Ch 28
Mark was relieved when John called reassuring him everything was alright and Lisa needed to see him. Every minute she was gone felt like eternity to him. He anxiously headed to John's room. He was slightly disappointed when John answered telling him Lisa was still in the shower. John filled Mark in on Paul's request that Lisa go to rehab with him and her agreeing to it just to get rid of him.
"I hope she can find a way out of it now," John leaned back in his chair trying to relax.
"She has a way out and it's me," Mark was confident Lisa wouldn't have to go see Paul.
"She dealt with another big problem by finally settling her past with Adam but it was painfully to watch all the heart wrenching emotions between the two of them. I've never seen Adam like that," John said softly not wanting Lisa to hear his conversation.
"They needed to talk things out. It would be good if they could at least salvage their friendship," Mark said as Lisa came up behind him resting her hands on his shoulders taking him by surprise.
"Don't worry we plan to try to save our friendship," she smiled kissing his cheek. Mark gently pushed back his chair pulling her onto to his lap. He smiled when he saw she was wearing a short black silky robe.
"I hope you didn't talk to him dressed like this," Mark teased her resting his hand on her knee.
"Hmmm maybe I did maybe I …" Lisa was cut off by Mark kissing her lightly. John smiled seeing his sister's happiness. "I think I'll go change," she softly said breaking their kiss.
"I think you just took her by surprise," John smirked at Mark as Lisa went to change.
"A little surprise is always good," Mark grinned. "Between you and me I have lots of surprises in store for her once she is free of Paul."
"I hope that is soon," John growled thinking of how much he hated Paul.
"It will be soon. I don't want to hear about Paul anymore," Lisa yelled from the other the room.
"She has a good point dwelling on it doesn't help anything," John ran his hands through his dark hair. "Do you know if Glen has heard at all from Christina?"
"He hasn't," Mark shrugged. "I feel sorry for him but he won't call her either. He thinks she is hiding something."
"She probably is," John almost whispered it. "Christina isn't as sweet as she seems. She has a secret and I'm going to find it out. Lisa adores Christina and won't even humor the thought of Christina being a sneaky bitch."
"That is harsh," Mark commented back.
"I'll tell you why I'm so harsh on Christina one day when Lisa isn't so close," John quietly said as they heard Lisa coming back. Mark looked up admiring the way she looked in the black tight tank top and short blue scarf skirt showing her long legs.
"What were you two talking about?" she sat back down on Mark's lap pulling her long hair into a ponytail.
"Nothing important," John smirked glad she didn't hear him talking about Christina. "You feel better now?"
"Yes," she felt her stomach tightening slightly at the thought of seeing Adam in a few hours but she knew she would be alright with Mark by her side.
"John told me about Paul wanting you to come to rehab and you needing a way out," Mark caressed her knee lightly.
"Don't worry big guy I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me," Lisa leaned against his shoulder.
"You're so unlucky to have to put up with her," John laughed pointing at Mark.
"You mean lucky," Mark kissed her forehead. "You feel up to heading over to the photo shoot early see if we can catch Stephanie now."
"Sure, let's go," Lisa wanted to talk to Stephanie as soon as possible to get rid of Mark's fears that she would have to go to see Paul.
Luck was on their side when they arrived Stephanie was in her office. Stephanie seemed surprised to see them so early till Lisa explained to her what happened with Paul earlier. Stephanie was not very fond of Paul after their storyline of them being married and the rude way he treated her on camera and off. She listened to Lisa explaining about needing an excuse to stay in Connecticut getting a smile on her face.
"That is no problem at all. There is no way I can let you leave tonight in case we need more shots for your new entrance video," Stephanie smiled seeing the relief in Lisa's and Mark's faces. "In fact tomorrow morning I need you here again to do a clip for the video. Mark, I need you here too I hope that isn't a problem."
"Not a problem but why do you need me it's her entrance?" Mark sat down in a chair next to Lisa brushing her hand lightly making Stephanie smile even more seeing her hunch was right there was a romantic relationship brewing between the two of them behind Paul's back. It's not just an act for the fans, Stephanie happily thought seeing the smile Lisa gave Mark.
"You will find out tomorrow just trust me," Stephanie grinned sitting down in her desk chair. "You two don't have a problem with staying in the same storyline together for awhile right?"
"No problem at all," Lisa said quickly as Mark nodded in agreement.
"Good because I have come up with another twist for Raw that will keep you two working together for at least the next few months," Stephanie reclined in her chair as Glen and John knocked on her door before entering. "Boy all we need is Adam and we can start the shoot early."
"Ask and you shall receive," Adam called from the hall. Lisa looked up meeting his eyes as he gave her a half smile. She was happy to see he looked better.
"This is excellent looks like I'll be going home early today," Stephanie laughed getting up from her desk. "If you boys don't mind I'm going to borrow Lisa for awhile and we will meet back up with all of you in the studio after you've all changed for the shot." Stephanie motioned for Lisa to follow her. Lisa turned slightly winking at Mark as he smiled widely at her. Stephanie caught their exchange knowing her idea was going to work perfectly.
Stephanie was nervously fidgeting hoping she would get the shots she wanted. She watched as the photographer took shoots of Mark and Lisa holding their inter gender tag team belts. The assistant motioned for Adam, Glen, and John to join them. Stephanie liked the look of the new alliance to face the NWO. She hoped the fans would like seeing Kane, Edge, Undertaker, Bradshaw, and Lisa in an alliance as much as she did. Stephanie reminded herself that she needed to find another member for the alliance before Raw. They took a few more group photos before removing Adam from the group and taking more photos. When the photographer had the group down to just Mark, Glen, and Lisa, Stephanie went over to him whispering to him what she wanted. The photographer nodded in agreement telling Glen he was finished.
"Ok guys the rest of you can go except Lisa and Mark," Stephanie ushered Adam, Glen and John out the door.
Stephanie crossed her fingers hoping what she wanted would happen. Lisa and Mark looked at each other wondering what was next. They had already done the shots with the title belts.
"Sorry you two, I want him to take a few more shots for future storyline ideas I have in mind. I just want to see how they look," Stephanie smiled. "They won't be used without telling you both first I promise so relax and have a good time." Mark listened to Stephanie giving Lisa a look as she shrugged her shoulders as the assistant set a chair in front of them.
"Mark, I want you to sit down. Lisa, I want you to wrap your arms around him and rest your head against his," the photographer yelled instructions as Lisa followed. Mark felt her warmth as she leaned against him. He tried to stay in character giving a cold evil stare to the camera but it was getting tough feeling her so close. Stephanie got an idea whispering it to the photographer handing him a CD as the assistant dimmed the lights.
"Ok get rid of the chair," the photographer said. "Mark, I want you to wrap your arms around her waist just relax and let the music set the mood." The assistant put on Gary Allan's The One on.
"No rush, though I need your touch,
I won't rush your heart.
Until you feel on solid ground,
Until your strength is found."
The photographer started snapping away as Lisa leaned back against Mark and he couldn't resist the urge to pull her closer. Her warm bare skin against his arm was enticing him. He rested his head against hers making warm tingling sensations soar through her body.
"Good now face him," Stephanie motioned with her finger for Lisa to turn around. Lisa turned looking up into his green eyes getting lost in them. She forgets about the others in the room running her fingers up his arms slowly.
"Girl, I'll fill those canyons in your soul,
Like a river, lead you home.
And I'll walk a step behind,
In the shadows, so you shine.
Just ask it will be done,
And I will prove my love,
Until you're sure that I'm the one."
Mark was losing the battle to stay in character as his eyes drifted to her lips. Mark gazed back into her eyes running his finger over her lips. They both had forgotten about the others in the room. Mark leaned down kissing Lisa softly as Stephanie almost jumped for joy. The assistant coughed making Lisa and Mark both jump looking around. Mark silently cursed not believing they had given into the temptation in front of Stephanie. He walked over shutting the music off.
"Stephanie, you can't use those shots," Mark said knowing all the hell Paul would give Lisa if he saw those.
"Don't worry I promised I won't use them," Stephanie couldn't hide her delight at the proof that Mark and Lisa had feelings for one another.
"Stephanie, you can't use them while I'm still with Paul" Lisa stuttered seeing the wide smile forming on Stephanie's lips.
"Stop worrying I won't please trust me," Stephanie said as she hurried out of the room with the photographer and his assistant following close behind. "Thank you both you did a great job. I'll see you both tomorrow bright and early."
"Damn it I have to get those photos," Lisa said about to rush after Stephanie when Mark grabbed her arm. She turned looking at him as he shook his head no. "Mark why?"
"Let her do whatever she wants," Mark caressed her face. "We can't hide what's going on between us forever. "
"True, but what just happened is personal it had nothing to do with work. You're right I can't hide how I feel for you especially when we are that close," Lisa sighed as he pulled her close. Lisa didn't resist him find comfort in his strong embrace.
Mark held her close kissing her forehead. Lisa looked up giving him a smile warming his heart and soul. There was no doubt in his heart that he loved her unconditionally and he didn't care anymore about Paul finding out about them. He needed her in his life and he wasn't going to let Paul stop him.
After they returned back to the hotel, Mark stayed with Lisa while she called Paul to let him know she couldn't come. Mark stretched out on the bed watching her pace as she waited for Paul to pick up. She was surprised when his voice mail answered. She sat down next to Mark as Paul's message played. Mark noticed her nervousness as she took a deep breathe hearing the beep.
"Paul, it's me. I'm sorry but I won't be able to come to see you at rehab. I just got back from the photo shoot and found out Stephanie needs me tomorrow. She also set up a few autograph sessions so I won't be able to see you till Raw," Lisa paused as Mark winked at her. "I'm sorry again Paul, I have my cell on me if you want to call. Bye." Lisa hung up the phone feeling some relief that she didn't have to talk to him directly.
"You ok?" Mark caressed her neck slowly.
"Yes, I don't know if I'll be when he calls back," Lisa was enjoying Mark's touch.
"Maybe he won't call back," Mark smirked.
"That would be a blessing," Lisa laid down on the pillows trying to relax.
"Just forget about him till he calls," Mark put his arm around her waist.
"You going to help keep my mind busy," Lisa gave him a seductive smile.
"I can do that," Mark leaned down kissing her. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him into a deeper kiss. Their kisses were filled with passion. Mark let his fingers roam her body before slowly sliding under her tank top caressing her stomach. Lisa felt electricity soaring through her body with his every touch. Suddenly a loud thud came from the door breaking their moment.
"What the hell!" Mark stormed out of the room flinging the door open.
"Mark, I'm sorry I need to talk to Lisa. I would have talked to John but I can't find him," Glen stared at Mark.
"Come on in," Mark motioned for Glen to come in as Lisa came out of the bedroom.
"Glen, what's wrong?" Lisa asked him right away seeing how agitated he was.
"Does Christina have another boyfriend already? Or did she have a boyfriend? Is that what she was hiding?" Glen frantically paced in front of Lisa.
"No to all your questions as far as I know," Lisa wondered why he was asking them.
"Hey calm down tell us what happened," Mark patted Glen's shoulder.
"I broke down I called her and she answered giggling like a school girl till she heard my voice then she froze up. I tried talking to her but I got one word answers than suddenly a man's voice came on the line telling me she was busy. I heard her laugh again before the phone went dead. Damn it what kind of game is you sister playing?" Glen stared at Lisa.
"I have no idea," Lisa went to the phone calling Christina as Mark tried to calm Glen down.
"She could have told me she had a boyfriend. I would have never tried to have never asked her out," Glen ran his hands through his hair as another knock came on the door.
"Come in," Mark yelled.
"What is going on now?" John asked surveying the room. "Glen, what did you want I heard you were looking for me?"
"I called Christina and she is with some guy," Glen said burying his face in his hands.
"What?" John stared at Lisa still listening to the endless ringing hoping Christina would pick up.
"There is no answer at …" Lisa started to say as she finally heard Christina pick up.
"Hello," Christina was laughing when she picked up.
"Christina, its Lisa what in the hell is going on? Are you dating someone?" Lisa walked into the bedroom shutting the door over slightly not wanting Glen to hear the conversation.
"No why?" Christina stuttered.
"Glen said he called and some guy said you were busy," Lisa felt John come up behind her.
"That was just Evan playing a joke," Christina said making Lisa get a surprised look on her face.
"What did she say?" John touched her shoulder. Lisa waved him off.
"Evan, your assistant?" Lisa couldn't believe Evan who she had met a few times would do something like that.
"Yes, I'm sorry we have had too much to drink and things got out of hand," Christina didn't sound sorry as she talked with still the hint of humor in her voice.
"Where is Kelly?" Lisa hoped her niece wasn't there while Christina was drinking.
"She is spending the night with mom. You can call and check on her if you like," Christina's tone changed to annoyance. "Are you done with your interrogation? Is there anything else you want?"
"There is just one more thing," Lisa lowered her voice. "You really upset Glen I hope you call and apologize to him."
"I'll try to call."
"You'll try? Christina, what in the hell is wrong with you?" Lisa was getting upset at her sister's attitude. John had enough grabbing the phone from Lisa.
"Christina, I know you're up to something. I'll be damn if you're going to treat my friends like this," John yelled into the phone.
"John, go to hell you can't tell me what to do," Christina yelled back. "I'm having fun is that such a crime. Just worry about Lisa and stay the hell out of my life. I will deal with Glen in my own way and when I'm ready to not when you and Lisa tell me to. Goodbye"
She slammed down the phone making John curse loudly.
"She is such a bitch!" John glared at Lisa waiting for her to defend Christina. He was surprised when she didn't say a word just stared at him in stunned silence.
"What in the hell is going on in here?" Mark pushed the door open.
"I'm waiting for Lisa to tell me I'm bad and wrong for being mean to the wonderful Christina," John started to pace.
"You'll be waiting for a long time," Lisa said softly brushing past John and Mark. She went to Glen sitting on the sofa placing her hand on his. "Glen, I'm sorry I ever introduced you to my sister. I don't know what is wrong with her and why she is being such a bitch to you."
"Don't be sorry I enjoyed the time I spent with her. She seemed like a sweet girl but I guess that was just an act," Glen was filled with sadness. "Did you find out who the guy was?"
"She said it was her assistant Evan but I don't believe it. Evan isn't the type of person to do something like that," Lisa shook her head.
"Evan? He is a geek. He would never say something like that without nervously laughing like a girl the whole time," John came back into the room flopping down in the chair. "She is such a bullshit artist."
"The guy who answered had no humor in his voice at all. He was dead serious," Glen leaned back on the sofa letting the sadness overtake him. He thought he found a special girl when he met Christina now he was realizing he was just a fool.
"Could it have been Kelly's father?" Mark asked out of the blue.
"I don't think so Kelly is with my mom," Lisa said feeling the need to call and check on Kelly. "I'm going to call my mom."
"Good idea, tell her I said hi. After you're done how about we all go out for drinks," John looked from Mark to Glen. "I think we could all use the distraction and who knows maybe we can salvage the rest of this break."
"That is fine with me if Mark goes," Lisa ran her fingers lightly over Mark's stomach as she passed him making him smile.
"We will go for a little while," Mark wrapped his arms around her waist while she dialed her mom.
"I'll go I got nothing better to do," Glen said trying to forget about Christina.
"That is settled then," John broadly smiled. "I'm going to get drunk tonight." Lisa didn't care what they did as long as she was with Mark. She hoped John was right that they could find a way to enjoy the rest of the break.
