Chapter 4
"Look, I've told you I can't see you anymore. It's too risky." Batista looked down at the ground. "I'm married, and I feel bad enough already without having to put her through a divorce."
"You're acting like you can deny it, like having her on your arm will make it all go away. You should have broke it off with her when we first got together. She'll find out eventually, may as well be sooner rather than later. I don't want to be the one that waits because you were going through a denial period."
"I love her and the truth would humiliate her." Dave explained, looking at his boyfriend James, one of the backstage crew.
"That may be true, but you're not in love with her. You try and convince yourself that you are by buying her expensive things, such as that diamond around her neck." James ran his hand down Batista's arm. "Don't try to deny it. All I'm asking is that you see me tonight. If you don't show up, I'll never bother you again. However, judging by the look on your face, I don't think that will be an issue." James kissed him quickly.
Dave finally let his true feelings out. "I have missed you."
"I know you care about your wife, you may have even been in love with her when you got married. But like they say what's right is not always popular, what's popular is not always right."
"Can we not talk about Mandy for the moment." Dave kissed him, he couldn't deny that it was much more powerful. It was that moment where he was glad that James forgave him for marrying Mandy. "Look, I have the show to get to. I will see you later tonight though, I promise."
Confirming their plans, they went there seperate ways, unaware that someone had been watching them.
---
"I'm feeling a little tired, so I won't be able to come out tonight. You should still go though. Have fun, spend time with the guys." Mandy told her husband.
Dave couldn't help sighing with relief inside. He hated lying to Mandy, even if their marriage was a sham. She was still like a best friend to him, and would be upset if anything bad happened to her. "Thanks, you are the best. I mean that."
Randy limped into the Evolution locker room. "I don't think I'll be up to doing anything tonight. I've screwed up my ankle and I can barely stand." He sat down, slipping on his shirt and throwing things in his bag.
"Then I guess I'll get going." Dave looked back at Mandy. "Are you sure you'll be okay by yourself?" He couldn't help but feel guilty.
"Yes, go now or you'll never leave." Mandy waited until he left and then turned to Randy. "What happened to your ankle?"
"Nothing, I'm fine. Listen I have something really important to tell you, or rather show you." Randy walked over to her, sitting down beside her. He couldn't look at her, because he couldn't even believe it himself. How am I suppose to tell her that her husband, her marriage is all a lie, Randy thought sighing in frustration. Nothing could get the image of Dave and James out of his mind.
"Sounds serious. What is it?" Mandy began to panic, she hoped nothing was wrong.
"I don't know how you'll react. I was shocked myself when I found out, despite certain things." Randy avoided eye contact. He kept trying to open his mouth, but the words wouldn't come out.
Mandy touched his cheek. "Just tell me, we'll get through it. Please Randy I'm freaking out here." Randy slipped his hand on top of hers. On one hand, he couldn't bare to hurt her, but telling her would mean she could possibly be his. He brought up the courage to look at her. He tried to stop himself, but within the few seconds of looking into her eyes, he knew what he was going to do. With one swift movement his lips were on hers. He didn't care that it was wrong, he didn't want to stop kissing her. Mandy had a different reaction. She pushed him back, jumping off the seat. "What the hell are you doing?"
"I'm sorry, it just happened." Randy said, standing up. Mandy stepped back from him. "Dave is your friend and Danielle she's my best friend. Did you even think for a second? Is that what you wanted to show me?"
"No! There's something else I think you should know." Randy told her.
Mandy covered her face and turned away from him. "What am I going to do? How can I face Dave?" She paced the floor before turning to Randy. "We're just going to pretend like this never happened, okay?"
"I can't pretend like it never happened." Randy stated.
"Why not? It didn't mean anything. It was an impulsive act because you miss Danielle. Yeah, thats it." Mandy picked up her bag. "Never happened."
Just as she was about to walk out the door, Randy blurted out. "I love you."
Mandy turned to him in shock. "No you don't, because I'm married and I don't have to deal with this." She walked out the door, leaving Randy alone.
---
Mandy had been wandering around backstage, not having a clue where she was going. She spotted the backstage exit and pushed it open. Not in the mood for catching the limo, she decided to walk back. It wasn't that far. Many thoughts ran through her head. She knew that this would tear things apart if anyone found out. She tripped over a crack in the sidewalk. Kneeling on the ground, she put her head in her hands and cried. The confusion was too much for her. A hand touched her arm and she shoved it off, turning around to find Chris Benoit looking down at her.
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. Come on, I'll take you the rest of the way." Chris helped her up, leading her to the silver car he rented. He put her bag in the back with his own while she hopped in the front seat.
Throughout the ride, both were pretty quiet. Then a block away from place, Chris pulled over and turned off the engine. Mandy wiped her tears. Due to what happened at the cafe earlier that day, she felt a little uncomfortable being alone with Chris. The last thing she wanted was a repeat of the Randy situation.
"I'm sorry you left this afternoon, but don't stop talking to me. I care about you, that's what friends do. They worry when other friends get upset. So are you going to tell me what's wrong, or do I have to guess." Chris looked at her for answers.
Mandy stopped looking out the window and stared at the floor, explaining the whole situation to a shocked Chris. "I didn't know he felt that way and I swear I didn't encourage him. Not only do I have to face Dave, knowing that his best friend is an asshole, but I have to face Danielle. She'll hate me for it."
"I know you wouldn't lead him on. Anyone can see how loyal you are. You may not believe me, but it wasn't your fault. I know you feel guilty but Randy dug his own grave, and expected you to lay in it." Chris put a hand on her shoulder. "Come on, don't cry."
"I'm not anymore, but it still hurts. Thank you for trying though. It means alot." She smiled weakly at him, and took his hand from her shoulder and held it in her own. "You're a really great friend and to think I didn't realise until now."
Chris gave her hand a squeeze before letting go and starting the car. He knew if they stayed in that spot any longer that he would do the same as Randy and as much as it killed him to let go of her hand, he knew it was the last thing Mandy needed.
