Chapter Five
I disclaim
The flight was uneventful and the girls napped for awhile. Dave and Leila chatted and talked about Michelle, the new husband and he revealed a little more about the relationship he had with Michelle. He also told her Michelle had met Angie and warned Dave, but he was young, dumb and full of cum as the saying goes. He admitted he felt lonely and wanted someone to share his time with, he never should have married her. Dave also knew he should have let her go a few years ago, but the man in him refused to let him leave Angie in her time of need. Everyone is smarter in hind sight and the signals were there he just didn't pay attention. His career was on the fast track and all he'd dreamed of professionally was coming true. He could finally live in a house and not rent forever. He could afford a comfortable life.
These are the reasons he's fighting Angie now. Their divorce was a mess. She was demanding money because of the lifestyle she'd become accustomed too and all sorts of alimony for a kid that's not even Dave's. "I have to stand up for myself. I refuse to back down and let her walk all over me for the next few years. Why would I pay for college for a kid that's not mine? She's being greedy and has no leg to stand on. She wants to bring in character witnesses. What does that have to do with a divorce? This isn't a murder or theft trial. It's a fucking divorce. She chose to cheat, she chose to cheat with her Oncologist. Where does that give her the right to anything but a kick in the ass?"
Leila laughed and agreed with Dave. "Let's not talk about it anymore today since we're with the girls. We can pick up where we left off when we head back to Tampa." Leila played with his left ear and smiled at him, still baffled anyone would willingly give up Dave. She knew and had said as much to Stephanie, even a loaded gun pointed to her head would not drive her from Dave.
"You're right, I'm sorry. Happy thoughts." Dave took a deep breath and leaned into her hand. "Thanks for the past few weeks."
"I'll do anything for you, David. Do you want me to kick her ass?" Leila asked as she smiled. Dave had to laugh at this tiny woman next to him. He knew she'd never hurt anything or anyone, but something in his gut said she'd do whatever it took to defend the people she loved. He also knew there was more to that gut feeling and he hoped Leila would trust him with that information. "Are you nervous?"
"'Bout what?" He asked and then realized she was talking about Michelle. "When Angie met Michelle I was nervous. I knew how Michelle could be and Angie was being difficult that day. She didn't see a reason for her to meet the girls Mother." Dave looked at Leila. "That was another clue wasn't it." They both laughed. "You've already spoken to her and I know the girls had a lot to do with how Michelle and Angie got along." Dave left it at that and leaned his head back against the headrest. A few moments later a Mother was heard asking the flight attendant if she could speak to someone in first class. The attendant wouldn't allow it and their voices grew louder. The Mother did this on purpose hoping Dave would hear her. He did. Dave turned and listened more.
"My son would like to speak with a gentleman in first class. All I'm requesting is for you to ask the gentleman if he would speak to my son." Not wanting to be a cocky celebrity, Dave waited to see if his name would be said. The Mother continued. "Please, he's a big fan of wrestling and his hero is sitting right there. Please, just ask him." The Mother pleaded and still got nowhere. The other passengers began asking for the lady also and the flight attendant threatened to land the plane. Dave stood and went to the lady. He motioned for her to lead the way.
"When this plane lands, I will be calling your superiors and telling them how you treat passengers." Dave whispered to her and moved on his way. He spent the remaining hour with the young boy who as it turns out was on his way to the Cleveland Clinic for a special heart treatment. He was involved in the Make-a-Wish Foundation and his wish was to meet Dave. Dave exchanged emails with the boy and wanted updates on how he was doing. He got all the boys information and said when Smackdown went to the city where the boy was, he'd get him backstage and front row tickets.
When the plane began its decent, Dave went back to the front. He told Leila all about the boy and he touched Dave more than he had been by others. As soon as they arrived at the gate, Leila was on the phone. A few minutes later, the boy and his Mother were escorted off the plane and hurried to another gate. Dave and the three girls said goodbye and Dave hugged the little boy again. Leila spoke to the Mother privately as Dave did secret handshakes. He glanced over and saw the Mother sobbing and hug Leila. They went down the jetway and she and her son waved goodbye.
"What was that about?" Dave asked as he led her back inside. His hand on her lower back, although just a feather touch, made Leila's heart jump in her throat.
"What was what?" She responded as if she knew nothing about the previous events.
"Fine don't respond, but I will find out." He smacked her ass and they grabbed their bags. In typical fashion Dave drew a crowd and spent a few moments signing autographs and taking pictures. Leila and the girls moved away and Abby called her Mom. Dave made it clear how he felt about fans and photographers knowing who his children were, he did all he could to keep them private. Not for the WWE image, but for their safety. Within 15 minutes they were in the rental car and on their way. The girls talked and talked the whole way. It helped Leila's nerves which were nonexistent until they were in the car. Dave rested his hand on her thigh and it made Leila think thoughts that shouldn't occur in front of his children.
The drive was fast and they soon pulled up in front of a charming bungalow that looked straight out of a little girl's dream. The car barely stopped before the girls jumped out and a tall blond woman came running out of the house. Leila recognized her from photos and looked at Dave. He smiled at Leila and kissed her with some force, just enough to let her know her place in his heart. He placed his hand in that reassuring place on her lower back and gave her the slightest push. Michelle came over and hugged Dave and turned to Leila.
"Wow. You really do look like Pretty Princess." Michelle said as she hugged Leila. "You're just a little bitty thing, don't break her David." All three chuckled and Michelle led them inside. The bungalow was wonderful, it had all the nice custom touches of the architecture from the turn of the century. Arched doorways, built-ins, hardwood floors and brick fireplaces. It looked like a shabby chic catalog exploded all over the house. Leila liked shabby chic but it looked like Michelle copied the entire room literally from a catalog. Everything was too perfect. 'To each his own' she thought. "It's too much isn't it." Michelle asked Leila.
"I was just thinking it looks just like a catalog picture. You did a great job." Leila responded just as the girls grabbed her hands. They pulled her all over the house giving her a tour. Leila had to admit although it was all shabby chic, it did look ok and match the home's period. Michelle pulled Leila in the kitchen as she finished dinner. As they chatted, Leila helped with setting the table and serving the meal. She was surprised how comfortable she felt talking to Michelle. She was very mature and admitted the same things Dave did. She wouldn't have traded Dave for the world because he gave her two daughters, but she liked him much better as a friend than a husband.
"When are you and Dave getting married?" Michelle threw out there and caused Leila to choke on her glass of wine. Michelle laughed. "Seriously, Leila. I know Dave very well and if you don't tell me, he will so you may as well spill it."
"I've known Dave for two months, why would you think about us getting married?" Leila said as she recovered from her choking fit.
"Observation number one. You didn't answer my question therefore the thought is in your head. Observation number two. Like I said, I know Dave, he's easy to read. And last but not least, you two have been busted by the girls and they shared what they saw. I know you haven't had sex with him." Leila choked again and looked at Michelle wide-eyed. She walked to Leila and stood real close. "If you meant nothing, he would have fucked and left. I see how he looks at you, I see how he acts when you're near and when you're out of the room." Leila shook her head not believing what she was hearing. "He looks for you."
"You're crazy. It's ludicrous. We barely know eachother. I'm his decorator." Leila said downing her glass of wine.
"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?" Michelle smirked as Leila poured more wine.
"I don't like you, not one bit." Leila whined causing Michelle to roar with laughter.
"What's funny?" Dave asked as he walked into the kitchen. He stood next to Leila leaning on the counter and gently rubbed her back. He kissed the top of Leila's head and Michelle laughed again.
"Fuck you. You don't know shit." Leila replied to Michelle's laughter which grew louder.
"More wine, Lei?" She was having a hard time containing her smile. "I don't think three glasses before dinner is enough."
"Leila, are you getting drunk?" Dave asked her with a smirk that matched Michelle's. The shocked look on her face failed to convince either one of them and they had to laugh at the obvious discomfort of Leila.
"I hate you both." Was all Leila could come up with as she left the room. When she heard Michelle's laugh again she flipped her off.
"She's great Dave. I really like her." Michelle watched Dave's reaction to her words. "You're done aren't you."
"Done with what?" He asked.
"When's the wedding?" She asked with that same shit eating grin she's had for 30 minutes.
"Ric gets married next week. Oh shit! I told Leila it was in Mexico but it's in the Caymens." Michelle laughed at how whipped Dave was and nothing had even happened between him and Leila.
"I meant your wedding."
