Chapter 36

(Warning: Sexual Content, Language, and Sensitive Situations)

"I don't know why they scheduled Wyatt's and Shield for Main Event" I mumbled as I slid the Diva's title onto the large equipment case in one of the back hallways by where medical was set up. Seth continued to wipe his face with a towel and then he downed some more of his water.

"We're not back until the end of Smackdown, maybe they thought it would bring more people to watch the show or something" He said and then started to unbuckle some of the straps on his Shield vest. "Think he's alright in there?" He asked me

"You're asking me?" I asked with a quick laugh "He just needs to stretch before going out there, all he does is those pushups" He nodded as the door opened and Peaches had a hand on Dean's shoulder as he walked him out.

"I'm serious, start doing it or you're going to have more issues than just your ribs…" he said to Dean and he just nodded away as if he was listening. "Oh Abby, awesome that you're here I need to talk to you" I smiled at him and nodded.

"Need me to wait?" Dean asked and I shook my head and kissed his warm cheek.

"No you go ahead, meet in catering?" He nodded as Seth helped him walk off. His rips were really bothering him after that match, he did take most of the in-ring time because he wasn't going to be in the dark match but still… I didn't like to see him hurting. "So what's going on?" I asked him as we walked into his make-shift office for the night.

"You were supposed to get those physical papers into me last week, I know I signed off for you to compete because I can see that you're in good health but I still need those papers"

"And I'm going to get them to you; I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow…" He narrowed his eyes at me briefly "He was booked up with actual wrestlers that were competing, if I had known I was going to be the Diva's champion so soon then I would have put more of an effort into seeing him" He nodded as he took out a few papers from his messenger bag and handed them to me.

"Have your doctor sign these alright? I'm serious this time, it's bad enough these were supposed to be competed last week" I nodded

"I've got it, thank you for telling management that I was cleared"

"No problem Abs… how are you dealing with the news?" I shrugged and glanced down at the papers

"Had a moment but I'm okay now, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it but I guess that's life, people die" He put his hand down on my shoulder and I fought the urge to flinch at his touch.

"It was sudden, you know I can always talk to Stephanie so you can take a week off, not do the house shows"

"No, that would be the worst; don't do that please. I'm dealing with it, it's still fresh but by Thursday I'll be okay. I have tomorrow, I'll grief and then it's back to work"

"Like last time… If you need anything…"

"I know Peaches" I smiled and he grinned at the nickname "Can I go now? I'm starving"

"Go ahead; remember I want those on Friday" He called as I left his office

"Yeah, yeah" I waved the papers and made my way down to the locker room and dropped my title and the papers off into the locker before heading to catering.

I got some interesting looks from various people once I entered the room where everyone was either eating, talking, or just standing around with nothing to do. I was the topic of everyone's whispering discussions though, it was clear to see on people's faces. Maybe a night out wouldn't be a bad idea after all. I went over to the tables full of food and loaded up a plate before walking over to the table my boyfriend and friends were at.

"Hey, are you good?" Dean asked as I sat down next to him and I nodded over at him.

"Yeah, just a friendly reminder that I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow" I bit into a M&M cookie and Seth grinned after looking over my plate full of junk and sweet deserts.

"That's all going to your ass"

"I'll do extra squats" I mumbled "Plus, there's only one person who needs to worry about my ass and he's not you." Dean smirked as he stayed out of the conversation, sipping on water and eating his ribs that catering brought in today.

I grabbed the brownie on my plate and started to eat that next, Dean even took a cookie from my plate and I was happy to share. "Hey how is your side doing?" I asked him

"Sore and don't even say it because I already know, I have to stretch more" I nodded with a smile and pressed my hand gently to his hurting side and his eyes winced a bit. All of a sudden I heard my theme music and I raised my eyebrow as Seth fished his phone from his pocket.

"Did you make my entrance music your ringtone?" I asked with a laugh and he shrugged

"What? It's a good song…" He said as he answered the call and stood up.

"I should watch Paige's match" I mumbled as I turned around in my seat and leaned my back against the table with the plate in my lap "You hear that she's going to be the number one contender?" I asked him as he turned around as well to watch along with me.

"That's interesting, you two good with that?"

"Why wouldn't we? We have amazing chemistry in the ring, and she knows she's not winning the title" He nodded and slid his hand onto my thigh and squeezed it gently and I put my hand down on his and looked at him.

"Are you alright for tonight?" He asked and I nodded

"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked him "I'm trying not to think about it."

"You'll have to eventually" I nodded and leaned my head against his shoulder and bit into another cookie with a growl "And you can't take it out on cookies"

"Why not? They taste delicious" I ate the cookie in three bites and reached around to grab my water to wash it down. Dean's hand squeezed a bit tighter on my thigh and I glanced at him quickly and then over to where his eyes were. "Don't think about it" I whispered and turned my body more into his side.

"Why's he still here?"

"Everyone is, it's still WrestleMania week for the NXT crew too" I mumbled and watched Baron Corbin walk over to the catering table and grab a plate with Alexa Bliss; rumors around work was that they were dating. I just hoped he treated her right because she was so small and innocent looking.

"That agreement say anything about me killing him?" Dean grunted out

"No but the law says that you can't kill someone, so please stop; forget him" I wrapped my arm over his stomach and cuddled into his side and kept my eyes on the television across from us on the wall that was showing Paige coming out to the ring to face off against Alicia Fox.

"One of these days he's going to get his" He whispered as his arm slung up onto my shoulder so we were both more comfortable.

My phone started to buzz on the table and I took in a deep breath before grabbing it "What did you do to your phone?" Dean asked once he saw how cracked the screen was.

"Dropped it" I mumbled as I read over the name on the text I just received 'Chase'. Smiling a bit, it read 'Still living in Tampa?' With a raised eyebrow I texted him back quickly the words 'yes, why?'

"Chase?" Dean asked "Should I be worried?"

"Chase Rice, you met him when we were in Nashville" He nodded while my phone buzzed again 'keep you posted :)'

"What's he want?" Dean asked as I put my phone back on the table behind us as Paige got the win on the television.

"He had a quick question, oh good she won" I smiled and cuddled back into his side. I was trying to distract myself from the thoughts consuming my mind while distracting Dean from getting up to go after Baron, who decided that eating two tables away from us was a smart idea.

"Need me to go with you tomorrow?" Dean asked me hours later after getting back to the hotel to change and shower.

"No, I think I'll be okay…" I mumbled while zipping up my jeans and sat back down on the edge of our bed.

"You positive because I'd rather book a flight now than wait until-"

"I'm positive" I cut him off "I have a busy schedule tomorrow. Doctor appointment is at one, going to hit the gym and then out to look for a dress for the wedding… I'll call Dana tomorrow night to see if she needs any help too" He looked me over briefly as I spoke and then looked away before I could catch his concerned eyes.

"Still staying at mine that week?" I nodded with a small smile as I watched him pull on a dark blue button down over his black tank. I bit down on my bottom lip and shook my head while slipping my feet into my converses. There was knocking on our door minutes later and then more knocking when we didn't get up fast enough to unlock it.

'Just heard about Warrior, R U okay?' I read the text on my phone from AJ and took in a quick breath before replying to her.

'Dealing, call U tomorrow' I shut my phone off then and tossed it to the side.

"Maybe I can swing by Verizon and get a new phone tomorrow while I'm out" I called as Dean opened up the door and there was Paige, Summer, and Brie which was strange to see her because I didn't think she was at SmackDown.

"Come on slow pokes, we're ready to party" Summer said as I was tossed my leather jacket from Dean and I slid my arms through the holes and zipped it half way up. Once leaving the hotel room, I noticed it wasn't just the three girls that were waiting on us. Seth, Roman, Bryan, and Cesaro were waiting as well. Dean fell in step with the guys as Paige and Brie linked arms with me.

"We're going to push all of the negative thoughts aside tonight, got it? We can deal with all the shit tomorrow" I nodded at Paige's words

Once we stepped outside we unlinked arms and I raised my eyebrow at the camera man following us around. Of course Brie would have Total Diva's filming tonight; it would only make sense because it was near their wedding time.

"So I'm sure you heard that Dean wanted to throw Bryan a Bachelor party" Brie said as we sat down at the bar.

"He mentioned something yeah"

"So you know that's totally not happening, right?"

"What? A guy's night out doesn't sound so bad" I mumbled while taking a swing of my beer

"A guy's night out? Oh no it's not that innocent, he suggested going to a strip club in Vegas" I choked on my drink and Brie patted my back gently "You okay?" I nodded and swallowed hard and then cleared my throat.

"Did you just say Dean suggested going to a strip club for the Bachelor party?" Brie nodded and I turned my gaze over to Dean who was talking to Bryan across the bar while watching a hockey game on the many televisions. "I'm going to kill him" I muttered

"Don't be too hard on him; I honestly thought you knew about it…" Brie said and I shook my head "But anyways, you're still invited to the Bachelorette party Thursday"

"Dean and I have a con thing to go to that morning, we're actually scheduled for one every Thursday until May but we're definitely going to be at the wedding" Brie smiled wide and then rolled her eyes once we both heard Summer calling for shots.

"Why was she invited again?" Brie asked

"Down girl" I mumbled and patted her hand as I slid from my barstool and glanced at Summer who I had no problems with but the red head, I did have a problem with her.

"Where are you going, come take a shot!" Summer said as I passed by her to head to the ladies room.

"Bathroom really quick, we'll take a shot after?" She nodded and I caught eyes with Eva quickly before making my way down the small hallway and slipped into the quiet bathroom. The loud music from the jukebox was muffled in here and I could think.

I put my hands down on the counter and looked at myself in the mirror before turning the faucet on and put some cold water on my face and dried it off with the paper towels. Shaking my head, I looked up at the ceiling and glanced at the door. If I was in here for longer than normal someone would come check on me and that's the last thing I wanted.

"Here champ!" Summer said as she handed me a clear liquid shot glass once I joined the party once again. I didn't bother asking what it was; I shot it back and winced as the burn of the tequila slid down my throat. "Another, another" Summer handed me another tequila shot but before I could down it she stopped me and raised her shot up a bit and got everyone's attention, oh god here comes a toast. "I just want to say a few things, here's a toast to an amazing WrestleMania weekend and here's to Abigail on winning the Diva's championship and to me for taking it away from her soon"

"You wish Blondie" I laughed as Summer winked at me and we all downed our shots.

"Gross" I mumbled and swallowed again. I liked my tequila with a lime and salt, without anything it was so bitter and strong that it made my stomach turn. An arm wrapped around my waist and Dean's face nuzzled into the side of my neck as he kissed the sensitive skin below my ear. "Hey" I mumbled and ran my fingers over his arms.

"Sum, Eva… mind if I steal her away?"

"Go right ahead" Eva said with a clip in her tone and I raised an eyebrow and kept my eyes on the dyed clown red head.

"How's your husband doing Eva?" Dean asked and I couldn't help but let out a small laugh and then Dean was pulling me away with Eva rolling her eyes and trying not to act like it affect her.

Dean pulled me over to the side of the bar where he was sitting with Bryan and the guys and I was a little confused but was happy I didn't need to hear another woman's voice talking about unneeded drama. "Round of Washington apples, Bob" Dean said as he put his hands down on the counter top and then turned to me once I sat up in his seat.

"So Bryan, why didn't you take Dean up on his offer?" I asked and he turned to look at me.

"What offer?" Bryan asked

"The bachelor party in Vegas, I know Brie didn't want it but I'm sure you would have enjoyed yourself" I glanced at Dean then and he was shaking his head as he looked over at Brie. Apparently I wasn't supposed to know this information.

"Uh… it wasn't for me I guess?" He said with confusion in his tone, he didn't know what to say to me about it.

"I'm in trouble aren't I toots?" Dean asked and I looked at him and nodded without saying a word. "Well while you're mad at me, mind taking a shot?" He asked and I accepted the light red liquid shot glass and downed it quickly. Dean's hands found the outer part of my thighs and he pressed his lips against my ear "I love you."

"That's…" I sighed deeply and closed my eyes. The way he said those words it was like nothing else mattered. "I love you too" I whispered back and he brought his face in front of mine and pecked my lips gently before he straightened up and grabbed his beer from the counter and then he handed me one as well. Taking a small sib, I looked at him and took in a deep breath. Things had shifted between us today. Whether it was because of what he learned about me Sunday night or it was what had happened today with my breakdown in the bathroom… but this shift it wasn't a nice feeling. Maybe it was just in my head… because none of my relationships were this easy ever.

"Come dance!" Paige said as she grabbed my hand and I laughed and slid my beer onto the counter and let her pull me with her as Katy Perry's Dark horse played through the speakers. "Are you okay?" She asked halfway through the song and I nodded and twirled her around.

"A little birdy told me that you have a date with Seth tomorrow" I said against her ear

"What! I'm going to kill Emma" She said and I laughed

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want it to be weird… I mean you dated him and stuff"

"We dated a long time ago, we're friends now and I'm the one who was pushing you together so…"

"We kissed, actually sort of made out for a few hours Saturday night but it was totally innocent and I do like him" I clapped and wrapped her in my arms as she laughed

"I'm so happy for you guys, seriously Paige" She smiled wide and I let her go "Come on let's do a shot" I grabbed her hand and walked up to the bar and ordered two tequila shots but this time with limes and salt. "To new beginnings and our amazing feud coming up" I said as we tapped glasses and licked the salt and then downed the shot and sucked on the lime quickly.

"We're going to bring the house down" I grinned

"You bet your ass we are, maybe we'll be lucky enough for a triple threat once AJ is back with us" She nodded, liking that idea a lot.

"Not to interrupt but can I talk to you?" Seth cut in and was looking at Paige and I smiled wide and nodded, practically pushing Paige to go with him. I ran my fingers back through my hair and shook my head lightly because the alcohol was really catching up to me, that HAD to be my last shot if I was going to get up early tomorrow for my plane.

So I walked back over to the guys and saw that Dean was now back in the seat and I grabbed my beer from the counter and gulped some down before putting my hand down on Dean's thigh. I raked my fingers back through the hair on the back of my head gently and pressed my lips against his cheek softly as I heard Roman chuckle. "Looks like someone is in a tequila haze" Roman said as Dean turned his head to look at me and I smiled at him and took a sip of my beer.

"I might be, I'll get back to you on that in about five minutes when the next shot hits me" I said "Seth stole away my dance partner so I guess you guys are stuck with me" Dean's arm snaked around my lower back as he pulled me between his legs and I enjoyed the simple comfort.

"Guess someone didn't get the memo" Dean sighed in aggravation behind me and I glanced over at the doors as Corey walked into the bar with Baron and Alexa, Corey had another blonde under his arm who I didn't know or care to know. The hand that was resting on my lower back moved around onto my waist to pull me a bit snugger against him and I knew why. He was protecting me but also I was protecting him by standing in front of him so he wouldn't get up and do something to both of the poor excuse for men. I couldn't wait until next week so they wouldn't be around the main roster and I didn't have to watch over my shoulder every second to make sure Baron wasn't there.

"Maybe we should head back to the hotel" I mumbled and sipped down the rest of my beer

"Do you want to leave or leave because they just came in?" Roman asked. Roman and I went through this, I shouldn't be afraid him… but I still was.

Flashes of Baron's cold eyes and his face popped up into my mind of that night and I swallowed hard and looked at Dean "I wanna go, can we go?"

"Yeah, come on" He said as he let me go so he could get out from the bar stool and he slapped down some twenties on the bar's counter top and pushed his wallet into his back pocket and grabbed his jacket as well as mine from the back of his stool.

"Are you really going?" Roman asked and I nodded as I slipped the jacket on.

"We went through this already Abs, you shouldn't leave he should" I shook my head

"No, really its fine that they're here… it's just been a long day and…" I mumbled as I fumbled with my zipper.

"Bullshit" he muttered

"Rome" Dean said "Keep an eye out tomorrow" Roman nodded and patted my boyfriend on the shoulder. There was a silent agreement between the two but I didn't question what it was about.

We hailed a cab rather quickly and his arm stayed around my shoulders as I leaned against his side. "I'm sorry about that… I just don't like being near him especially after Sunday"

"You don't need to apologize Abs, it's probably better we left now before shit hit the fan" I nodded and leaned up and kissed his scruffy jaw and sighed quietly.

I had to get Baron Corbin out of the company somehow because this problem wouldn't just go away. He was a great wrestler and soon enough he would be up on the main roster as well… unless I could get him fired. All he needed was one more strike and he was kicked to the curb. I had to think of something that wouldn't be illegal to do or that could get me fired along in the process. I lived and breathed this career and I'd be damned if he was going to push me away from something I loved so much.