Authors Note: New chapter guys, thank you for the reviews and your view points on Trish and how she's dealing.

I don't think she is being too trusting. She's in love with Randy, so she has no reason to doubt him. Of course, we do tend to wear blinkers when it involves the people we love. All I will say...is Trish isn't stupid...:)

I'm glad the story is making you think! I hope you enjoy this one! Please read and review, because I don't own a single thing...

Trish stepped out of the rental car, unable to hide the Cheshire cat grin on her face. Looking over to the driver's seat, Randy followed her out, stretching upwards and releasing a tired groan. Catching Trish's eye, his eyes sparkled as he surveyed her, enjoying watching the breeze cause strands of blonde hair to dance around her face. Reaching into the backseat, he extracted their duffle bags, slinging them over her shoulder. Lazily crossing around to the front of the car, he slowly interlocked his fingers with Trish's smaller digits, sharing a brief kiss with the petit Canadian.

Hand in hand, the couple sauntered their way into the arena, very much aware that every eye was on them. Ever since Randy and Trish had gotten together, it had become a huge source of interest for the wrestling community.

Wrestling commentators had described it as the 'McMahon-Helmsley' partnership for the 'noughties'. And to some extent, that was true. It was undeniable that Trish and Randy held a great deal of respect in the locker room. She was the most respected and revered woman in the business, totally redefining what the public considered to be a 'diva'. He was the arrogant young stallion in the locker room, who had transformed and grown into the hottest commodity in the business right now. As a two-time former WWE Champion, it was obvious that it could only be a matter of time before he gained his third run with Championship belt around his waist.

Together they were formidable. Randy had seemingly matured since being with Trish, forgoing the late night parties and sophomoric pranks he was known for to be a focused relentless ring general. At the same time, his free spirit and passion had ignited something in Trish. She had learned how to tap into her emotions in the ring, rounding off her abilities to become the greatest at what she did. They seemed to balance and feed off one another, making up for the other's weakness with their own strength, and making an insurmountable combination.

From a business stand point, the WWE had experienced a marked up turn in popularity since Randy and Trish had become a couple. They were the most requested superstars for signings and promotional events, with the merchandise vendors unable to keep up with the demands for their respective items.

Their matches and backstage segments were the highest rated moments of every RAW broadcast, and their headlining Pay-Per-Views had sent buy rates through the roof. A new line of Trish and Randy action figures, coming together as a set, had a waiting list stretching back to three months, with fans clamouring to get the figurines. In short, Randy and Trish were hot, and the WWE were milking their popularity for all they were worth.

And tonight, on the eve of Randy's return to Monday Night RAW, there was a marked anticipation in the air, even before the event had started. Rumours and whispered speculations were abound that Randy was going to return tonight. Online wrestling communities were abuzz with opinions on how fast Randy was going to regain the title belt. All the backstage hands and technical crew at the arena whispered to each other as they saw Orton and Trish making their way through the concrete halls.

Trish stopped to sign a few autographs for some of the technical support's family who were at the event, talking to the young girls who idolised her. Randy meanwhile, was busy catching up with a few superstars gathering in the hall, to discuss recent events in the WWE.

From around the corner, the suited Shane McMahon strode, his dark eyes intently focused on Randy. Since Randy's departure two months ago, Shane had been name as the new General Manager of RAW, to free up his father's time for more maniacal pursuits.

Times hadn't changed that much of course, and the podgy prodigal son was still his father's lap, desperate to please the egotistical owner. Barging straight into the middle of the conversation, McMahon stepped directly in front of Charlie Hass, to whom Randy had been speaking. Not taking lightly to being interrupted, Orton raised his eyebrow into an annoyed arch.

"Can I help you?" Randy growled. He could feel the blood pumping through his body, causing him to tense and untense his fists, which were hanging at his sides.

"You know my father is waiting for you in his office right?" Shane sneered, "if I were you? I wouldn't keep him waiting."

Leaning closer to Shane, Randy's nose was barely an inch away from Shane's, as he used his impressive 6 foot 4 stature to tower over the owner's son squaring his shoulders to increase his size further. "You're not me." Randy growled.

Witnessing the confrontation, Trish knew the last thing her boyfriend needed was to get into trouble with Shane. It was no secret that the younger McMahon was not at all found of Randy, finding him disrespectful and unworthy to be in the run for the WWE Championship. Scurrying across the corridor, Trish loped her arm through Randy's, gently pulling him away from Shane.

"Come on baby. You can walk me to the locker room." she soothed, as she felt Randy soften in her arms. Turning his head to looks at Trish, his expression softened into a genuine smile. Tilting his head at Shane, Randy simply 'tutted' and allowed Trish to steer him away.

Attempting to calm himself down and save face with the wrestlers around him, Shane straightened his tie as he glared after the retreating Orton, already considering new ways to make Randy's life a misery.

Walking side by side, Trish sent Randy an annoyed glance. "What was that about?"

"What?" Randy replied, shrugging his shoulders as if displaying his innocence.

"You know what. Why were you all up in Shane's face back there?" she pleaded. Out of everyone he could have picked, Shane was easily the worst person you could make and enemy of. Trish had seen the way he strutted around backstage, every inch a card carrying member of the regime his father put into place and the last thing they needed right now was to make an enemy out of the General Manager. Even if the macho masculine bullshit was the reason for it coming into play.

"I don't like the guy," Randy admitted through gritted teeth, "I don't like the way weasels around backstage, and thinks he can intimidate me. General Manager or not, I'm not gonna be pushed around by some spoiled fat kid who's running around in his Daddy's yard."

"I get that baby, I do. But please just try and take it easy around him okay? I really don't need to be worrying about having Shane out to get you when you've only just come back to RAW." Her chocolate eyes radiated her request, causing Randy's heart to flip. Pulling her tiny body into a hug, Randy rained kisses down on her head.

"Don't worry about me baby girl. I can handle myself. You just focus on the meal I'm going to take you out for when tonight is done." Randy let his hands stroke down over Trish's lower back, causing her to sigh in content.

"Seriously? Like dinner?" Trish ventured. The idea of being out with her boyfriend on a date sent spark of joy through her body. It had been so long since they had been out as a couple. There was nothing more Trish would want than a night out with her man.

"Anything for you baby girl. You can even pick the restaurant if you like," Randy grinned at the beautiful face smiling up at him, "in fact...let's make a night of it. You wanna catch a movie too?" Trish's smile dazzled Randy, as her happiness came from her in waves warming Randy's heart.

"I am not seeing the Wicker Man." she suddenly stated, eyeing Randy suspiciously.

"Dammit." Randy chuckled, "You know me too well. You pick baby girl." He assured her as he brushed his lips against hers. Smiling softly, Trish stepped backwards, releasing her grip on Randy's hands as she stepped backwards into the lockeroom. With a little wave, she disappeared into the room, allowing the door to swing shut behind her.

Randy remained for a moment, his lips curved into a contented smile. He'd wanted to take Trish out for ages, and he going to make sure she had a good time tonight. Money would be no object. Whatever my baby girl wants, she gets Randy decided.

Even if that does mean I have to sit through some crappy chick flick Randy chuckled. As long as Trish was happy.

Focusing on Trish for one more moment, Randy's face dropped into a stony mask of resolution as he began the walk towards the office of Vince. Part of him wanted Trish there for moral support, or at least as a guarantee that he wouldn't launch across the table at the owner of the company. Sighing, Randy knew this couldn't go well.

Slipping into their shared locker room, Trish rested her back against the door as she closed it. Unable to help herself, she let loose a giggle as she wrapped her arms around herself. Trish fucking Stratus she may be, but right now she felt like a 14 year old schoolgirl with a huge crush on the star football player in the school team. Her breath catching in her throat, Trish was still amazed even now, that Randy could have such an effect her. Being in love was the most amazing feeling in the world, and to be crushing out on her boyfriend at the same time made Trish's head giddy with emotion.

Grinning foolishly, Trish lowered her eyes to see that she wasn't alone. Yelping in surprise, Trish clapped her hand to her mouth as she noted Lana sat fidgeting on the bench in the far corner of the room opposite the entrance. Blushing at startling Trish, Lana offered her a timid wave.

"Jesus...Lana you scared the shit outta me." Trish panted, trying to relax her pounding heart.

"I'm really sorry Trish...I didn't mean to scare you. You're probably wondering why I'm in your locker room right?" Trish nodded, resting her hand on her heaving chest.

"It was Randy's idea," Lana blurted, "he thought I could hang with you guys for a while until I get to know the girls in the locker room. I was so nervous coming here...I really didn't mean to intrude. Do you want me to leave...I should leave right?" Lana jittered nervously, trying to grab her things and make a hasty retreat. Feeling a lot calmer, Trish joined the brunette on the bench, resting a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey...take it easy there kiddo. Of course you're more than welcome to hang in here with us, I just wasn't expecting to see you, that's all," Trish grinned, "although the sooner you bite the bullet and go meet the other women, the better. They're a good bunch of girls on the whole, and really welcoming. You'll feel right at home in no time."

Trish took in Lana's wide-eyed green stare of gratitude, and felt her suspicion fizzling away. Was she jealous of Lana being in their locker room? I

n truth, Trish didn't know how she felt about sharing her locker room with Lana. She wouldn't normally be against something like it, but hadn't it been Randy's idea in the first place to get a private locker room so they could be alone together? And now he was inviting hot young brunettes to share with them made her feel more uneasy than she was comfortable with. Knowing she would have to have words with Randy about this, Trish assured herself that it wasn't the fact she minded Lana sharing their locker room, it was purely the fact that Randy had neglected to mention it before hand. Who could blame her for getting suspicious about that?

Firmly fixing the smile across her face, Trish slung an arm around Lana's shoulder "C'mon, let's go introduce you to the gang."

"So Randall. I'm very interested to hear what you have to say for yourself." Sat behind a large, oak stained desk, Vince McMahon looked every inch the power-businessman. Clothed in an inordinately expensive charcoal-grey suit, he had his hands clasped together in front of him, as he regarded the young man before him.

Sighing, Randy slouched back into the high-backed leather chair. "What do want me to say here Vince? Make up some kind of bullshit excuse? I got fed up of touring around with your cronies and promoting the WWE image. I wanted to come home to be with my girl."

Vince's smile was predatory at the very least as he leaned back into his chair. "We had a deal Randall. If you re-call the terms of said deal...you would complete the press tour and improve our global image. You're hot stuff at the moment Randall. In return for your service, I would agree to keep the Women's Division open. You sold me on the benefits of competition for our Diva's. You told me how much of an asset they were to the company. You told me how it was an untapped resource, which could only grow in popularity and revenue. It was a simple deal Randy. You represented my company overseas, and I would allow the division to continue in its present state. I even hired a new wrestler in Ms. Matthews and your request. But I don't like it when partners back out on my deals. I don't like it at all."

Vince glowered at Randy from behind the desk. Remaining impassive, Randy watched the steady rise and fall of Vince's massive chest.

"In all honesty Randy, the division isn't worth my time. Shane has pointed out the decreasing interest in seeing women wrestle each week. Out main audience is comprised of men aged between 13 and 30. Which do you think these hot-blooded American Males would rather see? Our diva's go to the ring and perform stunts of wrestling athleticism and ability...or see them strip down to their underwear and cat fight? Even your own girlfriend, as popular as she is, is the merely the face of the division. People don't remember Trish for being a great Women's Champion, they remember her because she is gorgeous."

"What are you trying to prove here Vince?" Randy sighed, "we both know you could have made me participate on the tour. You simply tried to sweeten the deal by getting at me through Trish."

"Now, now Randall, your words are a little harsh," Vince flicked his tongue over his bottom lip, "you're absolutely right. I could have made you go to Europe. But I'm a caring, humanitarian at heart. I care about the well being of my talent. I wanted something from you. You wanted something from me. It was a mutually beneficial situation. I kept to my end of the deal. I didn't go through with my original plan of phasing out the Women's Championship. I allowed it to remain. All I asked in return was that you complete the trip for me and you couldn't even do that."

"Oh come off it Vince. I'm not a spokesperson for the WWE, I'm a wrestler. I go out each night and kick as and take names and wow the audience with my perfect body and amazing ability. That is what I do. I'm not some show pony for you to parade." Randy glared. If Vince thought he could push him around, he had another thing coming.

"That's where you're wrong Randall. You do what I want and when I want it. I decide if you out to that ring every night, or if I use your face to promote the WWE. If you don't do as I say...well we all know how well people fair when they take on Mr. McMahon." His smile was sickeningly false, making Randy want to smash his had through the table with full force.

"So what happens now? You gonna strip Trish of the title and fire all the divas?" Randy spat, trying to keep his voice as impassive as possible.

"Perish the thought. I have no intention of doing such a thing. The women's division is going to become my focus from now on, and I will mould it as I see fit. This will mean Trish will face stiffer competition. She will need to prove her worth as Champion." Vince replied, an oily quality in his voice.

"Don't," Randy growled through his clamped teeth. One thing he wouldn't stand for was thinly veiled threats against his girlfriend, "you know I'll be there to stop anyone of your little butt monkeys for screwing with my girl."

Almost serpent like, Vince liked his lips again. "Ah but Randall, you'll have your hands full I'm afraid. You're a former WWE Champion. It's time for you to get back into the running. Being the concerned owner that I am, I'll make sure that we ease you back into competition. In fact, I have the perfect match in mind for you tonight. Randy Orton...the Legend Killer...versus...Kenny, Mitch and Johnny of the Spirit Squad in a tag-team handicap contest for the World Tag Team Championships. I will, of course allow you to pick your partner for the evening, provided they aren't already wrestling tonight. I do however, have a question for you."

"Shoot." Randy grunted, clutching the seat in anger. He could feel his blood pumping around his body, screaming at him to smack the smile off of Vince's face.

"What did Trish make of your valiant effort to save her livelihood? Was she touched at your impassioned efforts on her behalf?" Seeing the flush of colour in Randy's face, Vince let loose a vicious chuckle, "You haven't told her have you? Oh how very chivalrous of you."

"Hardly. I'm just not worrying my girl about stuff unnecessarily." Randy stated, narrowing his eyes. He knew Vince was plotting, he could almost hear the wheels turning in the Evil Genius's brain, but he refused to give into paranoia.

"Glad to hear it," Vince continued, "Still, I'm sure Trish will love to get to know the lovely Lana. Especially considering the amount of time the two of spent together during your European Trip. All those...intimate late nights. She is a beautiful young woman, isn't she?"

Slamming his hands down onto Vince's desk, Randy glared directly into the face of the Chairman. "Stay away from Lana."

"Now now Randall. There's no need to get upset. It's good to see you are such a gentleman defending Ms. Matthew's honour. Trish would be so proud. I suggest you go and prepare for your match. It's sure to be a slobberknocker." Vince cackled, watching Randy step back from his desk gingerly. Turning his back on the chairman, Randy mouthed a load of obscenities he would just love to say to his face. Stalking out of the room, Randy knew this wasn't going be over yet. He'd pissed the chairman off. And that couldn't bode well for him...or Trish.

But he couldn't think about that now. He had a handicap match tonight against the Spirit Squad. He needed a partner, someone he could count on. His smile lit us his face as a thought came to mind.