So lately I've been trying to space out my updates, but I spent a bunch of time last night and today working on this story, so I'm breaking my own rule and updating twice in one day :) I'm sure there are many of you that will appreciate it too seeing this is the chapter where some big things happen!
I didn't really allow time for reviews last chapter (seeing I posted it like 16 hours ago), but thanks to the ones who got them in and feel free to still review it...things are about to get a little crazy in this story, just the way I like it :) Enjoy!
Punk laughed as he got out of the car glad that he had friends like Amy around. She'd played a big part in helping him pick up the pieces after his break-up with Gabby, but at the same time he still thought about the bubbly blonde on a daily basis wondering how she was and questioning the choice he'd made. For tonight, she was a distant thought as he was fresh from the comedy club where he and Amy took in a few friends trying their best at improv. The show was just what he needed; he was able to laugh and relax before kicking off another long stretch on the road, but he was beginning to wonder about Amy. They'd become close, perhaps too close too fast. While there was nothing really physical between the two of them, they were slowly going beyond the friend zone holding hands and sharing the occasional kiss. He didn't want to rush into anything, but Amy eased his thoughts about Gabby and when she was around his heart didn't ache as much.
Punk unlocked the front door and moved aside allowing Amy to enter first. As she got comfortable on the couch, Punk went into the kitchen grabbing each of them a can of Pepsi. Upon his return, he grabbed a stack of DVDs from the TV stand and sat down beside Amy.
"Alright, which horror movie do we go for tonight?" Amy flipped through the stack before handing him The Human Centipede. He was caught off guard for a brief minute before shaking his head. "Have you ever seen this movie? I have to warn you there are several scenes that are absolutely disgusting and if you vomit your dinner on my couch then you will clean it up!" Amy laughed rolling her eyes.
"Really Punk? That is one of my favorite movies; I agree it is absolutely disgusting, but it's equally fascinating. Just thinking about the state that the sick fucks who made it were in, it amazes me. No worries though, I won't upchuck, hell I don't even cringe anymore." Punk smirked putting in the movie. Sitting back down he got comfortable before pushing play as Amy took the opportunity to curl up to him resting her head on his chest. As the opening credits rolled, he remembered the last time he'd watched this movie, it was the night Gabby moved in. He laughed to himself thinking of her constantly cringing and practically dry heaving over the digusting nature of the film, but mostly he remembered her falling asleep with her head resting on his shoulder, her arm entwined with his.
He looked at Amy out of the corner of his eye and was intrigued. He always thought she was the type of woman he wanted to settle down with, but now he wasn't even attracted to her. Granted Amy was beautiful with her long, fire red hair, tattoos covering her arms and a killer body; plus they shared a lot of the same interests. She loved horror movies, apparently the gorier the better, had an ecclectic taste in music, and wrestling was her passion, however looking at her she wasn't the type of girl he would take home to his mom. Not that his family wouldn't love her, or pretend to, but he didn't see her being open to spending the day with his niece and nephew or making dinner for twenty people; there was only one person who did those things voluntarily, the one that got away.
By the end of the movie, Punk had made his decision deciding to let Amy down easy. Maybe at another time he would feel differently, but both his heart and inner thoughts were telling him now wasn't the time. He needed to try to get Gabby back, but first he had to tell Amy the truth.
Amy slipped on her shoes as Punk stood by the door waiting to walk her out to her car. She smiled at him and how much of a gentleman he was, but noticed something was off; in fact something had been off since the movie started. He didn't seem to pay attention and he wasn't as affectionate as he had been earlier in the night. Ignoring her feelings, she walked out the door towards her car.
"So I had a great time tonight…"
"Yeah me too, but there's something I need to talk to you about." Amy looked up at his face and knew right away what he was thinking. "I've had a lot of fun with you lately, and while I'm grateful that you've distracted me from all the shit going on in my life, I can't do this."
"You can't do what?" Amy crossed her arms over her chest trying not to get defensive, but she was irritated. For the second time in her life Phil Brooks was rejecting her; despite the fact they were practically a perfect fit, he never seemed to see things that way.
"I can't be in a relationship right now. It was a mistake to even think about it so soon after Gabby, I mean I'm still trying to get over her…this has been a lot harder then I thought it would be. Dare I say getting over Gabby has been harder then getting over Maria." Amy pursed her lips before taking a deep breath. She was trying to keep calm, but not only was he rejecting her, he was talking about his exes in the process.
"You know what Phil you really need to get a grip on reality and see that the people you're choosing to be with are all wrong for you." Punk raised his eyebrows before his smartass smirk graced his lips.
"Is that so? What exactly makes you a professional in knowing who is and isn't right for me?"
"Well let's look at things this way, you had nothing in common with Gabby. She's ten years younger then you, went to college, so she thinks she's the smartest person ever, and in my opinion she's a conceited little bitch. She thinks she's better then everyone else, like she's superior. She's only out for herself, she doesn't give a shit about anyone in this world, just look at what she did to her brother." Punk started to feel anger as he shoved his hands in his pockets reminding himself to stay calm. Amy was a friend, or at least she was supposed to be, but more then that she was a woman and yelling at and putting his hands on a woman was something Punk didn't do.
"Amy I'm sorry you're taking this the way you are, but Gabby has been nothing but good to both me and my family. Despite what you think she has dropped everything on different occasions to help me out. As for Adam, I played into that decision just as much as she did."
"You can tell yourself that, but I'm sure it was her idea. I just wish things would have gone as planned and your secret relationship would have ended a while ago."
"Jesus Christ, who are you? You told Adam knowing he'd react the way he did for your own gain; what the fuck is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what you did? You not only ruined my relationship with Gabby, but you almost destroyed a family for your own selfish gain. All you wanted was to be with me all along…" Amy felt tears in her eyes hearing the disdain for her in his voice.
"Look I never intended for Adam to freak as much as he did, but yeah I was hoping you two would break up sooner. Gabby wasn't right for you Phil, surely you have to see that now."
"Actually all I see now is a former friend…it's been nice knowing you Amy and while I appreciate our past, don't look forward to any kind of future with me."
"Wait…Phil I know you don't mean that…" Punk turned and walked back towards the house not wanting to hear another word. Gabby had been right about Amy all along; she couldn't be trusted.
Looking at the clock he saw it was barely 10PM; dialing Vince McMahon's number he hoped his boss could pull a few strings and get him what he needed. If he got the chance to talk to Gabby one on one, he wasn't even sure what he would say, but knew he had some time to figure it out; he just hoped she'd be willing to listen.
Gabby was sitting at her desk working away on her weekly column; she was in the zone barely listening to the music she had turned on in the background, when a knock at the door interrupted her. Gabby jumped looking up and seeing her big boss Joe standing in the doorway.
"Hey sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to you about something." Gabby felt her nerves come unhinged, but managed to smile. She had been writing for the AJC barely two months and wasn't sure what this visit was about.
"What's up Joe?" Joe took a seat opposite her as Gabby sat up straight in her chair giving him her full attention.
"Okay, so I just got off the phone with one of the corporate guys from the WWE and they've requested you to do a feature piece for Wrestlemania…" Gabby's eyes went wide and she had to remind herself to breathe.
"Wait, what? Why me?"
"First off you could have let me know your brother was Edge! How awesome is that? I don't make it a known fact around the office, but I'm a huge mark, especially for guys like HHH and that Punk guy that's always proclaiming himself the best in the world. I watch every Monday and even listen to a few podcasts to stay in the know." Gabby's cheeks blushed as she suddenly felt a hot flash take over her young body. Joe was thrilled to find out Adam aka Edge was her brother, exactly how would he feel if he knew she had just broke up with "that Punk guy?" Gabby took a deep breath and Joe sensed she was uncomfortable. "Are you okay Gabby?"
"Yeah, great…is it a little warm in here or is it just me?"
"I feel fine, but I'll have the AC turned up a degree or two…anyway back to what we were talking about. WWE is willing to give you full access including backstage interviews, VIP passes to axxess and even a ticket to the hall of fame show, that's like $8000 worth of stuff and they're just giving it away for free! In return they want a full spread in the features section, which shouldn't be hard to do seeing the event is a week long affair and fans come from all over the world to see it. They also mentioned that if your stuff is good enough, they're willing to publish it on their website, which is international exposure for both you and the paper, so what do you say kid?" Gabby felt like she was going to pass out and throw up at the same time. She had left the circus that was the WWE when she decided to stay in Atlanta, not to mention, what if she came face to face with Punk? She hadn't had any contact with him in over two months and he hadn't left her on the best of terms, but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and with Joe talking international exposure, Gabby couldn't really think of a reason to say no. It's just business Gabby…strictly business…
"Okay I'll do it…"
"Great I'll call Mr. McMahon and let him know you're in so they can set everything up on their end."
"Wait, Vince McMahon was the corporate guy you spoke to?"
"Well I guess it was slightly understated calling him a corporate guy, seeing he's THE guy. He called last week and we started discussing matters and then everything was finalized today. As soon as I get the final fax, I'll pass it along to you so you can start to prepare yourself."
"Yeah, that would be great…thanks Joe." Joe left the office and Gabby laid her head on her desk. "Damn you Punk!" Sitting up she stared at her computer screen looking over her half finished column. It was a good thing she had a few days before print because she was currently out of the zone, her only focus being how she was going to get through Wrestlemania week and why after two months he was suddenly making an effort to come around. Gabby took a deep breath pushing a piece of her brunette locks behind her ear before picking up her phone and calling Adam. If ever there was a time that she needed her brother to give her damn good advice it was now.
Punk has Gabby exactly where he wants her, but what is a girl to do? Will she give into him, or fight his advances to avoid getting hurt again?
Chapt 43: Gabby gets an unexpected visitor and Punk gets what he wants...