A/N: Thanks to everyone for reviewing!!!
**********
Shane looked up at her, and Sam was shocked to see the cold look in his eyes. "My girlfriend and I are trying to watch a movie. Is that okay with you?"
"Of course it is. Whatever you want to do Shane." Sam said very softly. Ronnie was smirking at the hurt expression on Sam's face, and couldn't resist butting in.
"That's what he wants to do. And it probably would be better if you stayed somewhere else tonight, if you know what I mean."
Sam could only nod. After she thought for a moment, she answered. "I actually have a flight to catch in a few hours, so I'll just finish packing and then I'll go."
"Good." Sam grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and went to the bathroom to change. She came out and walked over to her bed. She threw everything in it that she had out, and left the room without another word. Ronnie sighed happily and snuggled closer to Shane, not noticing he wasn't paying attention to her. He was too busy watching his soul walk out the door.
**********
Sam knocked on Jeff's door for the second time that night. Again, Amy answered. "She was still there, huh?"
Sam walked in and nodded. "Yeah." She whirled around. "Wait a second, you knew and you didn't tell me?"
Amy was nervously chewing her bottom lip. "I didn't know how Sam."
Sam just sighed. "I understand. It's just so sudden. I ran into her in the hall Thurday night, and she said something about me being a bitch because I was flaunting Randy in front of Shane, because she thinks Shane is in love with me. Then tonight, she's snuggled up with him on the couch where I should be? SHE is the bitch."
Amy was trying to understand everything Sam had said. "OK, let me get this straight. Ronnie called you a bitch because she thinks that you flaunt Randy around in front of Shane?" Sam nodded. "And she thinks that Shane is in love with you?"
"Yeah. How crazy is that?" Amy could only nod. "So instead of trying to get another room I'm just going to get an earlier flight. Could you take me to the airport?"
"Of course." Sam nodded and took her cellphone and went out on the balcony to call the airport. Jeff, who was in the bathroom, came out and Amy explained everything that was going on. He sighed.
"When are they going to figure it out?"
Amy shook her head. "Soon, I hope."
**********
Sam was able to get a flight that left at 12:30 AM, which would put her in Stamford at 10 the next morning with the time difference. She dozed through most of the flight and took a cab to Titan Towers. She walked in and up to the front desk. Janice, the weekend receptionist, was on the phone and just handed her a stack of messages. Sam got to her office and started leafing through them. "Max from Fox Sports about Jericho on Best Damn, Steve from CBS about Jericho on Craig Kilborn...why is Jericho the only guy on Tv lately?" She finished sorting them out and made her list to call everyone back tomorrow. She worked quietly for a couple of hours, finishing all of the expense reports for the month and booking flights for the next week. She printed out all of the confirmation numbers for her guys' flights, stuffed everything in her briefcase, and locked up her office. She dropped off the expense reports with Janice, who promised to get them to Accounting before she left, and met the cab she had called for outside.
Her flight left at 4, which would put her in Raliegh around 6, and to Shane's parents by 7. She got to the airport and settle on the plane rather quickly. After landing, she took another cab to Shane's parents, and was warmly greeted by his mother Liz.
"Hi there sweetie." Liz said, grabbing Sam up in a hug.
Sam hugged her back. "Hi Mom. How are you?"
"I'm just fine honey, how are you?"
Sam shrugged. "Alright, I guess. I need to stash my luggage somewhere though, I came right from the airport."
Liz nodded. "So did Shane...and Ronnie." She said that last part a little distastefully, as she had never liked Ronnie, and especially not after what she did to Shane.
"Ronnie's here?" Sam groaned. "Maybe I should just go home."
"No, now you can't do that. Just ignore her. I know I will." They both laughed and walked into the house.
**********
Sam went to freshen up and came back downstairs to find everyone already seated. When Blake, Shane's dad, saw Sam, he stood up to give her a hug. "Hi there sweetheart."
"Hey Dad." Sam sat down next to Shane's brother Adam and sister-in-law Lisa. "Hey loser," she said to Adam. He rolled his eyes before retorting. "Hey bimbo." She smirked and hugged Lisa. "Hey girl."
"Hey Sam." Sam looked over at Shane and Ronnie. "Hey."
"Sam." Shane's reponse was a bit chilly, and Ronnie's was non-existent. The meal was delicious, as they usually were when Liz cooked, and they all sat in quiet conversation after. Liz stood up to start taking dishes into the kitchen, and Sam followed her. Though it sounded weird, Sam enjoyed helping Liz with the dishes. It gave them a chance to have a little girl talk. Sam's mother had died when she was very young, and for a long time she didn't have that type of guidance and comfort. She had it now in Liz, and enjoyed it often. Liz turned on the water and started filling the sink.
"Sam, honey, will you tell me what happened with that punch now please?"
"I can't stall any longer?" Liz gave her a stern look. "OK, ok. David and I broke up on Sunday. We had plans to hang out in California this week, but he made other arrangements instead. He actually flew out here to talk with me, but he said some things I didn't like, and I dumped him. So he shows up Monday in Houston at the club trying to drag me out of there, but Shane would have none of that. They shoved a little back and forth, and I got in the middle just as David was getting ready to hit Shane. So it was really my own fault."
Liz tisked. "That is horrible. Where does Ronnie fit into all of this?"
Sam sighed. "Ronnie is the newest Diva, as I'm sure you saw on Monday." Liz nodded. "It was very weird. As soon as I told Shane that I had a date with Randy, he started getting all pissy with me. And then, I get back to the hotel room to find him curled up with her on the couch, when 24 hours earlier he couldn't stand her. I don't get it." Liz got it, but couldn't say anything. They needed to figure it out on their own.
"Did you have a good time with Randy?"
Sam shrugged. "Yeah, it was ok. This is hard to explain, but when Randy held my hand, it was like it didn't fit. I hold Shane's hand, and it is so comfortable. And while I was relaxed around Randy, it was nowhere near the level of comfort I have, or had, with Shane. He was so cold last night. I didn't even know what to say, he was like a different person."
"He's around Ronnie, Sam. You know that's how he was after everything happened with her, and obviously it wasn't all resolved. Give him time, he'll come around."
Sam stuck the last plate in the dish drainer. "I hope so, Mom. I hope so."
**********
Sam didn't stay at the Helms' much longer. She called Amy to come pick her up, and they rode back to the house in silence. Sam took a shower and went to bed, even though WWE was back on the East Coast, having completed their most recent West Coast run the past weekend, and she only had a short flight the next day. She woke up around 9 the next morning, and packed a small bag. The flight didn't leave until 12, and Matt wasn't coming over until 11. She went downstairs and found Amy in the living room.
"Morning Amers."
Amy looked up. "Hey Sam, good morning. Are we a little more talkative today?"
Sam plopped down next to her on the couch. "I'm sorry about that, I Was just thinking about some stuff Mom said."
Amy waved her hand. "Don't worry about it. How was dinner?"
"Fabulous as usual. The company was lacking a bit, though."
Amy looked confused. "Why?"
"Shane brough Ronnie over."
"He what?"
"Yeah. It's like he is purposely shoving her down my throat when he knows I can't stand her. And I'm assuming she is going to be traveling with him now, which means with us. I was really excited about getting to room with him, but now I guess I'll be getting singles."
"Or we can make Jeff room with someone else, and we can get a double." They both giggled.
"I like that idea." They watched TV for awhile until Matt showed up right at 11 with Jeff in tow.
"Hey guys." Matt said, and came over to give Amy a kiss.
"Hey Matt, hey Jeff." Sam looked at Jeff. "I thought you were flying out later."
"Nah, changed my mind." Jeff, Amy, and Sam were going to Orlando for Monday Night Raw, while Matt was going to Tampa for a Smackdown houseshow.
Matt answered Sam's next, unspoken question. "Shane and Ronnie are meeting us there." She nodded, and got up to grab her things. They locked up the house and left for the airport, making it there in about a half hour thanks to little traffic. Shane and Ronnie were already buckled in when Jeff, Any, and Sam boarded. They said a general hello to everyone, and went back to their conversation. Sam pulled out a book and settled in for the 2 hour flight.
**********
Amy and Sam went straight to the arena, while Jeff rode with Ronnie and Shane back to their hotel. Sam ran into Vince McMahon as soon as she walked through the door.
"Hi vince."
He smiled warmly. "Hi Sam. Finished plans for tonight are up on the bulletin board, if you want to go take a look."
"Ok, thanks." He nodded and continued down the hall. Amy had went to find Trish, so Sam walked over to the production area. She looked up at the board to find the details for tonight's segments. She was scheduled to do a pretape with Eric Bischoff in an hour. She was also to escort Randy to the ring tonight, as he had a match against Shane. Randy was supposed to kiss her after she checked on him in the ring when Ronnie attacked him after Shane won the match. She quickly memorized everything and went to find Eric.
**********
(Opening scene of Monday Night Raw- Footage from last week of Samantha Hardy threatening to not let the talent compete)
"Well, King, that certainly was interesting last week. The newest talent manager for the RAW superstars, Samantha Hardy, has threatened RAW GM Eric Bischoff with refusing to let the wrestlers compete."
"I think it was the stupidest thing she could have done JR. You don't piss of Eric Bischoff."
"The tide may just be turning King. I don't think you want to piss off Samantha Hardy."
"It looks like we're about to find out about that JR." The camera cut to Sam's office. A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in!" Sam yelled, but didn't look up when the door opened. Eric just stood there until she did. She sighed when she saw him. "What do you want, Bischoff?"
"I'll be direct here Sam. I want a guarantee that you won't use that clause. I need the superstars, Sam. Without them, I could be fired. What do you say?"
She laughed. "I say you need to grovel a bit more first." The crowd was cheering. "Come on Eric, I'm waiting."
He looked put off. "I do not grovel."
She shrugged. "Then you do not have a show."
"I won't grovel Sam, but I will do this. How would you like a match with Lila Banks next week here on RAW."
Sam shook her head. "I don't wrestle anymore Eric, and you know it."
"But you know how. You grew up with Jeff Hardy, how could you not know how?"
"I didn't say that I didn't know how, I just don't anymore. But nice try." She looked back down to her papers.
He sighed. "Fine. A no DQ match."
"Nope."
"Fine, any kind of match, anything you want."
She thought for a minute. "OK. I won't use the clause, if you authorize a no-holds barred streetfight for next week. I wanna beat her ass Eric, much more than I want to mess with you."
Eric looked impressed. "You have a grudge against her, don't you?"
"You could say that."
He nodded. "Alright then, you've got it. Next week, live on RAW, a no-holds barred streetfight with Lila Banks. Should be a good one."
The camera went back to JR and King at the commentating table. JR spoke first. "There you have it folks, next week, live here on RAW, a street fight between Sam Hardy and Lila Banks."
"Do you think we'll get to see some new puppies, JR?"
JR rolled his eyes. "King, is that all you ever think about?" He nodded, and JR continued. "Anyways, folks, out first match tonight..."
Sam was standing in the back watching the monitor, when Randy came up beside her. "Hey Sam."
"Hi Randy. How much time do we have?"
"45 minutes." She nodded and went to change. She saw Ronnie in the locker room, but ignored her until she walked over.
"I'm looking forward to our match next week Sam."
Sam smirked. "So am I Ronnie. I've wanted to beat your ass for a long time." She walked past her and out the door. She met Randy at the gorilla position, and they made their way down to the ring when his music came on.
Shane's music came on and he and Ronnie walked down to the ring, and the match began. Ronnie and Sam glared at each other throughout the match, and after Shane pinned Randy, Ronnie climbed in and took a few shots at Randy. Sam climbed in and went after her, but Shane pulled her back so Ronnie could get out of the ring. Shane let her go and followed Ronnie up the ramp. Sam went over to Randy and out her hands on his face. The cameras moved in closer to catch their words.
"Are you okay Randy?"
He sat up next to Sam. "Yeah, I'm ok." They just kind of smiled at each other, and he leaned in and softly kissed her, with the loud cheering of the crowd in the background. The show went to commercial, and Sam and Randy got out of the ring and went to the back. Jeff and Amy met her at the locker room door. Jeff spoke first.
"You looked good out there Sweets."
She gave a small smile. "Thanks Jeffers. Are we going out tonight, or just back to the hotel?"
Amy looked over to Randy. "Well, if the two of you want to come with the group, we're just hitting a club."
Randy shrugged. "Sounds good." He looked over to Sam, who nodded.
"Count me in."
**********
**********
Shane looked up at her, and Sam was shocked to see the cold look in his eyes. "My girlfriend and I are trying to watch a movie. Is that okay with you?"
"Of course it is. Whatever you want to do Shane." Sam said very softly. Ronnie was smirking at the hurt expression on Sam's face, and couldn't resist butting in.
"That's what he wants to do. And it probably would be better if you stayed somewhere else tonight, if you know what I mean."
Sam could only nod. After she thought for a moment, she answered. "I actually have a flight to catch in a few hours, so I'll just finish packing and then I'll go."
"Good." Sam grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and went to the bathroom to change. She came out and walked over to her bed. She threw everything in it that she had out, and left the room without another word. Ronnie sighed happily and snuggled closer to Shane, not noticing he wasn't paying attention to her. He was too busy watching his soul walk out the door.
**********
Sam knocked on Jeff's door for the second time that night. Again, Amy answered. "She was still there, huh?"
Sam walked in and nodded. "Yeah." She whirled around. "Wait a second, you knew and you didn't tell me?"
Amy was nervously chewing her bottom lip. "I didn't know how Sam."
Sam just sighed. "I understand. It's just so sudden. I ran into her in the hall Thurday night, and she said something about me being a bitch because I was flaunting Randy in front of Shane, because she thinks Shane is in love with me. Then tonight, she's snuggled up with him on the couch where I should be? SHE is the bitch."
Amy was trying to understand everything Sam had said. "OK, let me get this straight. Ronnie called you a bitch because she thinks that you flaunt Randy around in front of Shane?" Sam nodded. "And she thinks that Shane is in love with you?"
"Yeah. How crazy is that?" Amy could only nod. "So instead of trying to get another room I'm just going to get an earlier flight. Could you take me to the airport?"
"Of course." Sam nodded and took her cellphone and went out on the balcony to call the airport. Jeff, who was in the bathroom, came out and Amy explained everything that was going on. He sighed.
"When are they going to figure it out?"
Amy shook her head. "Soon, I hope."
**********
Sam was able to get a flight that left at 12:30 AM, which would put her in Stamford at 10 the next morning with the time difference. She dozed through most of the flight and took a cab to Titan Towers. She walked in and up to the front desk. Janice, the weekend receptionist, was on the phone and just handed her a stack of messages. Sam got to her office and started leafing through them. "Max from Fox Sports about Jericho on Best Damn, Steve from CBS about Jericho on Craig Kilborn...why is Jericho the only guy on Tv lately?" She finished sorting them out and made her list to call everyone back tomorrow. She worked quietly for a couple of hours, finishing all of the expense reports for the month and booking flights for the next week. She printed out all of the confirmation numbers for her guys' flights, stuffed everything in her briefcase, and locked up her office. She dropped off the expense reports with Janice, who promised to get them to Accounting before she left, and met the cab she had called for outside.
Her flight left at 4, which would put her in Raliegh around 6, and to Shane's parents by 7. She got to the airport and settle on the plane rather quickly. After landing, she took another cab to Shane's parents, and was warmly greeted by his mother Liz.
"Hi there sweetie." Liz said, grabbing Sam up in a hug.
Sam hugged her back. "Hi Mom. How are you?"
"I'm just fine honey, how are you?"
Sam shrugged. "Alright, I guess. I need to stash my luggage somewhere though, I came right from the airport."
Liz nodded. "So did Shane...and Ronnie." She said that last part a little distastefully, as she had never liked Ronnie, and especially not after what she did to Shane.
"Ronnie's here?" Sam groaned. "Maybe I should just go home."
"No, now you can't do that. Just ignore her. I know I will." They both laughed and walked into the house.
**********
Sam went to freshen up and came back downstairs to find everyone already seated. When Blake, Shane's dad, saw Sam, he stood up to give her a hug. "Hi there sweetheart."
"Hey Dad." Sam sat down next to Shane's brother Adam and sister-in-law Lisa. "Hey loser," she said to Adam. He rolled his eyes before retorting. "Hey bimbo." She smirked and hugged Lisa. "Hey girl."
"Hey Sam." Sam looked over at Shane and Ronnie. "Hey."
"Sam." Shane's reponse was a bit chilly, and Ronnie's was non-existent. The meal was delicious, as they usually were when Liz cooked, and they all sat in quiet conversation after. Liz stood up to start taking dishes into the kitchen, and Sam followed her. Though it sounded weird, Sam enjoyed helping Liz with the dishes. It gave them a chance to have a little girl talk. Sam's mother had died when she was very young, and for a long time she didn't have that type of guidance and comfort. She had it now in Liz, and enjoyed it often. Liz turned on the water and started filling the sink.
"Sam, honey, will you tell me what happened with that punch now please?"
"I can't stall any longer?" Liz gave her a stern look. "OK, ok. David and I broke up on Sunday. We had plans to hang out in California this week, but he made other arrangements instead. He actually flew out here to talk with me, but he said some things I didn't like, and I dumped him. So he shows up Monday in Houston at the club trying to drag me out of there, but Shane would have none of that. They shoved a little back and forth, and I got in the middle just as David was getting ready to hit Shane. So it was really my own fault."
Liz tisked. "That is horrible. Where does Ronnie fit into all of this?"
Sam sighed. "Ronnie is the newest Diva, as I'm sure you saw on Monday." Liz nodded. "It was very weird. As soon as I told Shane that I had a date with Randy, he started getting all pissy with me. And then, I get back to the hotel room to find him curled up with her on the couch, when 24 hours earlier he couldn't stand her. I don't get it." Liz got it, but couldn't say anything. They needed to figure it out on their own.
"Did you have a good time with Randy?"
Sam shrugged. "Yeah, it was ok. This is hard to explain, but when Randy held my hand, it was like it didn't fit. I hold Shane's hand, and it is so comfortable. And while I was relaxed around Randy, it was nowhere near the level of comfort I have, or had, with Shane. He was so cold last night. I didn't even know what to say, he was like a different person."
"He's around Ronnie, Sam. You know that's how he was after everything happened with her, and obviously it wasn't all resolved. Give him time, he'll come around."
Sam stuck the last plate in the dish drainer. "I hope so, Mom. I hope so."
**********
Sam didn't stay at the Helms' much longer. She called Amy to come pick her up, and they rode back to the house in silence. Sam took a shower and went to bed, even though WWE was back on the East Coast, having completed their most recent West Coast run the past weekend, and she only had a short flight the next day. She woke up around 9 the next morning, and packed a small bag. The flight didn't leave until 12, and Matt wasn't coming over until 11. She went downstairs and found Amy in the living room.
"Morning Amers."
Amy looked up. "Hey Sam, good morning. Are we a little more talkative today?"
Sam plopped down next to her on the couch. "I'm sorry about that, I Was just thinking about some stuff Mom said."
Amy waved her hand. "Don't worry about it. How was dinner?"
"Fabulous as usual. The company was lacking a bit, though."
Amy looked confused. "Why?"
"Shane brough Ronnie over."
"He what?"
"Yeah. It's like he is purposely shoving her down my throat when he knows I can't stand her. And I'm assuming she is going to be traveling with him now, which means with us. I was really excited about getting to room with him, but now I guess I'll be getting singles."
"Or we can make Jeff room with someone else, and we can get a double." They both giggled.
"I like that idea." They watched TV for awhile until Matt showed up right at 11 with Jeff in tow.
"Hey guys." Matt said, and came over to give Amy a kiss.
"Hey Matt, hey Jeff." Sam looked at Jeff. "I thought you were flying out later."
"Nah, changed my mind." Jeff, Amy, and Sam were going to Orlando for Monday Night Raw, while Matt was going to Tampa for a Smackdown houseshow.
Matt answered Sam's next, unspoken question. "Shane and Ronnie are meeting us there." She nodded, and got up to grab her things. They locked up the house and left for the airport, making it there in about a half hour thanks to little traffic. Shane and Ronnie were already buckled in when Jeff, Any, and Sam boarded. They said a general hello to everyone, and went back to their conversation. Sam pulled out a book and settled in for the 2 hour flight.
**********
Amy and Sam went straight to the arena, while Jeff rode with Ronnie and Shane back to their hotel. Sam ran into Vince McMahon as soon as she walked through the door.
"Hi vince."
He smiled warmly. "Hi Sam. Finished plans for tonight are up on the bulletin board, if you want to go take a look."
"Ok, thanks." He nodded and continued down the hall. Amy had went to find Trish, so Sam walked over to the production area. She looked up at the board to find the details for tonight's segments. She was scheduled to do a pretape with Eric Bischoff in an hour. She was also to escort Randy to the ring tonight, as he had a match against Shane. Randy was supposed to kiss her after she checked on him in the ring when Ronnie attacked him after Shane won the match. She quickly memorized everything and went to find Eric.
**********
(Opening scene of Monday Night Raw- Footage from last week of Samantha Hardy threatening to not let the talent compete)
"Well, King, that certainly was interesting last week. The newest talent manager for the RAW superstars, Samantha Hardy, has threatened RAW GM Eric Bischoff with refusing to let the wrestlers compete."
"I think it was the stupidest thing she could have done JR. You don't piss of Eric Bischoff."
"The tide may just be turning King. I don't think you want to piss off Samantha Hardy."
"It looks like we're about to find out about that JR." The camera cut to Sam's office. A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in!" Sam yelled, but didn't look up when the door opened. Eric just stood there until she did. She sighed when she saw him. "What do you want, Bischoff?"
"I'll be direct here Sam. I want a guarantee that you won't use that clause. I need the superstars, Sam. Without them, I could be fired. What do you say?"
She laughed. "I say you need to grovel a bit more first." The crowd was cheering. "Come on Eric, I'm waiting."
He looked put off. "I do not grovel."
She shrugged. "Then you do not have a show."
"I won't grovel Sam, but I will do this. How would you like a match with Lila Banks next week here on RAW."
Sam shook her head. "I don't wrestle anymore Eric, and you know it."
"But you know how. You grew up with Jeff Hardy, how could you not know how?"
"I didn't say that I didn't know how, I just don't anymore. But nice try." She looked back down to her papers.
He sighed. "Fine. A no DQ match."
"Nope."
"Fine, any kind of match, anything you want."
She thought for a minute. "OK. I won't use the clause, if you authorize a no-holds barred streetfight for next week. I wanna beat her ass Eric, much more than I want to mess with you."
Eric looked impressed. "You have a grudge against her, don't you?"
"You could say that."
He nodded. "Alright then, you've got it. Next week, live on RAW, a no-holds barred streetfight with Lila Banks. Should be a good one."
The camera went back to JR and King at the commentating table. JR spoke first. "There you have it folks, next week, live here on RAW, a street fight between Sam Hardy and Lila Banks."
"Do you think we'll get to see some new puppies, JR?"
JR rolled his eyes. "King, is that all you ever think about?" He nodded, and JR continued. "Anyways, folks, out first match tonight..."
Sam was standing in the back watching the monitor, when Randy came up beside her. "Hey Sam."
"Hi Randy. How much time do we have?"
"45 minutes." She nodded and went to change. She saw Ronnie in the locker room, but ignored her until she walked over.
"I'm looking forward to our match next week Sam."
Sam smirked. "So am I Ronnie. I've wanted to beat your ass for a long time." She walked past her and out the door. She met Randy at the gorilla position, and they made their way down to the ring when his music came on.
Shane's music came on and he and Ronnie walked down to the ring, and the match began. Ronnie and Sam glared at each other throughout the match, and after Shane pinned Randy, Ronnie climbed in and took a few shots at Randy. Sam climbed in and went after her, but Shane pulled her back so Ronnie could get out of the ring. Shane let her go and followed Ronnie up the ramp. Sam went over to Randy and out her hands on his face. The cameras moved in closer to catch their words.
"Are you okay Randy?"
He sat up next to Sam. "Yeah, I'm ok." They just kind of smiled at each other, and he leaned in and softly kissed her, with the loud cheering of the crowd in the background. The show went to commercial, and Sam and Randy got out of the ring and went to the back. Jeff and Amy met her at the locker room door. Jeff spoke first.
"You looked good out there Sweets."
She gave a small smile. "Thanks Jeffers. Are we going out tonight, or just back to the hotel?"
Amy looked over to Randy. "Well, if the two of you want to come with the group, we're just hitting a club."
Randy shrugged. "Sounds good." He looked over to Sam, who nodded.
"Count me in."
**********