March 3rd, 2020 (Flashback), Grand Hyatt, Tampa, Florida
Pre-WrestleMania Party
Joey
I'm not one who often craves to party with my friends and co-workers every night at some fancy overpriced hole in whatever city I'm in; but when it comes to parties like the annual Pre-Mania party, I can't help but want to take a piece of the action. Especially since I was invited by Roman who's one of the big contributors to make it happen at the Grand Hyatt. It was a nice 4-star place with a badass pool, a restaurant, a gym, and some very nice rooms to just kick back and relax in. Perfect place to hang out with amigos or hell, even a great place to take someone on a date.
Here I was chilling in a booth with Roman, the Usos, and Jon boy Moxley. Renee was here as well but was hanging with the ladies of the roster. I was dressed in nothing fancy. Just a simple black collared t-shirt with some jeans and black sneakers.
"Cheers, boys! Let's make WrestleMania a good one right here at home!" Roman proposed holding up his glass.
"I know you can't relate to that but damn it, Jon, you gonna drink with us! Haha!" I added looking right at Mox. He's been with AEW for a little under a year now and he's been making strides in the company as one of their top guys. I couldn't be more proud and happy for him but damn, I miss riding up and down the roads with my homie from Ohio.
"Very funny, old man!" Damn, Mox. Had to go there, didn't ya? "We may be on opposite sides of the fence, but I do appreciate you boys inviting me along."
"Of course, baby!" Roman replied. "We missed you! Ain't no way we weren't gonna have you when we put all this together."
"Amen to that!" The Uso's and I agreed and performed a final raise of our glasses and started drinking.
"Ya know, I thought you were a man, Joey. The fuck you doing drinking a sangria?!" Jon asked with our Samoan buddies left in stitches in response. I was expecting this kind of reaction from these damn goofballs.
"Well first off, fuck you for that old man comment." I jokingly started.
"I mean I might be down with enough drinks but I am a married man now." Jon's smart-ass reply got met with laughter from the boys. I hate to admit it but it got me too.
"Haha! Second, I'm not interested in waking up with a terrible hangover in the morning." The guys just booed me to hell for that reason. Now I was starting to get annoyed. "AND THIRD, if SOMEONE has to be the one to look after all you sons of bitches getting toasted, that's gonna be me! So you're welcome!"
"Awwwwww!" They said in unison...and I can feel my blood begin to boil. Grown-ass men that still act like kids; gotta love it.
"You know we're screwing with ya, man. We appreciate it. Really!" Mox speaks up.
"Ahh shut up and drink!" We took another sip of our drinks and the convos just continued. At the corner of my eye where the bar entrance was, I noticed a couple walk into the barely lit room. I didn't think too much of it at first...until they walked into better lighting...and I instantly recognized the couple. It was Colby and...Rebecca. My stomach started to have that same weird feeling I get whenever I see her. I mean...I'm not shocked at all she would show up with her man but...why today of all days does it feel worse?
"Ohh shit! Look who made it!" Jon noticed the couple as well and attempted to wave them down. "Yo! Colby! Red!" The two noticed us and walked over quite quickly. Rollins was smiling as he approached us but I noticed Rebecca directly shining her smile right at me. Damn it, stomach...
"Holy shit! Look at all of you with your own booth like VIPs. I dig it!" Rollins hugged it out with Mox and was greeting the boys while I was focused on the lovely redhead in front of me.
"Hey, you!" Bex and I both said in unison; causing us to laugh as we embraced each other in a good hug.
"I'm honestly surprised to see you here! I thought you weren't a nut for parties." Rebecca said.
"What can I say? I'm always full of surprises!" I said with a cocky look on my face which got met with her rolling her eyes at me but that quickly turned back into a smile. "But I can never turn down the chance to hang out with the homies here. Been a good night so far!"
"That's great! I think I could use a night like this. Being the champ can take a toll on ya!" Having over 20 years of working for WWE, I can relate to that so hard.
"I hear that! The interviews, the podcasts, the wrestling, it's one after the other and you just want to unwind so bad! We all need something like this!"
"EXACTLY! I'll gladly toast to that." I raised my glass to that while Becky pretended to hold one to touch "glasses". What a goof...but a lovable goof.
"Hey babe, I'ma get a drink and Mox and Ro wanna show me some stuff. You'll be fine for a bit?" Colby cut in.
"Of course! I'm the Man! And someone's gotta look after this big dope right here." Becky replied as she gave me a pat on the arm. This girl really went there...
"Girl, you got it twisted. I don't need no damn babysitter!" My rebuttal only made her laughing grow stronger and in return, getting deeper under my skin.
"Hahaha! Ok, I see you two are fine. I'll see ya later...or tomorrow know the kind of shit Mox and Roman are up to."
"All good!" She said as she kissed him...right in front of me. Totally not feeling like a third wheel at all. "So Joey, whatcha got there in that glass?"
"Oh! It's just a little good old sangria!"
"That weak shit? Tell me you're kidding!" Oh, god damn it, not another one giving me shit about this damn drink.
"Don't you give me shit too, ok?!" And her laughing just keeps on getting stronger. "I chose to go light because somebody has to watch these jackasses and make sure they don't hurt themselves."
"In case you forgot, these are grown arse men and women. They'll be fine, ya dope! Now come on to the bar with me. Let's get you the real good stuff!" Becky gonna teach me something about the real good stuff? This ought to be good. Then again, who am I to question an Irish about drinking.
"Hey Joey, come here real quick?" As I was about to walk for the bar, Colby caught me dead in my tracks. I didn't even realize he came back, but oh well.
"What's up, dude?" I said as I walked closer to Rollins.
"Just wanna say this to you and MAYBE it's the drinks, but...if it were anyone else with just Rebecca, I'd stick around. But I trust you! Thank you, man!" Colby turned and left with just those words to say to me. It was a little out of nowhere but at the same time very flattering. Anyway, I didn't wanna keep Becky waiting so I quickly hauled ass to the bar counter and took the seat next to her.
'Alright, girl. What's this "real good stuff" you mentioned? I can't wait!" I said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Hold your horses, ya goof! Hey, bartender!" Becky called for the bartender down the counter who just finished helping CJ and Rusev and got his attention pretty quick. The bartender was a pretty tall and lean fellow but I sensed a good vibe from him.
"Ms. Lynch, Mr. Kennedy! My name is Nathan, how can I help you tonight?" He addressed us quite professionally.
"Two glasses of Jack Daniels! Need to help my fella here remember the good drinks!" She ordered while she deviously looked at me dead in the eyes.
"Oh, haha, and ha! Real freakin cute, Bex!" I rebuttal. The bartender quickly pulled out the bottle and filled our glasses. "Bottle of Jack, huh? Not bad."
"What, did you expect some beer cus I'm Irish? You dick." She tried to come off sarcastic to match me but the poor thing couldn't hold a straight face and just cracked up.
"Haha! Well...maybe a little bit." Becky only responded with a playful punch to my arm. Even if it wasn't full force, this girl really can throw a damn punch.
"Here ya go, you two! Enjoy!" Nathan said as he brought us our glasses. Becky thanked him and paid him for the drinks.
"Well...here's a toast to Mania...and the sangria." I propose. As we touched glasses, Becky had the only devious smile and an evil laugh to come with it.
"Cheers! Sangria, you will not be missed! Haha!" All I could think before I took my first sip; Rebecca, you little shit, you.
I've been sitting on this stool for so long, I felt like it was gonna be glued onto my ass for the whole night. I completely lost track of time as Becky and I downed our glasses of Jack with our conversations ranging from backstage gossip to how things have been going in our personal lives. To be honest, I didn't give a shit about how long I would be here on this stool. Just spending time with Rebecca, talking about anything and everything, drinks or no drinks; I could never get bored. I honestly want nothing else right now.
"Oh lord, I gotta run to the ladies' room real quick. Joey, could you watch my jacket and drink while I'm gone?" Becky asked while she took off her leather jacket to hang on the stool.
"Sure thing! You gonna be fine on your own?" I ask. Even though I was feeling the effect of good old Mr. Daniels, I was more concerned if Becky was feeling it as well.
"Pssh! Did you forget I'm the man?! The champ?! I don't need help!" Becky walked pretty confidently for a couple of steps until she tilted toward the bar counter and held onto it to stay on her feet. I could not help but just DIE of laughter! Not only did all that confidence she had just washed away, but it also confirmed it for me, she...was...TOASTED.
"Good shit, champ! Haha!" She looked back with a face that looked like it was burning as red as her hair. I'd usually be a little scared but this was just too damn funny. Becky was able to keep herself going on the way out of the place. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but just found myself...well...admiring her as she left. Rebecca always took care of herself and her body...and boy...it does show. "Oh god, maybe that's enough Jack for the night." I noticed the bartender walking towards me with a washcloth and gave him our glasses, signaling I am done for the night.
"You love her, don't you?" Nathan asked. The question kind of caught me off guard I have to admit.
"I do. Just as a great friend though." I replied.
"Really? Could've fooled me." I noticed immediately the sly tone in his voice as he said that with a smirk as he washed my glass.
"What's that supposed to mean exactly?" He leans in closer so no one else can hear us.
"You may say a great friend, but your face is saying something different, amigo. I see the way you look at her." This guy is paying attention to me...a little too closely for my comfort. Unless...
"Am I that obvious?" He quickly responds via nodding "yes". I just let out a hefty exhale in defeat. "Yeah, I do. For a long time actually. But there is nothing that can be done. She's engaged to Rollins."
"Honestly, in my experience, a ring on the finger means nothing." That line made me look at the dude as if he was crazy. He held his hand up to let him finish. "The heart wants what the heart wants. Sometimes you just can't help it. She may be engaged already but you have to ask...is her heart in it?" I wanted to slap this man for saying such a thing or even suggesting what I think he was. But...I just couldn't. Even if I wanted to reach over and whack him, he had already left to finish cleaning the rest of the bar counter. But it did make me wonder...if somewhere deep down, she shared the same feelings for me.
It's been a good while since Becky left for the restroom. I know ladies often take their time in there but damn, what the hell was she up to? I looked around the room and noticed most of my fellow wrestlers had left or were preparing to call it a night. No sign of Roman, Mox, or even Seth for that matter. I was ready to be all alone in this damn place. Shit…
"Excuse me, Mr. Kennedy?" A random female staff called for me as she came in from the outside. "Becky is calling for your help by the restroom." I immediately jumped into alert mode.
"Becky?! Is she ok?!" I asked quickly with concern.
"She's ok! But she could use some help. She may have had too much to drink." Just like that, my nerves calmed down and I snickered like a schoolgirl. Oh, Rebecca…
"Haha! I knew this would happen. Ok, one second please." I finally got off the stool and felt my back cheeks already become a little less sore. I picked up Becky's jacket and walked with the staff lady to find her. I felt like my walking was decent but Mr. Daniels for sure had a good hold on me.
"When I asked her if I or if there was someone that could help her, she requested you specifically." When the staff lady said that, I felt my heart skip a beat. "There she is, sir." She pointed Becky out to me and immediately, I was ready to crack up laughing again. She was just sitting on a bench swinging her legs around and singing a song I don't recognize.
"Thank you, miss. I'll take it from here." I dismissed her and just carefully walked up to my favorite lass. It only took her a few seconds to finally notice me.
"Ahh! Hey cutie!" Well, that totally didn't make my heartbeat skip again… "Where the hell have you been? Don't you...know it's rude to keep a lady waiting?" The way she spoke and moved her body in such comedic fashion made me wanna start laughing again. As I said, she was toasted.
"Well, excuse me "champ", I was on jacket guard duty." I sarcastically replied as I handed her jacket back to her. I had to take a seat right next to her to avoid any chance of stumbling over myself.
"Awwww, thank you Mr. Jacket security. Haha!" Ai Dios Mio...this chick. "Wow, this jacket feels real nice." Ok, I think it's time for me to take charge now.
"Ok, I think you've had too much to drink." Becky gave me the only stink face when I said that.
"Excuse me? Didn't you drink as much as I did?"
"True. But can you get up and walk like this?" I got up from the bench and took a few steps forward down the hall. I was trying my damndest to walk as normally as I could because there is no way I'm having her laugh at me again tonight. I felt good (for now), turned around, and threw the challenge.
"Ok ok, you can walk a couple of steps. Good for you!" The clapping and oozing of sarcasm made me roll my eyes in annoyance. "Watch the champ school ya!" Rebecca stood up from the bench and faced me to start. She took two steps and quickly swayed towards the wall but was able to catch herself. We both in unison started dying of laughter. So much so, I ended up on the ground in tears which caused Becky to laugh even harder. "Hey, Joey! I think we're good for the night, yeah?!"
"Hey! I should be saying that to you!"
"Well, I'm saying it now to you! Haha!" I got up off the floor and held my arm out for her to hold on to.
"Shall we call it then?" I asked Becky. She smiled and latched on around my arm tightly.
"Let's get outta here."
Rebecca
I honestly don't remember clearly the last time I got this drunk. I didn't even think I drank so much to warrant it. My goodness, I am a mess. But to be honest, I didn't care.
"Ding! You have reached the 14th floor! Please don't forget any personal belongings you have brought with you and step out of the elevator safely." Joey talked in the weirdest robotic-like voice I've ever heard and it was just great. I couldn't laugh anymore as I was just barely holding on to his arm for dear life. "Which room did you say you had again?"
"Oh um...14...1409!" Holy hell, I remembered without looking at the keycard. Good shit, Rebecca!
"Oh shit! Close to my room! Nice! Come on, we're almost there." I looked up at my knight in shining armor for the night as we walked together to my room; this was the reason I don't care if I was a mess tonight. I was having so much fun just loosening up finally and having fun with Joey after so long. Thanks to the draft last year sending me to RAW, we haven't been able to hang out as much as we used to since he stood on SmackDown. Whenever we got together to just relax and talk, it usually would go how it did tonight. We'd just lose track of time and enjoy each other's company. Being on the same brand as Colby of course is great, Absolutely, but...my times with Joey...are just special to me. It's so hard to explain.
We made it to 1409 and somehow didn't fall flat on our arses on the way there.
"So um...you gonna open the door, prince charming?" I ask Joey as he was just leaning against the wall like a lost puppy.
"And how do I do that exactly?" He replied. He's joking, right?
"With the keycard? Ya know, the thing the hotel gives you to go into your room?"
"Hmhmm, and who has the card to your room?" I fell completely silent as I realized my goofball error. I slid my hand into my pocket to pull out the keycard. I feel myself getting red and heated in the face for two reasons right now; for goofing up that bad about my room key AND I can feel this "Prince of lameness" staring at me with such a smirk as I unlocked my door.
"I'm never gonna hear the end of this, aren't I?" I ask...but I believe I already know the answer.
"Ooooh never ever. Haha." That damn evil laugh… "Ya know what? Let me open the door for ya." And so he does right in front of me. All I could do is giggle.
"Wow. What a gentleman. And people say chivalry was dead."
"Whoever said that probably hasn't even reached first base, to be honest." OK...I was not expecting that response and I just died from laughter again.
Joey
Boy, am I grateful I was in reach to catch Rebecca as she was just about to drop from laughing so hard. I don't know why I don't remember her being this silly when drunk.
"Oh my god, you kill me! That was a good one, Joey!" She said as I helped her straighten up. But I said fuck it and had a better idea at this point.
"Ok, I want you to get ready to jump now!" I had my right arm hooked on her back and under her arms and my left arm under her legs ready to lift.
"What are you...WOAH!" I bent my legs and just jolted right up to carefully carry her to her bed. The room she had for her and Seth was one of the nicest rooms the hotel offered for us superstars. Big bed with a giant window with a great view of the sea. "Haha! Look at you being all romantic! But I don't think this is a good idea!" Boy, was she right. We got closer to the bed but good old Mr. Jack Daniels reminded me he still had a hold on me and I found myself tumbling towards the bed. Becky and I freaked out at first out of fear I was gonna drop her on the floor. I moved whatever stable foot I had and was able to launch us into the bed. We both started laughing again as we laid there in...her bed. As we started to cool down, I found myself just...staring at her and she was staring at me. We both were just smiling. It should feel weird right now...but it didn't.
"I don't know if anyone's ever told you this...but you got ssss-some amazing eyes." Holy slurring, Batman… That was pretty bad...but it was still enough to turn Becky red again and hide her face in her hands.
"Aw, thanks. Yours aren't so bad yourself, ya know?" I couldn't help but giggle at my compliment being thrown right back at me. As we looked into each other's eyes again, something...weird was happening. I found myself moving closer to her face like something was pulling me towards her. Holy shit, I was about to kiss her...and...am I crazy or did it look like...she was ready for me to. We were almost about to make contact. No...no! This wasn't right. I pulled myself away quickly and in result, snapping me and Becky out of this...daze.
"I'm sorry. I think I should go now." As I tried to push myself off the bed to stand up, I felt Becky's hand grab hold of mine.
"No, Wait!" She said as she was now sitting up on the bed. "I'm sorry! I don't know...what was happening there. The...the drinks...really screwing with us, huh?" Becky's comedic attempt was obviously a self-defense mechanism to try to hide her panicking state. Because I know her so well, It didn't work on me.
"Heh...I guess. But it's wrong. You're engaged. It's not...I just…" I guess we're both in the same party now. I found myself a panicking mess as well.
"Hey, hey..." Becky started to speak in her soothing caring tone. She always does that when she notices something is off with me...and she knows it works. "It's ok. Let's not let this ruin a great night. We had so much fun getting toasted! I've missed this...with you" Oh, bless your heart, Rebecca.
"Ha...we did! No doubt about that. Whenever I'm with you, it's always...always a great time." A smile had returned to her face which in return quickly was relieving to me. "If only things were different…" I muttered under my breath but...
"What do you mean by that?" Oh, god damn it. Way to go, Joey! "You're not telling me something here. What's wrong, love?" The million-dollar question I had the answer to. Oh...fuck it. There's no other way around this and she will not let this go if I avoid it. It's time...
"Rebecca…" Just say it, Joey. Just say it, you big dumbass. "I love you." The redhead's face started to smile again. It was almost relieving for me to see.
"Aw, I love you too, ya big lug!" Almost...relieving. Damn it…
"No. I...love you." I said it again, somehow easier than the first time. Rebecca's smile faded back into confusion...but then her eyebrows raised, her eyes and her mouth opened more.
"Oh…" Is all she said. She finally understood what I meant.
"I've loved you...for so many years. I knew you were special when we first met when you first came to RAW and we just...hit it off like we already knew each other. Then we got to hanging out and getting to know each other over the years. Along the way...I had realized that I had fallen for you...really hard." I could not believe I was able to get these words out. But I can't stop...not now. I continued...despite I felt myself becoming emotional. "Now I know what you're thinking. Nothing can come of this because you are engaged to Colby. I respect that and I'm happy for you. Why didn't I tell you sooner? Well...as pathetic as it sounds coming from a grown-ass man, I was honestly afraid. I love and adore what we have...and I don't want to ruin that. But here I am...spilling my heart out to you. I couldn't hold it anymore... I love you, Rebecca."
Holy shit, I said it. I told her how I felt about her after all these years. For a brief moment, I finally felt relief getting this off my chest. I felt like I could breathe again. But looking at Rebecca...made my anxiety want to flare up. She just sat there mouth a gap, looking down at the floor...speechless. I can tell she was trying to find the words to speak but...it was nothing. Now I was really freaking out internally. The reason why I didn't wanna say anything in the first place...it's happening already...and all because I opened my big mouth.
I don't know where I got the nerve or energy to do it but...I found myself sitting up and looking at Rebecca's hotel door. I started to walk towards it to leave. Things were just too awkward now.
"I should go." Is all I could say. I walked up to the door, opened it, and stepped out. I was already in the motion of closing the door...when I heard it.
"Joey!"
Rebecca
The door closing just froze me in place. I don't think he heard me call him. I stood there in my hotel room in a daze, replaying everything I had just heard in my head. Oh my god, Joey's...in love with me. He said it right to my face and...it...didn't feel wrong. I feel my heart racing like a track horse, but...I don't feel confused by it. Why? Why do I feel like this?! Like he even said, I'm engaged to Colby!
"This isn't real...this isn't real." I kept whispering to myself as I started pacing back and forth. Then...the truth hit me. It hit me so hard, I stopped in my tracks. I could feel my eyes start to tear up. This was real. He had spilled his heart to me after holding onto this for so long. It's only right...that I stop holding on too… I had finally found the words to say to him. I dashed to the door and held onto the knob...hoping he was still there in the hall. I couldn't hold back my tears because…
"I'm sorry, Colby."
Joey
I closed the door to her room...but I heard her call for me. I went to grab the knob again to respond...but then I stopped. My mind started to race again. What did she want to say to me? Was she gonna...no...there is no way. She was just gonna say she's flattered but of course, it can't happen; right? I just didn't wanna believe it could be real. My mind wanted to let me just dismiss it and move on...but my heart kept asking me…"What if".
"I gotta know...I gotta know." I closed my eyes and took the deepest breath I could. I looked back at the door and walked right up to it. As I was about to knock,...it opened on me, and there was Becky...tearing up. I wanted to say something but...I just stood there, looking at her and she was the same to me...but then she finally spoke.
"I knew." I felt my heart stop right there. "I always knew." Those words...it damn near killed me. She knew...I loved her.
"You knew?" I asked for confirmation out of disbelief and she just nodded. I could tell she was trying to grow a smile but it was an emotional one.
"I've known...for a long time. I'm not sure when...but I just knew." Good lord...I feel like a fool...but for the reason of never considering she would figure it out. Made me wonder the same thing I did back at the bar, am I really that obvious?
"I…" God, I hate being speechless. "I..honestly don't know what to say right now." I let out a weak laugh...but Rebecca giggled in return. It did help lighten the mood up a little bit.
"You did just unload a lot of baggage back in there. Ha!" She sure had a point. I just let it all out in there on her. "But maybe...to be fair, it's my turn to unload now." Wait...what did she mean by that? "Joey...Yes, I am...engaged to Colby...and it's been a great journey." Oh god...I knew it. "I've known him for a long while as well...and I do enjoy my time with him." Jeez, unintentionally kick me while I'm down, why don't ya? "But when I'm with you, I can't put it into words...how special our moments together are, how special you are to me. I don't know how else to say it, Joey. Your feelings for me, these strong feelings you've had for years; maybe...they are more mutual than you think." Holy shit. Mutual...she said mutual. I heard that right?!
"You mean..." I was able to let out. All she did was smile and nod with tears still ready to drop. I started to shake up in shock and excitement. "Holy shit…" Is all I could let out, causing her to laugh. The woman I just poured my heart out to...just poured hers out right back at me. All I could do now was to just...grab and hug her. My sudden act surprised her but made her laugh harder as she wrapped her arms around me and hugged me right back. In all my years on this earth, I've never felt happier; and judging by how Becky was hugging me back, I think she was feeling the same.
"Well…What now?" That...was another fine question tonight. Before I could get stumped again thinking of an answer, I heard...two voices in my head; Colby...and that bartender from earlier.
"...if it were anyone else with just Rebecca, I'd stick around. But I trust you! Thank you, man!" God damn it, Colby... Why did you have to say that to me… Anyone would think something like that would help make this more wrong and difficult, but then I heard the bartender's words repeat in my head.
"The heart wants what the heart wants. Sometimes you just can't help it." To think the words of a total stranger would be of help to me ever, and he was right. I can't help it. Not anymore. I had already chosen my path. The only thing I had left to say was…
'Fuck it." I looked down at Becky still wrapped up in our hug. I slowly leaned down to her face...and our lips finally made contact. I kissed her with such passion. This was something I've wanted to do for so long...and I didn't want it to end; especially now...as I felt Becky kissing back. Our arms readjusted to where her arms were locked around my neck and my hands gently holding her body. I took charge and picked her up with her legs clinging on to me and before I could take her to her bed, I shut and locked the hotel room behind me. The end of my night was gonna be (to quote my love) straight fire, and I couldn't ask for anything more.
End of Flashback