A/N: Hey. It's been awhile! Thanks for the favorites, follows, and reviews. This chapter is actually going to be a two-parter. :)
Ghosts Of Days Gone By
Home:Part 1
"So, have you given any more thought to my offer?" Hunter wondered. He was sitting at his desk in his office inside the performance center.
Summer, who was sitting in a chair in front of his desk with one leg over the other, nodded. "I have; I accept your offer."
"That's great, Summer. I'm so glad to have you on board with NXT."
"I appreciate that," Summer smiled. "I'm excited."
"That's good to hear."
"So," Summer started, changing the subject, "I have something I want to tell you."
The Game furrowed his left eyebrow out of curiosity. "Everything okay kiddo?"
"Yeah, everything is good - great actually," Summer beamed. "I am with Adam again."
"Are you happy?"
"Very."
"Then, that's all that matters," Hunter decided. "You always seemed to be the happiest around him, so I'm happy for you."
"That means a lot to me."
"If you don't mind me asking, how long have you two been back together?"
"We got back together after the Survivor Series pay-per-view."
"Does anybody else know about you two?"
"You're the first person I've told, I'm not sure if Adam has told anybody or not."
"Well, I'm glad I was one of the first to know," The Game smiled. "And contrary to everything that has happened between the two of you, I'm happy that you two managed to find your way back to each other."
"H, you're my favorite family member, of course you would be one of the first to know," Summer stated. "And I appreciate that. It feels so surreal that I'm once again with Adam."
Hunter smiled and nodded. "So, when did you want to start your new position?"
"How about I start at the beginning of next year? I'll take the rest of the year off and then come back in the new year with a vengeance."
"Sounds good," Hunter agreed.
"Thanks for offering me this position. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't."
"I'll talk to you later."
"Alright, Kiddo. Talk to you later."
Summer left Hunter's office and walked to the parking lot of the performance center. Along the way, she sent a text to Adam. Once she got to her car, she got inside and sat her purse in the passenger's seat, pushed the start button, and then put her pink Ray ban sunglasses over her eyes. She then took off into the sea of traffic.
She saw on her screen that she had an incoming call. She smiled as she hit the accept button.
"Hello there," Summer greeted.
"Hello, Beautiful," The Rated R Superstar replied. "How'd your meeting go?"
Summer beamed at the endearment Adam gave her. No matter how much time has passed, she always felt a flutter at his endearments. "It went good. I'm starting at the beginning of next year."
"Are you excited?"
"Very. I'm actually looking forward to going back to work."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"Thanks." Even though Adam couldn't see her, she was smiling. "What have you been up to today?"
"Nothing exciting."
"Sounds fun."
"I'm having the time of my life," Adam kidded. "Anyways, since you have some extra time to spare, would you like to travel out here to Asheville? Or I can go out there to Orlando. I just want to spend time with you."
"I can go out there to Asheville, but I'm going to book a hotel room."
"Why? I have a whole house you can stay in."
"I don't exactly feel comfortable staying in the house that I partially helped build and then your estranged wife lived in."
"Fair enough," The Rated R Superstar responded. "I didn't take that into consideration. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I definitely want to spend time with you, but I don't want to stay somewhere where I would feel super awkward and uncomfortable."
"I get it."
"Thanks."
"Of course."
"So, I will go home and I'll pack my things, book a motel, and get in my car and prepare for an eight and half hour drive."
"You're coming today?" Adam wondered.
"Well yeah - why not? I have nothing else going on. Is that fine with you?"
"It's absolutely fine with me."
"Great!" Summer pulled up to her driveway in front of her condo and parked her car. "I just got home. I'm going to go so I can get everything situated."
"Summer, don't worry about your motel, I'll take care of it," Adam offered. "You're the one coming to see me, so let me take care of the expenses, okay?"
"That's so sweet. Thank you."
"No problem. It's the least I can do." Summer smiled at his response. "What hotel do you want to stay at?"
"The Holiday Inn will be fine."
"Okay…." Adam was silent on the other end for a brief time, so Summer was thinking he was booking her motel room. "...alright, so I booked you a room for a week at the Holiday Inn at Downtown Asheville. I put it under your name. I put my card on my file, so just call me whenever you get there so I can tell them I'm paying for the room - deal?"
"Good deal, thanks a lot for doing that for me."
"My pleasure, Beautiful."
Summer beamed. "So, I am almost at the house. I'm going to pack as fast as I can. I'll text you when I'm on the way."
"Alright, sounds good. I'll talk to you later."
"Talk to you later," Summer repeated. She ended the call and parked her car in the driveway of her condo. She unlocked the door and entered her residence so she could pack her belongings and be on her merry way to Asheville.
After a nine hour drive, including some stops, Summer finally made it to Asheville. She pulled into the parking lot of the Holiday Inn located in Downtown Asheville. She put on her brown overcoat as soon as she got out of the car. Grabbing her purse and large Rose Gold Juicy Couture rolling suitcase, her car immediately locked as she shut the car door.
She had changed out of the outfit she wore to the meeting with Hunter earlier into something more laidback and warm to fit in with the Asheville weather. She changed into a mocha oversized crew neck sweater, black leggings, and brown uggs with tan leg warmers underneath. With it being December and she was in the mountains, it was completely opposite of Orlando weather. She was culture shocked at the weather change. She had forgotten how cold Asheville could get during the winter time. She could see her breath with every step she took.
Summer put on her pink mask before entering the motel. It was a relief when she entered through the doors and made it to the motel lobby. She got out her phone from her purse so she could call Adam.
"Hey," The Hall of Famer answered after the third ring. "You made it safely?"
"Yeah, I'm here now. I just walked into the motel."
"Great. Keep me on the phone while you check in."
"Okay." She walked up to the desk. "Hello. I have a reservation here. The name is Summer McMahon."
"Hello, Miss McMahon," the receptionist greeted. The front desk receptionist appeared to be in her mid-thirties, with long brown curly hair, and warm blue eyes. Summer couldn't see much else because she was wearing a mask, but she seemed to be really friendly. The receptionist also gave Summer her total for the week.
"So, my boyfriend is going to pay for my room. Would it be okay if I handed you the phone so you can get all the information you need?"
"Certainly," The receptionist said with a smile. Summer handed her the phone so Adam could give any information he needed over the phone. She watched as the receptionist talked to Adam and put whatever information he was giving her into the computer. Afterwards, the receptionist gave Summer her phone back and two room keys. "Here you go Miss McMahon. We have complimentary breakfast every morning from 6am to 9am. I hope you enjoy your stay."
"Thank you so much," Summer responded with a smile. "Have a nice day."
"Thanks. I hope you have a good time with your boyfriend while you're here."
Summer smiled. "Thanks. I will." She grabbed her belongings and headed towards the elevator, pushing the button so the elevator would open. She put her phone back to her ear so she could resume talking to Adam. "Hey." She pushed the button to the third floor once she got into the elevator.
"What room are you in?"
"Three twenty three."
"Cool. So, I'm going to head that way to pick you up. I'll call you whenever I'm here."
"Okay."
"See you soon."
"See you soon," Summer repeated. She put her phone in her coat pocket. The elevator stopped at her floor. Once the doors opened, she got out of the elevator and walked down the hallway to her room, her belongings towing behind her.
Opening the door, she walked inside the simple yet nice room. She laid her suitcase and purse on the spare bed. She took off her coat and let it rest against the back of the office chair. Summer then opened her suitcase so she could get out her toiletry bag. She wanted to freshen herself up before Adam picked her up.
Getting the phone call that he was here, Summer walked out the motel and got into the passenger seat of The Rated R Superstar's silver Chevrolet Escalade. She buckled her seatbelt as Adam headed back out onto the road.
"Hey," Adam greeted, patting Summer on the thigh.
"Hey."
"Did you get all settled in your motel room?"
"I did. The room they put me in is very nice."
"Good," Adam smiled. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm about to starve!" Summer exclaimed. "I hope eating is on the agenda for this evening."
"You sound like you haven't eaten all day," The Hall of Famer laughed. "I'm taking us to get something to eat."
"Fantastic."
"Was there anything in particular you wanted to do while you were here?" Adam asked, changing the subject.
Summer shook her head. "Just spend time with you."
"Since it's near the Holidays, I figured we could see some Christmas lights while you're here," The Hall of Famer suggested. "What do you say?"
Summer nodded and smiled. "Most definitely."
"Great," Adam smiled. "I'll put that on the agenda."
"Great," Summer repeated.
Adam made it to the restaurant he had in mind for him and Summer to eat at. He turned into the parking lot of the Lobster Trap restaurant located in central downtown Asheville. Once he found a parking spot and parked the vehicle, he got out, stuffing his phone, keys, and wallet in the back pocket of his jeans. He walked around to the other side of the vehicle with the intention of opening Summer's car door, but she was already out and had her purse latched onto her shoulder. He bent down and placed a kiss onto her lips.
"That was nice," Summer smiled.
"I have been wanting to do that all day." Adam put his arm around Summer's shoulders and escorted her into the restaurant.
After entering the restaurant, a hostess sat the two of them down at a booth. Summer opened the menu to see what her options were. Of course, there would be seafood options and she loved seafood, so making a decision would be difficult.
"Have you decided what you're going to get to eat?" Adam wondered, after a few moments had passed of them looking at the menu.
"I think I'll go with the Wicked Good Lobster."
"Good choice. I'm getting the same thing."
"No wonder why you think I made a good choice then," Summer teased.
A waitress in her mid-thirties with blonde hair and blue eyes came to greet them. "Sorry for the wait, I appreciate your patience. It has been a crazy night," the waitress apologized. "What would you two like to drink?"
"I'll take Diet Pepsi or Coke please," Adam ordered.
"I'll take water with the lemon please," Summer ordered.
"I'll be right back with your drinks." The waitress smiled at them before leaving to go get their beverages.
"After we get done here, is there anything else you want to do?"
Summer stifled a yawn. "If I'm being honest, I'm actually exhausted. I think I want to go back to my hotel room and go to bed."
"That's fine. We still have the next few days to do other stuff."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. I understand."
Their waitress came back with their drinks. She proceeded to get their entree orders. Once that was done, Adam and Summer continued on with conversation until they got their entrees.
Once they were finished at the restaurant, Adam drove Summer back to the hotel. "Do you want to come up to my room?" Summer offered.
"Summer McMahon offering me to come up to her hotel room? Oh my." The Rated R Superstar wiggled his eyebrows in a teasing manner.
The youngest McMahon child giggled. "You're such a goofball." Summer got out the keycard to her hotel room before getting out of Adam's vehicle. She walked around to the driver's side and saw Adam stuffing his phone and wallet in the back of his jeans pocket. He locked the doors to his vehicle and placed his car key in the pocket of the leather vest he was wearing.
She led the way into the hotel lobby until they got to the elevators. She pushed the button so the elevators would open. Once the elevator opened, she got on first with Adam right behind her. She pushed the button onto the floor where her room was located, which was the third floor.
"Whenever we get to your room, I have something I want to tell you. I was going to wait until tomorrow to tell you, but I don't think I can wait much longer."
Summer placed her hand on Adam's arm. "Is everything okay?"
"Oh yes, everything is great. It's good news," the older man assured. "I'm just so giddy about the news that I can't hold it in much longer."
The younger woman smiled. "I can't wait to hear your good news." The elevator stopped and the doors opened indicating that they were on the floor they needed to be on. The couple exited the elevator and Adam followed Summer down the hallway to her hotel room. Once she unlocked the door, she opened the door wide so he could enter. "So what's your good news?" Summer wondered, taking off her coat and tossing it on the desk.
The Hall of Famer beamed. "I got clearance to come back."
Summer had a beaming expression that matched Adam's. "That's wonderful news, Adam! I'm so happy to hear that." She wrapped her arms around his neck and enveloped him in a gigantic hug.
"You're the first person that I've told."
"Seriously?" Summer retorted. "Jay doesn't even know?"
"Not yet; I wanted you to be the first person to know."
Summer placed her hands on Adam's shoulders. "I am so honored."
Adam put his hands on Summer's hips and pressed his forehead against hers. "Whenever I told you that I wanted you to be the person that I shared everything with the night we got back together - I meant it."
"It's just so surreal that you want me to be a part of your world."
He placed his lips onto hers and their mouths started moving in perfect unison. Summer felt the electricity jolting through her veins. There was nobody that could make her feel like Adam could. She did feel something with Randy and Punk, but she just felt the extra sparks and chemistry with Adam.
Adam moved his hands from Summer's hips to her face, stroking her cheeks ever so gently. "I'm happy that you're a part of my world again, Summer, just like I'm happy that I'm a part of your world again."
"I'm happy you're a part of my world again too, Adam."
The Rated R Superstar smiled. "So, I'm going to leave, but I want you to know that this has been one of the best evenings I've had in such a long time." He placed a kiss on her forehead before walking to the door.
Summer followed behind. "I want you to know that this has been one of the best evenings I've had in such a long time too."
"That's good to hear." He opened the door to get ready to leave. She held onto the door once he stood in the hallway. "So, I'll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams." He kissed Summer one last time before disappearing down the hallway.
Summer watched Adam leave before she shut the door to her hotel room. After she shut the door, she leaned against the door, gushing over the events that had transpired throughout the evening. She had changed into pajamas and went to bed shortly after, feeling happiness that she hadn't felt in such a long time. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was sound asleep.
Adam was back at his house and changed into lounging clothes. He was in the living room watching television. It felt great to tell Summer that he got the clearance to compete once again. He was hoping he would be able to compete in the upcoming 2021 Royal Rumble match. He remembered when he was cleared to return after he tore his Achilles in 2009. He already had plans set in motion to return after talking with Vince about returning in the 2010 Royal Rumble match. He had wanted to surprise Summer and it paid off because she gave him the exact reaction he was wanting from her.
Flashback
Adam was ecstatic. Not only did he get cleared to once again compete, he had talked with Vince and the plans were set in motion for him to return in the 2010 Royal Rumble match. What made things even better was that his new tights he had made for his return were sent to him in a package. He couldn't wait to put them on. The matching kick pads weren't ready quite yet, but luckily he still had his older pair of Rated R kick pads that would do the job until his new kick pads were sent to him.
Summer was on a flight back to Orlando, so he grabbed his phone, wallet, and Summer's car keys. He decided to pick her up in her 2008 blue Chevrolet Corvette. She had given him permission from the day she moved into their Orlando home that he was more than welcome to drive the vette whenever he felt like it. Even though it was winter time, it was a nice sixty degree day in Orlando, Florida. So it was a nice day to ride with the top down.
Turning the car on, she had the radio station on today's hits station, so he changed it to the local hard rock station. He lifted the top up, put the car in reverse to back out of the driveway, and then put the car in drive so he could be in route to pick up Summer.
After driving through hectic Orlando traffic, he managed to make it to the airport. The Rated R Superstar went to baggage claim to meet up with Summer once she arrived there. He had sent her a text message to let her know that he was at baggage claim.
About thirty minutes had passed when he saw her appear in the flesh. She was wearing a black v-neck long sleeved shirt, light denim skinny jeans, and black and white converse. Her hair was down straight and she wore minimal makeup. He walked in her direction.
She was so happy to see him. He was wearing a gray t-shirt with a skull on it, distressed denim jeans, and gray converse. As soon as he approached her, she sat her carry on bag down, wrapped her arms around him and buried her head into his chest.
After their reunion embrace, Adam grabbed Summer's carry on bag. "How was your flight?"
"It was fine. I was just so ready to get back here."
"I understand."
"How has your day been?"
Adam couldn't contain the smile that was forming on his handsome face. "I've had a really good day."
"That's really good. I can't wait to hear all about it," Summer replied with a smile.
"So, how were the shows?"
"I didn't have any arguments with Dad, so I consider that a success," the youngest McMahon child responded with a giggle.
"I'd definitely call that a success," The older man agreed.
Summer saw her suitcase appear, so she went to retrieve it. Adam offered to take it, but she insisted she had it even though she did appreciate the sweet gesture. He settled for carrying her carry on while she rolled her suitcase to the vehicle.
"What is the plan for the rest of the day?" Summer wondered.
"I was planning on ordering pizza for dinner and we could just hang around the house."
"I am totally on board with that." They made it to the parking space Adam parked in and she smiled whenever she noticed he had driven her corvette to pick her up. "You drove the vette?"
"Yeah." He was putting her bags in the tiny backseat. "I figured it was a nice day to drive it."
"It does feel nice outside."
She got into the passenger's seat and he got into the driver's seat. He turned on the car and lifted the top up. He then proceeded to back out of the parking spot and head out onto the open road back to their house.
"I hope you don't mind, but I changed the radio station," Adam said.
Summer giggled. "It's not a problem."
"This radio station is the best in the area."
"I know - you always keep it on this radio station."
They continued on with conversation until they made it home. They talked about mundane things like what kind of pizza they wanted to order for dinner, what groceries they needed to get from the grocery store, and what movies were playing at the theater with the intention of having a date night and catching a movie.
It was a good distraction for Adam so he wouldn't blab his oh so exciting news to Summer.
Once Adam parked Summer's corvette in the driveway, he helped get her bags out. He once again carried her carry on bag while she rolled her suitcase. He got out the house key from the back of his jeans pocket and unlocked the front door to their house. When they entered the house, they temporarily put Summer's bags on their bed.
"So, I have something I want to tell you."
Summer had an unreadable expression on her beautiful face. "Oooo-kayyyy."
The Rated R Superstar clapped his hands and then rubbed them together. "I got cleared to return to the ring. I also spoke with Vince and there's plans in motion for me to return in the 2010 Royal Rumble."
Summer clapped her hands while proceeding to jump up and down in excitement. "Yay! Adam, that's wonderful! I am so glad you're going to be back!"
Adam chuckled at Summer's enthusiasm. That was the exact reaction he wanted. He was hoping that she would be excited. "I also got my new tights sent to me today."
"Can I see them please?" She knew that he had been wanting a new design, so she was excited to see what the finished product was.
"Of course." He went to the closet and grabbed the hanger his tights were hanging on. "What do you think?"
"Very nice. It definitely gives off rockstar vibes." His tights were black with white skulls on them and his Rated R logo was up there too. There was red trim work upthere. She was impressed with the design. It was very much Edge-like.
"I liked how they turned out too. Unfortunately, the kick pads aren't finished yet, but I still have my older Rated R kick pads that will work just fine."
"At least you get to rock your new tights when you return at the Royal Rumble."
Adam nodded. "Sure enough." He put his tights back up in the closet.
"That was exciting and all, but I am hungry."
The Rated R Superstar chuckled. "Poor baby. Come on, let's place our order so you won't starve to death." He quickly kissed her before leading the way to the living room so he could call and place their pizza orders. "It'll be ready in about thirty minutes."
"Did you do carry out or delivery?" Sumner inquired.
"Carry out," Adam responded. "So, you can stay here while I go get the pizza."
The blonde woman shook her head. "I want to ride with you."
"Okay, Baby." He kissed her on the cheek. "Let's get going then. We can't have you starving another minute longer."
Summer laughed. "Exactly." He followed her out the door and they once again got into the corvette to go get the pizza in.
End Flashback
Adam knew it was late, but he wanted to call his best friend. He had a lot to catch him up on. Jay had no idea about him and Summer getting back together and he also wanted to inform Jay about getting cleared to get back into the ring.
"Hey, Adam," Jay answered after the fourth ring. "What's up, man?"
"I have some great news."
"Great! Spill the beans."
"First of all: I got cleared to get back into the ring."
"That's great!" Captain Charisma exclaimed. "But you said first of all, so that means you have more good news to tell me."
"Summer and I are back together."
"Holy shit! Are you serious?"
"Dead serious."
"I'm happy for you, Adam. She was always my favorite out of everyone you had a relationship with. It's about damn time you two got back together!"
Adam smiled. "I'm glad that you approve."
"It doesn't matter if you have my approval or not because it's your life, but I am happy to know that you and Summer managed to get back together. She is the best person for you."
"I agree."
"Do me a favor, Adam?"
"What's that?"
"Don't fuck this up," Jay advised. "That is a good woman.
"Believe me: I know how good she is. She is a saint for putting up with the bullshit she did this year."
"I'm about to go to bed. Congratulations on getting cleared and for getting back together with Summer; I'm happy for you."
"Thanks."
"Goodnight, Adam."
"Goodnight, Jay."
After the call ended with his best friend, Adam turned off the television and went upstairs to his bedroom so he could get some sleep. He grabbed his phone and decided to send a text to Summer.
Hi beautiful, I hope you're sleeping well. I was thinking about you and how grateful I am that you're here.
Once he hit the send button, he put his phone on do not disturb, laid his phone on the nightstand, and proceeded to go to sleep.
A/N: This two-parter is based of the song "Home" by Daughtry. They say home is where the heart is and since Edge and Summer have each other's hearts... they're definitely home to each other.
Anyways: thanks for reading. Hope you all enjoy this chapter.
