Chapter Three: Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Stephanie picked Therese up in the limo from Therese's hotel in Stamford so they could talk on the way to the airport. Therese declined any drinks that Stephanie offered and began right away. "We have to put up a good front in being friends from college. I have visited Boston University before, so that's no trouble. I read up on your history and I believe to be able to handle any questions posed regarding that area. Just a reminder, I'm single, no children, no siblings, no parents—died when I was twenty. We've not been in touch since your graduation. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. Do your best not to talk about me." That won't be hard, Stephanie thought. "I know we've talked about this before, but it's all very important. I enter first and I leave first. You do not go anywhere or do anything without me. Inform me of the slightest incident related to out task. Now we need to get some things on the same page. I know what activities you participated in and the classes you took in college but I need the off-record items, like who your friends were and what you did in your free time." Therese leaned back in the seat and waited for Stephanie to begin. I never thought she would take a breath, Stephanie thought to herself and began to reminisce about her college days.
Once at the airport, both were silent. Because the flight was at the end of the week, there were no acquaintances on board and Therese's introduction was postponed. Stephanie had business in Halifax about future promotions there. She studied her notes for the meeting and Therese continued to read up on Stephanie and her papers for the "mission." The atmosphere was so tight between the two, it was almost suffocating. Neither could understand why the other couldn't be a little more friendly.
Little was said between the two on the plane and the scene at the hotel only afforded a few more words. Stephanie felt like a complete idiot standing out in the hallway with her bag as Therese checked the room. She silently disappeared inside and, in moments, the lights were on and the room to her satisfaction. Stephanie threw her things down and opened the balcony door, inhaling the fresh air. Therese came over and pushed the glass door back.
"Ms. McMahon, when I tell you to do something, I'm not joking. Do I need to remind you about opening the door to unapproved people?" Stephanie glared at her with the classic McMahon "got to hell" look. Therese straightened herself up and returned the glare. "I will remain here if you would like to spend time on the balcony. However, I assume you would've been desperate to get away from me."
"Fine," Stephanie angrily spat.
"I am going to my room. Whatever you need, let me know." Therese stepped out into the hall to enter the adjoining room. When it was to her satisfaction, she opened the adjoining door and called for Stephanie to do the same. Nothing was said between the two and Stephanie stalked off to shower. Therese turned the television on and began searching for hockey, not remembering if there was a play-off game. With no luck, she left it on ESPN and put in a quick call to Evan, who immediately asked her what Stephanie was like and who she had met. She regretted she had little to tell him.
Therese curtly informed Stephanie she was showering now that Stephanie was out. Therese was quick but once done, she wished she had taken her time. She heard Stephanie's angry voice on the phone and caught her name when she stepped into the room to ask Stephanie if there was anything else she needed. Stephanie stopped mid-sentence when she saw Therese and her face turned red. She muttered "no, thanks" and waited until Therese left the room to continue the conversation with Shane.
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"Man, you need a woman to take your mind off this Triple H crap," Shawn Michaels spoke, shutting the door to dressing room that he and Kevin Nash shared. Nash had a folding chair pulled up to the television, a remote control in his hand, watching the last altercation between himself and Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
"Shawn…the last two dates I went out on were disasters," Nash replied, not looking up.
"That was also before your tore your quad," Shawn added, folding his arms across his chest and staring Nash down.
"Wait, one was with that physical therapist in Florida."
"Yeah, I can see that one lasted, for what, two days. That has been almost six months ago."
"I've had more than things to worry about than women," Nash said, glancing up at Shawn and gesturing towards the television.
"That's my point exactly. You are letting this get to you so much that you need something—someone—to take you mind off of things and, well, whatever comes after that," Shawn replied, moving between Nash and the screen.
"Mr. Single, I don't know if you've noticed, but the choices around here are kind of slim. I can't dance my way into any woman's pants like you can," Nash commented, rolling his eyes.
"Hey, I resemble that remark," Shawn replied, seriously. "Besides, I'm not talking about a one night stand."
"What do you want me to do? Put an ad in the singles connection—'old beat-up wrestler seeks hot woman for long-term commitment?' You're making too much out of this." Nash waved him out from in front of the TV.
"Look, I will set you up if you don't do something about it," Shawn spoke, slightly bending over to come eye to eye with Kevin.
"Do what? Ask out the next woman that I meet for the first time?"
"That would work," Shawn enthusiastically responded. "Seriously, do it."
"Fine. Just to get you off my back," Nash growled, pushing Michaels out of the way of the television.
"Promise me."
"What?" Nash snarled, pausing the video.
"Promise me you will do it."
"Okay, okay, I promise." Nash clicked the television off. "Let's go see Bischoff and give my thanks for the pay-per-view match while he still has some authority. It's nice to know those in power."
The two made their way down the halls of the arena, stopping before the co-managers' door. Bischoff's voice could be heard on the other side but there was no telling sound of Austin's presence. Nash knocked and the two went in without waiting for Bischoff's response.
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Therese shifted uncomfortable in the limo seat and chewed angrily on the inside of her cheek. She had just spent the longest day of her life. Mindless doodles had covered her notepad in an almost vain effort to stay awake. Then there was shopping. Therese couldn't imagine why Stephanie needed another pair of brown boots, a particular pair of brown boots that took forever to find. There were a couple of times that she was sure Stephanie was dragging her around to every shoe store in Canada just to piss her off for the way Therese had treated her last night.
Stephanie lounged across the seat, sipping a martini and watching RAW on the small television, as the limo careened through the streets of Halifax. Tonight was a good night. She absentmindedly fiddled with the clasp on a brown envelope marked "confidential" underneath Eric Bischoff's name written in neat cursive. A small giggle escaped her lips as Stone Cold Steve Austin yelled "hired" one more time in Bischoff's face. She wished with every fiber of her being she could be there to see the look in his eyes when Therese handed him the envelope in her hand. They had fought over the both of them going versus Therese going alone. When Stephanie had thought about how volatile Bischoff could be at this time, she acquiesced to Therese's demands and enjoyed just the image in her head of how good it would be.
"Ms. McMahon, I—"
"Therese, I thought we were to call each other by our first names in private so that we would be comfortable with them in public," Stephanie nonchalantly cut in and then swirled her drink.
Therese bit her lip as she seethed over those words. Stephanie was right and she knew it. "Stephanie, you are really not in the position to be antagonizing a suspect."
"Let me have my fun. Bischoff has enough power and money to have any woman he wants. Why would he need to threaten me? Until you are the general manager of your own show, please stay out of the politics of this business." She smiled coolly and looked back up at the screen. The woman brought out the worst in her and she wasn't really sure why.
Therese considered it better to just keep her mouth shut. Her job was not to give Stephanie advice, just be her security, but neither was it for her to do Stephanie's dirty work. Yet, how could Therese keep her safe if she was allowed to deliver that envelope to Bischoff herself? The limo came to a stop and Therese slyly reached her hand into jacket and ran a finger across the Beretta. "Do not open that door or roll that window down for anyone, not even your father. As far as this arena is concerned, no one but myself and the driver is in this limo." She didn't ask Stephanie if she understood but gave the command with the sternest of looks as she slid out of the door the driver had opened.
Therese hadn't the faintest idea what was in the large envelope but she made her way through the arena as if she owned the place. After questioning one of the staff, she found the managers' door and loudly rapped on it. An angry voice questioned who it was and she responded that she was Stephanie's personal assistant. All was quiet behind the door for a moment and then it opened with Bischoff's grinning face on the other side.
"Aren't you a little lost? This is RAW, sweet cheeks."
"I am fully aware of that, pumpkin butt, but I am here to deliver this." She thrust the envelope at him.
"To what do I owe this honor, Ms…" Bischoff asked, trailing off and gesturing for her to come in.
She took a couple of steps but not enough for him to shut the door. "Therese Blair. And in response to your question, I don't know why. I am only the messenger," she replied indifferently, staring him in the eyes.
Bischoff laughed and turned to Nash and Michaels who had stood from the black leather couch when Bischoff answered the door. He pointed at her and laughed again. She had rather be anywhere else than here and was fed up with Bischoff's attitude. With her eyes narrowed, she interrupted his laugh. "I apologize that I can't stay and share the laugh. Please open it, so that I can return with your answer."
"My answer?" Bischoff laughed and opened the brown envelope. His eyes scanned the single sheet of paper. As he read, he began to grind his teeth and a vein popped out on his temple. Without looking up, he wadded the paper. "Get—the—hell—out—of—my—office," he quietly ground out between clenched teeth. Before she could go, he grabbed her by the shoulders to push her out. In the blink of an eye, she took her forearms to the inside of his elbows and a knee to his stomach and he was staggering away.
"Don't ever touch me again." She turned on her heels to go.
Shawn leaned over to Nash and quietly whispered, "Go ask her."
"What?"
Shawn grabbed Nash by the elbow and started dragging him out of the office while Bischoff threw papers across the room, ignoring their presence. "You promised me that you would ask out the next woman that you met."
"Jeez, Shawn, not now."
"She's got wit and can handle herself. She's not just another fragile bimbo. Looks like a lot of fun. Hey, she's just as tall as Bischoff. No more bending over to get to your woman. It'll be good for your back."
Nash shook his head as Shawn pushed him in the direction in which Therese had headed. He jogged until he caught sight of her and called out for her to stop. He could not believe he was doing this as she turned around to face him. Her first thought was to make a wild dash for the limo since she was less than fifteen yards away, but curiosity got the best of her. "You okay? Bischoff didn't hurt you or anything when he, uh, when…"
Her first thought was anger, anger because he obviously didn't notice that a woman could take care of herself against slime like Bischoff. She almost replied hatefully but wondered too much why he, Kevin Nash, would take an interest in her health. "I'm fine. He might not be though," she responded and smiled.
He held out his hand. "Kevin—"
"Nash." She shook his hand in return after interrupting. "Who wouldn't know?"
He laughed a little and released her hand. "So you watched wrestling before you became Stephanie's assistant?"
Therese glanced over at the limo where Stephanie waited. "Yeah, she got me started on it in college."
"College roomies, huh?"
"Nah, just sorority sisters. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Therese—"
"Blair," he cut in, smiling. "I paid attention."
"I kind of have to get back to work." She jerked her thumb towards the limo. "It was nice meeting you."
"You too."
As she turned to go, Shawn sidled up to Nash. "You didn't ask her." Nash rolled his eyes and called Therese's name. She turned around half way to the sleek vehicle.
He ran his hand through his long, wavy hair. "I, uh, wanted to ask you something." She wrinkled her brow in question. "You'll be in Halifax for a few days, right?" She nodded. "You want to go out with me tomorrow night or maybe Wednesday?"
Did Kevin Nash just ask me out? Why in God's name… She glanced over her shoulder at the limo. As much as she wanted to—just to know why he asked her out—she knew she had to decline. "I would love to, but I'm really busy. I've not been working for Stephanie a whole week yet, so I've got a lot to do."
Nash looked down at his feet dejectedly. For the first time since high school, Kevin Nash was turned down. "Well, um, okay. Maybe some other time."
"Yeah, maybe," she smiled, knowing there wouldn't be "another time." The driver opened up the door and she slid in.
"Yeah, you need her," Shawn said, after they were out of sight. "I'll definitely get her number for you."
"Look, I asked her out. Isn't that enough for you?"
"Kev, Kev, Kev, you just don't know what's good for you." Shawn clucked his tongue and walked ahead of Nash down the hall.
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Stephanie's heart began to pound when she saw Therese coming into the parking lot sans the large envelope. She got a little worried when she saw her stop and turn around, afraid that Bischoff may have tried to physically retaliate. Then Nash appeared and she talked to him like she was flirting. Stephanie grew irate. Conspiring with the enemy! Protect me? Not when she's flirting with the general manager's buddy and my ex's old friend! Then she noticed Shawn Michaels standing over to the side and waving—at her! She smiled and started to wave back. There's no way he could know I'm in here. When Therese headed for the limo, she shrank back against the seat, hoping no one would see her when the driver opened the door.
"What did he say?" Stephanie excitedly asked.
Therese couldn't help but laugh. "There are no words to describe the look on his face. He hadn't even finished reading the letter and a vein was already popping out. I don't know what was on that paper, but you should have seen it." She slapped her knee and laughed so hard she began to snort.
"It was just a 'congratulations' on his new position as co-manager of RAW. Since Austin's appointment to the same position, I have been trying not to rub it in, but I guess I couldn't help myself," Stephanie replied, trying to stifle a giggle. Therese's laughter was contagious and soon she was giggling with her.
When the commercial break was over, the two quieted down to watch and hopefully catch a glimpse of Bischoff's reaction and retaliation, but all they got was Bischoff complaining to Stephanie's mother about the situation with Austin later on in the show. When Nash began his violent assault on Triple H, Stephanie chewed her bottom lip in thought. After Nash ran Helmsley out into the street, she turned sharply to Therese.
"What were you doing talking to Kevin Nash?"
Therese shrugged her shoulders. "He stopped me and asked if I was alright after leaving."
"Alright? What happened?" Stephanie almost shrieked. Therese quickly and quietly explained. "And it took that long for you to say you were fine?"
"He asked me out."
"What did you say?" she quickly asked, her eyes widening.
"No, of course," Therese responded, glaring at her. "I have a job to do and dating is not in the description."
"Did Shawn Michaels say anything?"
"No. Why?"
"No reason, really." Stephanie wouldn't dare let anyone, especially Therese, in on the secret that she thought of Shawn as a little more than just a friend for years now. No one needed to know as far as she was concerned. She wasn't going to date another co-worker again, not to mention she didn't really have the time to engage in a dating relationship at the present. Hunter had hurt her about as bad as she had hurt him. There still hadn't been enough time for that to heal to the point of considering dating again. As much as she wanted to be over it, she wasn't and knew better than to push something too early. After thinking about Shawn Michaels, Stephanie fell quiet for the rest of the evening as she finished watching RAW, making some notes on the show, and turning in for an early night.
Therese liked it that way and didn't do anything to disturb the peace. She tried to catch the last of the Minnesota and Anaheim play-off games to waste time and not to think about Nash. After her elation at Anaheim pulling off the series, her thoughts turned to Nash anyhow. She was not involved and, apparently, neither was Nash. Sure, she had her share of boyfriends in the past, but lately, things were different. After Evan came to live with her, dating was almost non-existent. Most didn't want Evan being around, even if he was her brother. He was her responsibility and more important than trying to get dates, so she stopped trying. As they got into the routine of their new lives, she went out again on occasion but they still went running at the sight of Evan. Her play became her work as she realized just how much she would need for a fast-growing teenager, especially to be able to send him to college.
Nash would be no exception in her dating rules. No matter what his intentions, one night in Halifax wouldn't be worth it. She wouldn't lie to herself and say she didn't entertain the thought of finding an avenue to get away for one night. In her eyes, Nash had definitely earned the title of "Big Sexy." If she had to list her favorite wrestlers, he would in the top ten. He was someone taller than her and wouldn't be intimidated by her work or strength. Hopefully, Evan wouldn't be a problem. Evan, he can't even know about him. Our relationship would just be a lie. Of course, that didn't stop her from wanting. Nothing mattered though. She had said "no" and it was over.
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TBC…