get to work."

Not a single meeting was missed by Renesa, and magically, she hadn't needed anyone to hold her hand so she could get through it all. It felt liberating, like she was standing on top of the world, looking down at all the people and things she had made into her bitch. She was Stephanie's spitting image, but it was an honor she felt proud to carry. Once the show began, she settled even more into herself, because the only real job she had by that point was to listen to Vince barking at the announcers in his headset while she sat beside him.

Stephanie had informed her that once Raw was underway, that was the only part of the day where they were still technically working, without actually working. The most crucial parts of their jobs were complete, and now they were left to watch their handiwork play out and hope that the fans in attendance, and those viewing at home, would enjoy the crazy ride. Each time a backstage segment or match took place that Renesa had had a part in planning, she felt an intense swelling of pride in her heart, like she was a part of something more huge than she could imagine. It was the first time she saw herself as a true McMahon.

Randy Orton and Seth Rollins capped off the night with their main event, of which Sting crashed the party. As the show went off the air and Sting took center stage, an arm snaked around Renesa's back, and she was pleased to find it was her father, giving her a hug for a job well done. She snuggled up close to him and kissed his cheek. "I liked it, Daddy. I think we did a good job."

"You were great. It was a home run," Vince said, beaming down at her. "I'm proud of the work you did today. You were strong, brave, and confident during the meeting and your ideas were excellent. I'm very much looking forward to our year together."

"I am, too," she said, holding up her wrist. "And thanks for my watch. I fell in love as soon as I saw it."

"You're welcome, princess."

"I think I'm going to head out and grab some food. Is that okay?"

"You're all done for the night, so it's your call. Be careful and call me or your sister if you need anything."

"I will. Love you, Daddy."

"I love you," Vince responded, puckering his lips.

Renesa gave him a quick peck and headed over to the rectangular table off to the side of them, where Stephanie was sitting quietly alone. Giving her a kiss and a hug, she wandered over to where Paul was standing near the curtain and did the same to him, wishing him a wonderful night. On the screen, Renesa noticed Seth playing to the crowd, giving them their full money's worth by entertaining even after the show had gone off the air. As she strolled past another monitor, Renesa smiled and headed to the back to grab her bags.

When she made it outside and soaked in the cool spring air, something brought her to a ledge, which she propped up against. Tugging her cell phone from her pocket, Renesa busied herself with online browsing. She couldn't say for sure what led her to wait, but her best guess was one man: Seth. She hadn't seen him since Paul had called her and demanded she rush to the meeting that had been in progress. Not her best or most defining moment. She certainly didn't want that to be Seth's last memory of her so she waited, hoping he would show soon enough.

The minutes ticked by, and when the cool air turned a tad too frigid, she rubbed her palms up and down her arms. A flash of heat hit the back of her neck when someone came up behind her and whispered, "You shouldn't be out here alone."

Swiveling around, Renesa was brought to her feet when Seth grasped her forearms and pulled her up. She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him close. Before she could censor her words and say something cooler, she had blurted out, "Seth! I missed you so much!"

A pair of flashy headphones dangled from around his neck, and while they hugged, Renesa felt a pulse buzzing between their bodies. When they pulled apart, Seth playfully patted her cheek. "I'm glad to see you back, Ren. It's good that you had a change of heart."

"A major change of heart," she laughed, pushing her hair away from her shoulders. When she had first started with the company, it had been short, but it was growing well past her shoulders now, and she had considered letting it do its thing. Change was good. "I'm here for the next year."

Even in the dim lighting surrounding the arena, she saw the whites of his eyes expand, followed by a smile peeking through. He was happy she was staying, and that made her want to stick around all the more. Scratching the back of his head, his hair now pulled back into a messy ponytail, he responded, "A full year? How'd they convince you to stick around for that long?"

"My dad said I had to, if I wanted my job back, and I'm starting to think it was one of the best ideas he ever had."

"Yeah, and by the time a year goes by, you probably won't want to leave."

"Probably not," Renesa said. Glancing up at the stars, Renesa rocked on her feet, not taking her eyes off the glistening points. "I waited for you."

After a brief lull, Seth answered, "I figured that's what you were doing. You like the Iowa sky?"

"It's gorgeous."

"When I used to have a pickup truck, I'd park it in my driveway, let down the back, and bring out a pillow. I'd just lay there staring up at the moon and the stars while I listened to death metal through my earbuds," he laughed. Renesa wasn't sure if he was only joking about the last part or not, but she found the idea of it endearing all the way. "These are my stomping grounds, in this state. I'd love to go home to Davenport tonight, but I have to be at Smackdown tomorrow, so it's a no-go. By the time I got there, I'd have to turn right back around and leave again."

"I'm sorry," Renesa said, setting her gaze back on him.

"Don't be sorry. Just let me take you out to dinner. My treat."

"I couldn't let you pay for me."

"It's not your choice. I'm paying, end of story," Seth demanded, giving her stomach a light swat with the back of his hand. "Ready to go?"

Renesa nodded, allowing him to carry her bag when he reached for it. "I'm ready."