Okay so this is where we are able to transition from the set up into the real meat of the story. Pierce is ready for the rest of her life to begin and the wait is killing her. The anticipation of where the story is going is jazzing me up too. Don't forget to head over to (or return to) UntilNeverDawns's Edge of Destruction for more of Pierce and a great story. Enjoy and let me know what you think! Thanks!

"Can you stop at some point today?" the Senior Director of Talent Relations asked.

"Sure. I am just finishing up checking out of my hotel, and then I'll be right over." The drum in my chest beat wildly. "Is there anything I need to bring for you?"

"Just yourself will be fine. See you soon."

The line went dead, and I started breathing again. It didn't make sense to me. They already knew about my previous career. That was why the process was moving so quickly for me. What more could have happened for Carrano to be concerned about?

I hurriedly threw my belongings into my bags, rushed to the hotel lobby to check out and dumped the luggage in the trunk of my car. Hightailing it to the Performance Center, the whole thing happened in less than half an hour. My anxiety that was usually reserved for crowded scenarios ran high, my future hanging in the balance took a front row seat in my mind. Jon happened to be pulling into the parking lot at the same time and noticed my hesitation at my car. He waved and walked over.

"Pierce, what are you doing here? They finally sign you?" he asked.

"I don't have a clue. Carrano called me a little while ago saying they had some concerns that needed to be discussed before hiring me. Any ideas?" I stammered out.

"Concerns? No idea. I thought they'd love you; hire you on the spot."

"Great. Big help."

"Don't be so worried. I'm sure it's fine. After you." Jon gestured for me to enter before him.

I walked through the doors and to the part of the Performance Center that housed a few offices. Apparently, not only was I expected but Carrano was waiting for me.

"Pierce, it's good to see you again," he greeted me.

"Likewise, sir." I tried to swallow the knot forming in my throat. "Is there a problem with my application or with my audition?"

"What? Oh, no. We're signing you; we were just concerned about your living conditions. Do you have a place to stay aside from a hotel down here?"

"I- I'm being signed? I'm hired? Are you serious?"

"Yes, of course. You are a very impressive young woman. We feel you'd make a great addition to spice up the Divas division."

"Wow. Sorry. Stuff like this doesn't really happen for me. I mean, my past fighting experiences kinda killed my chances at my childhood dream of being a vet and I'm starting to ramble and I'll just answer your question. No, I do not actually have anywhere to stay here in Florida. Is that a problem?"

"No, we figured as much. Would you mind bunking with another of the wrestlers? We just need to make sure you're taken care of. We take high priority to make sure our wrestlers are, as I said, taken care of."

"I don't really know anyone, and I'm not really charity either."

"So don't be charity," another voice piped in. "Carrano, she can stay with me, Galina and Jojo."

I turned to find Joe behind us. "You really don't have to do this," I said.

"It'd be my pleasure. Really, you need a place to stay and this way you won't be stuck with some crazy stranger you work with. That cool?"

"Thanks."

"Well, that was our only real concern, so if you could just fill out a contract, your career in the WWE can begin." Carrano nodded to Joe and myself and went to get a contract for me to sign.

My disbelief, mixed with relief, sent waves of adrenaline through my body. I stood there dumbfounded, a deer in the headlights.

"You ok there, Pierce?" Joe asked, a look of concern on his face.

"Yeah, just give me a minute to process." I paused. "Ok cool so all my stuff is in my car. Do I start today? What is my plan now?"

"Well, they'll get you training and then map out your character and a storyline then you'll debut. For now, you can probably just hang out for the day – get the feel of the place, see how everything works. Later we will get you moved and -"

"Pierce! You're in!" Jon shouted while walking up to Joe and me, Colby in tow.

"Congrats, kid." I rolled my eyes at Colby's kid comment.

"We should celebrate. Drinks on us, right guys?" continued Jon as he threw an arm around my shoulder in a half hug.

"She needs to get settled, boys. And since she's moving into my place, I'm not thinking her coming home drunk around my daughter is a good idea." Joe's amusement by their excitement only went so far, I assumed.

"So, tonight she can stay with one of us or something," Colby said.

"Can I sneak a word in for myself?" I interjected. I couldn't help but laugh at their embarrassed expressions. They truly were like three brothers. "I haven't really had a lot to celebrate in my life, plus I'm freshly twenty-one this year so maybe – of course, that is if you don't mind, Joe – a little bit of celebrating might be nice?" Joe's approval was important to me. He'd taken care to get me this opportunity, he was accepting me into his home, and he really cared to take care of me.

"Yeah, you're young. Drinks on us, but I'm out early. I'd say take care of her but instead will say, Pierce, take care of these two when I head home. Drop her by the house in the morning so she can get ready for her training to start tomorrow." Joe rolled his eyes as Jon and Colby high-fived in response to Joe's permission. They then dispersed to train, leaving me to wander around and observe for the next few hours – though only one person really held my attention outside of the Shield boys.

At the end of the day, we all made our way to the parking lot. The first stop was Joe's place to drop off my belongings. Then, it was time to celebrate my new career. I had wanted to bail when Joe did but somehow I was convinced to keep going. Many shots and various drinks for chasers later, and I don't think any of us could think straight. Colby was done by around two in the morning. At that point, Jon and I were committed to going hard. Another hour and half, though, and we were both ready to pass out when we got to his hotel, since he doesn't actually live in Orlando. I blacked out at that point.

The next morning came way too early as a 7:30 alarm went off. I bolted upright as the person beside me reached over to his phone to shut off the beeping. After rubbing my eyes, I evaluated my surroundings. What I discovered sobered me up real quick. I was in bed with Jonathan Good, aka Dean Ambrose.

"Fuck," I said and dropped my head into my hands. "Please tell me we didn't."