Danni slowly approached the table. She felt vulnerable for the first time in a long time and she didn't like the feeling. She wasn't sure how Mark would react to seeing her.
Glen seen her first.
"Hi Danni, what's up sweetheart?" Glen said.
All the guys knew Danni, especially now that she hung around the arena a lot.
"Hi Glen, Hi Paul." Danni said smiling.
"Hey Danni, I seen the little punk roughing you up, want me to go scare him?" Paul teased.
Danni laughed.
"No, I think I put him in his place." Danni said.
Mark was very aware of her standing there her smell permeating the air around him. He had the urge to grab her and crush her lips to his. But he acted like he didn't even see her. He didn't want the guys ribbing him about being hung up on some little girl later. That's the last thing he needed.
"Hey Mark." Danni said looking at him.
Damn was it possible he looked even more handsome than when she had last seen him. He had on blue jeans and tight fitting black t-shirt. She looked at his big arms and caught her breath. And damn the smell of him it was intoxicating.
Mark didn't even look at her.
"Hey." He grunted.
Okay he wasn't a talkative person she thought to herself.
"I heard about your injury, I'm glad to see you back." Danni said.
Danni shuffled her feet and looked down. He wasn't saying anything to her. Well he didn't say much the first time either.
Mark kept silent. He didn't know why she had even come over she was with Bill now, why even bother.
"Well I'll see you guys later." Danni said and turned to walk away.
"Hey Mark, I think the little girl has got a crush on you." Glen teased.
"Can it Glen, That girl is definitely not my type, she's been passed around to much!" Mark said.
Unfortunately Danni was still close enough to hear him. She stiffened up for a moment. Then she continued walking away.
Paul kicked Mark under the table.
"You idiot she heard you." Paul said.
"So it's the truth." Mark said.
"Danni? Are you crazy she won't even date anyone, half the wrestlers here are crazy about her and have asked her out, she always says no." Glen said.
"Well she's hanging all over Bill." Mark said.
"Bill has a girlfriend you nimrod. Those two are just friends; Bill treats her like his kid or something. WE all think a lot of Danni. There was no reason for you to treat her like that. Everybody knows you're a prick Mark, but that was a little cruel even for you. Man everybody's tired of walking on eggshells around you. Grow up Mark." Glen said and got up and left.
Paul just stared at Mark.
"I gotta go." Paul said and left.
Mark shrugged. To hell with them. He turned and watched Danni. She wasn't likely to be upset by anything he said.
"Listen guys I got to get back to work." Danni said pasting a smile on her face.
"Okay." Jeff said. He sensed she was upset but she looked fine.
Bill looked at her.
"You okay?" Bill asked.
"Yep, I'll see you guys later." Danni said.
"Okay sweetie." Bill said as she left. He glared over at Mark. That bastard better not do anything to upset her.
Danni found a utility closet and went in and shut the door and locked it. She sank to the floor in tears. Mark thought she was a cheap slut that was obvious. Danni hadn't cried in years and vowed never to be hurt over some man. But here she was bawling like a baby. She rested her head on her arms as the tears ran down her cheeks. Mark had also said she wasn't his type. Danni knew well what that meant. She hadn't grown up in a shell. She was teased and made fun of her whole childhood by some kids because of her looks and the fact she was mixed. Mark was ashamed he had been with her because of her race. He didn't want the other guys to know. Danni sat there a long time letting her pain out. She was pretty sure she was in love with Mark. What she wondered was how you could love someone you barely knew. At first she thought it was just lust, but now she knew. How the hell can I love him, he's an asshole." Danni thought.
Danni finally got up and wiped her face. She wasn't going to run no more. Maybe Bill was right. She needed to start dating give someone a chance instead of obsessing over Mark.