A/N: I have pushed some things back to later chapters, which is why things that might have been said to be explained shortly may not be yet. But everything will be!
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They arrived at the arena at noon. Sam and Amy went to the womens' locker room, and Shane went to the guys'. The show was nothing out of the ordinary, and they returned to the hotel shortly after. Amy and Sam rented a movie while Shane went out for a drink with Rico. When he returned, Shane still didn't want to talk to Sam, so she didn't push.
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When she woke up on Saturday, Sam had butterflies in her stomach. Her date with Randy was after the show, and she wasn't sure what to expect. She sat up and looked over at Amy's bed, but no one was there. 'Two mornings in a row they are both gone,' she thought to herself. She got dressed and went down to the restaurant, where she found Amy having breakfast with Jeff, who had arrived earlier that morning. She sat down next to them.
"Good morning." She reached for a bagel.
"Mownisnd Sshaetz" Jeff said with his mouthful. He swallowed and tried again. "Morning Sweets."
Sam laughed. "Much better the second time." She took a bite of her bagel and set it down. "Amy, Shane never came back to the room last night, did he?"
Amy shook her head. "I don't think he did."
"Weird. Guess I'll have to talk to him later." They were just finishing as Shane walked up to the table, still wearing the clothes from the night before. Sam raised her eyebrows. "Long night Shane?"
"Don't start Sam. I'll be ready to leave for the arena in 20 minutes." He turned and went to the elevators. True to his word, he came back downstairs dressed and ready 20 minutes later. The ride to the arena was pretty quiet, and Shane left them as soon as they arrived. Sam found a quiet corner to work in, while Amy and Jeff went to their respective locker rooms. Sam was typing on her laptop when Randy came up behind her and tapped her shoulder.
"Hey Sam."
She turned and grinned. "Hey Randy."
He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth nervously. "So, what time should I come by your room?"
"I'll be ready by 5."
"Sounds good." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "See you then."
Sam was smiling as Randy walked away. She finished the little work she had left and met Amy by the exit. When Shane and Jeff showed up a few minutes later, they all went to the car and rode back to the hotel. Jeff came up to their room and asked Amy, "Do you wanna catch a movie or something tonight?"
She nodded. "That sounds fine. Do you wanna come Shane?"
Shane shook his head. "No, thanks, I've got plans."
"OK." Amy had a distraught look on her face, but said nothing else.
Jeff cleared his throat. "So I'll go change and come back, and we should make the 5 o'clock showing of whatever we decide to see."
"I'll be ready when you get back," Amy replied. Shane just grabbed a sweatshirt and left the room. Sam shook her head and turned to Amy.
"I need to find out what is wrong with him."
"Later." Amy shook her head. "Right now you need to get ready for your date."
Sam giggled. "Yes I do. Can you look through my stuff and pick out some things while I'm in the shower?"
"Of course." Amy started rifling through Sam's suitcase, and when she emerged from the shower 15 minutes later, Amy had 4 possible outfits spread out on the beds.
Sam stared at them. "Should I try them all on, or just pick?"
Amy looked at the clock. "It might be better to just pick one, you only have about 45 minutes."
"That is so not enough time." She sighed. "OK, we're going to a pretty fancy restaurant, so no pants. That nixes the first one." She pointed to the bed, where Amy had laid out khakis and a short sleeved polo. "What about that short black skirt," she pointed to the other bed, "with that top?" She pointed to the pale pink short sleeved button down next to the khakis.
Amy nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, that could work, with your black sandals."
Sam nodded. "Good, that's finished. I just need to do my hair and makeup and I'll be set." SHe went back into the bathroom and came out half an hour later with her hair straightened and makeup finished.
Amy laughed. "Just go like that and Randy will be thrilled." Sam looked down. Though the rest of her was ready, she was still wearing her towel.
"I bet he would." Amy turned around and Sam quickly threw her clothes on. Amy turned back around. "Well?"
"Randy won't know what hit him." There was a knock at the door, and Amy went to answer it. "Hey Randy, come on in."
"Thanks Amy." He saw Sam standing in the corner. "Wow, you look great."
She smiled, blushing slightly. "Thanks. You look pretty good yourself." She picked up her purse and walked to the door. "See you later Amy." Randy grabbed her hand and opened the door.
"Bye guys, have a good time."
Randy grinned. "We will."
**********
Randy pulled up at the restaurant and gave the valet guy his keys. Sam's door was opened by another parking attendant and she got out. She and Randy walked in, and were immediately greeted by a maitre'd.
"Good evening, my name is Paul. How can I help you?"
"Hi, I had a reservation for Orton?"
Paul looked down. "Ah, yes, Mr. Orton. Right this way." He led them over to a table with a wonderful view of the city. "Josh will be your server this evening, and he will be right with you." As soon as he turned from their table Randy laughed. Sam gave him a strange look.
"Im sorry Sam, its just been a long time since I've been to a place like this."
She smiled. "I understand. The last time I was at a place like this was when Shane and I went out for my 21st birthday. I'm really much more casual."
"OK. Next time the Big Macs are on me." They both laughed.
"Sounds good." Their waiter came over and sat down menus.
"Good evening, my name is Josh and I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with a drink?"
Sam looked at the menu. "Water is fine with me."
Randy nodded. "I'll have water too, thanks." Josh nodded and left to get their drinks. Randy cleared his throat. "So, how's work going?"
"Eh, it's ok. Since it's near the end of the month I have a lot of expense reports to do. It should be easier next month though, because I'll have my own system to go by, not Stacy's."
"I'm so glad you replaced her. She wasn't the nicest person to work with." He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. "But you're much better."
She blushed. "It's not so bad working with you either." Josh came back and set down their waters.
"Were you ready to order?"
"Uh, sure." Sam smiled and picked up her menu. Of course she hadn;t looked at it yet, but ordered the first thing she saw. "I think I would like the Chicken Alfredo and a small salad with Ranch please." He finished writing and took her menu.
"And you sir?"
Randy slowly shook his head. "I think I'll just have the same, thanks." Josh took the other menu and left. Randy looked at Sam. "It had better be good Sam, or it will be your fault."
Her eyes widened in feigned shock. "My fault? Why?" She giggled. "I'm sure it will be fine." Randy just smiled. "So, what's new with you?"
"Nothing much. Just working, training, traveling. Exciting."
"Very. You still have occassional rehab on the foot, right?" Randy had broken his foot a few months before that.
"Usually just when I'm back home. They have this program in my gym that incorporates rehab exercises into your fitness routine."
"That's sort of different."
He took a sip of water and nodded. "Nice though, I don't have to go to different places to get it all done." Josh came back and set down their plates.
Randy picked up a bite and gave Sam a look. "Better be good." he mumbled.
Sam laughed. "Randy, do you have a thing against pasta?"
"Nope." He took a bite. "It is fabulous." Sam picked up some from her plate.
"Excellent." They continued eating, with light conversation throughout the meal. After paying the bill they went out to the parking lot. Randy handed the attendant his tag. Sam was shivering, so he put his coat around her shoulders.
She smiled up at him. "You really can be a gentleman."
"Of course I can. Just don't tell anybody."
"Yeah, wouldn't want your reputation ruined." The car was brought around and Randy opened her door. "Thanks," she said and got in. Randy got in the drivers side and they drove back to the hotel. He walked her to the door, where they both stopped. He grabbed her hand.
"I had a good time, Sam."
"So did I Randy, thank you." He nodded. He leaned down and kissed her. Sam smiled when he pulled away. "Goodnight Randy."
"'Night Sam. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Ok. Bye." He turned and walked down the hall. Sam reached into her purse, but couldn't find her roomcard. SHe walked down to Jeff's room and knocked, hoping he and Amy would be back. Amy answered a moment later.
"Hey Sam, how did it go?"
"It was nice. Good conversation, good food. I'm glad you're here though, I forgot my room card."
"Here." Amy handed Sam her card. "So, did he kiss you?"
"Yeah."
"And?"
"And...it was ok."
"No foot pop?"
Sam shook her head. "Or fireworks."
"Damn."
"Yeah, well, it could still happen." Amy gave her a doubtful look. "It could. I'm going to go get some ice cream from downstairs and see if I can get Shane to watch a sappy movie with me when he gets back. Thanks for the card." Amy nodded, and hoped Sam would wait awhile before going back to the room. She wouldn't be happy by what she saw.
**********
Sam walked back to the room carrying a bag with a carton of ice cream, two bowls, and two spoons. She opened the door to see Shane's head against the back of the couch and the glow of the TV as the only light in the room. On it was one of Sam's favorite movies, 'Object of My Affection.' "Hey Shane. Boy am I glad you're here and that movie is on. I think we should talk about everything that-" She rounded the corner of the couch and was amazed to see Ronnie snuggled up next to Shane. "What the hell is she doing here?"
**********
**********
They arrived at the arena at noon. Sam and Amy went to the womens' locker room, and Shane went to the guys'. The show was nothing out of the ordinary, and they returned to the hotel shortly after. Amy and Sam rented a movie while Shane went out for a drink with Rico. When he returned, Shane still didn't want to talk to Sam, so she didn't push.
**********
When she woke up on Saturday, Sam had butterflies in her stomach. Her date with Randy was after the show, and she wasn't sure what to expect. She sat up and looked over at Amy's bed, but no one was there. 'Two mornings in a row they are both gone,' she thought to herself. She got dressed and went down to the restaurant, where she found Amy having breakfast with Jeff, who had arrived earlier that morning. She sat down next to them.
"Good morning." She reached for a bagel.
"Mownisnd Sshaetz" Jeff said with his mouthful. He swallowed and tried again. "Morning Sweets."
Sam laughed. "Much better the second time." She took a bite of her bagel and set it down. "Amy, Shane never came back to the room last night, did he?"
Amy shook her head. "I don't think he did."
"Weird. Guess I'll have to talk to him later." They were just finishing as Shane walked up to the table, still wearing the clothes from the night before. Sam raised her eyebrows. "Long night Shane?"
"Don't start Sam. I'll be ready to leave for the arena in 20 minutes." He turned and went to the elevators. True to his word, he came back downstairs dressed and ready 20 minutes later. The ride to the arena was pretty quiet, and Shane left them as soon as they arrived. Sam found a quiet corner to work in, while Amy and Jeff went to their respective locker rooms. Sam was typing on her laptop when Randy came up behind her and tapped her shoulder.
"Hey Sam."
She turned and grinned. "Hey Randy."
He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back and forth nervously. "So, what time should I come by your room?"
"I'll be ready by 5."
"Sounds good." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "See you then."
Sam was smiling as Randy walked away. She finished the little work she had left and met Amy by the exit. When Shane and Jeff showed up a few minutes later, they all went to the car and rode back to the hotel. Jeff came up to their room and asked Amy, "Do you wanna catch a movie or something tonight?"
She nodded. "That sounds fine. Do you wanna come Shane?"
Shane shook his head. "No, thanks, I've got plans."
"OK." Amy had a distraught look on her face, but said nothing else.
Jeff cleared his throat. "So I'll go change and come back, and we should make the 5 o'clock showing of whatever we decide to see."
"I'll be ready when you get back," Amy replied. Shane just grabbed a sweatshirt and left the room. Sam shook her head and turned to Amy.
"I need to find out what is wrong with him."
"Later." Amy shook her head. "Right now you need to get ready for your date."
Sam giggled. "Yes I do. Can you look through my stuff and pick out some things while I'm in the shower?"
"Of course." Amy started rifling through Sam's suitcase, and when she emerged from the shower 15 minutes later, Amy had 4 possible outfits spread out on the beds.
Sam stared at them. "Should I try them all on, or just pick?"
Amy looked at the clock. "It might be better to just pick one, you only have about 45 minutes."
"That is so not enough time." She sighed. "OK, we're going to a pretty fancy restaurant, so no pants. That nixes the first one." She pointed to the bed, where Amy had laid out khakis and a short sleeved polo. "What about that short black skirt," she pointed to the other bed, "with that top?" She pointed to the pale pink short sleeved button down next to the khakis.
Amy nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, that could work, with your black sandals."
Sam nodded. "Good, that's finished. I just need to do my hair and makeup and I'll be set." SHe went back into the bathroom and came out half an hour later with her hair straightened and makeup finished.
Amy laughed. "Just go like that and Randy will be thrilled." Sam looked down. Though the rest of her was ready, she was still wearing her towel.
"I bet he would." Amy turned around and Sam quickly threw her clothes on. Amy turned back around. "Well?"
"Randy won't know what hit him." There was a knock at the door, and Amy went to answer it. "Hey Randy, come on in."
"Thanks Amy." He saw Sam standing in the corner. "Wow, you look great."
She smiled, blushing slightly. "Thanks. You look pretty good yourself." She picked up her purse and walked to the door. "See you later Amy." Randy grabbed her hand and opened the door.
"Bye guys, have a good time."
Randy grinned. "We will."
**********
Randy pulled up at the restaurant and gave the valet guy his keys. Sam's door was opened by another parking attendant and she got out. She and Randy walked in, and were immediately greeted by a maitre'd.
"Good evening, my name is Paul. How can I help you?"
"Hi, I had a reservation for Orton?"
Paul looked down. "Ah, yes, Mr. Orton. Right this way." He led them over to a table with a wonderful view of the city. "Josh will be your server this evening, and he will be right with you." As soon as he turned from their table Randy laughed. Sam gave him a strange look.
"Im sorry Sam, its just been a long time since I've been to a place like this."
She smiled. "I understand. The last time I was at a place like this was when Shane and I went out for my 21st birthday. I'm really much more casual."
"OK. Next time the Big Macs are on me." They both laughed.
"Sounds good." Their waiter came over and sat down menus.
"Good evening, my name is Josh and I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with a drink?"
Sam looked at the menu. "Water is fine with me."
Randy nodded. "I'll have water too, thanks." Josh nodded and left to get their drinks. Randy cleared his throat. "So, how's work going?"
"Eh, it's ok. Since it's near the end of the month I have a lot of expense reports to do. It should be easier next month though, because I'll have my own system to go by, not Stacy's."
"I'm so glad you replaced her. She wasn't the nicest person to work with." He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. "But you're much better."
She blushed. "It's not so bad working with you either." Josh came back and set down their waters.
"Were you ready to order?"
"Uh, sure." Sam smiled and picked up her menu. Of course she hadn;t looked at it yet, but ordered the first thing she saw. "I think I would like the Chicken Alfredo and a small salad with Ranch please." He finished writing and took her menu.
"And you sir?"
Randy slowly shook his head. "I think I'll just have the same, thanks." Josh took the other menu and left. Randy looked at Sam. "It had better be good Sam, or it will be your fault."
Her eyes widened in feigned shock. "My fault? Why?" She giggled. "I'm sure it will be fine." Randy just smiled. "So, what's new with you?"
"Nothing much. Just working, training, traveling. Exciting."
"Very. You still have occassional rehab on the foot, right?" Randy had broken his foot a few months before that.
"Usually just when I'm back home. They have this program in my gym that incorporates rehab exercises into your fitness routine."
"That's sort of different."
He took a sip of water and nodded. "Nice though, I don't have to go to different places to get it all done." Josh came back and set down their plates.
Randy picked up a bite and gave Sam a look. "Better be good." he mumbled.
Sam laughed. "Randy, do you have a thing against pasta?"
"Nope." He took a bite. "It is fabulous." Sam picked up some from her plate.
"Excellent." They continued eating, with light conversation throughout the meal. After paying the bill they went out to the parking lot. Randy handed the attendant his tag. Sam was shivering, so he put his coat around her shoulders.
She smiled up at him. "You really can be a gentleman."
"Of course I can. Just don't tell anybody."
"Yeah, wouldn't want your reputation ruined." The car was brought around and Randy opened her door. "Thanks," she said and got in. Randy got in the drivers side and they drove back to the hotel. He walked her to the door, where they both stopped. He grabbed her hand.
"I had a good time, Sam."
"So did I Randy, thank you." He nodded. He leaned down and kissed her. Sam smiled when he pulled away. "Goodnight Randy."
"'Night Sam. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Ok. Bye." He turned and walked down the hall. Sam reached into her purse, but couldn't find her roomcard. SHe walked down to Jeff's room and knocked, hoping he and Amy would be back. Amy answered a moment later.
"Hey Sam, how did it go?"
"It was nice. Good conversation, good food. I'm glad you're here though, I forgot my room card."
"Here." Amy handed Sam her card. "So, did he kiss you?"
"Yeah."
"And?"
"And...it was ok."
"No foot pop?"
Sam shook her head. "Or fireworks."
"Damn."
"Yeah, well, it could still happen." Amy gave her a doubtful look. "It could. I'm going to go get some ice cream from downstairs and see if I can get Shane to watch a sappy movie with me when he gets back. Thanks for the card." Amy nodded, and hoped Sam would wait awhile before going back to the room. She wouldn't be happy by what she saw.
**********
Sam walked back to the room carrying a bag with a carton of ice cream, two bowls, and two spoons. She opened the door to see Shane's head against the back of the couch and the glow of the TV as the only light in the room. On it was one of Sam's favorite movies, 'Object of My Affection.' "Hey Shane. Boy am I glad you're here and that movie is on. I think we should talk about everything that-" She rounded the corner of the couch and was amazed to see Ronnie snuggled up next to Shane. "What the hell is she doing here?"
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