As they pulled into the arena car port, it was already filled with fans eager to get an up close view of their favourite stars as they waved their banners and screamed excitedly at the slight glimpse of movement in the Hope's they may meet their heroes. She followed her father down the steps of the bus and down a never ending spiral of dimly lit corridors until they reached a small dingy door with a printed sign cellotaped loosely to it that read the stage name of her father and step mum.

do they really need to write triple h and Stephanie McMahon on your door. Do they have that little faith that you won't remember where you're supposed to be?

As she spoke the door opened in front of them and her stepmother appeared as her three younger sisters danced around their feet.

no they're frightened he gets a hard blow to the head and gets sudden amnesia, or an early onset dementia kicks in now he's getting older and he accidentally wanders off

Isabella couldn't help but giggle at Stephanie's remark but by the look of her fathers face he didn't seem impressed by it. She eagerly tried to maintain her balance as her sisters climbed in her arms for hugs for proper greetings, clearly unimpressed the adults weren't paying attention as they joked amongst themselves. Once they'd tired out the greetings, the family began to make their way towards the canteen for a pre show meal. As they weaved through the corridors passing fellow wrestlers a familiar face caught Isabella's eye as he propped himself against the corridor wall chatting with someone she couldn't quite recognise. He looked up, catching her eye and smiled as they all passed by, his long dirty blonde ponytail swishing around with every movement.

welcome back Izzy

As he spoke Isabella had already passed him but as she spun round and mouthed thanks back she couldn't help but laugh as he jokingly mouthed Wow to her. Shrugging and signalling where they were heading she turned back to her family and continued back towards the canteen.

The others had beaten her to the canteen and had already sat down with full plates by the time Isabella arrived. She quickly piled together a plate for herself and joined her family in the seating area. Glancing up as she ate, she spotted that same familiar face enter the canteen and linger beside the drinks table winking in her direction. Not wanting to seem obvious, Isabella pulled out her phone and giggled at it.

what's so funny?

Her father was looking at her curiously awaiting his explanation.

Mum is sending me gifs. She does it all the time.

Paul didn't seem convinced by her excuse and appeared to be amused by her attempt of concealing her girly flustered.

There was me thinking it was that crush you used to have on Nick. You'd go bright red the way you are now and giggle when you saw him when you were younger too.

Mortified by her fathers ability to see past her mask she buried her face in her phone as she finished her meal, only glancing up to shoot a discreet look towards the drinks table where nick still loitered making no effort to hide the fact he was watching her intently. Before she knew it the rest were finished their meals and preparing to head back to the office to leave her younger sisters with the nanny while they took part in the pre show briefing.

Isabella you know where the office is, if you like you can stay here and catch up for a bit once you finish before we summon all the guys for their brief. I'm sure there's a few old faces you want to say hi to.

Blushing again, Isabella nodded and sat in silence as she continued eating all the while watching them head back down the dingy corridors once more. Just as she admitted defeat on her meal and pushed the plate away , the silence was broken as Nick took a seat on the opposite side of the table.

you eventually grew your hair out then, got sick of the Mohawk I take it? You really suit this new look, you look great

She could never figure out why but the calmness of Nick's voice always soothed her. She couldn't help but think back to the last time shed seen Nick, three years ago during the summer she turned twenty one when she was still suffering with her anorexia and her distaste of been given unwanted sexual attention by men so shaved her head into a dyed red Mohawk as an attempt to prevent it. They'd gone out drinking with a few others following the show on her birthday night and after far too much tequila shots ended up in his bed, only for her to fly back home the next day and hadn't seen or spoke to him since.

Iz.. you there?

Isabella's mind darted back to the present and she realized to her dismay she hadn't even acknowledged Nick's presence.

erm yeah.. well I grew it out for my wedding.. which never happened in the end but by that pointed decided I prefer it longer so decided to keep it long instead.

Nick slowly nodded as he continued to watch her intently.

well whoever he is, he has to be an idiot giving up you. You really do look incredible though. How long you visiting your dad for this time?

Isabella couldn't help but giggle. Nick had always been so sweet to her ever since she was a kid and he first came into the business. It was all his fault she still had this crazy crush. One word from him or just a glimpse of him and all those old feeling would just come flooding back.

thanks. I'm here the next six weeks.. my dads nanny gets married in two weeks and then she has a month long honeymoon so I offered to help out so I can get some proper time with my sisters for a change and it just made sense while you guys were here in Chicago.

As she spoke she couldn't help but notice a smile spread across Nick's face as he sat silently observing . The silence between them was broken by a deafening buzzer through the tannoy system , which she knew meant they were all be summoned for the pre show briefing. They both rose from their chairs together, nick picking her plate up and disposing of her leftovers in a gentlemanly fashion.

I'd better go so I will catch you later, its bee n great to see you Iz.

Isabella smiled and watched as he promptly turned and walked away. She could feel her cheeks burning so could only imagine they'd be a deep shade of scarlet by now. Grabbing her phone off the table she rushed down the first corridor towards her fathers office to watch her first house show in three years. She couldn't help but hope nick had a match scheduled for the night because it had always made her weak at the knees watching him. Before she knew it, she was stood outside the office door. Taking a moment she prayed she was no longer blushing, pushed nick from her mind and opened the door ready to enjoy the rest of the evening.