A/N: No, your eyes are not deceiving you I have returned. Thank you to everybody for the reviews, the patience, and the inquiries on my well being. Everything is fine over here and I know a couple of Sundays have come and gone without an update. I hate having such a lag between updates but I felt it was necessary in order to get my writing schedule back on track after I lost a few chapters. I was gonna try to force myself to simply post chapters once I finished them but I can't operate that way so I had to do what I was comfortable with. Housekeeping note: Any further notes on any stories I'm writing will be posted on my bio page as opposed to posting an author's note chapter in the actual story. So please keep an eye on my bio page if you're wondering what the hell is going on in the future (although I highly, HIGHLY, doubt anything like this will happen again!) But I'm back and ready to explode y'all ovaries, piss y'all off, and make y'all fall in love with romance once again. So let's see what our favorite couples are up to shall we?
Twenty One
"You know the quicker you come out of there, the quicker we can leave," Alyssa stated as she adjusted her grip on Isaiah, holding the baby close to her body.
"I don't know why we are even here. This is a complete waste of time Alyssa."
"Ro quit your whining. Come out here and lemme see."
Roman mumbled begrudgingly before he opened the dressing room door and stepped out. A wide grin of approval spread across Alyssa's lips as she studied the new pair of jeans Roman currently wore, his upper half bare and showing off his tribal tattoo. She circled him slowly, nodding her head.
"Nice, very nice. I say we get a pair in every color."
"Gorgeous this is a waste of money. I already have jeans at home."
"But they don't fit you properly. You're slimmer now and they look baggy and sloppy on you. It's time for a change handsome."
Roman pouted and folded his arms, huffing. "I like my jeans."
Alyssa turned around and bent down to place Isaiah inside the stroller next to his brother. Ethan drank a breakfast bottle, holding the item by himself as he watched his mother carefully strap his brother into his seat as if he was making sure Alyssa wouldn't hurt Isaiah. Once Alyssa handed Isaiah his own bottle so he wouldn't start crying, she turned back to face Roman. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek before pulling away slightly.
"Babe, you know I love you right?" Roman nodded. "Well I say this with all the love in my heart but you need to burn those damn jeans you got in the closet."
"What?!" The Samoan's grey irises bulged.
"I've held my tongue as long as I could but enough is enough. Those are some of the most hideous and tackiest jeans I've seen in my life." Alyssa shivered as if a slimy insect was crawling on her.
"You've never complained before."
"That's because I was tryna spare your feelings since I love you."
Roman smacked his lips and glared at Alyssa making her giggle. "You don't see me tryna change your wardrobe."
"That's because you love everything I wear. Whether it's my blue maxi dress, the red pants suit, or these shorts I'm rocking now." Alyssa smirked as she peaked at her backside making Roman do the same and try to muffle a groan. "I'm just trying to help. I just don't think those jeans mesh well with your sexiness."
Roman chuckled. "What does that even mean?"
Placing her hands on his broad shoulders, Alyssa spun Roman around so they could stare at his reflection in the large mirror together. "These jeans scream hot athlete, sexy father, a man many women and some men wish they could have in their bed every single night," she described. Her hands crept down Roman's stomach and slyly moved towards his hips before venturing down his muscular thighs, slightly grazing his crotch. Roman bit his bottom lip to stop himself from grunting as he he felt his penis start to stir awake inside his boxer briefs.
"Aly-"
"And have I mentioned how I'm soaking wet looking at you in these jeans?" Alyssa stood on her tip toes and circled the circumference of Roman's ear with her tongue making him growl.
"You're a fuckin tease you know that right?" the wrestler hissed through clenched teeth.
"I've heard that once before." Alyssa waved off Roman's comment with a dismissive wave of her hand. "But I'm simply trying to prove a point. These jeans are meant for you. Those jeans you have at home are meant for somebody named Eduardo that cleans pools."
The parents shared a laugh and Roman nodded. "Fine. I'll get the damn jeans."
"YAY!" Alyssa clapped her hands happily making Roman playfully roll his eyes. "Don't roll your eyes at me Ro. I know what I'm talking about and I wouldn't steer you wrong about fashion. I'll wait for you by the register while you get changed. It's getting close to the twins' nap time and I'm not tryna be at the mall when they get crabby and sleepy."
Roman began to walk away. He jumped when he felt a slap on his ass, turning around quickly and looking at a smirking Alyssa.
"By the way the jeans also make your a-s-s look great," she commented, innocently twirling her hair on her index finger.
Roman's eyes traveled down Alyssa's frame and he licked his lips. "Don't start nothing you can't finish Mrs. Reigns."
Alyssa smiled as she started to push the stroller out the dressing room, putting an extra switch in her hips for Roman's benefit. She glanced over her shoulder towards him. "Now Mr. Reigns you should already know that I finish everything I start," she replied with a wink before disappearing.
Roman shook his head in amusement as he walked into the dressing room. Although he just returned home from the European tour the previous day, Alyssa still managed to drag him out to go shopping for him and the twins before the summer completely arrived. Roman would've opted to spend his rare off days at home curled up on his favorite chair while he watched Sportscenter on his flat screen TV as he recuperated. But he had to admit he did actually enjoy the family outing.
It wasn't until his eyes laid on his wife and kids in person that Roman realized how homesick he had truly been. Alyssa seemed to be even more gorgeous than he remembered and the Samoan couldn't wait for them to be alone so he could show her how much he missed her. From the moment the twins first saw their father, they had been extremely hyper and happy, excited that he was finally home. Although they were mama's boys and loved spending time with Alyssa, they truly hated whenever Roman left for extended periods of time. While Roman was exhausted from the tour, he wouldn't deny them any of his time and he couldn't wait to have a long overdue session of father & son bonding. Isaiah and Ethan had grown so much since he last saw them and were even starting to speak to him in baby babble as if he could understand what they were saying. Seeing them react so happily to seeing him made Roman's heart swell with love and joy at the fact that he was home with the ones he loved most.
Roman walked out the dressing room, his gaze immediately landing on Alyssa. She waited for him next to the register as promised, crouched down next to the stroller as she animatedly spoke to the twins. She pointed to the colorful fish in the fish tank next to the counter, smiling as she tickled Ethan making the baby giggle. A genuine grin appeared on Roman's lips at the sight. Throughout the past year, Alyssa had quickly transformed into the kind of mother Roman always knew she could be: kind, loving, caring, and always putting the boys needs above her own. It was at that moment when Roman was reminded how truly lucky he was to have Alyssa right by his side in raising their sons.
"You three ready to get outta here?" Roman asked as he approached his family.
Alyssa stood to her feet and nodded, leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on Roman's lips. "Yeah we're ready. I took the liberty to grab the jeans for you."
"In other words, you were making sure I didn't leave the store without buying them?" Roman asked as he pulled out his wallet.
"You damn right."
The wrestler chuckled as the cashier swiped his credit card. He glanced at Alyssa out the corner of his eye as she typed away on her phone, a tiny smile on his lips.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Alyssa asked, her gaze remaining on the phone screen.
"Just thinking how amazing you are. How happy you make me," Roman replied with a sheepish grin. He leaned closer to Alyssa's ear. "And how much I'm looking forward to paying you back when we're alone later. You know how Daddy feels about that teasing shit."
Alyssa fought to hide the smile on her lips as Roman slipped his hand underneath her cropped t-shirt and rubbed her stomach. She forcefully removed his hand and flashed the sales girl a polite smile before turning to face her husband.
"What I tell you about being a perv in front of the boys?"
"Not my fault I can't keep my hands off your sexy ass sweetheart." Roman's arm wrapped around Alyssa's waist as they exited the store while she pushed the stroller, his free hand carrying the bag that held his new jeans. "I missed y'all."
Alyssa's cheeks turned a rosy color as butterflies ran rampant in her stomach. "We missed you too Ro. But at least we got the rest of the weekend to spend together and relax. We haven't had that much time in so long."
Roman nodded as he guided Alyssa towards his truck, his fingers absentmindedly caressing her hip. "That gives us enough time for ourselves and to start planning the boys birthday party."
A slight frown appeared on the mother's face as she exhaled. "I can't believe my babies are turning one. They're growing up too damn fast."
Roman chuckled before he bent down and unbuckled Ethan from the stroller while Alyssa did the same with Isaiah. Once they fastened the twins in their car seats and Roman placed the stroller in the trunk along with the bags they accumulated on their shopping trip, the couple climbed in the front of the truck and Roman pulled out the parking lot.
"Baby girl they can't stay babies forever you know."
"But why not?" Alyssa whined making Roman laugh again. "This isn't funny handsome! Before you know it they're gonna be walking and talking. Then it'll be time for school. Then they'll have their first crush on some undeserving skeezer. And then they'll be married!"
"I think you skipped quite a few steps," Roman said.
"I just wish I could pause time. I don't want to miss anything."
Roman laced his fingers with Alyssa's and raised her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles before squeezing. "Babe you're not gonna miss anything so don't worry. I can't believe they're turning one already either but it's happening. And we wanna make sure Ethan and Isaiah have a great first birthday don't we?"
"I guess," Alyssa mumbled.
The car arrived at a stop light. Without another thought, Roman leaned over the middle console and placed a soft kiss on Alyssa. Her free hand rested along his jaw as she savored the sensation of Roman's lips on hers, a feeling she hadn't experienced in weeks. Before she could truly enjoy the kiss, Roman pulled away and smirked before driving off when the light turned green.
"You're cute when you get all mushy like a Mama," Roman told his wife making her roll her eyes and playfully push him in the shoulder. He snickered. "Do me a favor and grab my car charger from the glove compartment will ya?"
Alyssa leaned forward and opened the compartment to grab the item. Her eyebrow rose inquisitively when she saw the black and white Sephora bag sitting inside. She turned to face Roman, eyeing him suspiciously. "What is this?"
"Just something I picked up when you went to change the boys earlier." Roman grinned.
Alyssa shook her head. "Ro I told you this shopping trip was just for you and the boys."
"I know. But I felt like getting you something. A token of my appreciation if you will. Go ahead and open it."
Deciding not to argue any further, Alyssa opened the bag and squealed happily when she saw what was inside before pulling the present out. "Now what do you know about Gucci perfume Roman?"
"I know you've been having your eye on it for a while so I decided to get it for you. And before you ask, no I'm not gonna tell you how I found out. Just know I have my sources."
"So in other words, Alex, Alani, or Naomi told you," Alyssa said, giggling when Roman smacked his lips. "This perfume is like $80. You didn't have to buy me this."
"$80 is hardly enough for me to show you how grateful I am to you and how much I love you Alyssa. You've done such a great job raising the boys while I'm on the road and I know it's not easy doing that by yourself. Hell I've seen how hard it was for my Mom. But you're handling it with such grace and I'm so fuckin proud of you. So take the perfume. It's the least I can do to thank you."
Alyssa lowered her head as she felt tears prick the corners of her eyes and blinked rapidly to stop them from falling. She shook her head. "Don't you know by now you don't have to thank me? I love being your wife and Zay and Ethan's mama. Nothing else matters to me Ro. You three are my life."
She raised her head and stared into the rearview mirror, smiling when she saw Ethan and Isaiah asleep, their heads tilted towards one another's. Her attention landed returned to Roman and she reached over, brushing a piece of his hair away from his face before pecking the side of his face lightly. "But thank you for the perfume. Now I gotta think of a way to properly show my gratitude," Alyssa said.
"I'm sure you'll think of something baby girl."
Alyssa smirked as she reached inside her purse, pulling out a tiny bag. "Well I definitely think I can incorporate this item I picked up from Victoria's Secret when you and the boys stepped to the food court into my plans."
Roman cleared his throat, a sneaky grin crawling onto his face. It was definitely good to be home.
Chocolate brown orbs widened in shock. "You can't be serious."
"Are you judging me Rollins?"
"You're damn right I am. Your tastes are questionable at best sweet cheeks."
Seth laughed as Alani gasped in reply and pushed him in the back making him slightly stumble. "My tastes made me choose to be with you ass wipe. So I guess you're saying that decision was questionable as well?"
Before Seth could answer, the light turned green prompting him and Alani to resume their run. Two weeks after both admitted their feelings to one another, the former adversaries had begun to spend more time with one another off camera. From working out together a few times while on the road to constantly talking and texting each other like they were high schoolers with a case of puppy love, Seth and Alani were beginning to learn more about the other. Although they hadn't been on an official first date, they were enjoying the time they spent together.
"Ok that's the lone exception. But for the most part your tastes are a little suspect. How can you say with a straight face that One Tree Hill is your favorite television show of all time? How old are you, 15?"
"It's a great show! It's like the greatest modern day love story and teaches you about important life lessons Seth. One day we should watch it together so you can experience the greatness."
"I rather pour bleach into my eyes," Seth replied, his voice lacking enthusiasm.
Alani rolled her eyes as the duo arrived at a small park. Since it was the middle of a week day, it wasn't crowded at all which was the perfect space for them to take a quick break without being harassed by fans. Alani plopped down on a park bench and grabbed a mini bottle of water Seth handed her. Her eyes roamed over Seth's sweat drenched muscular frame. The tank top he wore stuck to his body, showing off his impeccable chest. He wore shorts that revealed his limbs which were defined as well and made Alani guzzle her water more rapidly. Seth's body was amazing and a true testament of all the hard work he did in the gym.
The sound of Seth clearing his throat made Alani's eyes quickly meet his, an embarrassed blush creeping onto her face. "My eyes are up here sweet cheeks," the dual colored haired man said with a smirk.
"That's rich coming from the man who salivated over me like a rabid dog the first day he met me."
Seth chuckled as he sat next to Alani. "Well can you blame me? Your body is amazing Lani. I was just admiring a masterpiece."
"Your cheesy ass pick up lines will not detract me from the fact that you just dissed my favorite TV show," Alani told Seth as she folded her arms.
Smirking, Seth inched closer to Alani, unwrapping her arms so he could get as close as possible. He grasped her chin with his thumb and index finger, holding her head in place. "I can think of a few other ways to make you forgive me."
"Oh yeah? And what would those ways be?"
Without uttering a word, Seth brushed his lips against Alani's making her sigh happily. Her right arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer and not caring about how sweaty the two of them were from their run. Seth's hand rested on the small of her back as he nibbled at Alani's bottom lip, forcing the seam to break apart so he could ease his tongue inside her mouth. She shivered against his body once their tongues touched, an intense electric current zipping through her body. Seth's heart rattled against her sternum and he felt a familiar strain against the fabric of his shorts which promptly made him break the kiss.
"Forgive me yet?" Seth asked, a smug expression on his countenance.
Alani nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders as she tossed her legs across Seth's lap. "Maybe. But if you really wanna get back on my good side you would massage my calves."
Seth chuckled as his hands began to knead Alani's calves, his calloused fingertips the perfect contrast against her smooth legs. His eyes ventured towards her, drinking in her appearance. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail that had became slightly frizzy during their run. Her face was devoid of any makeup and her body was cloaked in a pair of form fitting spandex shorts and a loose fitting cropped workout shirt. Seth still found Alani beautiful and had to fight the urge of kissing her senseless in public.
"So I've been thinking."
Alani's head snapped up at the sound of Seth's voice. "That's never a good thing," she teased making the man scowl. She laughed. "What's up Rollins?"
"I owe you an apology Lani."
"An apology? For what?"
Seth mindlessly ran his fingers along Alani's legs as he thought about something that had been plaguing his mind since everything changed between him and Alani. "The night we kissed in front of the hotel, I said some things I shouldn't have. I implied that you were reason your luck with men was horrible and that was a cheap shot by me. It's not your fault the men you've come across have been jackasses and didn't know how to treat a wonderful woman like yourself. I'm sorry for taking it too far."
A tiny smile appeared on Alani's lips as she felt her stomach tremble with butterflies. Their hands inched closer to one another's, their fingers lacing together for the first time. Chocolate brown eyes locked with honey brown irises and the electricity between the two crackled like a flame.
"Thank you for your apology. Although it's unnecessary because as much as it pissed me off, it was the truth."
"Ala-"
The backstage interviewer held up her free hand and shook her head, silently asking Seth to let her finish speaking. "I remember I read an article in this magazine a few years back which stated what you told me that night. If I continued to run across no good man after no good man then I should take a look at myself to see why I gravitated towards them. For the longest time Seth, I sold myself short. I accepted anything from a man simply because I yearned for his attention. I was afraid if I stood up for myself and demanded to be treated the way I knew I deserved, I would scare men away and end up being alone. That's why for years, I tried to convince myself that I was fine agreeing to whatever arrangement a man wanted even if it was a friends with benefits situation. I thought I could shut off my emotions like men could and just go with the flow. But time and time again, my emotions appeared like an unwanted visitor and I ended up feeling things for somebody that didn't feel the same way about me."
Alani paused as she felt tears burning her eyes. She brushed them away as they fell and exhaled. "I look back on how I used to be, the things I used to allow from men, and I get pissed at myself. Because I'm not dumb Seth. I'm college educated and my parents raised me to know better. Yet I was so desperate for companionship, I let men treat me anyway they wanted. And that was gonna continue if it wasn't for you."
"Me?" Seth raised his eyebrow. "How do you figure that?"
"You started opening my eyes to the fact I deserved better. It's one thing for me to tell myself that. But when somebody else, that barely knows me, tells me the same thing, it's eye opening. Despite our rough beginning, you showed me how a woman should be treated simply by sticking up for me with Orton, being there when I wanted to vent, dragging me out to enjoy life. I never thought we would be in this position Seth. Hell I even declared to Alyssa and Lex at the Rumble we would be enemies for life. But as I sit here, I can honestly say I'm glad I was wrong. And I can't wait to see what develops between us."
Seth sheepishly grinned as he gently moved Alani's legs off his lap and stood, pulling her up to her feet a few seconds later. Not caring who was around, Seth dipped his head and kissed her, his arm snaking around her waist and holding her steady. Alani gasped at the move, her hand invading his tousled locks, nails scratching his scalp. Seth growled as he felt his eyes roll in the back of his head. The cold moisture of the water she drank earlier coated her plump lips, mixing with the warm sweat droplets from his mouth. His tongue wrapped around hers and she whimpered happily.
Before that night in Paris, Seth hadn't kissed a woman since his last girlfriend. He considered it an intimate act that he didn't want to engage in with every woman he came across. But with Alani it simply felt right. From the way their lips molded into one to the way she allowed him to take control to the way her heart pounded against his chest when they kissed, Seth simply couldn't get enough and he could've kicked himself for waiting so long to do this with the curvaceous woman.
Alani was the first to pull away. She buried her face into Seth's chest, giggling into the fabric of his tank top. "We're acting like high schoolers with this constant making out," she said.
Seth chuckled and placed a kiss in her hair, inhaling the sweet smell of flowers and honey. "Can't help it sweet cheeks. I like kissing you."
Alani tilted her head up so she could look into Seth's face. "I do too. But I don't think everybody else enjoys it as much as we do."
Seth glanced around the park, smirking at the disapproving glares from a group of elderly women sitting on a nearby park bench. He reluctantly unwrapped his arm from Alani's waist but still held her hand. "You ready to go?" he asked.
Alani nodded her head. "Yeah but let's walk instead so I can explain to you why you should give One Tree Hill a chance and why it's the best decision you could make. Well second best behind deciding to date me," she said, laughing as Seth groaned in protest.
The mastermind rolled their eyes as they scrolled through the different pictures on Instagram. The smiling faces of the raven haired adonis and his wife taunted them, making the anger inside of them overflow.
They never had been a patient person and was quite sure they never would be. They were starting to grow anxious and antsy, wanting their plan to be put into motion and succeed.
The evil doer's attention landed on a video which they quickly pressed play on. Their hand gripped the phone tightly as they watched the wife serenade the man as Beyonce's Love on Top played while they rode in a truck. Their sons slept in the back oblivious to the mini concert happening in the front seat. The pure look of elation on both of their faces, despite the fact the woman couldn't hold a note to save her life, exacerbated the mastermind's ire making them see red.
"FUCK!" They hurled their phone across the room into their mirror. The mirror shattered as the phone fell to the floor, the screen cracked as well.
"Enjoy your happiness now Roman and Alyssa. Because it won't last much longer."
"Now this is the life."
Naomi glanced towards her best friend and shook her head as she watched Alyssa sink into the vibrating plush leather seat. The mother took a sip of her mimosa and released a content sigh as the nail technician worked on her feet, making her eyes flutter close.
"I never seen somebody enjoy a pedicure like you are right now," Naomi commented with a giggle.
"After being home alone with Zay and Ethan for a full two weeks while Ro was on the international tour, this feels like a five star vacation."
"Speaking of, how are my God babies? I gotta stop by and see them before I head back on the road."
"They're a handful," Alyssa replied with a laugh. She smiled appreciatively as somebody came by and filled her glass with more of her drink before turning to face Naomi who sat in the chair next to her. "Ethan is starting to become more adventurous and wants to do explore, not caring how dangerous it is. Meanwhile Zay just wants to rub food all in Roman's hair and be babied. He has no interest in that extra shit."
"Well I know Roman has a lot to handle being alone with the boys."
"Girl tell me about it. Ever since he came home, it's like they forgot about little ol me and clamor for him to do everything. But you know my husband. That type of thing makes him giddy although he tries to act tough. So no matter how tired he is, he'll always comply," Alyssa explained. "I just hope when I get back home they haven't ripped all his hair out his scalp or turned the house upside down."
"So have you decided what you're doing for their birthday yet?" Naomi asked.
"Well as of now, the plan is to combine their birthday celebration with Roman's because to be quite honest, there's no need to go all out for their first birthday since they won't remember it. So I was thinking a low key barbecue at the house and invite Ro's family and our friends. It's been a while since we've all gotten together so it'll be nice to catch up with everyone."
"Does that everyone include Cameron?"
Before she could stop herself, Alyssa smacked her lips at the mention of her estranged friend and shrugged. "I guess I could be nice and invite her Nae. Wonder if she'll have time to step away from her oh so busy life to come see her God sons."
"Have you spoken to her since the whole Alex/Finn/Dean debacle?"
"Not really. I've been keeping my distance because I didn't feel like dealing with her and her foolishness after that shit. I still need time to cool down so I won't snap at her again. Have you spoken to her?"
"A little here and there. I guess she feels some type of way because I'm cool with Alani and she for some unknown reason doesn't like her. She mostly hangs out with Alicia now."
Alyssa rolled her eyes as the door chimes to the nail salon rang. She glanced up and smiled when she saw Alani enter, Alexandria following close behind. Once the interviewer spotted the two women, she grinned and lead Alexandria towards the row of pedicure chairs.
"Sorry we're late. Somebody was trying to get out of coming but I had to let her know we weren't taking no for a damn answer," Alani informed the two ladies as she gestured to the Georgia native with her thumb.
Alexandria waved Alani off as she perused the polish rack for a color. Alyssa touched her wrist making the younger woman turn and face her.
"You cool?" Alyssa asked.
Alexandria shrugged, mustering up a tiny smile. "Better than I was. Sorry I disappeared like that and didn't call or text you. I just..I just had to get away for a minute you know?"
Alyssa nodded as Alexandria sat in the chair next to her, submerging her feet in the water. "I know how it is. I was worried but you're grown Lex. You don't have to tell any of us your every move. Was the time away helpful?"
Thinking back to her discussion with her mother and her subsequent visit with Dean in Paris, Alexandria nodded. "It was. I decided to work things out with Dean."
"Are you sure you can handle that?" Naomi questioned. "I'm married to a man who has kids with somebody else. It's not the easiest thing in the world to coexist with the mother."
"I'm not sure if we'll ever be able to truly repair our relationship but I wanna give it a shot. I love Dean too much to let him go, especially after everything we've been through just to be together."
Alyssa grabbed her cousin's hand and squeezed tightly, flashing her an understanding smile. "Like I said, you're grown. So whatever you do decide to do Lex, I support it if you're happy. But anytime you need to vent, call me. You got that? No more of this disappearing shit."
Alexandria chuckled as her mind wandered to how much Alyssa had changed within the past year. During this time last year, Alyssa was demanding she end things with Dean because of him backstabbing Roman. But this time around, she was stepping back and allowing Alexandria to make her own choices, a move she greatly appreciated.
"I'll keep that in mind Mom," Alexandria joked making Alyssa push her in the shoulder playfully.
"You know what we need? A night on the town, a chance to let loose. It's been far too long," Alyssa declared as she wiggled in her seat.
"Can't we just have ladies night at your place with wine and fatty foods? You know I hate nightclubs," Alexandria groaned.
"Lex, I spend 90% of my time at home. And I love being with my boys, but Mama gotta get her groove on and shake her ass for her man. It's been way too long since we've partied together. And it just so happens there is a special occasion coming up that needs to be celebrated."
"And what would that be?" Naomi raised a brow.
Alyssa turned to her right, her gaze landing on Alani who sat on the other side of Naomi completely oblivious to the conversation occurring as she typed away on her phone. Feeling eyes on her, Alani glanced up from her phone to see her friends staring at her. "What?"
"Ladies it has come to my attention that a certain backstage interviewer's birthday is coming up in two weeks," Alyssa stated with a knowing smirk.
"Wait, how did you know my birthday is coming up?"
"I have my ways. But that's besides the point. Girl we gotta go out and celebrate!"
Alani chuckled nervously and shook her head. "I rather not. I don't really celebrate birthdays. Not only that but my birthday is on a Monday and we have Raw. Too much going on."
"Hell everybody on the roster goes out after a taping. That's nothing new," Naomi told Alani.
"I don't even like people. Who would I invite? Y'all and y'all men?"
"Don't forget about your man either Lani," Alexandria said, a sly smirk spreading across her lips.
Alani nearly choked on her drink at the comment while Naomi and Alyssa laughed an high fived Alexandria. "Excuse me, my what? I don't have a man."
"Girl you can't fool us. Ro told me all about you eyeballing Seth at the signing in Paris. You two may not have admitted it but there is definitely something going on between y'all. Something definitely happened on that tour that you're hiding from us."
"I don't know what you three are talking about. Y'all making a big deal out of nothing."
"Are we Alani? Because you haven't put that phone down since you picked me up. Been giggling and smiling which is a dead ass giveaway," Alexandria added, folding her arms. "So are you gonna stop pretending or finally tell us the truth?"
Alani exhaled and raked a hand through her hair nervously, thoughts of the past few weeks with Seth running through her mind. Neither of them had informed their friends about the newest development, both deciding to keep it to themselves for the time being. But if Alani knew her friends, they wouldn't drop the issue until she shared some type of information with them.
"Fine. But you have to promise not to make a scene," Alani told them with an accusatory finger pointed in their direction.
"Deal."
"You got it."
"I'm not making any promises."
Alani smacked her lips as Alyssa shrugged, sipping her mimosa. The interviewer fidgeted with the full finger ring on her index finger as she licked her dry lips. "We kissed."
Alyssa, Alexandria, and Naomi stared at Alani in silence, digesting the news. Alani sighed and tossed her hands in the air. "Fine y'all can make a damn scene."
"IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!" the three women exclaimed in unison before bursting into a fit of giggles. Alani rolled her eyes as other customers turned to stare at them.
"You three act like we been avoiding admitting how we feel for years."
"It felt like decades," Alyssa replied, Naomi and Alexandria nodding their heads in agreement. "Do you know how insufferable you two were being? Acting as if y'all weren't attracted to one another but still making goo goo eyes at each other?"
"We did not make goo goo eyes!"
"Heffa please. You always had a glimmer in your eye whenever you saw him and he acted like some teenaged boy whenever you came around. It was all out in the open for everybody to see. But you and Seth just ignored it," Naomi said.
"But all that matters is that you've embraced it. Now give us details! I need to know how this all went down," Alexandria instructed.
Knowing they wouldn't take no for an answer, Alani began to describe the night she couldn't stop thinking about in great detail. Everything from the argument that lead to the kiss, the multiple make out sessions that followed, the moment behind the Paris bar, and ending with their jog in the park the previous day. Once she finished, the other women squealed happily, clapping their hands.
"That sounds so romantic!" Alexandria gushed, making Alani blush in response. "Never thought I would see the day Seth finally grew a pair and kissed you."
"So what's the next step with you two?"
"I honestly don't know. The Samoan Dr. Phil aka Roman told me to just enjoy it and not try to over think things so that's what I'm doing. We just like spending time together and getting to know each other. Seth isn't as bad as I originally thought. Don't get me wrong he can be a cocky asshole at times. But he's attentive, sweet, and endearing. And he's a great fuckin kisser." Alani lowered her head and chuckled, simply in awe at how sappy she sounded at that particular moment.
"Well I for one am happy you finally took this leap with Seth, Lani. I told you he's a good guy and I'm glad you are finally making an effort to see that for yourself. You deserve to be treated like a queen and I'm positive he'll do that," Alyssa told her friend with a smile. "And I think the best way to start off this brand new experience is to invite him to the party!"
Alani groaned and palmed her face with her hand. "I don't even know if Seth likes going to nightclubs."
"Lani, if you're there, he'll be there no questions asked. Like he's gonna miss out on the opportunity to see you shake your ass in person," Alexandria scoffed making the group of women chuckle.
"Y'all not gonna drop this shit are y'all?"
"I mean we could. But then that would give us more opportunities to tease you about Seth," Alyssa informed her with a sneaky grin. "Alani and Seth sitting in a tree-"
"Ok!" Alani held up her hands, promptly stopping Alyssa's song."You three heffas are irritating."
"Now we gotta find you a freakum dress that'll drive Rollins insane once he sees you in it. I'll leave the task of inviting him up to you. I'm sure he'll love to receive the in person invitation," Alyssa stated as she pulled out her iPad to search for the perfect outfit.
Alani exhaled as she slumped in her seat, gulping her mimosa at once to calm her nerves. She had a feeling this would be a birthday she would remember for years to come.
A/N: Everybody seems so happy don't they? Just remember there's always a hater lurking to fuck shit up. Reviews would greatly be appreciated. See y'all next week :-)