Author's Note: I haven't done a double-update in a while. Woot! Anyhoo, I thank everyone for their reviews, especially of the last chapter. It was a very tense and emotional chapter. But I promise the story will get back to the light story everyone has known beginning with this chapter.
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Weeks flew by and the gossip hounds at Parker-Williams could not stop talking what happened. Rumors flew regarding Randy and Ayanna's sudden departures. One theory was Randy was fired and Ayanna quit in protest and vice-versa. Another theory was Randy and Ayanna were finally caught having sex during work hours. Yet, all the rumors tied back to Dave, who had a shiner that he wasn't hiding. To keep professionalism intact, Melina and Dave never spoke of the truth.
However, Melina was tired of deflecting questions from the nosey employees. She was determined to get to the bottom of the truth. She conveniently set up a meeting between her, Randy, and Kristal.
"Randy?" Kristal was surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"
"I got a message stating that I needed to come here around three." He glanced at his Cartier watch. "I don't know what for. You?"
"Same message." She replied.
Randy rubbed his hands together and blew into them. From a distance, he saw a young woman who had a similar hairstyle to Ayanna. Yani's hair was more bouncy, though, Randy smiled. Ever since the horrific breakup, Randy had not spoken to his ex. However, the breakup didn't stop Randy from thinking about her everyday. "Have you spoken to Yani lately?" He asked.
Kristal shook her head. Since the confrontation a few weeks ago, John and Kristal ended their relationship. Kristal could no longer deny to John she was still in love with Dave. "Not since a few weeks ago. What about you? Have you spoken to Dave?"
"Not since I knocked his ass out." Randy said. He looked around and noticed Melina approaching them. "Shit. I should've known."
Melina walked up to the small table and sat down. "Thank you for joining me here today."
"Spill it, Melina." Randy warned. "I don't have time for whatever—"
"Shut it, Orton. The reason I called you two is to show you something." Melina slid two envelopes to Kristal and Randy. "I think you should take a look."
Randy glanced at the envelopes in front of him. "What is this?"
"Proof."
"Proof of what?" Kristal asked.
"Proof how idiotic you two are." Melina smiled.
Kristal and Randy opened the envelopes and pulled out the materials. What they saw floored them. The first document showed Ayanna was booking a week-long vacation to Spain for Dave and Kristal. Among the itinerary were dinner reservations, a romantic canoe ride, and museum schedule. He knows I love art, Kristal thought.
The next document was a vehicle purchase contract for a SLK55 AMG Mercedes coupe. The car was top of the line and had all of the bells and whistles—just like what Kristal wanted. My dream car.
The last document was a receipt from Tiffany's, a solitaire engagement ring. He was going to propose to me?
Meanwhile, Randy felt like the biggest tool in the world. Ayanna was absolutely right—she was doing Dave a favor, not performing one on him. Randy then remembered how Ayanna acted when he picked her up from the airport. She was elated about seeing him instead of being distant and unsure. His thought shifted to their last night together. She was on her knees, begging him to give her a chance to explain. I'm a fucking tool.
Melina smiled as Kristal and Randy's faces dropped before her. All the money in the world couldn't equate to the feeling Randy just killed the best relationship in his life. "And just so you know, Orton, the reason Ayanna saw Dave naked was by accident. She walked into his room without knocking. Those diamond earrings Ayanna was sporting were a thank you gift from Dave for helping him out." Melina got up and grabbed her purse. "I'll leave you two alone." She then left the bistro.
Kristal and Randy stared more at the itinerary before Kristal shoved it back into the envelope. "Well, I feel like a dumb bitch."
Randy felt his body was cemented to the chair. He couldn't move if he wanted to. His being felt empty. "You're not the only one." He rubbed his face, hoping to remove any emotion of disappointment and worry. "She was telling the truth this whole time. It was a misunderstanding."
"We need to get them back." Kristal said.
"Yeah, but how? I'm pretty sure Yani hates me."
"Yeah, probably." Kristal replied to a not-amused Randy. She suddenly had an epiphany. She wasn't sure if it would work but it was least worth a try. She got out her cell phone and flipped it open. "I think I have an idea." She dialed Dave's direct line. "David? It's Kris. Can I meet with you tonight?"
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Dave waited on Santa Monica pier for his ex-girlfriend. It was nine o'clock at night. The air had a chill. The soft waves crushed against the surface and in the distance, a soft squawking from the seagulls flying over the sea. The pier was "their spot"; the place they always went to after seeing a movie. It was the place they went to catch the latest flick. It was the place they both discovered how much they enjoy sex in public.
From a distance, Dave heard the familiar clicking of heels he missed hearing on a daily basis. He looked over and saw Kristal swaying towards him. Her honey-chestnut hair bounced lightly against her shoulders. Her maroon wrap dress hugged her curves. Dave didn't realize how much he truly missed her when she approached him.
"You look as beautiful as ever." Dave greeted her with a kiss.
"Thank you, David." Kristal smiled. "We need to talk."
"About?"
"You and Randy."
Dave let out a sharp breath. "Now?"
"Now. It's serious, David."
Dave threw his hands up in defeat. "Kris, I know you didn't drag my ass out here to talk about that idiot."
"David, hear me out. Melina showed me what you and Ayanna were doing." She paused briefly. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Dave flashed his megawatt smile. "But I don't see what this has to do with Randy."
"Randy overreacted, Dave. He really stepped his foot into it. He admits he was wrong."
"Wait a minute." Dave stepped back and held a hand up. His mind was processing the information his ex was giving him. "Are you asking me to give him his old job back? You actually met up with that asshole?" He turned around and put his hands on the railing. "This is fucking great. Just fucking great."
Kristal leaned closer to her ex. She pressed her body against his. She was shivering. Dave looked over and took off his coat. He then put it over her shoulders. "I'm asking you to hear him out for a few minutes, that's all." She pleaded.
"Why?"
"David, think about it. If you were Randy, would you have reacted the same way?"
"Hell no!" Dave replied. "I actually like my reputation."
"David, listen. He's a man in love and his emotions got the best of him. Am I condoning what he did? Hell no. He's lucky Ayanna didn't press charges or send one of her thug friends to beat his ass. But he loves her, David." She put a hand on his arm while Dave shook his head. "He's willing to do whatever it takes to win her back."
Dave stared into the dark sea waters. He knew he was going to help Kristal anyway, despite how resentful he was. It didn't stop him from not wanting to. "And I should help with that, how?"
"Just talk to him, David. That's all I'm asking." Kristal said.
"I'll talk to him but that's it." Dave agreed.
Kristal softly kissed Dave's lips. "Thank you."
"But what about us?" He asked. "You're asking me to help Ayanna and Randy get back together, but what about us?"
"What about us?" She replied. "I mean, yeah, you brought a ring this time but how serious are you about getting married? You left because you didn't want to."
"I didn't know what I wanted back then." He admitted. "I do know I want you now more than ever. I'll get married now if you wanted."
Kristal's heart fluttered. The love she had for Dave never left and it finally came full circle. But if Dave wanted to get back with her, he needed a lesson in humility first. "I've thought long and hard about this and I concluded one thing."
"Yes?"
"After all the bullshit you put me through, you're not getting off that easy." Kristal slid off her stilettos. "You want me? Kiss my feet."
"What?"
"Did I stutter? Kiss my feet." Kristal pointed to her pedicured toes. "They're waiting."
Dave looked at his ex-girlfriend. It wasn't a mistake she asked him to kiss her feet when there were other people around. A small group of women were watching from across the pier. "In front of everyone?"
"If you're going to promise to love me forever in front of God, what's the harm in kissing my feet in front of a few strangers?"
"Shit, you can kiss my feet anytime, honey!" One of the onlookers yelled at Dave while her girlfriends laughed.
Dave smiled. "Fine." He then got down on his knees and kissed Kristal's feet, causing applause from various onlookers. He then sat back on his heels. "There."
"Good." Kristal smiled. "Forgiven."
"Good." Dave smiled. He stood up and suddenly planted a kiss on Kristal's lips. "Forgiven."
"Ugh!" Kristal wiped her mouth as Dave laughed.
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"Why is he here?"
"Is he asking for his old job back?"
"Ooh, is he going to finish off Dave?"
The whispers followed Randy Orton the moment he stepped out of the elevators to Parker-Williams. He knew something was up when the receptionist quickly dialed a number the moment Randy signed in. The security guard did a pat-down search of him, checking for any weapons.
But what solidified his assumptions was the continuous glare that followed him as walked towards Dave's office. Kristal convinced both Dave and Randy to have an airing out of their problems—and possibly get Randy's job back.
Randy waited outside Dave's office and waited for him. He glanced over to Ayanna's old desk. A temp was there and it was clear she was in over her head. Her desk was cluttered with paperwork and she cringed whenever the phone rang. Randy smirked and shook his head. Yani was an absolute professional.
Dave's door swung open and Melina exited his office. "He's ready for you, jackass." She smiled.
Randy sneered at Melina. Normally he would retort with his usual sarcastic replies. Yet, Randy knew his moves were being carefully monitored. If he wanted to earn the trust and respect of the employees, he needed to watch himself. He quickly went inside Dave's office and closed the door behind him. Dave was staring at another interior layout for an entertainment company. He didn't look up when Randy entered his office.
"I'm here to apologize." Randy said.
"Forgiven." Dave glanced up at him. "You can see yourself out now."
"And…" Randy mustered up the courage. "To ask for my old position back."
Dave set the layout down and leaned back into his chair. He had a smirk on his face. "Oh really?"
"Look, man, I know I fucked up, alright? I know this. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to correct it."
"Randy, your anger not only caused the reputation of Parker-Williams to falter but you also made one of my key employees quit." Dave replied. "You're a very strong executive and I'll admit, if it wasn't for you, Parker-Williams would not nearly have the success it has now. But your anger is a serious issue that needs to be addressed."
"Alright." Randy conceded. "What do I have to do?"
"First, you're going to write a letter to the Chairman of the Board explaining your gross negligence. Second, you're going to apologize to all of the employees here. And lastly…" Dave took out a pamphlet and handed it to Randy. "You're going on a company-imposed rehabilitation for anger management."
Randy leafed through the pamphlet. He was going to be sent down to Atlanta and staying at a rehabilitation center for four weeks. "How much is this going to cost?"
"Fifteen thousand, your money."
Randy's eyes shot up at Dave. "I'm going to spend fifteen thousand of my money so I can have some bitch tell me I have an attitude problem?" He said loudly.
"Gee, I wonder why you're going to therapy." Dave smiled.
"No way, man." Randy handed the pamphlet back to Dave. "No way."
"Either you go to anger management or you get to face a multimillion dollar lawsuit by me and the company, which you will lose." Dave smiled.
"So what time does my flight leave tomorrow?"
Dave handed Randy his flight information and treatment itinerary. "They're expecting you at 10 tomorrow morning. I suggest you don't be late."
Randy looked at his information before him. The treatments were forty dollars per session but Randy knew the 15 thousand price tag was punishment. "And if I do this, I get my job back?"
"If you do that, we'll talk more about your position when the time comes." Dave replied.
Randy knew Dave was not going to make it easy on him. Why would he? Randy had to work that much harder. But if it meant getting his career and relationship back, he was more than willing to try. "Fine. I'll do it." He then stood up.
"Oh and Randy?" Dave asked.
"Yeah?"
Dave got up and walked over to Randy. "Welcome back." He then landed a sharp left jab to Randy's jaw. Randy immediately fell back into the wall. Dave shook his hand and buttoned his jacket. "There. We're even."
