New Years Eve came quickly, however the divorce papers weren't ready and Shane had to light a fire under his lawyer's ass to get them ready for the following day. He had said to the lawyer "to hell with the goddamned holiday." Shane loves holidays, the celebration; it was an excuse to relax for one or two days. But any longer than that and he'd go stir crazy. Tonight, Vince was having holding his traditional party. A select few were invited, Shane invited me and told Vince it was because of my hard work and that because otherwise I'd be alone, he stretched the truth saying I was alone for Christmas, I in fact spent the holiday with the Hardyz, Paris and Sev in Carolina. I visited the salon the day before and had my hair highlighted with blond and red and my nails painted. I opened my wardrobe and pulled out the box that housed Shane's dress. I opened the lid and saw the purple and blue silk glisten in the late afternoon sun. I gently picked it up and laid it on the bed. Looking at the spectacular gown I felt inadequate. I dressed silently and then stood in front of my mirror. The bottom of the gown rested just above my ankles. My shoes matched perfectly and I piled my hair on my head and allowed several ringlets to frame my face. I applied simple make up, put on the amethyst jewelry Shane had given me for Christmas and picking up the matching wrap from the box I walked down to my lounge and picked up my bag. I was about to call for a cab when there was a knock on my door. I opened the door to see Vince dressed smartly in a 3-piece suit and tie.
"Vince, why are you here?" I asked
"I was sent to escort you to the party."
"By whom?"
"Well, my pushy wife and son demanded that I came by and picked you up. Because they didn't want you to arrive in a cab and get gum stuck to your beautiful dress."
"Thanks." I smiled and taking my arm he took me to his burgundy blazer. Vince was a gentleman and it became apparent that he taught Shane everything. I was welcomed into the McMahon mansion by Stephanie and Linda, Marissa was also present but I wouldn't say she welcomed me. There were allsorts of people ranging from politicians, superstars, company members, friends of the family and family. I felt a bit like a fish out of water but Shane came over to me holding two drinks.
"Oh hello! Wow, when did this angel fall from heaven?" he smiled.
"Years ago. When did hell lose a flattering devil?"
"Even longer ago. Now, you look gorgeous honey, gimme a twirl." I turned around in front of him. "Oh my God Kara, you are lookin' F-I-N-E, fine."
"Shane, this ain't the WrestleMania Rage Party."
"Oh well, you look stunning anyway, I love your hair. Here." he passed me a drink.
"Thank you for both things. You look pretty good yourself."
"I'll introduce you around." he took me on a tour of everyone in the large room. Dancing began at 9 I danced with Shane's grandfather on his mother's side first then I slowly made my way around his relatives and friends (including Pete Gaspirino and Rodney Leinhardt, the original MSP). Finally at around eleven I got to Shane. Halfway through the dance Marissa stormed over and grabbed my shoulder harshly, ripping the dress. She spun me around to face her and then slapped me hard across the face leaving a handprint.
"What do you think you are doing with MY husband?" she asked.
"Dancing." I replied.
"Marissa, what are you doing?" Shane asked he was madder than I've ever seen him.
"She's a manipulative bitch who's after you."
"Shut up, Marissa." he yelled causing Vince and Linda to come over.
"Shane, honey what's wrong?" Linda questioned. Shane gently placed his arm around my shoulders holding me protectively.
"Shane get off her, now." I stood silently.
"Marissa, I know what you've been up to and I'm sick of it."
"And, I know what you two have."
"Yeah, what's that?" I finally said.
"Come on Shane, give me some credit. You two have been together for months, screwing behind my back."
"Well, maybe if you paid more attention to him than you do to your job then maybe we'd not of done anything."
"Bitch." she slapped me again. Shane grabbed her hand.
"Don't touch her again. You're no innocent, I mean you and Josh have been having a pretty good time behind my back."
"JOSH!" I exclaimed, my mouth falling open.
"Hey Kara." Josh came over in a sleazy superior manner.
"Josh and I are acquaintances."
"Yeah and this is documentation regarding your husband filing for divorce." Shane pulled out a wad of papers from the inside pocket of his jacket. He passed them to her and said "happy New Year Marissa. Come on Kara." The room was silent as we left, except for Marissa cursing Josh and screaming:
"I'll take everything you have Shane Brandon McMahon."
We walked outside together quietly and around to the rear of the house. Shane's hand rested in the small of my back, his face was calmer but his anger glimmered in his dark eyes.
"Shane, why didn't you tell me it was Josh?" I finally asked.
"Because I didn't want to think about him. I wanted to focus on us, you and me." he replied after a long pause.
"Thank you." I said turning to face him.
"For what?" he asked stopping and looking at me.
"For keeping your promise and for everything."
"I meant all of it. Look at you," he pushed a strand of hair away from my face and touched my bare shoulder where the dress had ripped.
"I love you." I said as he was looking at my shoulder, he cast his eyes up at me.
"I love you too." I involuntarily shivered with cold and rubbed my arms. "You're cold, here." he remover his jacket and draped at around my shoulders. He then affectionately placed his lips against mine and kissed me. The kiss became more powerful as time passed. When we separated fireworks began exploding around us.
"Happy New Year, Shane."
"Happy New Year, Kara." We stood together watching the fireworks.