Back again with another chapter for you awesome people! Massive thank you for all the reviews, follows and favourites :)
Stressed didn't cover what Peyton was feeling. With Wrestlemania just over two weeks away, the work was really starting to pile up. Peyton was still working on scripts for the Shield and the Taker/Brock feud for the last two Raw's before the big night, along with constant creative meetings with everyone for the big night in general and the first Raw following Wrestlemania. While the talent would have a few extra days of this week-Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday-before everyone had to be in New Orleans on Monday ready for the last Raw and Smackdown before Wrestlemania. Their week also filled with media, signings and the Hall of Fame ceremony, Peyton only had the Friday and Saturday; Saturday being Joe's parents party- off. The rest of her time was filled with meetings and making sure everything was perfect for the big night. Wrestlemania was the biggest event of the year for WWE and that meant the writers had a schedule as hectic as the talent, if not more so, making last minute changes and making sure everything ran smoothly. Just to add to everything, Stephanie had called to inform her she was in charge of the house show that night as Stephanie and Paul wouldn't be there. Instead, they would be at home with their youngest daughter who had broken her arm. That meant even more work for Peyton.
Peyton's headache was growing as she shifted through pieces of paper on her desk, trying to find the fax Stephanie had sent her earlier that day with details regarding changes to the house show that night.
Finding it, she was once again leaving the office, in search of the talent she needed to talk to. Of course it was never that simple, as soon as she walked into catering knowing that's where most of the talent could be found, it seemed that everyone wanted to speak to her and all at once.
Spotting Natalya sat talking to Cameron, she headed over. "Nattie glad I found you. There's been a change to tonight's schedule, it will now be AJ vs Naomi."
Turning around she almost bumped right into Colby, who had a script in his hand.
"Reading through the script, I wrote down some things that I thought really added to it. Obviously you have final say though," Colby said handing her the script.
Before Peyton had a chance to reply, Natalya was standing in front of her. "What do you mean there's been a change? I'm ready to go out, we've discussed spots."
"Now it's AJ vs Naomi. Changes happen all the time, you know this." Peyton replied whilst reading through the changes Colby had proposed.
To add to Peyton's already stressful day, Jack Swagger and Layla both appeared, asking if Peyton had done anything about the conversations they'd had with her earlier that day. As everyone seemed to be speaking or waiting for a response from her, Peyton counted to ten in her head. Her patience was really starting to run out.
Sat at a table with his parents- who had decided to fly back with Joe and Peyton and attend the house show that night after Joe and Peyton's visit- Joe watched Peyton with a smile on his face.
"Shouldn't someone go over and help her out over there?" Patricia questioned.
"Nah, she's got this. You just wait," Joe smiled.
"Yeah, she can handle this. Plus, Colby's over there if need be," Jon added.
"I guess you're right, she's been handling things well today so far. Plus we've seen how strong willed she is," Patricia relented. She'd grown fond of Peyton, her head strong nature. Though she also saw a vulnerability to Peyton that occasionally slipped through her strong personality, like with her mom the day before. Patricia hadn't missed the sadness in Peyton's eyes or her refusal to talk about it.
"OKAY I GET IT!" Peyton raised her voice, holding a hand up, silencing the group in front of her. "You all have something to say or are expecting a million and one answers from me, I know. Swagger, there's a reason we don't really let you on the mic, letting Zeb talk instead. Simply put-you're not that good at it, the crowd don't connect with you like they do Zeb. He gets a response from them, you don't," Peyton said as she scribbled things on the script Colby had given her. "Natalya, you can't just pick and choose your matches. That's not up to you. Don't think because Steph's not here tonight that's going to change, it's done. You're not in a match tonight, end of." Peyton rolled her eyes as Natalya walked off, muttering something about it all being ridiculous.
"Layla, I've spoken to Steph about your idea and she likes it. She'll discuss that with you further when she's back. And Colby, I've made some change but overall you wrote some really good stuff down for the promo. Here," she handed him back the script. "Now, if anyone else needs me, I'll be drinking coffee in my office in peace. No comments Joe, I've not had any in over a week," Peyton said, walking past Joe as she went to leave catering.
"No," Joe said, gently grabbing her forearm. "You're going to sit down and eat something."
"I've got work to be doing, I don't have time."
"Make time, you're eating. You're pregnant you can't be skipping meals."
"I'll take something back with me. Happy?"
"No. You're going to sit down here and eat something, properly."
"Did you just tell me what I'm going to do?" Peyton asked, amused with an arched brow. Apart from Stephanie, no one ever told her what to do.
"You bet I did. You don't get to win every little battle, baby girl. Now sit down and eat," Joe ordered.
"Or what?" Peyton asked, amused to see where this would go. Joe's parents and Jon watching, also amused.
"This," Joe said pulling Peyton to sit on his lap. "Now eat this sandwich and apple," he added, passing her the food he had been planning to take to her office.
"So demanding. Do I have to stay on your lap or can I sit on my own chair?"
"You can sit on your own chair, no leaving til you finish eating though."
"Yes, sir."
"What am I missing here?" Nick asked, seeing Peyton sat on Joe's lap. He's be talking to her about that later.
"Joe grew a pair and told me I wasn't going anywhere until I ate something."
"Someone actually told you how it was and you didn't punch them?"
"I know, weird, right? Maybe pregnancy has mellowed me out."
"I wouldn't say you've mellowed out, sunshine."
"Really, Jon? How would you describe me then?" Peyton asked, moving off Joe's lap. If she didn't she would have stayed there for the rest of the night, she already had to stop herself from leaning back against him. Every time she was close to him, she remembered what Nick had said.
Jon smirked, "Like someone you don't want to piss off if you value your life, or if you're a guy, your dick."
"Really man," Joe said. "My parents are here you know."
Pattie and Sika laughed. "Don't stop on our account, Jon. We lived through your partying and bringing new girls home all the time stage in college, Joe. Anyway, we're used to Jon just saying what comes to mind."
"That doesn't surprise me," Peyton grinned. "Such a player and so confident about yourself. Has much changed since college?" She teased.
"Hey, I was with Carla for five years. I can do relationships. I bet you had plenty of relationships in college, most people do."
"Sorry to disappoint, only one in college."
"What happened?"
"We were together two years and then I found out he was sleeping with his best friend's girlfriend. That was a fun time."
"Moving onto a slightly happier topic, I'm thinking of proposing to Leighla."
"Congrats, man. About time. How long have you been together now?"
"Six years, I think its about time I put a ring on her finger," Colby grinned.
"I'm happy for you, man," Jon congratulated his friend.
"That's so sweet. Leighla's such a sweet girl." Patricia said, having met Colby's girlfriend before.
"I was kinding of hoping you could help me out, Pey. I want this to be perfect; could do with a woman's touch."
"I'm probably the last person you should be asking, I don't really believe in the whole marriage thing. I wouldn't know where to start."
"You don't believe in marriage?" Joe asked, shocked.
"She doesn't even really do rom coms. This," Nick pointed to Peyton,"is the girl who likes to watch Bones and the Walking Dead while eating. I don't think she could even tell you the main characters' name in The Notebook. "
"That's disgusting," Colby declared."You eat watching those shows?"
"What," Peyton shrugged. "Normally by the time I'm watching them I'm also having dinner. I'm not a squeamish person."
"You really don't believe in marriage?" Joe asked, not entirely sure why that bothered him so much.
"My mom's been married four times, mainly all for money. Never really set a good example for me of what a happy marriage was. Even Roddy and Michelle have had problems in the past. Why go through all that hassle for a piece of paper and a marriage that's probably going to end in divorce?"
"I don't think that's quite what Colby wanted to hear," Nick pointed out.
"Oh, yeah. I'm sure you and Leighla will be fine; you seem really happy together. Just because marriage isnt for me, doesn't mean it isn't right for you."
After finshing her food and talking more about the Pattie and Sika's party which was the following weekend, Joe finally let Peyton get back to work.
"Fuck! No this isn't happening," Peyton said out loud, dropping onto her bed.
"What's going on?" Nick asked, joining Peyton on her bed.
"I don't have Friday off anymore and I might not have Saturday off either. Vince has called a massive meeting on the Friday in Stanford, a big meeting. You know what his big meetings are like."
"Sounds like fun." Nick replied, not getting why it was such a problem for Peyton.
"Pattie and Sika's party is Saturday, Nick."
"Oh, yeah that sucks. Guess you're gonna have to tell Joe."
"No shit."
"What are you more annoyed at: missing the party or feeling like you're letting Joe down?"
"What?"
"Is it missing the party itself or or being able to spend time with Joe that bothers you more?"
"I see Joe all the time, Nick. I told Pattie and Sika I'd be there." This meeting isnt even starting ti 3pm on Friday, god knows how long it will take. I don't want to be in a headache inducing meeting on Saturday instead of this party."
"You looked pretty cosy with Joe earlier, almost like a couple."
"You need to stop with all this crap about me and Joe having feelings for each other. It's getting in my head and making things weird," Peyton admitted.
"Making things weird how? Did something happen at his parents?"
"What? No," Peyton answered a little too quickly.
"It's ok, you know, if you do have feelings for him. I've seen you two together, you're perfect for each other."
"I don't. So just drop it."
"Where are you taking me?" Peyton asked Joe as he drove away from the hotel they were all staying in.
"It's a surprise," Joe smiled. "We're nearly there." Joe knew it was only a ten minute drive to where he planned on taking Peyton.
"Is this the part where you kill me?" Peyton joked.
"Yep, you got me."
"Always thought there was something a little off about you," Peyton grinned. "So what's in the bag?" Peyton asked, once again looking at the bag on the back seat.
"Part of the surprise."
"You're an odd man, Joe."
"And you love it," Joe smirked.
"I tolerate you," Peyton stuck her tongue out. "You do have fabulous hair though, I'll give you that."
"We're here."
"The beach? You draggd me out of the hotel this early to take me to the beach? I could be sleeping in my nice warm bed, but instead you dragged me out of bed at 6am to go to the beach? You fucking crazy?"
"Not the reaction I was going for. Just follow me before you start yelling at me. Here, take my jacket if you're cold."
Peyton zipped up Joe's hoodie after getting out of the car, wondering why Joe had brought her to the beach. "This better be good," Peyton grumbled as she followed Joe, not happy at being dragged from her bed so early.
Stopping half way down the beach, Joe pulled a large blanket from his gym bag placing it down on the sand. "Sit," he pointed down to the blanket. "I bought you so early because this way there's no fans or anyone around and watching the sun rising on the beach is pretty cool."
Peyton admitted to herself that this was the sweetest thing anybody had ever done for her, though she wasn't entirely sure why Joe was doing this for her.
Sitting down next to Joe on the blanket, she arched a brow when he reached into the bag again; she was even more confused when he pulled a pint of ice cream out.
"You once said that all you ever wanted when you were younger was a fun day at the beach; eating ice cream and building sand castles. Something you never did with your parents. This morning, that's what we're going to do."
Peyton smiled, she was surprised Joe remembered that. "You brought me to the beach at 6am to eat ice cream and build sand castles? You're actually adorable."
"Everyone should have a fun day at the beach in their life, and who doesn't want to eat ice cream for breakfast?"
"Oh, I've had fun on the beach before; adult fun," Peyton smirked. "Thanks for this, though, it's really sweet."
"I want us to have beach days with our child all the time when I'm not on the road." Peyton nodded, smiling.
Sitting there eating ice cream, watching the sun come up, Peyton leaning her head against Joe's shoulder, she couldn't remember the last time she had been so relaxed. There was a comfortable silence between the two.
Peyton wanted to strangle the guy she was sat next to on the flight from Connecticut to Pensacola. After spending Friday in a creative meeting with Vince she had managed to get a red eye to Pensacola, glad that she would be back in time for the party. Even if she would be extremely tired, running on very little sleep. She was hoping to sleep on the plane but that wasn't going to happen sat next to the obnoxiously loud man who took up way too much space. She was slowly losing her mind as he continued to talk.
"And then I told Spencer that I would not be doing that and he could talk to my lawyer if he wanted." Peyton, trying to block his voice out, wasn't entirely sure what the man was actually talking about.
"Of course after I mentioned lawyers he completely backed off. You don't get to where I am without knowing how to deal with guys like that. You know what I mean? What was it you said you did?"
"I didn't say what I do?"
"Oh, are we playing a game now? Have I got to guess what you do?"
"God help me I need a drink," Peyton said under her breath.
"A drink? We can get a drink after this. and then who knows."
"You're married." Peyton pointed to his wedding ring, though she knew he was clearly the type that didn't care if he was married or not, reminding her, once again, why she didn't believe in marriage.
"The wife doesn't have to know. I can take the ring off if that makes it easier for you?" He replied, placing his hand on her thigh.
"You're a disgusting human being. One day your wife is going to find out what a fucking disgusting sleaze you are and hopefully, if she has any sense-more than when she married you-she'll divorce your sorry ass and take you for every cent you have. Now take your slimy hand off me before I break your nose." The man quickly removed his hand, looking at Peyton like she had grown two heads.
Arriving at the hotel she was staying at, that was close to where the party was being held, Peyton quickly showered before changing into a blue and white stripped plunge maxi dress and a pair of black ankle strap peeptoe platform heels, leaving her long hair down.
Wanting to surprise Joe and his family, having told them she possibly wouldn't be able to make it, Peyton got a taxi to the venue; knowing they'd be there making sure everything was perfect before people arrived.
"Hey there, stranger," she smiled standing behind Joe.
Joe spun around at hearing Peyton's face. "You made it," was all he managed as he took her appearance in.
"I've had two hours sleep, had to sit next to a married sleaze on my flight here and all you can say is 'you made it'?"
"You're supposed to tell her she looks beautiful, Joe." Vanessa told her brother, joining the pair.
"She does. You do, Peyton, you look amazing."
"Much better," Peyton smiled.
"So tell me about the sleaze," Vanessa inquired, dragging Peyton over to one of the tables that had been set up to the side of the dance floor.
"Ugh, he was the worst. Spent half the flight telling me some bullshit story about his work then basically propositioned me. I put him straight after that. Though by that point I just couldn't sleep so I played candy crush for the rest of the flight."
Sitting down with his sister and Peyton, Joe frowned. "Baby girl, as happy as I am that you're here it doesn't mean I wanted you tiring yourself out to make it. If you want, you can go back to mom's and sleep for a bit."
"I'm fine, you worry too much, and I booked myself into a hotel anyway."
"And why would you do that, honey?" Sika asked, "You know you're always welcome at ours."
"It was easer that way, plus I'm back at work tomorrow. I've got to head down to the performance centre and make sure that the talent who'll be at access know what they're doing. There's been a bit of a mix up so I have to sort that out."
"You work too much my dear," Sika replied. "You need to take some time for yourself and relax, have fun."
"I don't think that's a good idea, last time I had fun, I ended up pregnant." Peyton smirked, making everyone laugh.
"I was thinking more along the line of dancing. Come dance with me dear," Sika held out a hand for Peyton.
Peyton laughed as she walked onto the dance floor with Sika and Redbone's Come and Get Your Love started playing. She loved some of the 70s and 80s music Sika and Pattie had picked, along with more current music.
"You know this is one of mine and Pattie's songs," Sika said smiling as he spun Peyton around. "Married forty years and I still remember the first time we danced to this," Sika smiled, lost in his memory. "Joe, don't sit there like an idiot, come and dance with this beautiful young lady while I dance with my lady." Sika said, ordering Joe onto the dance floor, while smiling at his wife, his lady.
Both Pattie and Sika made their way onto the dance floor, just as the song changed and Elvish Bishop's Fooled Around and Fell In Love came on.
Peyton placed one hand on Joe's shoulder, her other hand in his as he led her around the dance floor.
"Who knew you could dance so well," she joked.
"I'm full of surprises."
The whole time Peyton's attention was drawn to how good it felt to be in Joe's arms, his hand on her waist. But also the lyrics to the song they were dancing to. Was this her and Joe?
I must have been through about a million girls
I'd love 'em then I'd leave 'em alone
I didn't care how much they cried, no sir
Their tears left me cold as a stone
But then I fooled around and fell in love
I fooled around and fell in love, yes I did
I fooled around and fell in love, I fooled around and fell in love
It used to be when I'd see a girl that I liked
I'd get out my book and write down her name
But when the grass got a little greener over on the other side
I'd just tear out that page
I fooled around and fell in love
I fooled around and fell in love, since I met you baby
I fooled around and fell in love, I fooled around and fell in love
Free, on my own is the way I used to be
Ah, but since I met you baby, love's got a hold on me
It's got a hold on me now, I can't let go of you baby
She couldn't get Nick's words out of her head, she couldn't deny her feelings for Joe anymore. At some point, she had fallen for him.
"What you thinking about?" Joe asked, looking down at Peyton.
Peyton stopped herself from saying how she was thinking about how easy it would be to kiss Joe at that moment. "That I'm really happy at the moment and it's been a while since I've been this happy."
Joe smiled; "That's good. I want you to be happy, you deserve it." Peyton was going to tell Joe that he made her happy, but some of the guests including Jon and Colby arrived. This was a conversation they could have later.
Peyton noticed how Joe slightly tensed up as he stood talking to her and Jon. Following his gaze, she saw a blonde haired woman. So this was Carla, she thought to herself. Peyton watched as the blonde spotted Joe and made her way over, wondering how this was going to go.
"Joe," she said reaching them.
"Carla, how you been?"
"Good, works going really well. Look, I came over because I didn't want things to be awkward between us, we're both adults. We always said we'd stay friends."
"I'm glad you said that, of course we'll always be friends. You were a big part of my life," Joe smiled. "This is Peyton. Peyton, Carla," Joe introduced the girls to each other. Glad that things weren't going to be awkward with Carla.
Peyton wasn't sure what she was expecting Carla to be like, knowing she was going to be at the party. Carla seemed genuinely nice though, there wasn't any awkwardness and she didn't seem to want to cause any trouble.
Carla smiled, shaking Peyton's hand."It's nice to meet you, Peyton." Then noticed her small bump. "Congratulations; I didn't realise you were pregnant at first. How far along are you?"
"Just over three months."
"Joe, are you…"
"Yeah, we're not together though. It was a one night stand, but I'm going to be there for my kid and Peyton."
"I always said you'd make a good dad. So do you two work together?"
"Yeah, I'm one of the writers for WWE," Peyton smiled. "What is it you do?"
"I work for an advertising company, I'm based in New York these days."
"Well that was remarkably not awkward," Jon announced after Carla left to get a drink, with the promise to catch up with Joe more later that night.
"What, were you expecting a fight or something?"
"A little; bit of girl on girl action," Jon smirked.
"You're the worst," Peyton laughed, hitting his chest. "Carla and I have no reason not to like each other."
As the party went on, Peyton felt herself getting more tired. As much as she wanted to stay, she knew she was likely to fall asleep at one of the tables if she did. Her lack of sleep was finally catching up on her.
"Hey Pattie, Sika," Peyton smiled, finding the married couple. "Thanks for inviting me, I've had an amazing day. But I'm gonna head back to the hotel, I need to catch up on some sleep."
"You can always go back to our place if you want, it's no trouble. I'm sure Joe will drive you."
"Honestly, the hotel is fine, I'm just gonna get a taxi. Thank you so much for today thought, it's been fun."
"I'm just glad you made it," Pattie smiled before hugging the younger woman.
Walking over to where Joe was stood, Peyton started yawning as she went to say bye.
"I'm guessing someone's going back to their hotel and to bed?"
"Yeah, I'm gonna fall asleep at a table otherwise. I've already said bye to your parents. I guess I'll see you on Monday then."
"Want me to drive you back to the hotel?"
"No it's fine, I'm gonna get a taxi. You stay and enjoy the rest of the party."
"Text me when you get back."
"I will," Peyton replied, hugging him before she left.
After getting back to the hotel and changed, Peyton text Joe letting him know she was alright before calling Nick.
"Hey, how's the party?"
"It was good, I'm back at the hotel now, my lack of sleep has caught up with me."
"So I'm guessing there's an actual reason you're calling me and this isn't just a social call, considering how tired you sound."
"You were right."
"I was right? About what? I'm right about a lot of things," Nick grinned, even though he knew Peyton couldn't see him.
Peyton took a deep breath. "About me having feelings for Joe. I don't know when it happened, but at some point I fell in love with him... Nick, I'm going to tell him when I see him on Monday."
Finally Peyton's realised!
And yes, I'm guilty of listening to the Guardian's of the Galaxy soundtrack writing this chapter :p
Let me know what you thought :)