Lisa came backstage still feeling the adrenaline pumping through her veins. She was going to go to the women's locker room but changed her mind waiting for Mark to come backstage. It wasn't long before she heard the roar of his motorcycle. Mark came through the curtain surprised to see Lisa there. He stopped the bike turning it off smiling at her.
"Good job out there," Mark rubbed his cheek.
"I'm sorry did I slap you too hard," Lisa said nearing him.
"No, barely stung at all just teasing you," Mark laughed making her smile. "What are your plans for this evening?"
"Guess going to change, catch a late night dinner then get some sleep before we hit the road."
"Would you like to have dinner with me?" Mark took the chance asking her. She is probably going to say no, he thought remembering Vince saying she had a boyfriend.
"That would be nice. I hate eating alone," Lisa smiled.
"So do I. Go get changed and I'll come get you," Mark couldn't believe his luck that she had actually said yes as he started up the motorcycle watching her walk down the hall to the locker rooms.
Lisa had just finished changing into her blue jeans and peach tank top when she heard the knock. She opened the door smiling when she saw Mark changed into jeans and a jean shirt.
"Is it ok to come in?" he asked giving her a handsome smile.
"Yes, the other girls have left already. I just need to finish packing my bag and we can go," she motioned for him to sit down.
"Take your time," his eyes couldn't help wandering her body when she bent over packing her bag. "Anything special you want for dinner?"
"No, I'm not picky," Lisa zipped up her bag. She was about to pick it up when he jumped up taking it from her.
"I'll take that for you. We have to make one stop before we leave if you don't mind," Mark put her bag over his shoulder.
"I don't mind," she followed him out of the locker room.
"Have you met Glen Jacobs yet?"
"No, I only know a few other wrestlers," she was about to say more than stopped herself not wanting to talk about her boyfriend at that moment. She was still upset he hadn't called yet to say anything about Raw.
"Well you're about to meet Glen," Mark knocked on a locker room door as a deep voice yelled come in. Glen was sitting on the bench putting his shoes on. "Lisa, I would like you to meet Glen also known as Kane around here," Mark introduced her to Glen. Glen gave her a big smile shaking her hand.
"Nice to meet you. I enjoyed your performance tonight especially the slap you gave the dead man here," Glen laughed as Mark groaned.
"Maybe we should have Vince arrange a way for you to slap Kane," Mark said as Lisa giggled. "Glen, I need you to do me a favor. Can you take our bags to the Marriott? I can't take them on my bike."
"Sure no problem," Glen said noticing Lisa's surprised look. "You ok?"
"Yes, I think so," Lisa nervously smiled.
"I don't think you are," Mark saw the tension on her face. "Tell us what's wrong?"
"I've never been on a motorcycle," she softly said.
"Don't worry you will be fine. Mark is an excellent rider just hold on to him," Glen reassured her.
"There is no harm in trying," Lisa hoped she would be alright.
"Come on baby girl," Mark opened the locker room door leading them to the parking area. Lisa felt her stomach flutter at the sight of his motorcycle.
"I will see you two later. I will leave your bags at the front desk. Mark, don't scare this poor girl half to death take it easy on the road," Glen winked at Mark. "Good night." Glen left them alone as Lisa watched Mark check the motorcycle grabbing the helmet off the back.
"Put this on, I promise you will be fine. Just hold on tight. If you want me to stop pinch my side because it's hard to hear over the engine," Mark handed her the helmet. She slowly put it on. He climbed on motioning for her to get on. She sat behind him afraid to touch him for some reason. You're being a fool, she thought putting her arms around him. Mark couldn't help smiling feeling her warm body close to his as she held on tightly. He slowly pulled out of the parking lot into the mostly empty streets.
"You ok?" he checked on her when they stopped at light. She nodded yes as he ran his gloved hand along her arm feeling she was relaxed. They rode for awhile before pulling into the Marriott. He didn't want to stop the bike he was enjoying having her close to him.
"Did you have fun?" he asked as she took off the helmet.
"Yes, thank you," she ran her fingers through her hair.
"Are you still in the mood for a late dinner?" Mark hoped she was going to say yes.
"Sure, my nerves have been so bad. I haven't eaten since this morning," she said as they entered the hotel going straight to the restaurant. They were quickly seated at a table in the nearly empty restaurant. The waiter had just handed them the menus when Lisa's cell phone started ringing. She looked at the number. "I'm sorry Mark. I have to take this I don't mean to be rude." She pushed the talk button as he nodded ok. Mark look down at menu hearing a deep man's voice yelling into Lisa's ear as she turned in her chair. Mark noticed how tense she was getting as she listened without saying a word. Lisa couldn't believe the nasty words coming out of her boyfriend's mouth. He had nothing good to say about her appearance on Raw. She knew instantly he had been drinking he wasn't the same man that had left her that morning. The alcohol and pain killers for his injury were in control. Why does he always do this, she thought listening to him yell at her for not being there for him.
"I'm sorry you had a bad day," she said into the phone. "That is no reason to take it…"
"Don't be a bitch," the angry voice said so loudly Mark could hear it clearly. Mark was ready to grab the phone out of her hand and tell whoever it was off. He put down his menu watching her deciding it wasn't his business to interfere.
"I'm getting something to eat right now. I will call you when I get to my room," Lisa tried not to raise her voice knowing she wouldn't call him till tomorrow morning when he was sober. "Goodbye." She hung up the phone turning it off. "Sorry about that," she said wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Hey stop being sorry," Mark smiled at her not liking the tears he saw brimming in her blue eyes. "I know we just meet but I'm a good listener. Do you want to talk about it?"
"I don't want to burden you with my problems," Lisa blinked the tears away. The waiter came back with their drinks. Lisa quickly drank down half of her vodka with orange juice and ordered another one to Mark's surprise.
"Come on talk to me don't drown the problem," Mark touched her hand as she reached for her drink.
"Its just rough being in a long distance relationship," she pushed the drink away. "Can't always be there for one another and the distance can make everything difficult."
"I can understand perfectly. My marriage ended in divorce because I was never home and we just grew apart till one day we just didn't have anything in common anymore," Mark took a sip of his beer feeling the old familiar pain that had caused him to avoid any romantic relationship for almost three years.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to remind you of that," Lisa said feeling terrible for upsetting him.
"Every heart has its wounds. You have to relive them sometimes to keep going," Mark said feeling comfortable talking to her. "Heartache makes a person stronger, makes you appreciate love when finally you find it. I hope you don't mind me asking but is your boyfriend the one?"
"I don't know," Lisa sighed resting her cheek on her hand. "I've been with my boyfriend for almost two years but we have been through a few break ups during those years. There are times I think he is the one than he goes and does something stupid to break my heart."
"He shouldn't treat you like that," Mark said not believing anyone would treat her like that. Lisa didn't say anything for a minute just stared into his eyes until the waiter brought out their order. The conversation turned to what would happen on Smackdown. Mark was pleasantly surprised at how easy the conversation was going. When they finished dinner, Lisa wanted to stay longer with him but she knew she needed sleep for tomorrow.
"Mark, thank you for keeping me company," Lisa reached for her purse as Mark grabbed her hand.
"Dinner is on me," Mark smiled at her.
"Thank you again," Lisa waited till he paid the check. He wanted to make sure she got to her room alright as he led her to elevator. He smiled wider when he realized she was on the same floor as him.
"I'm surprised by you," Lisa said as the elevator started climbing. "You act so tough and mean during the shows but you're really a sweet nice guy."
"Shh, don't let that secret out," he laughed as the elevator chimed open.
"This is my room," Lisa stopped outside her door looking up at him. "Have a good night and I'll see you tomorrow."
"Do you want to ride with Glen and me to the arena?" Mark couldn't help wanting to be with her. Lisa was surprised by his offer. She thought for a minute figuring there was no harm in it.
"Ok, I'm up early so whenever you guys are ready to go let me know," Lisa unlocked her door.
"Ok, good night Lisa," Mark leaned down kissing her cheek. The warmth of his kiss surprised her for a moment.
"Good night Mark," she shut the door leaning on it. "Behave yourself girl, you're not a free woman," Lisa said to herself listening to his footsteps disappear down the hall.
