Harper had never laughed so much in her life. Her stomach and sides hurt and it was all because of Janet Edwards. The two women had exchanged numbers at the county fair and a few days later, Janet had reached out and invited Harper to join her for dinner at a local restaurant, just the two of them. Harper had agreed and over steak and wine, the two had gotten to know each other and had hit it off immediately. Janet was only five years older than Harper, both had had similar childhoods and harbored a lot of the same interests. More importantly, Janet had gone through almost an identical and equally difficult recovery process with Jack like Harper had gone through with Matt. It was a shoulder to lean on, someone who understood, someone who had been where she was. But aside from all that, Janet was fun. She was intelligent and quirky and always up for a good time.

It was a quiet and mild night out when Jack and Janet had come over to the cottage to share in the homemade lasagna Harper had cooked. After dinner, it was still early and while skimming through the local paper, the two women discovered there was going to be a poetry night at one of the on campus coffee houses. Janet and Harper had jumped at the chance to go while the two men decided to catch a movie instead. Sitting in a cozy booth, Harper had sipped hot chocolate and closed her eyes, soaking in every poetic word as the writers read their work out loud. Words were so powerful and it touched her to her very soul. After a few hours of gabbing, the two were back in Harper's rental car headed home.

"I've got a text," Janet pulled her phone from her bag and read it as Harper drove. "Looks like our boys went to hang out at one of the bars downtown. It's a little hole in the wall country and western bar."

"My Matt is at a country and western bar?" Harper giggled in disbelief. "If he's line dancing, I have got to get pictures."

"Blame it on my husband. When Jack says he loves all kinds of music, he is literally not joking. One night we're at the symphony, the next we're moshing at a heavy metal concert and yeah, sometimes as mortifying as it is, we're line dancing at the country bar. And don't forget the old school hip hop that blares from our car windows every time we go for a drive. Anyway, they asked if we want to meet up with them there. You game?"

"Sure," Harper shrugged, punching Janet's directions into the GPS system as Janet quickly texted Jack back to let him know they were on their way.

"Awesome. Jack says they are having a great time, by the way."

"I'm so glad. Jack has done wonders for Matt. I'm serious. He's such a good influence and I can speak from experience with you that it really helps to have someone who understands to talk to."

"It's our pleasure, really. I hear Matt is doing excellent in his physical therapy."

"You wouldn't believe it, Jan. Compare it to like two months ago when he first decided to go back and the month before that, his very first day…it's like watching two different people. He has complete normal range of motion with his neck and left arm. All the sensation has returned to his right leg. He is swimming again and his balance has improved tremendously. He is back in the gym doing more cardio and weight training, which he is super excited about. And he barely needs his cane anymore. It's amazing, a real life miracle."

"I'm happy for him. Do you think he'll wrestle again?"

Harper sighed.

"That I can't say. I know it's what he wants. I know that it is his ultimate end goal. He misses it so much. Growing up, it's all he ever wanted. He sacrificed so much to get to the WWE, he worked so hard. If his condition continues to improve, I have a strong feeling that he is going to ask to get cleared. The good thing is, the WWE has already said they will take him back and give him a big push as soon as he is cleared."

"Is that what you want?"

"It doesn't matter what I want. It's his life, his dream. I mean, I want Matt to be happy because he's my friend and he deserves it. He loves what he does and he is great at it but the risk taking and the high flying is a huge part of his act, always has been and probably always will be. Airbourne is his signature move but that's what broke his neck in the first place. Just the thought of him getting back in a ring makes my stomach hurt. I'd be excited for him but at the same time so fearful of him getting hurt again."

"You're a good friend, you know that?" Janet looked over at her.

"So is Matt. We've always been there for each other. I'm just doing what friends do, or at least what they should."

"I know I sound like a broken record and I don't mean to get on your nerves with it but you two are just so perfect for each other," Janet commented.

Harper blushed.

"He's like a brother to me."

"I know and I get it but you two are cute together. Besides, I don't think he will ever find a girl that knows him as well as you do or understands him like you do. He might never find someone so devoted, so loving, so patient and so committed."

"Matt's a great guy. He'll find a good girl one day…"

"I think he already has."

"Jan…"

"When are you going to tell him, Harper? Look, men are oblivious sometimes, most of the time in fact. It's in their bumbling nature, I suppose. As smart as he is, the poor guy is absolutely clueless to how you feel about him and he probably always will be until you get the courage to tell him. I get your fear and hesitation. It is more than understandable but I'm afraid if you don't come clean, you're going to regret it for the rest of your life. Love is a beautiful thing. It's hard work but it is beautiful. Jack is my best friend, he's my teacher, he's my partner in life, my coach, my lover, my soul mate. People rarely find that strong of a connection in others and you and Matt have had that probably since you were six. You have to take a chance, honey. I know risks are scary but it will be worth it in the end. Ask yourself if he's worth it."

Harper took the words all in. Admitting her love for Matt had always been a touchy subject but deep down she knew Janet was right. But just because the words were true, wouldn't make the actions behind them any easier. She wanted to tell Matt but she didn't know how. And being afraid didn't nearly begin to describe how she felt. Just the very thought scared her shitless.

"We're here," she smiled, completely brushing off the situation as she parked the car.

Janet, sensing that she had treaded on sensitive territory, gave her a knowing smile and went along with the change of conversation.

"Alright, chica, grab your cowgirl hat and boots and let's get this joint rocking!"

Hole in the wall was an understatement. The place was small and smoky and smelled like stale beer. An old jukebox sat in the corner and an even older mechanical bull that looked like it was on its last spring, sat opposite of it. The bar was filled with some locals. A couple of old pool tables were set up near a platform that housed the live musical acts. Harper and Janet found Matt and Jack talking over mugs of beer at the end of the bar.

"Well, Matt, I see the best two looking ladies in all of Charlottesville just walked through the door and decided to join us," Jack grinned, kissing his wife and giving Harper a friendly hug.

"Hey guys," Harper approached, tensing a bit when Matt draped an arm around her.

"How's my best girl?" he casually asked.

"Good," she replied awkwardly. "Um, how was the movie?"

"Overhyped and way overrated and so not worth the ten bucks but what else is new? How was poetry night?"

"Amazing," Harper smiled sincerely. "I loved it. We had a good time."

"I'm glad," Jack said. "I missed my babe."

The married couple kissed again and as Matt sipped his beer, Harper nervously shifted her weight. Janet had unknowingly touched a nerve and suddenly Harper felt very shy and ill at ease around the one person in the world she had always been the most comfortable with.

"You want a beer, Harper?" Janet offered, picking up the pitcher.

"Um, I'm gonna drive so just one."

Beer wasn't her normal thing so she knew she'd just end up nursing it all night anyway. She took the icy mug and leaned against the bar, talking with her three friends.

"So who is the live music tonight, babe?" Janet asked her husband as she saw some people setting up.

"Billy Vera and The Beaters," Jack answered. "I only know a couple of their songs. The front man is more rock and roll with a blues mix. They're an old eighties band, probably older than that. I barely remember them so I'm sure you won't, Harper and Matt."

A few minutes later the band came out led by an older balding gentleman. The music played as everyone finished their beers and their conversations. Four songs into it, it was getting late and all were ready to call it a night.

"One last thing before we go," Janet announced. "I want a dance with my man. You owe me, honey."

Jack raised his eyebrows.

"How could I say no to such a request? You know what they say…happy wife equals happy life. C'mon, my lady," he guided her by the hand to the small area marked off for the dance floor.

Slow music began to play.

"Harper, are you going to just stand there or are you and Matt going to dance?" Janet winked at her.

Harper felt her cheeks flush as she glanced up at her best friend.

"It's okay. We don't have to. I know you probably don't want to, I mean, don't feel like it or whatever. I…"

"Are you kidding me?" he grabbed her hand. "Do you think I'd pass up the chance to dance with my best girl? Besides, I haven't felt like dancing in months, didn't think I'd ever get to again the way my left leg was. Come on."

They walked to the middle of the door and danced as they had done before in their 21 year friendship. Matt pulled her close and she inhaled the sexy and delicious scent of his intoxicating cologne. Matt's arms crossed at her tiny waist as her arms wrapped around his neck. They began moving slowly in time to the beat and she shivered at his touch. They stood chest to chest and she could feel how hard his pecs and abdominal muscles were again. He chewed a minty piece of gum and his face was freshly shaven, his eyes masked by his trademark glasses.

What did you think I would do at this moment, When you're standing before me with tears in your eyes, Trying to tell me that you have found another, And you just don't love me no more…

"So…" Harper cleared her throat.

"So," Matt grinned at her. "You really had a good time tonight?"

"I did," she answered honestly. "Janet is great."

"I'm glad. Listen, I just wanted to say…and I know I've said it before but because it's so important, it deserves more than a couple of mentions. I just wanted to thank you again for being here, Harp and for everything you've done for me. I know it's a lot, more than a lot. I really appreciate it and I appreciate you. You're awesome."

"Thanks."

…What did you think I would say at this moment, When I'm faced with the knowledge that you just don't love me, Did you think I would curse you, Or say things to hurt you, Cause you just don't love me no more…

Harper rested her head on Matt's strong shoulder. Her eyes closed. She and Matt could always tell each other anything but the one most important thing, she knew she could never come clean to him. He wouldn't understand it. He wouldn't feel the same way. It might ruin the friendship or at least make things awkward. He loved her but he wasn't in love with her. In his eyes, she was like a little sister, just one of the boys. He could never love someone like her.

…Did you think I could hate you, Or raise my hands to you, Now come on you know me too well, How could I hurt you when darlin' I love you, And you know I'd never, never hurt you…

"I'm coming up for revaluation in exactly one month. Dr. Johnson told me today. He says I'm making a lot of progress. My therapy is almost over and I wanted you to be the first to know that the official WWE doctor is gonna sit in on my next MRI and they'll make the decision to see if I can come back."

The hope was alive in his eyes and his words. Again, those powerful words. It was what Matt wanted more than anything. It was what he had worked towards the whole time. And now he had four weeks to make it all work. It was going to be trying and they had already been through so much. As much as him wrestling again scared the life out of her, she knew that if he got that second chance to come back, it would be an indescribable and glorious moment altogether. It would be worth everything she, they, had gone through.

…What did you think I would give at this moment, If you'd stay I'd subtract twenty years from my life, I'd fall down on my knees, Kiss the ground that you walk on, If I could just hold you again.

"That's great, Matt. Um, it's a big opportunity. You've been working hard, you just have to believe that it will pay off. Whatever happens, I've got your back, you know that, always," she said softly.

"I know you do," he smiled at her. "Harp?"

"Hhhmmm?" she buried her face in his chest lost in the music and the moment.

Matt tilted her chin upwards and she felt her heart literally stop beating for a few seconds.

"Are you okay?"

"What?"

"Is everything alright? You don't seem like yourself tonight. It's like you have something on your mind."

"I, I'm fine,"she lied.

He raised an eyebrow.

"You sure? Because if something is going on, you know you can tell me, right? You're always there for me but that's a two way street, you know. I'm here for you, too. You're my friend, my best friend in the whole world and you can come to me and tell me anything."

Not this…

"I know," she forced a smile. "Everything is okay, though. Thanks for asking. It's been a long day and night. I'm just tired."

"Me too. You ready to cut out of here?"

Harper nodded and they said their good byes to Jack and Janet. Harper looked her in the eye speaking a thousand words without ever opening her mouth. It was just too hard, the timing wasn't right. After leaving their friends, the pair exited the bar with Matt's arm securely around Harper. He had danced with her, held her close, tilted her chin…all thing things that boyfriends did. For one moment she could dream, at least pretend. Fear hampered her in the real world but those small moments in time would live on in her mind and heart forever.

At This Moment belongs to Billy Vera