Part: Wedding Plans 2.2

Lilian sighed, staring at the phone in her hand. While everyone in the company was happy she and Dave were getting married, there was someone, or a couple people, who she knew weren't going to be happy. Now was probably the ideal time to call, since Dave's match was going on and she was alone in Evolution's private locker room.

She pressed the send button before she lost her nerve, waiting for the person to pick up. A few seconds later, he answered.

"Andrew Garcia."

"Hi, Dad."

"Lilian." His voice was less than filled with enthusiasm, but Lilian continued nonetheless, not realizing someone was standing in the doorway.

"How are you?"

"Fine. You?"

"I'm great."

"Good."

"How's Mom?"

"She's fine."

Lilian sighed, frustrated at her father's small talk, and said, "Look, Dad, I didn't call to chat. I called to tell you I'm getting married."

"Oh."

Lilian opened her mouth for a second, surprised at his lack of emotion. "Don't you even want to know who I'm marrying?"

"Who are you marrying?"

"A wrestler. His name is Dave Batista. We've been dating for two years now. He proposed to me this morning." Lilian paused, nervously waiting for her father to speak. "Would you say something, Dad?" she finally asked, exasperated.

"What, do you want my approval?" he asked, somewhat incredulous.

"No," Lilian spat. "I don't need your approval. I never have."

"Yeah, I know that. You walked out on this family five years ago to join some stupid little wrestling federation. You couldn't just follow your music career, no, you had to throw your life away over some ring announcing job."

"I did not throw my life away, Dad. In fact, I turned it around! Do you even know that I signed a record deal?"

"When?"

"Almost two years ago, Dad. Right around when Dave and I started dating."

"Why didn't you ever tell us?"

"Did you call me, Dad? Did you ever try to contact me? Hell, I sang in the Macy's parade three years ago! Did you even think to give me a call?"

"Well-"

"No, you didn't!" Lilian paused, taking a deep breath to control her anger. "Look, I just wanted to share my happy news with you. Not that you care. As far as you're concerned, I'm a screw up."

"I never said that, Lilian," he father protested.

"No. Just the fact you disowned me when I joined the Federation says a lot."

"Now listen to me, little girl!"

"I'm not a little girl anymore, Dad. If you want to shun me because of my career feel free. But believe me, if I don't see you at my wedding I can guarantee you I won't have anything to do with you or the rest of the family ever again!"

Lilian paused to take a breath, and her father cut in, "You know what, Lilian? If you're going to throw away your life by marrying some jacked up, steroid using, piece of trash wrestler than go ahead! Be my guest, because you won't be welcomed in this family anymore!"

Her father slammed the phone in her ear, and Lilian glared at her cell phone for a second before flipping it shut, resisting the urge to throw the phone across the room. With almost a growl, she dropped the phone beside her, angrily brushing tears from her eyes.

"Family problems?"

Lilian jumped as she turned to the door, seeing Ric leaning against the frame. "Yeah, something like that," Lilian mumbled, covering her face with her hands.

"Yeah, family can be something of a pain sometimes," Ric said awkwardly.

"Yeah," Lilian muttered, moving her hands from her face. "I swear the only family I have is in this company."

Ric walked into the locker room, settling down on the couch cautiously. "Well, I know it's probably not what you want to hear, Lilian, but we're glad you're part of our family," he said softly.

"Thanks," Lilian replied after a long moment. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

"No problem, kid," Ric said affectionately, patting her on the back.

"Wait, what are you doing back here?" Lilian asked, realizing he was supposed to be out there with Dave.

"Oh, Vince thought it would be fun if I were to get kicked from ringside," Ric said casually.

"Sounds like tons of fun," Lilian said dryly.

"Yeah, you get used to it."

There was another pause, and Lilian glanced at her watch. "Look, Ric, I need to get going. I'm supposed to interview La Resistance in ten minutes. Thanks for the support," she said.

"No problem, Lil. Take care. We're thinking of going out to celebrate after the show. You'll be with us, right?"

"Of course," Lilian replied. "See you later." She started to walk out the door, but instead stopped at the frame, turning around. "Ric?" she asked hesitantly.

"What's up, Lil?" the older man replied.

"I haven't had a chance to ask Dave about this, but I'm sure he won't mind… But… um, if you don't mind… since my father wants nothing to do with me, would you mind walking me down the aisle?" Lilian asked shyly, ducking her head.

Ric was taken aback at her request, but a smile quickly covered his surprise. "Lilian, I would be honored to walk you down the aisle," Ric replied.

Lilian grinned, a true smile gracing her features. She walked quickly over to Ric, hugging him tightly and kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you," she told him sincerely. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

"I'd do anything for you, Lil," Ric said, kissing the top of her head. "Now scram. You have an interview to conduct."

Lilian smiled, walking out of the room as Ric watched her, smiling.

This was going to be some wedding.

End Part 2.2