This story is a work of fiction. I only own the characters that are non- WWE. Vince McMahon owns the WWE and characters. Do not distribute, do not sell, and do not sue. THANKS!!!****************************************

Chris led Lori to the back access door as he explained, "First, we'll check in with security and get you a pass; then I'll introduce you to some more of the guys."

"Hey Chris," Greeted a WWE security team member, "Brought a guest this evening?"

"Yes," Chris nodded. "This is my fiancee, Lori Ford. Lori, this is Rich Lars."

"Please to meet you ma'am," Rich tipped his hat politely then turned back to Chris. "You'll need to get her a pass you know."

"Of course," Chris nodded. "Where's the security office?"

"You'll want to go up this hallway and take your first right then it's the second door on your left," Rich informed him.

"Thanks man," Chris smiled. "And have a nice holiday."

"You too," Rich returned.

"Holiday?" Lori thought in alarm. "With everything that's been going on I completely forgot about Christmas. It's got to be only like two weeks away now."

Chris noticed Lori was deep in thought, "What's wrong hon?"

"Christmas," Lori muttered. "I totally didn't realize it was coming this year; it kind of caught me by surprise."

Chris chuckled softly and stopped walking. He pulled her around to face him and put a comforting hand on either of her shoulders. "Hon, that's understandable but don't sweat it too much. We've got plenty of time to prepare for it."

"But my family," Lori realized aloud as tears sprang to her eyes.

"I know Lori," Chris said simply and pulled her into a comforting embrace. "I know."

Lori laid her head against his shoulder and it took a few moments for her sobbing to subside. Chris didn't care, how long she needed. He silently wished there were more he could do to help her. Lori pushed away a moment later.

"I'm okay now," Lori told him softly as she wiped the last tears from her cheeks. "Thanks Chris."

"For what?" Chris asked.

"For being here," Lori told him.

"I wouldn't be anywhere else, babe," Chris told her as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Come on, let's get you checked in," He said as he grabbed her hand and led her up the hallway.

They found the room and after a few minutes Lori had been cleared and issued an all-access back stage pass for the evening. Then Chris found his designated locker room and took her there next. Since he usually shared with Jason Reso and Glen Jacobs; he told Lori to wait in the all until he checked to make sure everybody was decent.

A few moments later, the door swung open and Lori found herself looking at the tallest man she'd ever laid eyes on in her life. His head had been shaven completely bald

"Ms. Ford?" He asked in a low basso southern drawl. "I'm Glen, you can go in if you want now."

"Thanks Mr. Glen," Lori stammered a reply, his presence intimidated her.

"I'll see you later," Glen replied and headed down the hall.

Looking around the room as she entered, Lori realized that only Chris was in the room. He was at present absorbed in reading a thick packet of papers. The look on his face was one of sheer anger.

It was Lori's turn to inquire, "What's wrong, Chris?"

"Damn writers," Chris growled as he threw the packet across the room. "I told them before end this romance crap," Chris muttered in frustration.

"They're making you do a romance story?" Lori sought clarification.

For the first time, Chris looked up and acknowledged Lori's presence. "I'm so sorry sweetheart," Chris apologized suddenly. "But I have no choice, my contract is binding."

"I understand," Lori smiled. "It's just a story right? So, don't feel bad about it."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Chris sighed. "I just wish they'd find another guy to do it. Just because she's not getting over on her own, I have to play the part of prostitute."

"Relax Chris," Lori came over and touched his arm gently. Then attempting to make light of the situation she asked, "So who is the lucky girl?"

"Trish Stratus," Chris spat in disgust. "I thought it was over with the whole bet scenario."

"You don't like her?" Lori asked.

"No, no she's okay I guess," Chris answered. "I just don't like to doing romance angles very much. The bright side is the end result of this little thing will be my character gets to go face again."

"Face, that means good guy, right?" Lori asked.

"Yeah," Chris affirmed. "And baby it's been a long time since I've been allowed to play one."

"That's good then," Lori attempted to be positive to make him feel better; all though the thought of him kissing someone else made her feel a little jealous.

"Just Lori," Chris began sensing this pain. "Remember, the guy you see in that ring is not me, it's just a character."

"Of course," Lori smiled as her stomach audibly rumbled. "Ooo, the kids are hungry I think."

"We've got some time before I have to get ready," Chris responded taking her by the hand once again. "Let's head over to catering and feed them."

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