Author's Notes: We'd like to thank Jewelgirl04, Laffy.x.Taffy and Takersgurl35 for your awesome reviews for chapter ten. We greatly appreciate you support and comments.

Chapter Eleven: Second Chances

Life wasn't really all that fair, Kate and Marissa bemoaned. They had both talked to Batista and Cena, respectively, a couple of times throughout the week. But that wasn't the case for their whining. With No Mercy that weekend, the two wrestlers had been extremely busy with the press conference and personal appearances to hype their much anticipated bout. Their relationships were just getting off to a start and both women had very much looked forward to spending time with the guys but the best friends were stuck occupying themselves. If the redhead forgot about Maryse, they really couldn't complain. Afterall, Marissa seemed to be dating the owner of the most gorgeous blue eyes in the business and Kate was trying not to admit that she wouldn't mind being considered the girlfriend of the man with the most amazing thighs on the planet.

By the time of the pay-per-view, there had only been a couple 'hi, how are you' passes until the hour before the start of the show. Kate had her headphones secured on her head, listening to each of the entrance songs as she double-checked them. She was trying not to let the theme of the pay-per-view get to her. The company had used the music on television for the past two weeks leading up to the event but now she was going to be playing it for the opening. It wouldn't have been such a problem if it wasn't Chrome Bumper's newest release. She squealed in surprise as someone behind her peeled her headphones off.

"I was talking to you," John Cena stated, his hands on his hips. "What's with you and Marissa? The two of you deaf?"

Kate decided not to ask what he meant. "You could have just come around to the front of the platform, you dork."

"But it was more fun to listen to you squeal like a little girl," he replied with a cheesy grin. Before she could come back with an acerbic retort, he changed the subject. "I have a huge surprise for you. As soon as the show is over, get packed up as fast as you can and meet me in the canteen."

"I can't make any promises but I'll do what I can," she hesitantly replied, definitely not trusting of John.

"You won't be disappointed," he excitedly replied, hopping down from the stage and sliding down the steps.

The brunette was probably one of the few people in the company who knew the outcome of every match before the show as she had to cue the winner's theme. So, instead of wishing Batista luck, she apologized to him for having to lose to Cena. He wouldn't be getting another title shot for some time as the writers were about to team them together to play off their hatred of each other. Watching Dave's sculpted back disappear through the black curtain, she beamed a smile, thinking about their kiss. Her stomach was a mess of butterflies every time she thought about that moment in the bar.

When she flicked the last button off, the woman double-timed to get everything packed, bribing Josh to finish up for her. Only feet away from the canteen, Kate saw Marissa running towards her, the woman's face a picture of concern. The brunette's heart dropped—there was something wrong with Maddie. "What? Is she okay?"

"Do you not check your messages?" the redhead angrily began but didn't wait for an answer. She locked her arm around Kate's and tried to steer her down the hall. "You can't go in there because—"

"Kate Alistair?" a voice interrupted. The brunette slowly turned around to come face to face with Austin Mitchell. He hadn't changed at all; only the labels on his clothing and the expensive wristwatch bespoke his new rockstar status.

His appearance at the show didn't surprise Kate but her anger immediately boiled over.

"You know Kate?" Cena incredulously asked.

Standing behind Austin was the rest of Chrome Bumper: Danny the drummer, Kurt the bassist, Carlos the lead guitarist, and Warren the keyboardist. She knew each of them; they were like brothers to her at one time but she hadn't spoken to them since the break-up. All four of them were looking sheepishly away but there was Austin with his panty-dropping grin. "Kate and I know each other verywell," the lead singer replied.

"You bastard," the brunette spewed, wanting to rip out his blond highlights. She had tried to get in touch with him since hearing the song that he had stolen from her but she was just another rabid fan to his agents. "You absolute son of a bitch."

"C'mon, Kate," he began, an apologetic look on his face as she advanced on him, jerking her arm out of Marissa's grasp.

"I wrote that song and you stole it," she seethed, poking a finger in his chest. The man looked around at the rest of the people with a shrug that was a half-ass attempt to indicate that he had no idea what she was talking about. "You are unbelievable. That's a crime and you owe me. I want it back."

Austin was mortified at her accusation and the stares from those around them. He had no idea how to shut her up except for when they were dating. It worked every time and usually led to some wild sex. He grabbed her hand that she was pushing into his chest and pulled her close, his other arm wrapping around her back. His mouth descended on hers, effectively shutting her up.

The brunette stopped struggling and, when he released her, she could only stand there in shock over what had just happened. She might have slapped him but he was still holding her left hand; he was probably very aware of that fact as well. "You guys mind giving us a minute?" the singer asked over her head. She only glared up at him as the onlookers filed back into the canteen to desert the hallway. Austin then tugged her farther down the dead-end corridor.

"You piece of slime," she began.

"Kate, baby, there's been some misunderstanding," he sexily cooed.

"Misunderstanding, my ass. You deliberately—"

"I didn't know, baby," he seemed to genuinely reply. "Let me take you out and explain."

"You'll explain now," the brunette angrily retorted.

"Do you honestly want to do this in front of all your friends? How did you get here anyhow?"

"I guess I'll tell you when you explain everything and the sooner, the better," Kate bit out, defensively crossing her arms across her chest. "When?" she demanded.

Dave Batista had been casually chatting with the members of Chrome Bumper and John Cena. This wasn't an official visit to the company but a personal invitation from Cena. Only a few of the wrestlers and staff even knew they were there. The WWE Champion hadn't mentioned to the music group that he had someone he wanted them to meet but Dave had known that they were stalling to wait on Kate. Once they got out of those doors and into a club, Chrome Bumper would be lost among the crowd and they had wanted her to meet them without all the loud music and fans.

The wrestler had noticed the brunette coming down the hallway but she had been waylaid by Marissa. Austin Mitchell had suddenly separated from the group and called Kate's name. Dave had watched in surprise, just like everyone else.

But when the singer had kissed the woman, his blood began to boil and he stepped forward to stop the man. Cena immediately put an arm across his chest and warned him of what could happen. He was reluctant to step away from the two of them but, once again, John was there to propel him along. "What's going on?" he immediately asked.

Marissa shook her head and muttered to herself, "This is not good." The redhead had found out about halfway through the show that Chrome Bumper was in attendance and she sent Kate numerous text messages and voicemails to alert her. She had tried to get away but there were some major issues with the live feed between the production trailer and the cameras ringside. She couldn't leave for the night until she had most everything packed up and ready to go. One of her coworkers thankfully agreed to finish up for her. Now, the video tech looked up at her friends with worry. "Kate and Austin used to date," she stated and then explained the nature of their past relationship, leaving out most of the sordid details.

"I am so sorry," John apologized, glancing towards the door where the former couple was still talking. "If I had known, I would have warned her."

"You didn't and that's okay," Marissa soothed, placing a hand on his elbow.

"So, now what?" the Champion asked, slipping his arm around the redhead's back.

The video tech was barely able to control the shivers that coursed through her body at the action. "Let the two of them have it out, I guess. If Kate still wants to, we'll go ahead and go out with everybody."

Dave knew he had no right to be jealous of Austin. He and Kate weren't exclusively dating; hell, he wasn't sure they were dating at all despite the fact that she was all he could think about. From the way she was scowling at the singer, the wrestler probably didn't have anything to worry about. He would have bet a month's paycheck that she would have bitchslapped her ex-boyfriend if he hadn't held onto her hand tightly. That was another thing he liked about Kate—she was rough and tumble and, if she broke a nail, then it was the nail's fault for getting in the way.

Moments later, the former couple came back into the room, both sporting fake smiles. "Ready to go?" Austin asked Cena and glanced around at the usual crew. "Everybody's welcome to come. 'The Witch's Cat' has a VIP room reserved for us." When everybody started filing out, Austin placed a hand on Kate's back and leaned down to whisper, "Why don't you ride in the limo with us?"

Kate snidely smiled to herself and looked over her shoulder at Marissa. "Cissa, we're riding in the limo. John, Dave, come with us." She could see the perturbed look pass across the singer's face before he quickly wiped it away and formally invited the trio.

Once in the limo, the sound mixer situated herself between Warren and Danny and began to make small-talk, catching up on how things had been since they last talked. She also helped herself to the mini-bar and watched Austin try to talk to Marissa. He knew that if he wanted to be on her good side, he had to be on Marissa's. It was that whole 'love me, love my cat' except with the best friend. He didn't seem to be doing a good job though as the redhead scowled at him and brought Cena into the conversation.

A car wreck had traffic stalled and Kate continually dipped into the mini-bar, passing out drinks as she did so. By the time they finally arrived at 'The Witch's Cat', she was already feeling the alcohol numb her legs. Good, she thought, my anger and my heart next and it'll all be on Austin's tab. Indeed, the singer had told them beforehand that he would take care of everything and to enjoy the night courtesy of Chrome Bumper.

Marissa could see what was happening long before Kate was already tipsy. The woman was pissed off with a capital 'P' and she was going to get sloshed.

The redhead knew she couldn't stop her and the sooner she was drunk, the better. That way she would retreat inside herself and leave everyone else alone. The brunette wasn't going to be good company anyhow, better to have her mouth zipped than flapping. Just as long as she didn't do something stupid, everything would be alright. Kate had been known to dance on table tops but only a few times a long ways back.

For the first time in a while, the redhead stopped worrying about her friend for the moment; Dave was around and he'd take care of her. By the way the wrestler was glaring at Austin, she knew that he'd take the man's head off if he laid a hand on Kate. Marissa sipped the chilled champagne and leaned back against John's arm that was casually across the back of the car seat, feigning interest in his conversation with the singer. It seemed the two had met a couple of years back when Cena had been recording his first album.

Even though they had a private room at the club, the group fanned out, going back and forth between the room and the dance floor. Several others arrived late, particularly Brad Morrison and Josh Mason. With all the hoopla surrounding Kate and Austin, Jeff Hardy had made sure that the staffers made it since they were still packing up the set and equipment.

Kate remained on the benchseat, drinking everything she could get her hands on, while Dave nursed a beer, watching everyone else enjoy themselves. He didn't know what was bothering him and he wanted to just get up and leave. Yet, he didn't feel he could leave Kate alone with that slime. He kept inching towards her and she kept sliding away until she fell off the end of the leather bench. Dave helped her up and glared at Austin. From then on, the singer kept a bit more distance between them. The wrestler would have asked her to dance but she would probably fall all over herself. Instead, he settled back down where he could watch the two and try to figure out why he was so insanely jealous over a relationship that was in the past and probably wouldn't be resurrected. He wasn't even sure Kate was going to be resurrected in the morning after watching her drink. Marissa was going to have one hell of job the following day getting the sound engineer up and moving to be in Moline for RAW.

Speaking of the redhead, she was contentedly snuggled under John Cena's arm as he chatted with whoever was around. She hadn't seen Maryse at either of the houseshows or the pay-per-view. John hadn't said anything about her as well. Maybe the blonde was just blowing smoke and the threat was nothing but words. Marissa had decided that she wasn't going to run away from the situation. The WWE Champion seemed to be interested in herand not Maryse. Why take the chance and not see him again if he had no intentions towards the diva? If he had rather be with Maryse than her, then she didn't need John Cena. But that thought made her stomach twist in knots and she hoped against all hope that that wouldn't happen. Still, the worries crept in and she had stared at herself in her full length mirror at home, comparing her body to the diva's. The doubts were still swirling in the back of her mind but the feel of John's flesh against hers was enough to quell them for the time being.

"Let's dance," he whispered in her ear and she shivered as his breath sent tingles throughout that side of her body. "You cold?"

Marissa blushed, embarrassed that she had given away the effect he had on her body. "Just fine," she replied.

John then realized why she had shivered and was embarrassed that he had said anything. Usually, when a woman quivered at his touch, he knew he had her right where he wanted her. But, it was different with Marissa and he couldn't figure out why. They slid out of the booth, both managing to get around Kate without her ending up flat on her face.

Thinking that they were leaving, Dave stopped them to ask. "Just going to dance," Marissa answered. "Mind watching Kate?"

He nodded and started to sit back down when John pulled him aside. "Maybe you should take her back to the hotel before she passes out. By the way, if there is anything left between her and Austin, you're quickly losing."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Batista growled back at him but Cena was already tugging Marissa out the door. He shrugged his shoulders and thought, Might as well. "Kate," he called above the music, "you ready to go?" She stared up at him with glassy eyes and then slowly nodded.

"I've got her, buddy. Don't worry," Austin cut in.

"I've got her, buddy," Batista sarcastically responded, putting a hand under Kate's elbow and helping her stand.

"At least take the limo," Austin offered. "That way you don't have to find a cab at this hour."

The wrestler swallowed his acerbic retort and muttered, "Thanks," as he wrapped his arm around Kate's waist. She said nothing but leaned heavily on him as they made their way into the parking lot. After settling everything with the limo driver, he helped her inside where she promptly passed out on the seat. Dave chuckled and smoothed the tendrils from her pony tail out of her face as she began to lightly snore. This wouldn't be the first time that he had fished in someone's purse or wallet to find their hotel key and get them inside. It wasn't like it had never happened to him either.

Back in the club, Marissa was wondering if maybe she had fallen asleep and was dreaming. She swayed in Cena's arms, not thinking about Maryse, Kate, work, or how thoroughly upset her father would be if he saw her. The heat off John's body was incredible and she tried not to think about what could happen if she invited him up to her room—she wouldn't dare but that didn't mean it wasn't on her mind. She wanted this to work more than she had wanted anything else in the world that didn't pertain to her daughter. Maddie was the conflicting issue in all this. How John dealt with the little strawberry blonde depended on how this relationship progressed. The problem was that she wasn't willing to introduce her daughter to him until she knew that they had something steady. Of course, Maddie would adore him. John had only recently been replaced by Shawn Michaels' as Barbie's fiancée but, of course, the blonde was now out since he was married. Batista wasn't available because he was friends with her mother. She was still interviewing potential suitors. The redhead chuckled at the thought that Triple H might just be next.

"What's so funny?" John asked, pulling back to look at her and gazing into her green-grey eyes.

"Nothing," she said with a smile, not sure how to explain how she could be so content and secure in his arms and think about her daughter at the same time.

"C'mon. It's not my dancing, is it?" he asked with a grin.

"Just thinking about Maddie," she casually answered.

"When do I get to meet the little Irish spud?"

Marissa chuckled but shook her head. "That'll be too much trouble for you. You'd have to fly out to DC and find a place to stay," she answered, trying to deter him.

"No problem. I'll get the travel agent to change one of my flights and I'll stay with Dave."

"Inviting yourself over to Dave's? I bet you're a great houseguest," she responded with a laugh.

"You should try me," he replied but both of them suddenly went silent at the thought. After an awkward moment, John recovered. "He won't care."

The epiphany then struck the redhead. She knew exactly how she was going to test the waters with John and her daughter. "I'm throwing a Halloween party for Maddie. She would die if she had some wrestlers there for it and it would so impress her friends."

"But that's so far away," he whined.

"It's just a month," she replied with a roll of her eyes.

"Fine. I'll be there," he sarcastically huffed, mirroring her eye roll, and then gently laid her head on his shoulder again as they continued to sway to the music. After a minute or two, he jerked back and Marissa knew something was up with that twinkle in his eye.

"We'll just be coming back from the European tour that weekend and we'll be in Annapolis and Baltimore Sunday and Monday night. Why don't we have a grown-upparty," he said that so suggestively that her insides quivered, "crash Dave's place or maybe Roger's. Doesn't he live in DC too? Everybody's already gonna be around anyhow."

"We could have it at my place," she volunteered. "My house is huge. You would already be there for Maddie's party."

"Are you sure?" he asked, not wanting to impose on her for his idea.

Marissa thought this was one of the craziest things she had done but she really wanted to host the party. She was finally starting to get to know more wrestlers and she already knew the production staff well. Kate was friendlier with the superstars and divas and she could invite more people. Getting her parents out of the house that night would be the tricky part. She already knew that Maddie was going to be at a Halloween sleepover. "Of course, it'll be no problem," the redhead replied, hoping it truly wouldn't be.

"Alright, cool," returned Cena, with a grin. "I'll start asking around and see who'd be interested in coming."

Normally, Marissa would have been very frustrated with how her day had progressed but, given last night, she walked through a dazed trance, dragging Kate along with her and ignoring the brunette's bellyaching. She'd be feeling the effects of the hangover all day, which served her right, but the video tech couldn't wait to see Cena at RAW and that got her through dealing with her inebriated friend.

That evening, one of the monitors wasn't connecting to the feed properly; there was sound but no picture. Marissa turned the set upside down and then resettled one of the cords for her headphones. She had asked Kate to download Cena's album this past week and she was trying to get into the music. The woman preferred easy listening and classical, never rap. Even if she couldn't get into the style of music, the redhead could at least hear his voice. After jiggling the connections, she determined that the feed wasn't coming through because of a frayed wire and turned around to head back to where extra equipment was stored but was met by Maryse's boobs.

The blonde jerked the buds from Marissa's ears and angrily announced, "You and I are going to talk."

"What a-about?"

"Don't play stupid," Maryse retorted and then reached for an earbud. "John's music."

"Yes, it is," the video tech replied, trying to gain some sort of confidence with the reply.

"I told you to stop seeing him," the diva stated, "but it seems you didn't get the hint."

"Maybe you didn't get the hint," Marissa replied, plucking the earbud from the other woman's fingers.

"Don't get haughty with me," Maryse responded, pointing a red nail at her. "I warned you and you didn't listen. But I'm feeling generous and I'll give you a second chance." The blonde turned to go but then whirled back around. "By the way, I know why Kate got lucky and got that cushy job she has. I know why that soundman was fired. Don't think I won't go running to management about you and John. Because of your relationship, they'll be forced to fire you…and Kate too."

"You wouldn't," Marissa gasped.

"Honey," the blonde condescendingly said, "when I want something, I get it. If you don't believe me, just try me."

The video tech was begging for a rejoinder but none came. She stared wide-eyed at the diva as she sauntered off. What now? she thought, the panic rising up within her. How could she have been so stupid as to forget about Kate's predecessor? How could Kate have forgotten? The man was fired for his relationship with another diva. If that didn't set an example for what would happen to personnel if they dated the superstars, then nothing would. This wasn't a question of whether she wanted to keep her job or date John Cena. This now involved her best friend as well. Kate would have to make the same decision and she already knew what the brunette would do — keep her job. No man came between her and her music.

However, she still had to tell Kate but how she was going to do that would be tricky. She couldn't admit that Maryse had said anything, just like last time. Kate was too impetuous and would start a fight; she had demonstrated before that no one messed with her best friend. Maddie's father would forever have a crooked nose and two crooked fingers. Kate would be fired faster for that than her dating Batista. She would have to casually bring it up and hope that the brunette wouldn't see through her.

Generally, the staff didn't have to dip into the extra supplies and they were stacked three crates high in a dead-end corridor. Usually, the staff caught the mistake early for fear McMahon would be disappointed in their work and fire them. It was early enough for Marissa not to be concerned about the frayed wire as much as she was worried over Maryse's threat. The redhead pulled a box down and it dropped with a loud crack on the concrete floor. The second one, which was chest high, held what she was looking for and, standing on her tiptoes, she moved wires and packages aside until she found the cable she was looking for.

Popping the lid back on, Marissa draped the cord around her neck and stared at the crate still on the floor. That had to be put back. Lifting with her legs, she struggled up with the box and managed to get it as high as the first one. With a grunt, she heaved it again and suddenly it lifted and slid into place. That was too easy, she thought, and turned to see John Cena grinning at her. "How ya doing, Red?" the man asked.

"Uh, just fine," she replied, looking everywhere but in his eyes. She would crumble staring into those blue pools and she had to decide what she was going to do about Maryse first.

"You seem nervous," the wrestler responded, reaching out a hand to her shoulder.

Marissa sidestepped him and jiggled the cord around her neck. "Just a malfunctioning monitor. I've got to get it fixed before the show starts."

"You coming with us tonight?"

"I don't know," she quietly replied, backing up to head down the hall.

"Kate's a no-go. She looks like hell, by the way. I don't blame her for not wanting to. You don't think there's anything between her and Austin, do you?"

"I-I don't know. I'm gonna stay in and keep her company," Marissa replied, slipping the cable over her head to give John the hint that she needed to go.

"She's a big girl. We can send Dave to keep her company if you know what I mean," Cena suggestively responded.

"I don't know. I'm really tired with No Mercy and all."

"You're not getting sick again, are you?" the WWE Champion teased.

Marissa weakly smiled. "I'm not used to doing this much and especially around a pay-per-view. Our flight's really early anyhow." Seeing the look of disappointment on his face, she quickly added, "It's not you, I promise."

"I knew that," he joked. "Well, then, rest well and I'll call you sometime this week. That be okay?"

Marissa had no other response than to nod before she hurried away. This was going to be so hard. Suppose she told John the truth, he admitted that he cared for her, and then she quit the WWE. She would still be in Washington, DC, and he would still be in West Newbury, Massachusetts. There would only be three days out of the week that the possibility existed for them to see each other but that would involve one of them spending that time in another city; that was a lot to ask for. That didn't count for the fact that he was on the road for four days of the week with women throwing themselves all over him, including Maryse. It wouldn't be long before he left her for one of them. There had to be a way around this; there just had to be.

TBC...