Mandy and John had been getting to know each other better over the last couple weeks. They had several late night talks. Mandy was laying out by Jennifer's pool. It was the middle of the afternoon. She had her phone next to her and felt it vibrate. She checked it and had a text. It read.
I hope you're having fun. - John
She smiled.
Jennifer waved her hand to get Mandy's attention. Mandy looked over.
What are you smiling about? Jennifer signed.
Nothing. Mandy signed.
Bullshit.
Alright, I do really like someone. I haven't felt this way in a long time.
What's his name?
John. I kind of feel guilty about liking him.
Why?
He's Randy's best friend.
Wait a minute, are you talking about John Cena?
Yeah.
How did that start?
Well I told you I went to a show a few weeks ago.
Right.
After that John and I went out for a drink. We had a nice time. We've been talking ever since.
Are you guys a couple?
No. We haven't even kissed or went out on a date, we just talk.
You have nothing to feel guilty about. Randy is married and you've been broken for years.
If it were anyone else, I wouldn't feel guilty. This is John though.
So? If you have a chance to be happy, take it.
I'm not the only one who feels guilty. John does to. In a way he feels like he's betraying Randy.
Well he's not. Does he like you as much as you like him?
Yeah.
Does he know you guys are talking?
No.
Meanwhile John was at an arena in Kansas for a house show. He was in catering practicing sign language.
"It's a bitch to learn isn't it?" Randy said.
John looked up from his phone. "Hey man." "Yeah it is."
"Learning it for a kid you're meeting?"
"Yeah." He lied.
"Good luck." "I dated Mandy for almost a year and still didn't fully get it."
Later that night Mandy was at home. Her phone lit up. She picked it up.
"Hello?" She said.
"Hi." John said.
She smiled seeing it was him from the words on TV. "Hi."
"Did you have fun at Jennifer's house today?"
"Yeah." "How was your day?"
"Good." "Randy caught me practicing my signing today."
"What lie did you tell him to cover?"
"I didn't." "He thought I was doing it for a different reason." "I just let him believe it."
"I hate that we're doing this."
"Me to."
Two nights later John was in Missouri. He was at Randy's house having a beer with Kim and Randy. John got a text and checked it. It read.
I'm going to bed. I just wanted to say goodnight. - Mandy
John smirked.
"John, do you have a girlfriend?" Kim asked.
"No." John said.
"That smirk says otherwise."
"I saw it to." Randy said.
"I don't have a girlfriend." John said. "I'm gonna get another beer." He went into the kitchen and took out his phone.
Goodnight, I'll text you tomorrow. - John