Paul sat on the bed, ignoring the television, and focused solely on the bathroom door. He rubbed his hands together nervously and exhaled not taking his eyes off the door. He waited patiently for another few minutes until finally he heard the toilet flush and the water run. He finally let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding as he watched Stephanie walk out of the bathroom slowly and laid down on the bed. Paul laid down on his side and stroked his wife's hair, realizing that she was pale and sweating. "Steph, are you okay?"

Stephanie mumbled something that Paul made out as a 'Yes,' from under the pillows. "You wanna explain to me why you been getting sick so much lately?" Paul demanded in a hush tone.

"It's just a stomach virus, Paul," Stephanie muttered. "It'll go away soon."

Paul stared at her for awhile then pulled his hand away, which Stephanie didn't seem to notice. "Maybe I should take you to the hospital?"

"No, I'm fine. I'll just sleep it off."

"Stephanie…"

"Paul, I'm fine," Stephanie insisted, lifting her head to look at him.

Paul bit his lip as he saw the look in her eyes. He had never seen anyone, especially Stephanie of all people, so unwell and weary. "Okay," Paul finally gave in. "I'll be here if you need me."

Satisfied, Stephanie laid back down and within minutes, fell into a deep sleep. Paul watched her throughout the night as she was sleeping; watching at how her chest raised and fell. He glanced at the clock on the night table and sighed. With one more look at Stephanie, Paul grabbed his keys and left the hotel.

John kept his eyes on the females and trainers in the ring not believing what he was seeing. He looked down at Stephanie's clipboard and flipped through all the papers, dumbfounded at how many names were listed. He sighed, rolling his eyes, and leaned back further in the uncomfortable arena seat, clasping his hands behind his head, as he continued to watch the girls attempt to wrestle.

"Hiya stranger," came a female voice.

John looked up to see Trish and Amy standing over him. "Hello there you sexy ladies," John purred.

Trish smacked his arm playfully and John laughed as they took a seat beside him. "So, what evilness did you do to Stephanie that caused you to be here and watch the talent-less Barbie's?"

John raised his eyebrows. "Wake up on the wrong side of the world today, Trish?"

"Have you seen them?" Amy demanded.

"Yes I have, but calling them 'Barbie's' is a little extreme," John said.

Trish shrugged. "I don't think so. That's how they act; I'm just labeling them that way."

"So what did you do to Stephanie?" Amy asked.

"Nothing," John answered. "She's running late and asked me to stay here and overlook the tryouts."

"Did you talk to her at all?"

"Not really. Why?"

"She left last night pretty quickly," Trish acknowledged. "She didn't look too well."

John shrugged. "It's probably just that new storyline that's been keeping her up late."

Trish shook her head. "No, I know Stephanie and I know that it's something more than that."

"Whatever," John said, leaning forward. "You're just over thinking it too much."

"Jeez, you are such a man," Amy scoffed.

John smirked at her. "And damn proud."

"Hey, did you hear Lisa's coming back?" Trish asked Amy.

"No, I didn't. When did this happen?"

"This morning."

Amy nodded. "Good, we're getting some talent back."

"Hey, what's going on over there?" John questioned.

Amy and Trish turned to look at what John was staring at only to see Vince McMahon and a whole squad of security. Vince was pointing to all the entrances and exits and when he saw John and the others looking at him, he began to walk over to them.

"What are you three doing here?" Vince asked.

"Watching the tryouts," John answered.

"I thought Stephanie was doing that?"

"She is," Amy said. "But she's running late."

"Uh-huh."

"What's with all the robo-cops, Vince?" John asked.

"Oh, they're my extra security, or my early retirement," he answered.

"Huh?"

Vince stared at John. "Don't you know where we are?" he demanded.

John shrugged. "In an arena?"

Both Amy and Trish snickered, but Vince ignored them. "We're in Texas! And who lives in Texas?"

John shook his head, completely obscure, much to the enjoyment of Trish and Amy. "Snakes?"

"One of them," Vince snarled. "Steve Williams lives here! And if I know Steve, which I do, I know he'll try something tonight."

"Why would Steve do anything?" John asked, still confused.

"He's rumored to make an appearance," Trish told John.

"So what? It's just a rumor," John said, shrugging. "You're telling me if we go to Florida that Terry or Dwayne will step into the ring? Please," John waved off.

"I'm not taking any chances," Vince said. "And I'll tell you something, Cena. If Steve does somehow make it in that ring tonight, you better be the one to throw him out!"

"Wait, why me?"

"Because, you're the Champ," Vince answered simply.

John shook his head and pulled his hat down further. "I always knew that was going to bite me in the ass one day," he muttered.

Trish smiled and patted John on his arm, "Don't worry, if Steve does show up, once he sees you he'll regret it."

"Damn straight," John agreed arrogantly. "Now if you'll excuse me, the Champ has got some work to do," he said before getting up and walked into the back.

Stephanie rolled her suitcase behind her as she entered the arena. She hated Texas. It was too hot, too big, too busy, and her greatest rival, Steve Williams, resided in the state. Every time she was here so always worried if Steve would show up unexpectedly and ruin her life…again. The way she was feeling right now, she couldn't take it. She assumed that she just had a bad stomach virus, but it was lasting for weeks now. The best, and only, sound decision that she could make now, was to make a doctor's appointment and put her mind at ease.

"You're late," a voice barked.

Stephanie stopped and sighed, closing her eyes, as she turned around to see her father walking up to her. "Hi to you too, Dad."

Vince wrapped his arms around Stephanie then took a step back and looked at her closely. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," she answered, shaking her father off her as she continued towards her office.

Vince shrugged it off and proceeded to follow her. "I have extra security tonight for the show."

Even though Stephanie already knew the answer, she asked anyways, "Why?"

Vince frowned. "You know why, Stephanie." She briefly turned around and smirked at her father to which he sighed and shook his head. "Why do you always choose to annoy me?" Vince muttered.

"Because it's fun, Daddy," Stephanie answered while opening her office. Her father followed her in and closed the door behind him.

"So what's this new storyline that you're developing with Shane?"

"Who's the superstar you're bringing back?" Stephanie retorted while she set her suitcase to the side behind her writing table and put the laptop case on the desk.

Vince smiled at his daughter. "Nice try."

Stephanie smiled back at him. "Well, a girl's got to try."

"And I admire that in you, Stephanie," Vince nodded. "You're truly a McMahon."

Stephanie took out her laptop and threw the case on the couch in the room and sat down. "Dad, what makes you think Williams will even make an appearance?"

"Must you ask?"

"Yeah. It's been years since he's left and we've been in Texas before," Stephanie stated while opening her computer.

"I'm not taking any chances," he said sternly.

Stephanie rolled her eyes. "Okay, whatever."

"Besides," he added, "if Steve somehow makes it through my security detail, Cena will take care of him."

Stephanie looked up at her father. "You're sending John after him?" Vince nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets. "And he had nothing to say about that?"

"I'm Vincent Kennedy McMahon," Vince stated self-righteously. "Exactly what could a kid like Cena say to me when I tell him what he's going to do?"

Stephanie raised her hands up. "Okay, fine. Sorry I asked."

Vince's face softened. "Look…"

"Don't worry about it, Dad," Stephanie waved off.

Her father nodded. "Okay. I'm going to go and check on the security. The show starts in a half hour."

"Alright."

Stephanie watched as her father left her office and she leaned back and sighed. The only thoughts that ran through Stephanie's head is what could go terribly wrong if Steve did make an appearance. Moments later, the office door opened and Shane stepped in. "Hey, sis?"

Stephanie looked up. "What is it, Shane?"

Shane frowned at Stephanie's tone. "You okay?"

"I really wish people would stop asking me that," she muttered angrily.

"Sorry, jeez…"

"You came here for a reason?" she asked impatiently.

"Yeah, I was wondering what the storyline is that you were preparing."

Stephanie sighed. "I haven't finished it yet."

"Oh, listen, I gave Cena and Eddie the main event tonight," Shane told her.

"Well, if Steve really is here, it won't matter," she said.

"Why not?"

Stephanie rolled her eyes. "You know Steve."

Shane nodded. "True…"

Stephanie stood up. "Look, I don't mean to cut this short…too much…but I have to go find Trish."

"Okay." As Stephanie made her way around her brother, he grabbed her arm and looked at her desolately. "You sure you're okay?"

Stephanie bit her lip, and then nodded. "Yeah, I just need to speak with Trish."

Shane nodded and released her arm and she left the room. Shane thought about her behavior for a moment then went to leave as well when he bumped into John at the doorway. "Oh, sorry John."

"No prob. Is Steph here?" he asked looking over Shane's shoulder.

Shane shook his head. "You just missed her."

"That's cool actually; I wanted to speak to you."

"Me? Why?"

John sighed. "Look, I don't wanna say anything without proof, but I wanted to give you a heads up."

"On what?"

"On Paul," John responded. "I think he's got something going on with Melina."

Shane raised his eyebrows. "Melina? Are you kidding me?"

"No."

"John, not only are you in the process of sneaking around your friend and my sister, but you're accusing Paul of cheating?" Shane demanded.

John shook his head. "No, I don't know if he's cheating. I just know he's doing something behind Steph's back. I ain't the kinda man or friend that let's anyone do that to the people I care about."

"I don't know, John," Shane said while running his hand through his hair. "Melina is dating John Hennigan and Paul's married."

"Look man, just help me get to the bottom of it," John offered.

Shane thought about it for a moment. Shane didn't notice anything different with Paul but he had with Stephanie. She seemed more moody and distant so maybe she had a suspicion? And if she did, then it was Shane's job as a brother to help her by finding out what Paul was up to, if anything.

Shane nodded and extended his hand. "Okay, I'll help."

John nodded and shook his hand, beginning a partnership. They just had no idea what they were getting into.