For the millionth time in the past hour, Evie found herself wishing that she could take back what she had said.  She hadn't meant to say it all, but it popped out of her mouth before she could even think.  And she hadn't even stuck around to hear what he might have said in response; just left without a backward glance.  Now she was in the hotel bar with an almost empty glass of alcohol in front of her.  She had been there for the past couple of hours, contemplating what had happened. 

  She was sitting at the bar, more distracted by her own thoughts than the television that was droning on in the corner.  How could I have been so stupid?  What the hell was I thinking?  She scowled at her drink.  Obviously I wasn't thinking, otherwise I wouldn't have told him that.

  Evie swallowed the last mouthful of liquid.  As if things hadn't been tense enough, now it's gonna be worse.  She exhaled noisily as she set the empty glass down on the bar.  Well you really messed things up this time didn't you?  No guarantee he's going to tell you the same thing, or even if he cares. 

  It really didn't surprise her that Hunter hadn't come looking for her.  She didn't expect him to.   Not after that outburst.  Thank goodness they had the night off tonight.  She didn't think she could be around him at all tonight.  But tomorrow they had a house show in this city.  That should be interesting, she thought as her stomach twisted in apprehension at the thought of facing him.

  The bartender approached her and asked if she wanted a refill.  Evie nodded in response and he filled her glass again.  She thanked him by leaving a big tip.  As she nursed her third drink, she heard someone come up behind her.  Not bothering to turn around, she kept her eye on the television.  The stool next to her was pulled out and someone sat down next to her.  The bartender came back to find out what the person next to her wanted. 

  "Water is fine right now," said a familiar voice.  The drink was set down.  "So how many of those have you had?"

  Evie said nothing as she raised her glass to her lips. 

  "I mean, if you've had more than a few, does that increase my chances of taking you back to my room?"

  She set her glass down hard on the bar.  "Look Jericho, I don't have the inclination to argue with you."

  "So we can go right to sex then."

  Evie turned a scathing look on Jericho.  "I am not in the mood for you're shit, so just back off."

  He held his hands up in mock surrender.  "Oooh, look out.  She's not in the mood."  He put his hands down and leaned closer to her.  "So what exactly are you in the mood for?"

  "I'm in the mood to be left the hell alone," she muttered.

  "Aww c'mon Red, you could be a little friendlier, if you know what I mean."

  "And you could drop dead for all I care," she retorted.

  "Touchy tonight aren't you?"  A smarmy smile showed up on his face.  "You know, I could touch you in ways you couldn't even begin to imagine."

  "If it's even remotely like the way you touch yourself, no thanks."

  Jericho leaned so close he was almost on top of her.  "I think all you need is a little attention Red.  C'mon, how about an injection of Vitamin C?"

  Evie had taken another sip of her drink and almost spat it out.  She coughed for a second or two and then choked out a laugh.  "Vitamin C?  Take you all night to come up with that one Jericho?" 

  A scowl briefly crossed his face.  "Hey, at least it's original," he said.

  "Yeah, it's the worst original line I've heard in ages," she shot back.

  Jericho changed the subject.  "So did Hunter throw you out for another couple of high-priced whores?" 

   "Nope," she simply said before taking another drink.

   "Oh wait, I forgot, you're probably paid more than they are.  After all, you are a 'personal assistant'."  He leaned in so that his mouth was right next to Evie's ear.  "I was just wondering how personal your assistance gets."

  Evie moved her head away from his mouth.  "You can wonder all you want Jericho."

  He placed his hand on Evie's thigh.  "Yeah well I don't want to wonder any more, I want to find out.  Are you really worth the money you're being paid?"

  She turned her head to meet his gaze.  "If you don't remove your hand I'm going to remove your balls.  Or what there is of them."

  Jericho smirked as he withdrew his hand.  "And I bet you'd enjoy that wouldn't you?"

  A cold, calculating look appeared in her eyes.  "Oh I would enjoy it much more than you can imagine," she replied.

  Jericho said nothing as she tossed back the last swallow of her drink and set the glass down.

  Evie looked at the bartender.  "Thanks for the drinks Jackson," she said as she slid off the bar stool.  The bartender nodded and said goodnight to her.

  Jericho watched as she walked towards the door.  "Last chance for that Vitamin C Red," he called after her.

  Evie didn't turn around.  She held up her middle finger so Jericho could see it and walked right out of the bar.

  "She wants me," Jericho chuckled as he turned to face the bar again.

  Jackson shook his head.  "I dunno man, she didn't sound like she was joking when she said she'd rip your... "
  "Look Junior, when I want your opinion I'll give it to you," Jericho interrupted.  "So just go back to your crappy paying job and pour drinks assclown."

  Jackson said nothing as he walked down to the other end of the bar to check on another customer.  He'd seen plenty after working in bars for over ten years.  He didn't even bother to retort.  The guy wasn't worth it.

  "No matter how hard you fight it Red, you know you want me," Jericho said to himself.  He finished his water and then left the bar.

  *******************

  Hunter had taken himself to a gym to work off his mood.  He had been there for over three hours and he still felt frustrated.  Normally, he would be able to work off any tension during his routine, but not today. 

  Evie's statement still weighed heavily on his mind.  He had been wrestling with his own emotions since then.  He had almost told her that he felt the same way about her, but before he could think straight, she had left the room. 

  Just as well that I didn't.  Would only complicate things anyway, he thought.   I don't need the distraction.  I don't need the aggravation.  Not now.  I've got bigger things to work on.

  He finished his workout and gathered up his things.  He headed back to the hotel, his mind still on Evie.  He tried pushing the thoughts away, but they wouldn't budge.

 You know how she feels about you now.  Do something about it before she leaves you for good.

  Why would she leave if she's in love with me?

  Because a person can only take so much before they walk away.  And she will walk away from you if she has to.

  Hunter sighed in frustration.  On one hand, he could tell her how he felt, but if anyone else found out, she'd become the liability that he didn't want her to. 

  But Evie has always been able to handle herself.   Especially with Jericho.

  Hunter's mouth twitched into a smile as he thought about the first time Evie had given Jericho a bloody nose.  She wasn't a wrestler, but she could take care of herself.

  On the other hand, if he didn't tell her, she possibly would leave him and he didn't want that to happen either. 

  He continued to work over those thoughts as he pulled into the hotel parking lot, parked the car and went inside.  Once he was in his room, he tossed his gym bag on the floor and headed for the shower.  He took his time washing up, enjoying the way the hot water felt on his skin.  He leaned forward into the spray and let it wash over him.  When he was finished, he toweled himself off and walked back in the other room.  His cell phone was ringing.

  Hunter picked it up and noticed it was Ric's number.  He answered the call.  "Hey Ric, what's up?"

  "Hunter, where ya been?  I've been trying to reach you."

  "I was at the gym.  Why?"

  "You know that information you wanted?"

  Hunter smiled.  "Tell me you were able to get it."

  "I got it Champ!  It was easier to get to than we thought."

  Hunter could hear the excitement in Ric's voice.  "Great.  Now we just gotta find the appropriate time to bring it up."

  "We'll worry about that later.  How 'bout you and I go out and get us a couple of women to celebrate with?"

  Hunter sat down on his bed.  "As tempting as that sounds. I think I'm just going to take it easy tonight.  You know, rest up for the house show tomorrow."  Hunter chuckled.  "It's not often that I get a good night's sleep."

  "I hear ya Hunter," Ric replied.  "Maybe after the show tomorrow."

  "Maybe.  Look Ric, I'll talk to you later about this."

  "No problem Champ.  We'll figure out what to do with this stuff later."

  Hunter thanked Ric for his help and then disconnected the call.  He dropped the phone on the bed and then dropped the towel he had around his waist in the bathroom.  As he pulled on a pair of shorts and a tank, he wondered where Evie might be.

  He walked over to the adjoining door to his room and slowly opened it.  He didn't think she' would leave hers open or unlocked, but he was surprised to find that it was slightly ajar.  He tapped on it, not wanting to walk in on her unannounced.

  When there was no response, he gently pushed it open.  Evie was lying on the bed, curled up in a ball.  Crumpled up, used tissues littered the floor and bedside table.  He quietly walked over to the bed and looked down at her.  She had been crying.  He could see the redness around her closed eyes and her nose.  He didn't know if she was asleep or not.

  "Evie?"  His voice was quiet.  If she was asleep, he didn't want to disturb her.  When she didn't respond, he said her name again.  Evie stirred slightly, but didn't give any indication that she had heard him.  Apparently she was asleep.  Hunter picked up the tissues and deposited them in the trash can.  He came back to the bed and pulled the coverlet up to her waist. 

  He remained there, simply looking at her.  She seemed so vulnerable, lying there curled into a protective ball.  She did deserve better than what he had been doing to her.  He knew he owed her an apology at least.  Quietly, he crossed the room to the adjoining doors and went back into his own room, closing his door all the way.

*******************

  Evie pulled her damp hair back in a ponytail, threw her brush in her cosmetic bag and went back into the other room.  She then proceeded to pull on the clothes she had laid out.  Slowly she got dressed as she wanted to prolong seeing Hunter for the first time this morning.  She was tense enough as it is and the thought of facing him this morning made her stomach turn.

  After returning from the bar, she had broken down.  All her frustration and anger at Hunter and the added tension between them resulted in a crying jag that left her drained.  A heavy sigh slipped out.  I don't know how much more of this I can take. 

  She finished dressing and took a quick glance in the mirror.  A white t-shirt, khaki cargo pants, her running shoes and a black hoodie.  She chuckled at her reflection.  It looked like she had raided Lita's closet, except that her thong wasn't hanging out.  As she returned to her suitcase to pull out her dirty laundry bag, there was a knock at the adjoining door.

  Taking a deep breath and then blowing it out, she walked over and opened the door on her side. 

  "Morning," Hunter said softly.  He was dressed in black slacks and a red shirt.  She noticed that he had shaved his beard off.

  "Morning," she replied as she let the door swing open and went back to her laundry bag.

  Hunter stood there for a moment before stepping through.  He walked a little ways into the room.  "Had breakfast?" he asked casually.

  If he was going to act like nothing had happened, she could too.  "No.  I'm not hungry."  She threw last nights clothes in the bag.  "Have you?"

  "I had something sent up." 

  Evie said nothing as she dropped the laundry bag back into her suitcase.  Quickly she glanced over at him.  "Is there something you wanted?"

  "Yeah, Ric is bringing something over this morning that we're working on, so I'll be cooped up with him until it's time to go to the arena."

  "Fine.  That'll give me a chance to catch up on some things," she replied.  "Just let me know when you're ready to go."

  "Fine," he said as he turned to leave. 

  Evie unpacked her lap top and hooked it up to the internet connection in her room.  As she waited for the computer to log on, she glanced in the direction of Hunter's room.  That had been easier than she thought it would be.  Of course there was still the rest of the day to get through.  Leave it up to him to act like nothing happened.  He'll probably do that the rest of the week too.  Of course what did I expect?  That he'd fling himself at my feet and profess undying love to me?

  She snorted softly at that image.  Yeah right.  Like that would ever happen.  For now, she turned her attention away from him and back to her lap top and her email.

***************

  The following Monday night in Las Vegas, things had settled into the polite routine between Evie and Hunter.  She swallowed her nervousness and tried to talk to him about what had happened, but he kept putting her off by telling her that he would talk to her about it later.  She finally backed off when she realized that pushing him was only going to make things worse. 

  As soon as they had arrived at the arena, Hunter and Ric took themselves off some place to talk, leaving Evie alone in Hunter's dressing room.  She sat there watching the show unfold as Jericho came out to assault Booker T after Booker's steel cage match.  Jericho busted Booker open and then sent him face first into the cage, making the wound even worse.  Jericho had left her alone after the hotel bar incident.  All though it may be a temporary respite, Evie was glad she didn't have to deal with him on top of the situation with Hunter.

  She idly twisted her hair around her finger as she watched the monitor.  Hunter was in Bischoff's office.  Bischoff had come up with a roulette wheel type of thing that he spun to make matches.  He spun the wheel and it stopped at the "blindfold match".  Hunter proceeded to tell Bischoff that there was no way in hell he was going to wrestle with a blindfold on. 

  Ric Flair interrupted, trying to calm Hunter down.  "You know Eric, before you choose Hunter's opponent, I'd like to introduce you two hot ladies that will be waiting in your hotel room tonight."

  Bischoff grinned as the two women fawned over him.  "Well I'll definitely give it some careful consideration," he replied to Flair.

  Flair smiled as he ushered Hunter out of Bischoff's office and back to the dressing room.

  "Ric, I'm not doing this with a blindfold on," stated Hunter.

  "Relax Champ, Bischoff will pick you an easy opponent, so don't worry about it."  He quickly changed the subject.  "So about that information we were going over earlier, do you know when you're gonna bring it up?"

  Hunter nodded his head.  "Yeah, I've got it worked out.  Kane won't know what hit him."

  Both men laughed as they continued walking back to Hunter's dressing room.

 ******************

  Hunter's opponent turned out to be D-Lo Brown.  The blindfolds ended up being hoods that came down over their faces.  They went back and forth, exchanging blows and Hunter went for a Pedigree, but D-Lo turned on him and gave Hunter a back body drop, then a sky high.  Ric Flair ran in and distracted the ref, which gave Hunter enough time to take off his hood and Pedigree D-Lo for the win.

  Later on, Flair and Hunter attacked Kane's tag team partner Hurricane before the TLC match against Christian and Chris Jericho, leaving Kane to fend for himself.  When Kane emerged victorious over both Christian and Jericho, Hunter and Flair appeared at the top of the ramp.  Hunter got on the mic.

  "Kane, I know about you."  Hunter smirked.  "I know all about the skeleton you've got in your closet.  Her name is Katie Vick."  He paused a second or two and then finished what he wanted to say.  "And ten years ago, you killed her!  You're nothing but a murderer Kane!" he spat out.

  As Evie watched, Kane stood in the ring, staring at Hunter in disbelief and then the monitor went black.

  Evie tucked one leg under the other as she sat back on the sofa.  So this was what Flair and Hunter had been cooking up.  Ever since last Wednesday, they had their heads together, whispering and planning something.  Apparently this was it.  She sighed as she leaned her head back against the cushion.  That was what had been so all-fired important that he couldn't take the time to talk to her when she'd asked?

  "Nice to know someone has priorities," she muttered. 

  The two men burst into the dressing room, startling Evie.  She stood up as Hunter closed the door. 

  Flair grinned at her.  "So what did you think Evie?  Think that got Kane's attention?"

  "Looked like it to me," she replied.  "It certainly got mine."

  "The champ and I are gonna go out to celebrate a little, so why don't you take his stuff back to the hotel."

  Evie glanced at Hunter and noticed that he was avoiding eye contact with her.  She shrugged a she picked up his things.  "No problem Ric.  You two have a good time."  She gritted her teeth to keep from saying anything else, otherwise Hunter would be peeling his ears off the floor.  She left without a backward glance.   

  In the parking lot, she vehemently tossed his stuff in the trunk of the rental car and then headed for the hotel.  To say she was pissed was an understatement.  The man wouldn't take the time to talk to her, but would take the time to go out with his manager.

  I swear I'm going to explode.  I can't take anymore of his shit.  Either he's going to tell me what I need to hear or tell me to leave, but either way, I'm going to get a response out of him.

  She spent the rest of the evening talking on her cell phone to her sister, trying to get some normal perspective on the whole thing. 

  "So he just keeps blowing you off?" her sister asked.

  "More like he keeps pissing me off," Evie said.  "I know that what I said was probably not what he was expecting to hear, but I at least deserve an answer."

  "Let me ask you a question."

  Evie rolled her eyes.  "What?"

  "Do you think he might be afraid to tell you how he feels about you?"

  "I don't know.  It's possible," Evie responded.

  "Think about it Evelyn, the man got burned by his ex-wife.  You know this better than anyone else on the outside of the company.  She lied to him, manipulated him and used him to get what she wanted."  On the other end of the line, Lauren shook her head.  "I mean would you want to be in a serious relationship with someone after that?"

  Evie leaned back against the headboard.  "Probably not," she conceded.  "I didn't want anything to do with anyone after Davis."

  "Look how long it took you to get over that."

  "He acts like nothing happened.  I think that's what's making me mad more than anything else."

  Lauren grinned.  She had never known her sister to get so worked up over someone.  "It's just a defense mechanism Evie.  He could be thinking that if he ignores it, it'll go away."

  "It's just that… it pisses me off."

  "Give the guy a little room for crying out loud.  You drop a bomb on him when he least expects it.  Give him some time to assimilate the information."

  Evie made a face at the phone, even though her sister couldn't see it.  "I don't know why I brought this up with you."

  "Because I'm your sister and you love me.  Look Evie, let it go for the night.  You're in Las Vegas for crying out loud.  Go out and enjoy it.  Don't let one man ruin your evening because he's having a hard time dealing with you."

  Evie sighed.  "Yeah I guess I could."

  "Call Bradshaw, get dressed up and go out and have a good time.  Forget about Hunter for a few hours and enjoy yourself." 

  "You're so damn bossy," Evie said in amusement.

  "Yeah but you love me," Lauren teased.

  "I have to, you're family."

  They both laughed and then said their goodbyes.  As soon as Evie had disconnected that call, she pulled up Bradshaw's number.  Screw Hunter.  She was going to take her sister's advice and have a good time. 

  It rang three times before he answered.  "'Lo?"

  "Hey what are you wearing right now?"

  Bradshaw chuckled.  "Darlin', I ain't wearin' a stitch right now."

  "Well throw on some nice clothes and you can show me Las Vegas."

  "Damn.  I gotta put clothes on?  You sure know how to ruin a mood don't ya?"

  Evie laughed.  "C'mon John.  I wanna go out."

  "Where's your boss?"

  "He's out with Ric," she said shortly.

  Bradshaw didn't comment.  He just left it alone.  "Well hell, I'll be dressed and ready in 30 minutes."

  Evie smiled.  "So will I.  I'll meet you in the hotel lobby then."

  "Sounds good to me."

  Evie hung up and proceeded to paw through her clothing in search of something to wear.  She was determined to go out and have fun despite being pissed at Hunter.  If he could go out with Ric and ignore her, then she could go out with Bradshaw and have fun.

**************

  A/N:  THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!!!  I know it's a bit shorter than usual, but have more planned for the next chapter.  I had debated about putting in the whole Katie Vick thing, but then changed my mind when I saw the potential.  (Rubbing hands together evilly)  So just a word of caution for the next chapter or two, if the Katie Vick "storyline" offended you when it was broadcast, I'm forewarning you it's going to be in here.