For Jamie...

Joey El stared absently out the window as the dark countryside passed her by. It had been the day from hell so far and the problems had begun some 36 hours before in Omaha after the show. The plan was simple…a romantic holiday vacation with her boyfriend. But a cruel twist of fate had ruined it all and before she knew it, she was on a plane with Heath Miller headed to West Viriginia of all places. Watching the look on Stu's face as they had parted ways was almost too much to bear. Then just as their flight was about to jet down the runway, one of the engines had blown and the passengers had been grounded for a full three hours before finally being shuffled to another plane altogether. They'd then had to take three connections to West Virginia and the airports were crowded the day before Thanksgiving. With losing hours due to the time change on the East Coast, it was dark before the pair landed in West Virginia. Then there was the trek by rental car to Pineville.

Joey had been quiet the whole day. Heath knew she was sulking and he did not care. He also knew she was bummed about missing out on her little ski trip with Stu. He didn't feel sorry for her in the least. She had been dumb for even agreeing to go anywhere with the very married man that humiliated her and treated her like a prostitute. And as excited as he was about spending time with his family, nothing, not even a temper tantrum was going to spoil his good time.

"You want anything?" he broke her out of her trance as pulled over into the parking lot of a grocery store.

Joey rubbed her eyes.

"Are we here already?"

"Almost. There are no big stores in Pineville and I wanted to pick something up."

"I'm fine," she frowned, watching him get out and disappear into the store.

Joey shifted around uncomfortably in her seat before reaching over and making sure all the doors were locked. She had seen The Hills Have Eyes. There was no telling what lurked in the trees of West Virginia. There probably were deformed, inbred cannibals just waiting to prey on pretty and innocent girls in designer pink ski outfits. Biting her lip, she pulled out her phone again. The signal was shotty at best. The last time she'd had decent service was at the airport and Stu was not answering his phone much to her dismay. Cursing her rotten luck out loud, she jumped and let out a scream whe minutes later Heath returned and tapped on the window.

"Dude, you have way more of a chance getting robbed in Miami than you have in this town, naw mean?"

Joey looked up. Even though they had come from a grocery store, in his hands were a beautiful multi-colored bouquet of roses. She sighed.

"Oh Heath, that's so sweet. I know you feel just awful for ruining my vacation but you didn't have to buy me flowers."

Heath made a face.

"First of all, these are not for you. The roses are for my mom. And second of all, I did not ruin your vacation. It was a stupid idea in the first place and your ass almost got caught slipping by the Boss Lady. I didn't invite you to come along with me."

"Thanks a lot," she muttered sarcastically.

"I didn't mean it like that," he cranked the smooth running engine. "I mean, if you want to come and have a good time, it's all good. But I don't want to put up with your pouting and whining and bitching and moaning. I'm for real, Joey."

"Fine. Besides, I'll be out of your hair by tomorrow night anyway. Hopefully I can still meet Stu in Colorado."

"You think he actually went alone?"

"Yeah. Why not?"

"I don't know. Do whatever you want. I'm just looking forward to relaxing with the fam."

Joey wrinkled her nose.

"How are they anyway?"

"My family?"

"Yeah."

"They're cool," he shrugged with a smile. "Funny, kind of loud. Real country, simple living people but they've got good hearts. I think they'll like you."

"Think they'll buy the whole girlfriend story?"

"I don't see why not."

Joey filed away at her freshly manicured nails.

"It won't be like The Beverly Hillbillies, will it?"

"What?" Heath laughed out loud.

"Is there gonna be people shooting rifles for no apparent reason all the time and is there going to be roadkill for dinner?"

He rolled his eyes.

"You really think we scrape possums off the road and feed them to the company?"

"Do you?" she looked genuinely scared.

"Not on your first visit," Heath smirked as they made their way into the town.

A sign welcomed them to Pineville.

"Is this it?" she sat up.

"The one and only. It ain't New York City, babe."

They passed a courthouse and then the main avenue. An uneventful few minutes later, there was nothing but pitch black.

"I'm scared," Joey complained. "You sure you know where you're going?"

Heath just chuckled.

"Girl, I know these roads like the back of my hand."

A short time later, they turned onto a long driveway where a modest one story brick house sat at the end.

"Thank God," she muttered. "I have to pee so bad. Wait…you do have running water or do I have to use one of those out house thingys?"

"We have running water, electricity and even that new invention they call a TV. Imagine that."

"Sorry," she muttered. "Gosh, you don't have to be such a smart ass about things."

They got out and began unloading their personal belongings from the trunk. As Joey stood, she felt something push her from behind. She landed onto the cold ground with a thud, whimpering as she felt a heavy weight on her. It was so dark she could barely see but all she knew was that she felt fur and a tongue licking her face.

"Ace, get off of her!"

Heath reached down and pulled a large, panting German Shepherd away from Joey.

"Oh. My. God. That was gross," she spat.

Heath chuckled.

"He likes you. This is the family dog. Has been with us for years. That's just his way of being friendly."

"Keep that damned beast away from me!"

"Okay, okay," he stifled a laugh as he helped her up and wiped the brush and dirt from her clothes. "You alright?"

"I'm fine."

They gathered their things and headed into the house. A small get together with a host of family members and friends had accumulated in the living room area. The minute Heath poked his head in the front door, they all stopped what they were doing and rushed to him, smothering him with hugs and kisses. The chaos and commotion had pushed poor Joey back outside onto the porch until Heath was finally able to break loose and help her inside.

"Oh baby, I can't believe you're here," an attractive petite but older woman stared at him.

"I'm glad to be here, Mom. It's good to see all of you."

He proudly presented her with the floral arrangement.

"Thank you so much, baby. They are so beautiful."

"You're welcome."

"Aren't you gonna introduce us to your friend?"

Heath cleared his throat, pulling a stiff Joey closer to him.

"Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Johana El. And Joey, this is everyone. Grandma Pearl and Grandpa Stan. This is my mom, Valene, and over there is Aunt Ida and Aunt Susan and Aunt Becky. These are our neighbors, The Smith's, the Johnson's, and the Brown's. That's Uncle Jack, Uncle Joe, Uncle Mike, and Uncle Bob. My cousins are Sherri, Amber, Ashley, Sean, Ella, Clay, Matt, and Gabe. And you've met Ace."

Joey smiled as she was next to be bombarded. If she thought the reception from Ace was a little over the top, she had been ill prepared for the down home welcoming the humans gave her. Five minutes later she felt all hugged and smiled out.

"Hello everyone," she clung to Heath.

"Oh we've seen her on TV on the wrestling," Grandma Pearl grinned. "Just look at her. She is so tiny and cute. So much prettier in person, too."

"Thank you, ma'am."

A pretty red headed girl loudly cleared her throat and approached the couple, arms folded.

"Aren't you forgetting something, Heath Miller?" she demanded.

His face broke out into a huge grin as he lifted her up off the floor and swung her around.

"I could never forget you, babe. This little squirt here is my sister, Aubrey."

"Nice to meet you, Joey," Aubrey gave Joey a hug.

"We are certainly happy to have you here with us, Joey. Please, you two get your bags and such and get settled into the basement and come on back out for supper. Grandma made pot roast and I've got some fresh deer jerky for you," Valene smiled.

Heath led Joey down a long hallway that led to a stairwell. He cut the light on and instantly Joey saw the steps that led to a basement. In the corner was a room with old pictures of Heath along with a collection of Matchbox cars and a host of old basketball trophies.

"So this is your room," she looked around.

"Mom kept me and Aubrey's rooms the same. My little sis is in her last year at West Virginia State."

"That's nice. She seemed like a sweet girl. They all seemed nice. A little…"

"Touchy feely?"

"Well yeah," Joey answered, slightly embarrassed.

"Wait to they hit up the Moonshine."

"Heath…"

"Just busting your chops, babe. Now relax."

She shed her coat and put her bags in the corner.

"So are we just gonna hang out here tonight?"

"Pretty much. Just eat, catch up, relax. You hungry?"

"A little but nearly enough to eat Bambi's mother. Deer jerky? Seriously Heath? Besides being cruel that is just gross."

"It's delicious, now come on," he guided her back to the party.

The gathering was in full swing and Joey found herself thrust uncomfortably in the middle. Everybody was asking a thousand questions about her and Heath. How long had they been together? What was it like traveling all the time? Did they have any plans to marry? She remembered to keep smiling and use her best manners as she talked to them and tried to enjoy the food. Indeed it was quite tasty but she just hoped that it was actual pot roast and not skunk or raccoon. After a few hours the crowd gradually dispersed just leaving the occupants of the house, Heath's mother, grandparents and his visiting sister. Joey had now migrated to the living room quietly listening in on the conversation between Heath and his family. They sat mesmerized around the fireplace absolutely captivated by his tales of life and travel in the WWE. On the mantle was a large WWE promo shot of a grinning Heath in his wrestling gear. It had been framed and was on display for all to see. Next to it was a smaller framed photo of Heath and his fellow Nexus members. Standing front and center in her black and yellow hoodie was Joey. She couldn't stop staring.

"Do you like it, dear?" Grandma Pearl asked.

Joey nodded.

"Yes ma'am. It's very nice."

"We're so proud of our boy. He certainly has done well for himself. He's going off seeing the world, living his dream and now he has brought home a pretty little thing like you."

"Thank you," Joey blushed.

"Stan," she hollered across the hall. "Grab the camera, honey. Let's get a picture of just little Joey and Heath together so we can hang that one up, too."

"Oh no. I mean, don't go to any trouble. It, um, it really isn't necessary."

"It's no trouble at all. Y'all make such a cute little couple. Heath, honey, get your tail over here and stand next to this sweetheart. Put your arm around her and both of you give me a big smile."

Heath, on his second beer, happily obliged.

"Smile, buttercup," he teased Joey.

Heath's was more of a knowing smirk while Joey's was forced. After a few more hours it was getting late.

"Well, we're just so excited to have Heath and Joey here that we keep forgetting that they must be exhausted from their trip. We'll let you kids get some shut eye. Do you have everything you need?" Valene asked.

"Yes ma'am," Heath nodded.

"Good," Valene looked her son right in the eye. "We know you two are adults and all and share a bed on the road and in Florida. Normally we wouldn't stand for something like this but since it's such a serious relationship, y'all go ahead and sleep downstairs in your old room."

"Make sure you take some extra blankets," Grandpa Stan warned. "Pearl, get them some more covers. You know that darn thermostat is still on the blink down there."

"That's right," the sweet, elderly later quickly returned with a stack of quilts. "I almost forgot. The man should be here to fix it the day after tomorrow. You know you can't get anybody to do anything on a holiday. I just hope y'all will be alright for the next two nights…"

"It's okay," Joey spoke up. "I'm probably leaving tomorrow anyway."

"Leaving? But it's Thanksgiving."

Joey averted Heath's gaze.

"I know but I had plans…you know, stuff I have to do. Sorry."

"That's too bad. We'll just have to enjoy you while we can, my dear. It's a real shame you'll miss my fried turkey, country ham, chitterlings, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade stuffing, pumpkin pie, navy beans, pinto beans, green beans, lima beans, fava beans, red beans and rice, and bean soup."

Joey wanted to vomit in her mouth. Heath hadn't been kidding around.

"A lot of beans," she repeated muttering under her breath.

"Mmmm, Grandma. I'll be here," Heath grinned, rubbing his stomach before taking Joey's hand. "You ready?"

Joey nodded and scurried down the steps to the sanctity of the basement. She groaned, collapsing on the bed.

"What a night," she rubbed her aching neck. "I am beat."

"Me too. I'm too tired to even shower. I'll just do it in the morning."

"Me too," Joey just watched as Heath stripped down to his underwear and hopped between the sheets.

"Shit, it is cold in here," he noted.

"What are you doing?"

He frowned.

"Going to sleep. What does it look like?"

"I looked around and didn't see a cot or anything and if I try to crash on the couch it'll look obvious."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying you sleep on the floor and let me have the bed."

Heath laughed out loud.

"Yeah right. Been there, done that. Not again."

"Heath…"

"Joey, no. Dude, that floor is solid concrete. It is hard as hell."

"All the more reason for me not to sleep on it. My neck is killing me."

"And if you sleep down there, that won't be all that's gonna hurt."

"What am I supposed to do then?"

He patted the empty space next to him.

"Plenty of room.

"In there? With you?"

"Do you see any more appealing options? Got a better idea?"

"Yeah, you on the floor."

"Not gonna happen. Besides, I don't see what the big deal is anyway."

"You know what the big deal is. Stu would kill me. He would kill both of us."

"Stu is not here and I thought you guys were done for real this time."

"It's complicated."

He rolled his eyes.

"I'm sure it is. It always is. Anyway, I'm gonna hit the sack. You do what you want to do," he yawned loudly, still facing her.

"Fine. Be that way. I will sleep on the floor."

"Suit yourself, babe. Nobody's holding a gun to your head."

She huffed over to her bag and pulled out a sleep tank and matching shorts.

"Stop looking over here," she stamped her foot. "I need to change. Turn your head, please."

He put the pillow over his face but couldn't help but sneak a quick peek as she put on her night clothes. He only caught a glimpse of her bare back but it was enough to remind him that beneath all the whining and complaining and kookiness was a sweet girl…and a smoking hot body.

"You done yet?" he asked.

"Be quiet," she grabbed a bunch of cover and settled onto the floor.

The room was dark and quiet but Joey was near death. Heath had not been lying about the floor. It was hard and cold and it made her whole body hurt. On top of that, the lack of heat in the poorly insulated basement with sub zero temeratures outside was almost too much to bear. She held on for nearly an hour before groaning out loud and getting up, crawling into bed next to a snoring Heath.

"What's going on?" he murmured sleepily. "What are you doing?"

"I was about to freeze to death down there and now my neck, my back and my head are killing me. I can't take it anymore. Move over."

Heath made room as she scooted beside him. Her bare leg touched his and he was shocked at how cold it was.

"Your body feels like ice, Joey. Damn. Are you okay?"

He could hear her teeth chattering.

"Oh Heath…"

"Come here," he beckoned.

He swaddled her with blankets and then spooned her, covering her arms and legs with his.

"What, what, what are you doing?"

"Body heat. It'll warm you right up."

After ten or so minutes she began to feel normal again. His embrace was strong yet comforting. It was easy to get lost in and for a few brief moments Joey forgot that it was all supposed to be just a facade.

"Thanks," she breathed a sigh of relief.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Just…"

"Just what?"

"Just don't ever tell anybody about this."

Heath shook his head and decided he was going back to sleep.

"Whatever. Night, girl."

Within minutes he was snoring again. And to make matters worse, she felt something poking her in the middle of her back.

"Please, please be a flashlight," she whispered out loud.

Reaching onto the nearby nightstand, Joey picked up her phone to try to dial Stu again. No signal. Sighing, she put the pillow over her head. What on earth had she gotten herself into?