Chapter 16

John walked through the back halls of the arena after the PPV waiting to meet up with Karen. He knew what ever she needed him for it was important...He'd heard in through the gossip threads that some people on both rosters thought him and Karen were dating...He'd have to remember to set them straight about their friendship.

John and Karen had actually kissed once...but they both agreed it was too much like kissing a member of the family...they were just better off as friends. John saw Randy walk up and John said, "What's up bro?" Randy said, "I just wanted to check to see how Karen is doing." John said, "Why don't you ask her yourself? I know you still care about her." Randy said, "Yea...well I'll never admit it unless I absolutely have too." John said, "You're so stubborn man...You don't realize how much she's going through right now...and to hear from you would be wonderful for her...but you're going to let your stupid pride interfere aren't you?" Randy said, "What is she going through...What's going on with her? I figured with you in her corner she has no problems."

John said, "I oughta smack you upside you thick skulled head...Just because I'm in her corner...doesn't mean I'm in her life the way you and nearly everyone else in this company thinks I am...She's my best friend...and yea I'll admit I love her...but only as a sister...Karen and I tried to kiss once...a LONG ass time ago...it didn't work...it was like kissing on of my cousins or brothers...it just felt completely wrong in so many incestuous ways."

Randy said, "I don't know about that man." John said, "Well I do...Stop being a chicken shit lame ass and just tell the girl you can't live without her...Like I can read it in your eyes man...I know you've been playboying it again...but you know the only thing those hoochie ring rats are going to bring you is an STD or possibly worse. Get your shit together, get your ass in gear and God damn it...Be a man Randy."

John sighed and ran his hand through his short brown hair and continued, "Tell the woman you can't stop thinking about how much you want her in your life...And don't be suave or anything...just fuckin be yourself bro...I never steered you wrong before...You've got to put some kind of faith into yourself, into me...and into the fact that Karen...no matter what you said to her when you guys broke it off...she's completely over it...I'm telling you...if you'd do that...She'd surprise the shit right out of you."

Randy nodded as he started walking away. John knew Randy was hurting inside...Anyone who had two eyes could tell Randy and Karen missed each other more then either one was willing to admit...and belonged together. A few minutes later, Karen walked up and John wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked out of the arena together and got into John's rental SUV and as soon as Karen gave him the address he knew exactly where he was taking her...To the cemetery that Sam was buried.

John walked to the gravesite with Karen and watched as she knelt down in front to the headstone and tucked her feet under her as she sat on her knees. John stayed about 30 or so feet back...he knew she'd need her privacy and wasn't about to disturb her. Karen touched the cool black marble headstone that said:

Sam Martini
Beloved Husband & Son
Fire Station 123

Karen leaned over and kissed the top of the headstone and said, "Sam I need your help please...I just need some kind of sign...I just want to know you're okay with me moving on..." A few stray tears slipped from her eyes. She stared at it for at least 45 minutes...as if the answers were just going to come to her out of nowhere...And suddenly the wind started to pick up as her hair was whipped around...She had a warm feeling come over the middle of her chest...as if Sam was touching her heart.

Karen smiled and said, "Okay Sam...I get it...Thank you." Karen kissed the headstone again as she stood up and turned to John and walked over to him and said, "The PPV isn't over for another hour..." John said, "Lemme guess...You need to find Randy?" Karen smiled and said, "Yes...Please." John said, "Who am I to stop someone from loving someone else." Karen threw her arms around John's neck and hugged him tight and kissed his cheek and said, "C'mon Doc...I gotta get back there now." John said, "My led food is you're led foot." They laughed as John took off at break neck speeds to get Karen back to the arena.

Once they got back to the arena...Randy was just walking out the back door to get in Evolution's limo to head back to the hotel...when John came skidding to a halt as Karen ran over and grabbed Randy's hand and Randy said, "What the hell is going on Karen?" Karen pulled him away from the limo and said, "Do me a favor...Tell me the truth...Do you want to be with me? I mean really with me...in everyway possible?" Randy said, "Yes." Karen said, "Then kiss me...Kiss me right now, before I go completely insane and take everyone in this damn company with me."

Randy licked his lips as he slowly pulled Karen too him and leaned over and softly captured her lips...The couple couldn't help but laugh as all the members of Evolution and John had exited the vehicles and were clapping...hooting and cat calling. It was about time they two of them got their shit together. Only God would know what was next for them.