It's been nine days, eight hours
Forty minutes, ten seconds
Since you called
I've been so crazy
I've just about
Taken our picture
Off the wall
It's been three months
Over a hundred days
Since you held my hand
And I miss you in
A thousand ways
Will I ever see you again?
How did it change so fast? (I won't give you To the past)
I really thought it'd last ..
All that we had was
So un-believ-able
Now that it's gone
It's just in-con-ceivable
Still in my dreams
You were so damn beautiful
How could it be
That you ruined my
Everything
Everything
Everything?
Everything
Everything
Everything ..
It seems like
Everyone everywhere's in love
So, where are you?
And I remember
You couldn't get enough
Said you felt it too
So didn't you ?
How did it change so fast? (I won't give you To the past)
I really thought it'd last
All that we had was
So un-believ-able
Now that it's gone
It's just in-con-ceivable
Still in my dreams
You were so damn beautiful
How could it be
That you ruined my
Everything
Everything
Everything?
Everything
Everything
Everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Ooh, hooh
You're really my everything
Everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
It's been nine days, eight hours
Forty minutes, ten seconds
Three months, a hundred days
And I miss you in
A thousand ways
All that we had was
So un-believ-able
Now that it's gone
It's just in-conceiv-able
Still in my dreams
You were so damn beautiful
How could it be
That you ruined my
Everything
Everything
Everything?
Everything
Everything
Everything
Houston, Texas
"I think this one is definitely the best..see? His eyes look like they maybe could be open." Stacy said, holding up the photograph critically.
"Mmm. I see what you mean. But what about this one?" Kurt asked holding up a photograph for Stacy's approval.
"No way.that one makes me look fat."
"What?" Kurt demanded.
"I said, it makes me look fat.see? My leg looks a little flabby.the angle is completely wrong."
"You're kidding me, right? Please tell me you're kidding." Kurt pleaded.
"I most definitely am not! If we're really going to do what you said, I want to look damn good in the photos.like in this one. See? I call it 'Rapturous Passion.'
"You have names for the pictures now?" Kurt asked incredulously, his voice squeaking a bit.
"Of course.it helps me keep track. Now, see, this one, you can plainly tell Hunter is not even awake, so I call it 'Sleeping Stupid.' And this one? Hunter's foot is sticking out over the bed, so I call it 'Big Foot.' And this one, this one is..whoo, Kurt. We both look really hot in this one, don't you think? It really looks like we're doing it." Stacy said wistfully, looking down at the picture.
It really was too bad all of these photos were of something that never really happened. It made her kind of depressed..and angry, because they could have, SHOULD have happened. This could have been us, Stacy told the Hunter in the photo silently. But you just had to be a jerk, and now, you're going to get hurt when..you could have had it all. Stacy wiped away a tear angrily, hoping that Kurt hadn't noticed. He hadn't, he was still looking at one of the photographs. Stacy could almost see the little wheels turning in Kurt's huge head. He snorted, choking on his water. "Man, in this one, Hunter's nose looks even huger than it does in real life.hadn't thought it was possible."
Stacy rolled her eyes. Kurt was sometimes so petty.he had to belittle any little thing wrong he ever thought he saw. To her, Hunter's nose reminded her of Roman nobles..very aristocratic. Here Kurt, Mr. Clean himself, was making fun of someone, and in her own humble opinion he actually shouldn't be throwing stones at glass houses.
He was a horribly insecure man. She figured that was why he hadn't really gotten as far as he would have liked in his career. He spent so much time worrying what others thought of him, he didn't focus on the things that really mattered. Like kicking ass and taking names. Like he-who-must-not-be- named did.
Stacy sighed, picked up another photo. Kurt looked up at Stacy in annoyance. "I can tell your heart isn't exactly into this.but you seemed like you were having a jolly good time of it last night."
That was because she had been with Hunter. Naked Hunter. How could she not have been having at least a little fun with it? "Kurt, just because I'm not jumping up and down doesn't mean that I'm not happy with the plan. So back off, allright?"
"Stacy, it cost me a thousand dollars to pay off Cassandra Wexler, get her to put that stuff in Hunter's drink..so just pick out a damn photo!"
"It was stupid to pay her so much."
"Well, we don't want her spilling to anyone, now do we?"
"Well, for a thousand bucks she really had better not." Stacy said distantly. "And how on earth did you know where Hunter was last night..how did you get Cassandra Wexler to help us?"
"I have my ways." Kurt said mysteriously.
"Yeah? Like what? Who on earth could've told you where Hunter was? The only people he was with were Shawn and Kevin. and either of them would've rather drive a nail into their foreheads than ever talk to you."
Kurt stiffened indignantly. "I didn't need either of those two buffoons.I've got someone much, much better. You see, Stacy, if you can't beat 'em.bribe 'em."
Stacy leaned forward. "So you do have someone close to Hunter helping you then? Who?"
"You'll find out soon enough. But right now, we have work to do. So Stacy?"
"Hmm?"
"Pick a freaking photo already!" Kurt snapped.
Stephanie's Room in the Delta Hotel, Houston
"I'm being ridiculous!" Stephanie told the reflection in her mirror. She had changed clothes for the sixth time that morning. But she wanted to look as good as she possibly could. She hadn't seen Hunter in a week, since that awful day in the hospital. Why was it always so important to her that she look her best around him? Maybe it was because she wanted him to be proud to be her husband.like she had always been so proud to call herself "Mrs. Hunter Hearst-Helmsley." But screw this. She was going to drive herself insane. "I look fine." She told the reflection. But 'fine' wasn't good enough. Never good enough. She went back to her suitcase, rummaged around. She didn't want to wear a short skirt, but she didn't feel like pants either. It was too warm outside. She found a long, deep blue velvet skirt, tried it on. Perfect. It brought out her eyes, she thought. Stephanie threw on a pair of sunglasses, and headed out of her hotel room. The two bodyguards she had brought with her from New York, Victor and Sam fell into position behind her.
Outside The Delta Hotel, Houston, Texas
"Thanks again, Lily." Hunter said as she dropped him off at his hotel. As they had promised on his cell phone call to them a few minutes earlier, Shawn and Kevin were waiting outside. Kevin had a big paper bag. They stared as the car pulled up. Kevin looked down in the car, saw Hunter in his sheet and started choking. He wordlessly handed Hunter the bag. It took some delicate shifting but Hunter managed to pull on the pair of sweat pants without dislodging the sheet all the way. Lily tried to hide her disappointment.Jamie would have died if she knew she'd seen Triple H's.747. Lily bit back a giggle. "Thanks for the autograph. And you've got my address right? I really would love that autographed picture of you." She asked hopefully.
"Yeah, I got it. I'll send it out first thing. And I would really appreciate it if you could maybe.not mention this to many people?"
"Sure, no prob. Just my boyfriend. And Jamie, of course, cause she's just gonna die! And maybe." Hunter groaned and pulled on his shirt and shoes. He climbed out of the car, leaving Lily still listing off people.
"You say one word about this, either of you, I swear I will kill you." Hunter threatened, and meant every single word.
Shawn miraculously kept from laughing, but Kevin was all but doubled over.
"Hey, man, wait up." Shawn called as Hunter marched toward the entrance to the hotel. "Don't you want the sheet? You know, as a souvenir?" He guffawed.
Hunter refused to look back, but he heard their footfalls as they trailed after him toward the hotel. He had a nasty headache, he was trying to remember what exactly had happened last night.and only a couple of things had crystallized. For one thing, he knew that he hadn't been alone. There had been a woman there, he remembered her voice. Her laugh. He'd heard it before, he knew he had, but it just refused to come to him. The second thing he knew was that there had been a man there..and that freaked him out even more than the rest of it. Maybe the man had just been visiting, he thought hopefully. He refused to believe that he'd been that out of it to- to-to-no. Hunter had never been into three ways of any sort, much less in that combination, and even if he had been doped to the gills, he refused to believe that he would have been so completely out of it. He had to remember what had really happened last night, and he had to do it as soon as possible. He'd track down Cassie, and whatever it took he would get the truth from her. The bitch had done something to him, and he would find out exactly what. No one played the Game like this. No one, much less some two- bit Texan twit.
He pulled open the door viciously-and a very startled Stephanie dropped her purse, it's contents spilling on the concrete. She blinked in shock at Hunter.
New York City
"I still can't believe she went to Houston! How could she do that?" Vince yelled in Linda's room. He had been pacing off and on for the past hour.
Shane rubbed his head tiredly. Vince had been on a tirade ever since yesterday, when he'd exploded after Linda had told him Stephanie had gone to Houston.
"Is the girl stupid or is she just plain careless?" Vince wondered aloud.
"And how exactly would she have been any safer here?" Linda demanded, having had enough of Vince's dramatics. "The stalker has already proven that he can get to any of us, at any time." She said reasonably, still horrified at the mere thought of it.
"But at least she'd be here, with us. We could all look out for each other. Right now, the only people we can trust are inside of this family, and no one else!" Vince said firmly.
"In Houston, she'll be with Hunter.and he's family." Linda pointed out.
"The hell he is! You know, I liked it a whole lot better when you hated him as much as I do." Vince grumbled.
"Well, I don't anymore. I'll admit there was a time when I thought that maybe the devil himself would be a better match for Stephanie, but.now, he's grown on me. He's not evil incarnate, Vince. He's the man our daughter loves..and I personally think that Stephanie and he are good for each other."
"Linda-"
"Vince, I don't want to talk about this anymore! The only thing I'm going to ask you now is the only thing that's important: Do you trust Hunter to look out for Stephanie? Do you honestly think that he would ever allow anyone to physically harm her? Well? Do you?"
Vince muttered something.
"What was that Vince? I couldn't quite hear you, you were talking through your ass again."
"Mom!" Shane sputtered, laughing.
"No, okay? Is that what you were waiting to hear, Linda? I trust the s.o.b. to watch Stephanie's back, but I still think he's a miserable excuse for a human being."
"Yeah, well, he's her miserable excuse of a human being.just like you're mine. So just drop it, and let the chips fall where they may, allright? She took bodyguards, Hunter will still keep an eye out for her.I'm going to try not to worry too much about her. She wouldn't have been any safer here, anyway." Linda said.
Vince looked back at Linda, prepared to go another round, but she looked so tired.so frail. She seemed to have shrunken somehow. Vince swallowed his protests, and reached over to take his wife's hand. "I'm glad to hear your voice again.even if you are arguing with me." He said softly.
Shane coughed, took this as his cue to leave. He heard the sound of his parents kissing behind him and smiled wryly. At least one thing was right in the world.
Houston
"Stephanie.when did you get to Houston?" Hunter asked as he knelt and helped her pick up the contents of her purse.
"Last night.and.."
"Why are you here? Smackdown? I'm just surprised, I thought you would want to stay with Linda."
"I would have, but she told me to come to Houston and-"
"She told you? She woke up?" Hunter asked. Stephanie smiled, nodded happily.
"Wow. That's really great.I'm really happy for you."
"I know you are. And thanks. But the reason I'm in Houston isn't for Smackdown, it's because I-"
"Hunter, man, did you fall over?" Shawn asked, seeing Hunter squatting on the floor. He then saw Stephanie and stopped dead. "Stephanie.didn't realize you were here." Shawn said.
"Hi, Shawn..Kevin. I guess you guys came out to see Hunter, huh?"
"Yeah.we did. Matter of fact, we were out all last night together." Shawn mentioned casually, trying to give Hunter an alibi, for whatever the hell Hunter was knee-deep in now.
"Oh. I see. Went to visit Morgan, huh?" Stephanie questioned, a huge smile starting on her face..she loved messing with Shawn. It was so damn easy.
Shawn reddened. "Yeah. Something like that..uh, Hunter, we're just going to head back up."
"Yeah. Thanks, man." Hunter smiled, got to his feet and extended his hand toward Stephanie to pull her up. She brushed off her skirt and nodded toward the men who had come up behind her.
"I suppose I ought to introduce everyone..Hunter, this is Victor. And Sam."
"You're the bodyguards. Good to meet you." Hunter extended a hand.
"You must be the guy who hired Rich and Rick Stone to investigate us." Sam said, shaking Hunter's hand good-naturedly.
"How did you know about that?"
"It's our job. I take it that we checked out?" Victor asked.
"You're here, aren't you?" Hunter pointed out. They wouldn't have been if they hadn't checked out.
"Indeed. Perhaps we should start moving?" Victor asked.
"Yeah, let's do that." Hunter said firmly, gesturing toward his limo, where Chad had just pulled up.
Sam started toward the car, looking underneath the body.Hunter shook his head, turned back to Stephanie.
Stephanie looked peculiar. "You okay?" He asked warily.
"Why did you have my guards investigated?"
"I wanted to make sure you're safe."
"That's all?" Stephanie asked, her heart sinking.but what had she expected him to say, she asked herself angrily: that he loved her, couldn't stand the thought of her being hurt?
"What else could there be?" Hunter asked, confused as to what exactly she wanted him to say. It wasn't like he could admit that he loved her, and he just couldn't stand the thought of her getting hurt.
"Nothing. Nothing at all." Stephanie said bitterly. "It looks like Sam finished checking out your limo.are we going somewhere then? I think we really need to talk."
"That's what I said last week.and you wouldn't hear anything I had to say. What's changed?" Hunter asked, not moving.
"I have a reservation for lunch. Do you want to join me?" Stephanie asked, praying he would agree. She so didn't want to have this conversation right now.she was afraid if he actually admitted he was in love with Stacy, she might just break down in front of the hotel.
"I'm not exactly dressed for it." Hunter commented looking down at his Screw the Rules T-shirt and sweatpants.
"Who cares? We'll tip them extra."
Hunter stared at Stephanie for a second. "Okay then." Hunter followed Stephanie to the limo, wondering at her sudden about-face. She seemed nervous. Because of him? He'd find out soon, he figured. All he knew was that he was relieved that she hadn't been in that room with him last night.she would have said something by now if she had been.
Elsewhere in Houston
"I'm telling you, this one is the winner! Look, Hunter is sprawled out on top of you, you can't see his face, it just looks like you're kissing. You can even see that it's definitely you. It's perfect!" Kurt enthused.
Stacy looked down at the picture thoughtfully. "You know what, Kurt? I think you're actually right. This one's the one." She said, delicately holding the photo at the edges.
"So then we're agreed?" Still looking at the photo, Stacy nodded. Kurt got up from their table, took the photo from her hands, and marched up to the technician. "This one's the one. Work your magic." Kurt said happily.
Stacy sipped on Kurt's water, wondering why she wasn't feeling as jubilant as he was.
Kurt sat back down, next to her. "Let's go celebrate. We'll go to lunch." Stacy rose from the table. "That'll be done in a few hours, right?" Kurt called behind the counter.
"Sure thing, Mr. Angle. Come back in three hours." The technician called.
"We'll definitely be here." Kurt called back, and much to Stacy's relief, they finally left.
"So where are we going to lunch?" Stacy asked as they climbed into the car.
"A little place that Stephanie actually told me about. She said its got great food. I'm starving, so I'm going to drive fast."
"Well, if Stephanie recommended it, then of course we have to go." Stacy bit out. But Kurt, as usual, was completely oblivious to her feelings. Stacy lay back in her seat, wishing she were somewhere else.they hadn't even done anything to Hunter yet and she was already regretting it.
After a subdued and unnaturally silent limo ride, Hunter got out behind Stephanie when they'd arrived at the restaurant. Sam and Victor followed. Stephanie spoke to the maitre'd, who as Hunter had suspected, looked down at him rather snootily. Stephanie put the man at ease with a fifty, and they were led to a table in the back. "Guys?" Stephanie addressed Victor and Sam. "Could you please move over there? We'd like a little privacy." Stephanie pointed to a table a few feet away. Victor nodded shortly.
The waiter brought their menus and Stephanie pretended to study it carefully, but the words were all blending together on the pages. She realized her hands were shaking the menu so she carefully set it down on the table so Hunter wouldn't notice. Stephanie gulped down some water and almost choked as it went up her nose. She coughed loudly and Hunter looked at her quizzically. They'd both been so silent in the limo ride. She had been afraid to talk, and she didn't know exactly what was up with him.
"So, how have you been feeling?" Hunter asked, trying to get her to say something, anything. Why was she here? Could it be that she finally wanted to really talk to him? He hoped so.but damned if he would make it too easy for her. She had behaved completely inappropriately last week, and he hadn't forgotten it. And the thing of it was that he still didn't have the slightest idea what had set her off in the first place!
"How have I been feeling? I'm tired." Stephanie admitted.
"What, not sleeping tired..You have been taking care of yourself, right? Trying to get some rest?" Hunter prompted. He had to admit that she looked tired.she had circles under her eyes she hadn't been able to conceal, her face was pale..but she was dressed impeccably as always. He thought the skirt looked really great with her eyes..and the slit up the thighs didn't hurt either.
"I'm tired of everything. I'm tired of being worried about my family. I'm tired of being scared, wondering if there's something in my food. It's gotten so that I can't even bring myself to eat anything besides t.v. dinners." She confessed.
"What!?"
"And I hate t.v. dinners.but they're prepackaged, so I figure they're safe." Stephanie said quietly. The waiter came by, set down their salads and took the rest of their order.
Resuming their conversation, Hunter said: "I had no idea.of course you would have been freaked, after the juice and everything."
"It's stupid, huh? But I just can't help it.every time I try and eat something, I feel like I'm going to throw up. I'm trying to get better about it though. That's why I made this reservation.to get myself out of this funk."
"I'm glad. It's going to be fine."
"Promise? You know, somehow I just feel better having you sitting across from me." Stephanie confessed. "But you always make me feel better." She said, almost as an afterthought.
"Yeah, I'll watch you eat. If you want, I can even taste test..it's a pretty big sacrifice, I know. Taste-testing expensive food.baby, who's got your back?" Hunter asked with a smile. This wasn't so bad.at least they weren't screaming. Yet.
Stephanie couldn't help it, she started laughing. He looked so adorable sitting across from her.in his little t-shirt, in his sweat pants.and she couldn't help but notice it.she wondered if he might be going commando? The prospect was tantalizing. It was very distracting, at the very least. Very wicked thoughts were popping up in her mind. Stephanie dragged her thoughts from the gutter and looked back up at Hunter.
"I want to tell you why I came to Houston." She told him, her hands under the table, clenching and unclenching. God, why was she so damn nervous? Only because this entire conversation would probably be one of the turning points in her whole damn life..this could either be the beginning, or..the end. Her stomach did a somersault as she answered her own question.
"I'd like to know. You said something about Linda telling you to come?" Hunter asked, as offhandedly as he could. His eyes searched her face, her body, trying to get some kind of clue as to what she was saying. All he'd picked up on so far was that she was nervous.and scared. Somehow, Stephanie being afraid made him feel better-she wouldn't be afraid if she didn't care.
"Yeah. My mother told me.Mom told me that maybe I had jumped to conclusions. The wrong conclusions." Stephanie said carefully, sipping her water again, she was so thirsty, her eyes narrowed on Hunter.
Hunter, searching for something to do, finally noticed that the waiter had brought his salad and he speared a huge slice of tomato. "What kind of conclusions?" He asked inbetween bites.
"I'm just going to say it, okay? I can't stand it anymore. One way or the other, I just have to know, or you damn man, you're going to drive me absolutely insane! I know you said you're in love with Stacy, but-"
Hunter choked on his tomato. "Hunter are you-oh, my God, you're choking! Somebody, help us, he's choking!" Stephanie screamed hysterically. She rushed over behind him and locked her hands around his waist in the Heimliech maneuver.
"Hi. Reservations for two, under Kurt Angle."
"Ahh, yes. Mr. Angle, ma'am. Right this way."
"What's going on over there?" Stacy asked curiously. A young woman appeared to be running, but Stacy couldn't quite see her.
"I do believe that the young lady's dinner companion is choking." The waiter said, as though it were nothing to be worried about. "But I can assure you, it's not because of our food." He finished hurriedly.
"We don't care. Just seat us, please." Kurt told the waiter, ignoring the happenings on the other side of the room. But Stacy's curiosity was piqued, she continued to stare. Then she tripped over the carpet and flung into Kurt's arms.
"You know, we've got to stop doing this." Kurt grinned as he caught her lightly.
"It's Hunter! And Stephanie!" Stacy gasped.
"Stephanie? Where?" Kurt spun around, dropping Stacy to the floor. He caught sight of Stephanie and pulled Stacy to her feet and dragged her over to a table. They sat directly parallel to Hunter and Stephanie, behind a small partition, so they were not visible.
"Mr. Angle.this wasn't your seat, but if you would like it." The waiter stammered.
"Shh!" Kurt hissed. "Yeah, we want it. Now let us just look at the menus, okay?" The waiter handed the two their menus and both Stacy and Kurt sat listening to the couple across the wall.
"Did you know they were going to be here?" Stacy whispered.
Kurt wouldn't meet her eyes. "Of course not.well, actually, yeah, yeah, I did." He admitted, not really seeing any reason to lie.
"How?" Stacy demanded.
"Later, I'll tell you later! Now be quiet, I want to listen." Kurt said.
The tomato went flying out and it hit the wall. Stephanie buried her head in relief against his back. Hunter turned around and held Stephanie's chin.
"First of all, thank you for that." Hunter gasped, and to her shock, the jerk was actually laughing! Stephanie hit him on his arm and nodded through her relieved tears. "And secondly, have you completely lost your mind? You must have if you think that I could ever be in love with Stacy."
"But you said-"
"I don't know how you ever could have thought I loved Stacy.but I guess I can see how you could be confused. I have to tell you something.I never slept with Stacy, Stephanie." There was a weird intake of breath across the partition, but neither of them noticed.
"What? But-in New Orleans-"
"I know. I set it up to look like I was having an affair."
"What?" Stephanie whispered, horrified.
"It was a horrible thing to do, I know that, but-"
"I had no idea you could hate me that much." Stephanie stepped back, the tears flowing readily down her face.
"No! It wasn't because I hate you! It was because we were destroying each other, and I wanted the divorce. I was desperate, and I couldn't think of anything else. Please believe that at least.it wasn't a deliberate attempt to hurt you, I just wanted you to hate me enough to give me the divorce. Princess, please, sit back down, okay?"
Stephanie slid back over to her side of the table. "You never slept with her?" She asked, wanting to hear the words again. She didn't care that he had set her up, it didn't matter.he hadn't slept with another woman! They had done so much to each other, this was just another game. A warm feeling was beginning to crawl through her but she tried to dampen it, just in case he wasn't saying what she thought he was saying.
She hoped he was saying what she thought he was saying.
She prayed he was saying what she thought he was saying. Stephanie crossed her toes inside her sandals. Please, please, please, if you let me have him, I promise I'll never ask for anything else ever again.unless it's really, really important. She amended in her silent prayer, not wanted to lie.
"No. I didn't sleep with her in New Orleans. I swear to you." Stephanie saw the sincerity in his eyes and the warm feeling continued to spread. "I can see why you'd believe I was sleeping with her.but how did you get to my being in love with her?"
There was a loud clatter of plates across the partition. Stephanie frowned, ignoring it. "I heard you! At the hospital."
Hunter looked at her, eyes raising to tell her to elaborate.
"Last week.I found out you'd been hurt, I ran up to see you. But you were with Stacy. You said you loved her." Stephanie said, her toes beginning to get sore from the crossing.
"I don't remember.are you sure? I was pretty out of it. If I did say it.it's only because I thought I was talking to you, Steph."
"But if you thought you were talking to me.does that mean." The toes crossed even more tightly, and she crossed her fingers too, underneath the tablecloth. Please, please, please, please...
"That I love you? Yeah, it does. I love you Stephanie, no matter how hard I tried to stop, I couldn't.I tried to cut you out of my heart, but it wouldn't work. It never worked. I love you, Stephanie McMahon." Hunter said intensely. That weird hiss of breath across the wall again.
"Oh, thank God!" Stephanie said as she got up from the table, sobbing, allowing everything that was crossed become uncrossed again. "I was wondering if I ever would get to hear you say those words to me again. I've missed you so much.everything's been so wrong in my life since you weren't in it. I've been so bored, and lonely, and I hate not being yours anymore." Stephanie choked out, wrapping her arms around his neck, sitting astride his lap. He held her back fiercely.
"Mrs. McMahon?" A waiter came up behind them. Neither of them moved. The waiter coughed loudly, Hunter turned to look back at him. "What? This better be good."
"Ah, well.your driver brought in your cell phone.apparently, you have a phone call, Mrs. McMahon."
"I what? Tell them to call back later." Stephanie said absolutely resolute. Nothing short of a freakin' tornado was getting her away from this spot. And even if the tornado came, it would still be difficult.
"Ma'am, all I know is that someone's asked for Stephanie McMahon. They apparently said it was important."
"Maybe you ought to take it.just so we can stop being bothered. Or it could actually be important..your mother, or something." Hunter whispered.
"You don't mind?" Hunter shook his head. "I'll be back in two seconds. Don't move."
"Not in a million years would I move from right here." Hunter laughed. Stephanie still didn't move. He unwrapped his arms from her body. "We have all the time in the world. Go." He said softly, smiling beautifully.
Stephanie, always mesmerized by that smile, reluctantly crawled off of Hunter's lap, and followed the waiter. Sam trailed her.
Stephanie smiled at Chad who apologized for the interruption, picked up the phone and said "Hello? This is Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley." But the receiver was dead. Stephanie frowned at Chad. "Did they say who it was?"
"No, that's weird. The guy said it was really important he talk to you. I don't know why he'd hang up."
"Me either.I'll take the phone with me in case they call again. Thanks anyway, Chad."
"No prob, Mrs. H." Stephanie's eyes widened in surprise. "Why, Chad, I do believe that's the first time you've called me that in a while.what brings on the change?"
"I think you're done screwing Mr. H. over, so I think I like you again." Chad cringed guiltily when he heard those words come out of his mouth. After all, he was the one who was really screwing Hunter over.but then he thought of the money Kurt Angle had promised him for only doing a few little things, and he suddenly didn't feel so bad anymore.
"I see.and I'm glad. I'm going back to Hunter." Stephanie said, not exactly certain how she wanted to respond to Chad's comment.
"Stephanie?" Stephanie pivoted toward the voice. "Kurt. What are you doing here?" Stephanie asked.
"Smackdown, of course. But I guess you mean the restaurant.you actually told me I should come here, remember?"
"Uh.yeah. Actually, I'm glad you're here. I'm here with Hunter. And I was just going to tell him the truth, about the baby. That you're not the father. Hunter and I.I think we're gonna be allright. I want to say thank you for helping me out. You're a great friend, you know that? I love you for it." Stephanie said, hugging Kurt.
"Hey, I am always your friend. Remember that, okay?" Kurt said, hugging her even more fiercely, trying to buy a little time..
"I will." Stephanie promised. "Are you here with anyone?" She asked.
"Actually, I'm here with Stacy." Kurt said.
"Why?" Stephanie asked pointedly.
"She's actually a great girl, once you get to know her. I know you don't especially care for her. But she's really been good to me these past few days. She's been taking care of me after.."
"Oh, yeah. Shane mentioned that Hunter had wiped the floor with you. I apologize for that, but please believe he had his reasons."
Kurt seethed inwardly, but he managed a half-smile. "Yeah.of course he did. And if he hadn't attacked me, just think-- Stace and I might never have gotten to know each other. She's been so great, she hasn't even left my side the past week. Except last night, that's it. You want me to take you back to your table?"
"Actually, thanks.but no. I think that would upset Hunter, and I don't want to do anything to rock the boat. I'm um, happy? About you and Stacy." And she actually kind of was.it kept the woman away from her man, didn't it? She did feel sorry for Kurt though, he had no idea what he was getting himself into.
Stephanie strode back toward the table, Sam in tow. She stopped cold when she heard raised voices from her table. It was Stacy, talking to Hunter. The witch actually had the nerve to sit in Stephanie's own seat! Stephanie rounded the corner, headed directly for a startled Stacy. "Get up, bitch!" Stephanie yelled, hauling Stacy up bodily from the table.
"Stephanie-it's" Hunter said, pulling Stephanie off of Stacy. "Stacy was just leaving."
"But Hunter-" Stacy pleaded, as she allowed tears to flow down her face. She was glad she wasn't wearing waterproof mascara.it really added to the effect she thought. "Why are you doing this? I love you, you know that? Didn't last night mean anything to you?" She whispered in her best whimper. She watched through narrowly slitted eyes how Stephanie stiffened, looked up at Hunter questioningly.
"Last night?" Hunter asked. No, no, please no, not her..
"The wonderful night we spent together..we made love last night, Hunter. You were with Cassandra Wexler, she found my number on your cell phone because you were really drunk, she called me and luckily I was already here in Houston. I came right away, and one thing led to another..it was beautiful, like I always knew it would be. Hunter! Don't do this!"
Hunter looked at Stacy slack-jawed. Could what she was saying actually be true? He couldn't remember! No, no, it couldn't be true, he'd remember.but he couldn't! What was going on here? He felt Stephanie draw away from him. She looked at him.
"I hate even having to ask this.but is this true?" Stephanie asked distantly.
He didn't answer.
"Hunter, please, just say it's not true, I'll believe you. I swear to God, I'll believe you. All you have to do is say it. Please, say it." Stephanie begged.
"I can't--I just, I don't--I don't know." Hunter admitted. Stephanie looked at him silently, wishing she could go back in time five minutes ago when everything had been wonderful again and not this horrible hell she couldn't seem to get out of.
Forty minutes, ten seconds
Since you called
I've been so crazy
I've just about
Taken our picture
Off the wall
It's been three months
Over a hundred days
Since you held my hand
And I miss you in
A thousand ways
Will I ever see you again?
How did it change so fast? (I won't give you To the past)
I really thought it'd last ..
All that we had was
So un-believ-able
Now that it's gone
It's just in-con-ceivable
Still in my dreams
You were so damn beautiful
How could it be
That you ruined my
Everything
Everything
Everything?
Everything
Everything
Everything ..
It seems like
Everyone everywhere's in love
So, where are you?
And I remember
You couldn't get enough
Said you felt it too
So didn't you ?
How did it change so fast? (I won't give you To the past)
I really thought it'd last
All that we had was
So un-believ-able
Now that it's gone
It's just in-con-ceivable
Still in my dreams
You were so damn beautiful
How could it be
That you ruined my
Everything
Everything
Everything?
Everything
Everything
Everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Ooh, hooh
You're really my everything
Everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
Everything, everything, everything
It's been nine days, eight hours
Forty minutes, ten seconds
Three months, a hundred days
And I miss you in
A thousand ways
All that we had was
So un-believ-able
Now that it's gone
It's just in-conceiv-able
Still in my dreams
You were so damn beautiful
How could it be
That you ruined my
Everything
Everything
Everything?
Everything
Everything
Everything
Houston, Texas
"I think this one is definitely the best..see? His eyes look like they maybe could be open." Stacy said, holding up the photograph critically.
"Mmm. I see what you mean. But what about this one?" Kurt asked holding up a photograph for Stacy's approval.
"No way.that one makes me look fat."
"What?" Kurt demanded.
"I said, it makes me look fat.see? My leg looks a little flabby.the angle is completely wrong."
"You're kidding me, right? Please tell me you're kidding." Kurt pleaded.
"I most definitely am not! If we're really going to do what you said, I want to look damn good in the photos.like in this one. See? I call it 'Rapturous Passion.'
"You have names for the pictures now?" Kurt asked incredulously, his voice squeaking a bit.
"Of course.it helps me keep track. Now, see, this one, you can plainly tell Hunter is not even awake, so I call it 'Sleeping Stupid.' And this one? Hunter's foot is sticking out over the bed, so I call it 'Big Foot.' And this one, this one is..whoo, Kurt. We both look really hot in this one, don't you think? It really looks like we're doing it." Stacy said wistfully, looking down at the picture.
It really was too bad all of these photos were of something that never really happened. It made her kind of depressed..and angry, because they could have, SHOULD have happened. This could have been us, Stacy told the Hunter in the photo silently. But you just had to be a jerk, and now, you're going to get hurt when..you could have had it all. Stacy wiped away a tear angrily, hoping that Kurt hadn't noticed. He hadn't, he was still looking at one of the photographs. Stacy could almost see the little wheels turning in Kurt's huge head. He snorted, choking on his water. "Man, in this one, Hunter's nose looks even huger than it does in real life.hadn't thought it was possible."
Stacy rolled her eyes. Kurt was sometimes so petty.he had to belittle any little thing wrong he ever thought he saw. To her, Hunter's nose reminded her of Roman nobles..very aristocratic. Here Kurt, Mr. Clean himself, was making fun of someone, and in her own humble opinion he actually shouldn't be throwing stones at glass houses.
He was a horribly insecure man. She figured that was why he hadn't really gotten as far as he would have liked in his career. He spent so much time worrying what others thought of him, he didn't focus on the things that really mattered. Like kicking ass and taking names. Like he-who-must-not-be- named did.
Stacy sighed, picked up another photo. Kurt looked up at Stacy in annoyance. "I can tell your heart isn't exactly into this.but you seemed like you were having a jolly good time of it last night."
That was because she had been with Hunter. Naked Hunter. How could she not have been having at least a little fun with it? "Kurt, just because I'm not jumping up and down doesn't mean that I'm not happy with the plan. So back off, allright?"
"Stacy, it cost me a thousand dollars to pay off Cassandra Wexler, get her to put that stuff in Hunter's drink..so just pick out a damn photo!"
"It was stupid to pay her so much."
"Well, we don't want her spilling to anyone, now do we?"
"Well, for a thousand bucks she really had better not." Stacy said distantly. "And how on earth did you know where Hunter was last night..how did you get Cassandra Wexler to help us?"
"I have my ways." Kurt said mysteriously.
"Yeah? Like what? Who on earth could've told you where Hunter was? The only people he was with were Shawn and Kevin. and either of them would've rather drive a nail into their foreheads than ever talk to you."
Kurt stiffened indignantly. "I didn't need either of those two buffoons.I've got someone much, much better. You see, Stacy, if you can't beat 'em.bribe 'em."
Stacy leaned forward. "So you do have someone close to Hunter helping you then? Who?"
"You'll find out soon enough. But right now, we have work to do. So Stacy?"
"Hmm?"
"Pick a freaking photo already!" Kurt snapped.
Stephanie's Room in the Delta Hotel, Houston
"I'm being ridiculous!" Stephanie told the reflection in her mirror. She had changed clothes for the sixth time that morning. But she wanted to look as good as she possibly could. She hadn't seen Hunter in a week, since that awful day in the hospital. Why was it always so important to her that she look her best around him? Maybe it was because she wanted him to be proud to be her husband.like she had always been so proud to call herself "Mrs. Hunter Hearst-Helmsley." But screw this. She was going to drive herself insane. "I look fine." She told the reflection. But 'fine' wasn't good enough. Never good enough. She went back to her suitcase, rummaged around. She didn't want to wear a short skirt, but she didn't feel like pants either. It was too warm outside. She found a long, deep blue velvet skirt, tried it on. Perfect. It brought out her eyes, she thought. Stephanie threw on a pair of sunglasses, and headed out of her hotel room. The two bodyguards she had brought with her from New York, Victor and Sam fell into position behind her.
Outside The Delta Hotel, Houston, Texas
"Thanks again, Lily." Hunter said as she dropped him off at his hotel. As they had promised on his cell phone call to them a few minutes earlier, Shawn and Kevin were waiting outside. Kevin had a big paper bag. They stared as the car pulled up. Kevin looked down in the car, saw Hunter in his sheet and started choking. He wordlessly handed Hunter the bag. It took some delicate shifting but Hunter managed to pull on the pair of sweat pants without dislodging the sheet all the way. Lily tried to hide her disappointment.Jamie would have died if she knew she'd seen Triple H's.747. Lily bit back a giggle. "Thanks for the autograph. And you've got my address right? I really would love that autographed picture of you." She asked hopefully.
"Yeah, I got it. I'll send it out first thing. And I would really appreciate it if you could maybe.not mention this to many people?"
"Sure, no prob. Just my boyfriend. And Jamie, of course, cause she's just gonna die! And maybe." Hunter groaned and pulled on his shirt and shoes. He climbed out of the car, leaving Lily still listing off people.
"You say one word about this, either of you, I swear I will kill you." Hunter threatened, and meant every single word.
Shawn miraculously kept from laughing, but Kevin was all but doubled over.
"Hey, man, wait up." Shawn called as Hunter marched toward the entrance to the hotel. "Don't you want the sheet? You know, as a souvenir?" He guffawed.
Hunter refused to look back, but he heard their footfalls as they trailed after him toward the hotel. He had a nasty headache, he was trying to remember what exactly had happened last night.and only a couple of things had crystallized. For one thing, he knew that he hadn't been alone. There had been a woman there, he remembered her voice. Her laugh. He'd heard it before, he knew he had, but it just refused to come to him. The second thing he knew was that there had been a man there..and that freaked him out even more than the rest of it. Maybe the man had just been visiting, he thought hopefully. He refused to believe that he'd been that out of it to- to-to-no. Hunter had never been into three ways of any sort, much less in that combination, and even if he had been doped to the gills, he refused to believe that he would have been so completely out of it. He had to remember what had really happened last night, and he had to do it as soon as possible. He'd track down Cassie, and whatever it took he would get the truth from her. The bitch had done something to him, and he would find out exactly what. No one played the Game like this. No one, much less some two- bit Texan twit.
He pulled open the door viciously-and a very startled Stephanie dropped her purse, it's contents spilling on the concrete. She blinked in shock at Hunter.
New York City
"I still can't believe she went to Houston! How could she do that?" Vince yelled in Linda's room. He had been pacing off and on for the past hour.
Shane rubbed his head tiredly. Vince had been on a tirade ever since yesterday, when he'd exploded after Linda had told him Stephanie had gone to Houston.
"Is the girl stupid or is she just plain careless?" Vince wondered aloud.
"And how exactly would she have been any safer here?" Linda demanded, having had enough of Vince's dramatics. "The stalker has already proven that he can get to any of us, at any time." She said reasonably, still horrified at the mere thought of it.
"But at least she'd be here, with us. We could all look out for each other. Right now, the only people we can trust are inside of this family, and no one else!" Vince said firmly.
"In Houston, she'll be with Hunter.and he's family." Linda pointed out.
"The hell he is! You know, I liked it a whole lot better when you hated him as much as I do." Vince grumbled.
"Well, I don't anymore. I'll admit there was a time when I thought that maybe the devil himself would be a better match for Stephanie, but.now, he's grown on me. He's not evil incarnate, Vince. He's the man our daughter loves..and I personally think that Stephanie and he are good for each other."
"Linda-"
"Vince, I don't want to talk about this anymore! The only thing I'm going to ask you now is the only thing that's important: Do you trust Hunter to look out for Stephanie? Do you honestly think that he would ever allow anyone to physically harm her? Well? Do you?"
Vince muttered something.
"What was that Vince? I couldn't quite hear you, you were talking through your ass again."
"Mom!" Shane sputtered, laughing.
"No, okay? Is that what you were waiting to hear, Linda? I trust the s.o.b. to watch Stephanie's back, but I still think he's a miserable excuse for a human being."
"Yeah, well, he's her miserable excuse of a human being.just like you're mine. So just drop it, and let the chips fall where they may, allright? She took bodyguards, Hunter will still keep an eye out for her.I'm going to try not to worry too much about her. She wouldn't have been any safer here, anyway." Linda said.
Vince looked back at Linda, prepared to go another round, but she looked so tired.so frail. She seemed to have shrunken somehow. Vince swallowed his protests, and reached over to take his wife's hand. "I'm glad to hear your voice again.even if you are arguing with me." He said softly.
Shane coughed, took this as his cue to leave. He heard the sound of his parents kissing behind him and smiled wryly. At least one thing was right in the world.
Houston
"Stephanie.when did you get to Houston?" Hunter asked as he knelt and helped her pick up the contents of her purse.
"Last night.and.."
"Why are you here? Smackdown? I'm just surprised, I thought you would want to stay with Linda."
"I would have, but she told me to come to Houston and-"
"She told you? She woke up?" Hunter asked. Stephanie smiled, nodded happily.
"Wow. That's really great.I'm really happy for you."
"I know you are. And thanks. But the reason I'm in Houston isn't for Smackdown, it's because I-"
"Hunter, man, did you fall over?" Shawn asked, seeing Hunter squatting on the floor. He then saw Stephanie and stopped dead. "Stephanie.didn't realize you were here." Shawn said.
"Hi, Shawn..Kevin. I guess you guys came out to see Hunter, huh?"
"Yeah.we did. Matter of fact, we were out all last night together." Shawn mentioned casually, trying to give Hunter an alibi, for whatever the hell Hunter was knee-deep in now.
"Oh. I see. Went to visit Morgan, huh?" Stephanie questioned, a huge smile starting on her face..she loved messing with Shawn. It was so damn easy.
Shawn reddened. "Yeah. Something like that..uh, Hunter, we're just going to head back up."
"Yeah. Thanks, man." Hunter smiled, got to his feet and extended his hand toward Stephanie to pull her up. She brushed off her skirt and nodded toward the men who had come up behind her.
"I suppose I ought to introduce everyone..Hunter, this is Victor. And Sam."
"You're the bodyguards. Good to meet you." Hunter extended a hand.
"You must be the guy who hired Rich and Rick Stone to investigate us." Sam said, shaking Hunter's hand good-naturedly.
"How did you know about that?"
"It's our job. I take it that we checked out?" Victor asked.
"You're here, aren't you?" Hunter pointed out. They wouldn't have been if they hadn't checked out.
"Indeed. Perhaps we should start moving?" Victor asked.
"Yeah, let's do that." Hunter said firmly, gesturing toward his limo, where Chad had just pulled up.
Sam started toward the car, looking underneath the body.Hunter shook his head, turned back to Stephanie.
Stephanie looked peculiar. "You okay?" He asked warily.
"Why did you have my guards investigated?"
"I wanted to make sure you're safe."
"That's all?" Stephanie asked, her heart sinking.but what had she expected him to say, she asked herself angrily: that he loved her, couldn't stand the thought of her being hurt?
"What else could there be?" Hunter asked, confused as to what exactly she wanted him to say. It wasn't like he could admit that he loved her, and he just couldn't stand the thought of her getting hurt.
"Nothing. Nothing at all." Stephanie said bitterly. "It looks like Sam finished checking out your limo.are we going somewhere then? I think we really need to talk."
"That's what I said last week.and you wouldn't hear anything I had to say. What's changed?" Hunter asked, not moving.
"I have a reservation for lunch. Do you want to join me?" Stephanie asked, praying he would agree. She so didn't want to have this conversation right now.she was afraid if he actually admitted he was in love with Stacy, she might just break down in front of the hotel.
"I'm not exactly dressed for it." Hunter commented looking down at his Screw the Rules T-shirt and sweatpants.
"Who cares? We'll tip them extra."
Hunter stared at Stephanie for a second. "Okay then." Hunter followed Stephanie to the limo, wondering at her sudden about-face. She seemed nervous. Because of him? He'd find out soon, he figured. All he knew was that he was relieved that she hadn't been in that room with him last night.she would have said something by now if she had been.
Elsewhere in Houston
"I'm telling you, this one is the winner! Look, Hunter is sprawled out on top of you, you can't see his face, it just looks like you're kissing. You can even see that it's definitely you. It's perfect!" Kurt enthused.
Stacy looked down at the picture thoughtfully. "You know what, Kurt? I think you're actually right. This one's the one." She said, delicately holding the photo at the edges.
"So then we're agreed?" Still looking at the photo, Stacy nodded. Kurt got up from their table, took the photo from her hands, and marched up to the technician. "This one's the one. Work your magic." Kurt said happily.
Stacy sipped on Kurt's water, wondering why she wasn't feeling as jubilant as he was.
Kurt sat back down, next to her. "Let's go celebrate. We'll go to lunch." Stacy rose from the table. "That'll be done in a few hours, right?" Kurt called behind the counter.
"Sure thing, Mr. Angle. Come back in three hours." The technician called.
"We'll definitely be here." Kurt called back, and much to Stacy's relief, they finally left.
"So where are we going to lunch?" Stacy asked as they climbed into the car.
"A little place that Stephanie actually told me about. She said its got great food. I'm starving, so I'm going to drive fast."
"Well, if Stephanie recommended it, then of course we have to go." Stacy bit out. But Kurt, as usual, was completely oblivious to her feelings. Stacy lay back in her seat, wishing she were somewhere else.they hadn't even done anything to Hunter yet and she was already regretting it.
After a subdued and unnaturally silent limo ride, Hunter got out behind Stephanie when they'd arrived at the restaurant. Sam and Victor followed. Stephanie spoke to the maitre'd, who as Hunter had suspected, looked down at him rather snootily. Stephanie put the man at ease with a fifty, and they were led to a table in the back. "Guys?" Stephanie addressed Victor and Sam. "Could you please move over there? We'd like a little privacy." Stephanie pointed to a table a few feet away. Victor nodded shortly.
The waiter brought their menus and Stephanie pretended to study it carefully, but the words were all blending together on the pages. She realized her hands were shaking the menu so she carefully set it down on the table so Hunter wouldn't notice. Stephanie gulped down some water and almost choked as it went up her nose. She coughed loudly and Hunter looked at her quizzically. They'd both been so silent in the limo ride. She had been afraid to talk, and she didn't know exactly what was up with him.
"So, how have you been feeling?" Hunter asked, trying to get her to say something, anything. Why was she here? Could it be that she finally wanted to really talk to him? He hoped so.but damned if he would make it too easy for her. She had behaved completely inappropriately last week, and he hadn't forgotten it. And the thing of it was that he still didn't have the slightest idea what had set her off in the first place!
"How have I been feeling? I'm tired." Stephanie admitted.
"What, not sleeping tired..You have been taking care of yourself, right? Trying to get some rest?" Hunter prompted. He had to admit that she looked tired.she had circles under her eyes she hadn't been able to conceal, her face was pale..but she was dressed impeccably as always. He thought the skirt looked really great with her eyes..and the slit up the thighs didn't hurt either.
"I'm tired of everything. I'm tired of being worried about my family. I'm tired of being scared, wondering if there's something in my food. It's gotten so that I can't even bring myself to eat anything besides t.v. dinners." She confessed.
"What!?"
"And I hate t.v. dinners.but they're prepackaged, so I figure they're safe." Stephanie said quietly. The waiter came by, set down their salads and took the rest of their order.
Resuming their conversation, Hunter said: "I had no idea.of course you would have been freaked, after the juice and everything."
"It's stupid, huh? But I just can't help it.every time I try and eat something, I feel like I'm going to throw up. I'm trying to get better about it though. That's why I made this reservation.to get myself out of this funk."
"I'm glad. It's going to be fine."
"Promise? You know, somehow I just feel better having you sitting across from me." Stephanie confessed. "But you always make me feel better." She said, almost as an afterthought.
"Yeah, I'll watch you eat. If you want, I can even taste test..it's a pretty big sacrifice, I know. Taste-testing expensive food.baby, who's got your back?" Hunter asked with a smile. This wasn't so bad.at least they weren't screaming. Yet.
Stephanie couldn't help it, she started laughing. He looked so adorable sitting across from her.in his little t-shirt, in his sweat pants.and she couldn't help but notice it.she wondered if he might be going commando? The prospect was tantalizing. It was very distracting, at the very least. Very wicked thoughts were popping up in her mind. Stephanie dragged her thoughts from the gutter and looked back up at Hunter.
"I want to tell you why I came to Houston." She told him, her hands under the table, clenching and unclenching. God, why was she so damn nervous? Only because this entire conversation would probably be one of the turning points in her whole damn life..this could either be the beginning, or..the end. Her stomach did a somersault as she answered her own question.
"I'd like to know. You said something about Linda telling you to come?" Hunter asked, as offhandedly as he could. His eyes searched her face, her body, trying to get some kind of clue as to what she was saying. All he'd picked up on so far was that she was nervous.and scared. Somehow, Stephanie being afraid made him feel better-she wouldn't be afraid if she didn't care.
"Yeah. My mother told me.Mom told me that maybe I had jumped to conclusions. The wrong conclusions." Stephanie said carefully, sipping her water again, she was so thirsty, her eyes narrowed on Hunter.
Hunter, searching for something to do, finally noticed that the waiter had brought his salad and he speared a huge slice of tomato. "What kind of conclusions?" He asked inbetween bites.
"I'm just going to say it, okay? I can't stand it anymore. One way or the other, I just have to know, or you damn man, you're going to drive me absolutely insane! I know you said you're in love with Stacy, but-"
Hunter choked on his tomato. "Hunter are you-oh, my God, you're choking! Somebody, help us, he's choking!" Stephanie screamed hysterically. She rushed over behind him and locked her hands around his waist in the Heimliech maneuver.
"Hi. Reservations for two, under Kurt Angle."
"Ahh, yes. Mr. Angle, ma'am. Right this way."
"What's going on over there?" Stacy asked curiously. A young woman appeared to be running, but Stacy couldn't quite see her.
"I do believe that the young lady's dinner companion is choking." The waiter said, as though it were nothing to be worried about. "But I can assure you, it's not because of our food." He finished hurriedly.
"We don't care. Just seat us, please." Kurt told the waiter, ignoring the happenings on the other side of the room. But Stacy's curiosity was piqued, she continued to stare. Then she tripped over the carpet and flung into Kurt's arms.
"You know, we've got to stop doing this." Kurt grinned as he caught her lightly.
"It's Hunter! And Stephanie!" Stacy gasped.
"Stephanie? Where?" Kurt spun around, dropping Stacy to the floor. He caught sight of Stephanie and pulled Stacy to her feet and dragged her over to a table. They sat directly parallel to Hunter and Stephanie, behind a small partition, so they were not visible.
"Mr. Angle.this wasn't your seat, but if you would like it." The waiter stammered.
"Shh!" Kurt hissed. "Yeah, we want it. Now let us just look at the menus, okay?" The waiter handed the two their menus and both Stacy and Kurt sat listening to the couple across the wall.
"Did you know they were going to be here?" Stacy whispered.
Kurt wouldn't meet her eyes. "Of course not.well, actually, yeah, yeah, I did." He admitted, not really seeing any reason to lie.
"How?" Stacy demanded.
"Later, I'll tell you later! Now be quiet, I want to listen." Kurt said.
The tomato went flying out and it hit the wall. Stephanie buried her head in relief against his back. Hunter turned around and held Stephanie's chin.
"First of all, thank you for that." Hunter gasped, and to her shock, the jerk was actually laughing! Stephanie hit him on his arm and nodded through her relieved tears. "And secondly, have you completely lost your mind? You must have if you think that I could ever be in love with Stacy."
"But you said-"
"I don't know how you ever could have thought I loved Stacy.but I guess I can see how you could be confused. I have to tell you something.I never slept with Stacy, Stephanie." There was a weird intake of breath across the partition, but neither of them noticed.
"What? But-in New Orleans-"
"I know. I set it up to look like I was having an affair."
"What?" Stephanie whispered, horrified.
"It was a horrible thing to do, I know that, but-"
"I had no idea you could hate me that much." Stephanie stepped back, the tears flowing readily down her face.
"No! It wasn't because I hate you! It was because we were destroying each other, and I wanted the divorce. I was desperate, and I couldn't think of anything else. Please believe that at least.it wasn't a deliberate attempt to hurt you, I just wanted you to hate me enough to give me the divorce. Princess, please, sit back down, okay?"
Stephanie slid back over to her side of the table. "You never slept with her?" She asked, wanting to hear the words again. She didn't care that he had set her up, it didn't matter.he hadn't slept with another woman! They had done so much to each other, this was just another game. A warm feeling was beginning to crawl through her but she tried to dampen it, just in case he wasn't saying what she thought he was saying.
She hoped he was saying what she thought he was saying.
She prayed he was saying what she thought he was saying. Stephanie crossed her toes inside her sandals. Please, please, please, if you let me have him, I promise I'll never ask for anything else ever again.unless it's really, really important. She amended in her silent prayer, not wanted to lie.
"No. I didn't sleep with her in New Orleans. I swear to you." Stephanie saw the sincerity in his eyes and the warm feeling continued to spread. "I can see why you'd believe I was sleeping with her.but how did you get to my being in love with her?"
There was a loud clatter of plates across the partition. Stephanie frowned, ignoring it. "I heard you! At the hospital."
Hunter looked at her, eyes raising to tell her to elaborate.
"Last week.I found out you'd been hurt, I ran up to see you. But you were with Stacy. You said you loved her." Stephanie said, her toes beginning to get sore from the crossing.
"I don't remember.are you sure? I was pretty out of it. If I did say it.it's only because I thought I was talking to you, Steph."
"But if you thought you were talking to me.does that mean." The toes crossed even more tightly, and she crossed her fingers too, underneath the tablecloth. Please, please, please, please...
"That I love you? Yeah, it does. I love you Stephanie, no matter how hard I tried to stop, I couldn't.I tried to cut you out of my heart, but it wouldn't work. It never worked. I love you, Stephanie McMahon." Hunter said intensely. That weird hiss of breath across the wall again.
"Oh, thank God!" Stephanie said as she got up from the table, sobbing, allowing everything that was crossed become uncrossed again. "I was wondering if I ever would get to hear you say those words to me again. I've missed you so much.everything's been so wrong in my life since you weren't in it. I've been so bored, and lonely, and I hate not being yours anymore." Stephanie choked out, wrapping her arms around his neck, sitting astride his lap. He held her back fiercely.
"Mrs. McMahon?" A waiter came up behind them. Neither of them moved. The waiter coughed loudly, Hunter turned to look back at him. "What? This better be good."
"Ah, well.your driver brought in your cell phone.apparently, you have a phone call, Mrs. McMahon."
"I what? Tell them to call back later." Stephanie said absolutely resolute. Nothing short of a freakin' tornado was getting her away from this spot. And even if the tornado came, it would still be difficult.
"Ma'am, all I know is that someone's asked for Stephanie McMahon. They apparently said it was important."
"Maybe you ought to take it.just so we can stop being bothered. Or it could actually be important..your mother, or something." Hunter whispered.
"You don't mind?" Hunter shook his head. "I'll be back in two seconds. Don't move."
"Not in a million years would I move from right here." Hunter laughed. Stephanie still didn't move. He unwrapped his arms from her body. "We have all the time in the world. Go." He said softly, smiling beautifully.
Stephanie, always mesmerized by that smile, reluctantly crawled off of Hunter's lap, and followed the waiter. Sam trailed her.
Stephanie smiled at Chad who apologized for the interruption, picked up the phone and said "Hello? This is Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley." But the receiver was dead. Stephanie frowned at Chad. "Did they say who it was?"
"No, that's weird. The guy said it was really important he talk to you. I don't know why he'd hang up."
"Me either.I'll take the phone with me in case they call again. Thanks anyway, Chad."
"No prob, Mrs. H." Stephanie's eyes widened in surprise. "Why, Chad, I do believe that's the first time you've called me that in a while.what brings on the change?"
"I think you're done screwing Mr. H. over, so I think I like you again." Chad cringed guiltily when he heard those words come out of his mouth. After all, he was the one who was really screwing Hunter over.but then he thought of the money Kurt Angle had promised him for only doing a few little things, and he suddenly didn't feel so bad anymore.
"I see.and I'm glad. I'm going back to Hunter." Stephanie said, not exactly certain how she wanted to respond to Chad's comment.
"Stephanie?" Stephanie pivoted toward the voice. "Kurt. What are you doing here?" Stephanie asked.
"Smackdown, of course. But I guess you mean the restaurant.you actually told me I should come here, remember?"
"Uh.yeah. Actually, I'm glad you're here. I'm here with Hunter. And I was just going to tell him the truth, about the baby. That you're not the father. Hunter and I.I think we're gonna be allright. I want to say thank you for helping me out. You're a great friend, you know that? I love you for it." Stephanie said, hugging Kurt.
"Hey, I am always your friend. Remember that, okay?" Kurt said, hugging her even more fiercely, trying to buy a little time..
"I will." Stephanie promised. "Are you here with anyone?" She asked.
"Actually, I'm here with Stacy." Kurt said.
"Why?" Stephanie asked pointedly.
"She's actually a great girl, once you get to know her. I know you don't especially care for her. But she's really been good to me these past few days. She's been taking care of me after.."
"Oh, yeah. Shane mentioned that Hunter had wiped the floor with you. I apologize for that, but please believe he had his reasons."
Kurt seethed inwardly, but he managed a half-smile. "Yeah.of course he did. And if he hadn't attacked me, just think-- Stace and I might never have gotten to know each other. She's been so great, she hasn't even left my side the past week. Except last night, that's it. You want me to take you back to your table?"
"Actually, thanks.but no. I think that would upset Hunter, and I don't want to do anything to rock the boat. I'm um, happy? About you and Stacy." And she actually kind of was.it kept the woman away from her man, didn't it? She did feel sorry for Kurt though, he had no idea what he was getting himself into.
Stephanie strode back toward the table, Sam in tow. She stopped cold when she heard raised voices from her table. It was Stacy, talking to Hunter. The witch actually had the nerve to sit in Stephanie's own seat! Stephanie rounded the corner, headed directly for a startled Stacy. "Get up, bitch!" Stephanie yelled, hauling Stacy up bodily from the table.
"Stephanie-it's" Hunter said, pulling Stephanie off of Stacy. "Stacy was just leaving."
"But Hunter-" Stacy pleaded, as she allowed tears to flow down her face. She was glad she wasn't wearing waterproof mascara.it really added to the effect she thought. "Why are you doing this? I love you, you know that? Didn't last night mean anything to you?" She whispered in her best whimper. She watched through narrowly slitted eyes how Stephanie stiffened, looked up at Hunter questioningly.
"Last night?" Hunter asked. No, no, please no, not her..
"The wonderful night we spent together..we made love last night, Hunter. You were with Cassandra Wexler, she found my number on your cell phone because you were really drunk, she called me and luckily I was already here in Houston. I came right away, and one thing led to another..it was beautiful, like I always knew it would be. Hunter! Don't do this!"
Hunter looked at Stacy slack-jawed. Could what she was saying actually be true? He couldn't remember! No, no, it couldn't be true, he'd remember.but he couldn't! What was going on here? He felt Stephanie draw away from him. She looked at him.
"I hate even having to ask this.but is this true?" Stephanie asked distantly.
He didn't answer.
"Hunter, please, just say it's not true, I'll believe you. I swear to God, I'll believe you. All you have to do is say it. Please, say it." Stephanie begged.
"I can't--I just, I don't--I don't know." Hunter admitted. Stephanie looked at him silently, wishing she could go back in time five minutes ago when everything had been wonderful again and not this horrible hell she couldn't seem to get out of.