Enchanted
Chapter 3
Part one of The Wonderstruck Series
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to the WWE, TNA, HWA or CZW. I only own the OCs.
"Did you bring the emergency bag?" Allie looked over at Steph from her spot beside Jon.
Steph gave her a smile and reached down under the bench seat of the limo and pulled out a large duffle bag. "Don't I always?"
Allie clapped her hands excitedly before reaching for the bag. "Yay for comfy clothes!"
"Do you guys wanna stop so you can change?" Steph asked the men in the car, while Allie dug through the large bag.
"That sounds great actually," Joe spoke up, wanting desperately to get out of the dress clothes he was in. The other two men quickly agreed.
"Jon," Colby spoke up looking towards the blonde man that was watching Allie dig through her bag with great amusement, before turning his attention to his friend. "I probably have something you can borrow if you don't want to go all the way home."
"Appreciate that man," he smiled at his friend, knowing that Colby was trying to save him from going home and possibly running into Renee. "Think I'd like to grab my jacket and a hat though. Won't take me long at all to change."
"Who's closest?" Steph asked as she lowered the partition between them and the driver.
"I am," Jon answered. "The guys are staying at a hotel just off the strip."
Steph nodded, asking for Jon's address and relaying it to the driver. "Where are you changing, missy?" She asked Allie who had begun to take the pins out of her hair.
"Ummm..." Allie hummed as she thought. Her apartment was on the opposite side of the city and it seemed like a waste of time to go all the way there. "I can wait til we get to your hotel and change in one of the restrooms."
"No way," Joe chuckled. "You can change in the bathroom in my room if you want, baby girl."
"Thanks, Joe," Allie beamed at him, earning just as bright a smile from the Samoan.
Neither of them noticing the flash of green in Jon's eyes as he took in the interaction, but he quickly casted it away. He was not only in a relationship, but living with that person. He shouldn't be jealous of Joe, a completely available man, offering Allie, a completely available woman, to the best of his knowledge, a place to change.
It wasn't like he'd just propositioned her for sex and even if he had, Jon shouldn't be bothered by that. However, he couldn't deny that for some reason he was. Jon removed his intense stare at Joe, who was now talking to Steph and Colby, and looked over at the beautiful blonde who had just nudged his side.
"You ok?" She asked with a gorgeous smile. "You look lost in thought. You sure you wanna go out?"
"Absolutely," Jon answered, almost to quickly. "Wouldn't want to miss out on the chance to see how Alicia Miles unwinds."
Allie's laugh made Jon smile brightly. "Oh, this isn't unwinding for me. This is a night out with friends."
"Well then how does the glamorous Ms. Miles unwind?" Jon asked, turning his body towards her some more, so he was now sitting on the seat at a slight angle.
"Glamorous? Hardly," Allie laughed again before answering his question. "I love just sitting at home and watching movies or reading a good book. It's not something I get to do very often, so when I get a chance, I love to veg out. I love the outdoors too. I love nature walks, hiking, sports..."
"Do you ever go out to the desert?" Jon asked chiming in, his interest definitely peaking. He loved being outside.
"Whenever I can," Allie nodded enthusiastically. "My career keeps me busy, but I'm hoping now that I'm taking some time off that I'll be able to do a lot of things I don't normally get to."
"I swear, the desert is my favorite place," Jon agreed, with a big smile. "When I'm home that's usually where you find me. That's my gym when I'm home."
"Well from what I can see, your gym is working for you," Allie winked at him playfully and Jon couldn't help but wish she was actually flirting with him.
"Thanks," he forced a chuckle through the tightening in his throat, before swallowing harshly when she looked towards the laughter that came from the other end of the car.
Not too long after, they pulled up in front of Jon's house, letting him hop out quickly and jog up to his front door. He disappeared inside and he hadn't been joking when he reappeared only a few minutes later. He had changed into a loose pair of jeans, a black tshirt, his leather jacket, a backwards fitted black hat and a pair of black boots.
Sliding back inside the limo and next to Allie, he shot her a dimpled smile and wiggled his eyebrows at her, making her laugh. They were then off to the hotel for the others to change.
"I was thinking," Allie said to Jon as they all climbed out of the car once they had arrived at the hotel. "I don't know what your schedules like, but maybe when you come home next time we could go do the desert workout together. I don't have many people I'm close with and even less that would hang out with me in the desert. Your girlfriend can come too. I'd assume she usually goes with you."
"Actually she rarely goes," Jon responded as they made their way inside. Colby broke off from them, saying he would meet them back in the lobby in about fifteen minutes. "That'd be awesome though. I'd love to go with you. I think Renee pretends to enjoy it honestly. She brags about it when we're on the road, but when we're out there all she does is nag me about when we're leaving."
Allie offered him a small smile, "We'll if it wouldn't bother her, I'd be happy to be your desert buddy."
Jon smiled, feeling excitement fill him. He went to respond, but before he could, Allie was pulled away by Steph and ushered into Joe's room and towards the bathroom. The girls disappeared behind the door as Jon watched it close slowly.
"You two seem to be hitting it off." Joe's voice pulled Jon's attention away from the door and he was met with a knowing smile from his best friend.
"She's pretty cool, man," Jon chuckled as plopped down on Joe's bed and waited for the other man to quickly change.
"I think you're into her," Joe smirked at him after changing and sat down beside Jon to put his boots on. The Samoan had changed into a pair of dark jeans and a grey v-neck tee that looked like it was painted on him.
"I'm with Renee, dude," Jon shook his head with a smile and gently shoved his friend's arm.
"Doesn't mean you aren't into Allie," Joe chuckled, shoving his friend back. "She seems to be a pretty down to earth girl and likes the simple things in life if I heard your conversation correctly. Everything Renee is not."
"Joe, I love Renee," Jon sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. "Even if I was into Allie, that doesn't mean I'd leave Renee for her. That ain't me, brother."
"No, it's not," Joe agreed, standing up to gather his wallet and phone to put in his pockets. "Look man, I'm not saying that you should dump Renee and go for Allie. It would just be awesome to see you with someone who cares about you as much as you do them. Renee's been walking all over you for a couple years and I don't like watching you so stressed out. It ain't right, man. You deserve better."
"Renee loves me," Jon answered. He knew Joe had his best interest in mind, but he knew Renee loved him, even if she sucked at showing it. "She just needs to get it through her head that wrestling isn't a stepping stone for me. It's my life and it's all I wanna do. Once she finally gets that we'll be fine."
The last thing Joe wanted was to get into it Jon and have his friend pissed at him for the rest of what was supposed to be a fun night. So he relented and ruffled his friends hair playfully. "Alright, babe. Just don't wait too long. I don't want to see you stuck in a situation you can't get yourself out of. Because then big brother Joe will have to step in and none of us, especially Renee, want that."
Jon laughed and pushed Joe's hand away, just as the two women opened the door to the bathroom and emerged.
Allie came out first and sighed in relief at the fact that she was now dressed for comfort. Her slim boyfriend jeans were tucked into a pair of grey wool socks and black candies ankle boots. Her long blonde hair was now pulled back in a high ponytail and her body was wrapped loosely in a comfy black sweater with a grey scarf looped around her neck.
Steph, who followed closely behind, was dressed in faded skinny jeans and brown riding boots. Her green flowing tunic tank was drawn into her sides by a brown leather belt and her brown hair was down in simple waves.
"Are you ladies ready to head out?" Joe asked them as Jon stood up from the bed.
"Yep!" Allie said excitedly, looping her arm through Jon's. "Let's hit it."
"Hey! Steph! Al!" A voice called out as soon as the group entered the little bar that Allie had lead them too. Allie had sent the limo driver away and the group had walked their way to the strip, which wasn't far from the hotel.
Allie and Steph spun towards the bar with beaming smiles on their faces before taking off in the direction of a big, burly biker looking guy. The man was tall and muscular, covered in tattoos and leather, looking extremely intimidating except for the big smile he had plastered on his hairy face as he stepped out from behind the bar and scooped the gorgeous blond and brunette up into his arms at the same time.
The guys made their way over to join them, reaching them as the big man was placing the girls back on their feet.
"What are you two doing here?" He asked as he shot a glance at the three men now standing behind the girls. "It's been too long. Thought maybe you'd moved on to big and better bars."
"No way," Allie laughed, nudging him. "I just got back in town. Thought we'd come by and see you and make sure you guys hadn't burned this place to the ground."
"Not a chance," he chuckled in response. He looked at the guys again and nodded in their direction. "These new bodyguards or something?"
Allie laughed, "No, they're friends of ours." Stepping between Colby and Jon, Allie looped their arms through theirs. "This is Colby, Jon and Joe. Guys, this big lug is Gage. My oldest and dearest friend in Vegas. Gage was the first friend that Steph and I made out here."
"And they've been driving me crazy ever since," Gage laughed, leaning forward and shaking all three men's hands. "It's nice to meet you boys. Any friends of Al and Steph are friends of mine. Make yourselves at home and order whatever you like. It's on the house."
He shot a wink at the girls before walking back behind the bar. Allie and Steph lead the guys towards the back corner of the room towards a large booth. It tucked nicely in the dark corner and fit all of them, and while allowing for privacy gave them an open view of the room.
It wasn't long before the drinks were flowing and the group was laughing and having an amazing time. Steph had managed to con Colby and Joe into a game of darts, while Jon and Allie watched them with great amusement from the table.
"She's a con artist," Jon laughed as he watched Colby and Joe stare at the brunette in disbelief as she wiped the floor with them.
"At least they weren't playing for money," Allie laughed, as Steph did a celebratory dance around the two men.
"I think Joe might have a crush," Jon replied, smiling at the blush on Joe's face as Steph hip bumped him lightly, when Colby excused himself to the restroom.
"Think you may be right," Allie laughed again. "And I don't think it's one-sided." It was Steph's turn to blush when Joe pulled her into his side before turning her towards the bar. "Hmmm, interesting."
"So," Jon spoke bringing Allie's attention back to him. "As corny as this may sound, what's it like being the ultimate A-lister?"
Allie smiled brightly, but shook her head, "I don't think I'm the ultimate A-lister."
"Oh come on!" Jon laughed in disbelief. "You're America's sweetheart. Almost the entire entertainment industry is practically on their knees for an opportunity to work with you."
Allie groaned and leaned back in her chair. "Don't get me wrong. I appreciate the glitz and the glamour and the spotlight, but that's not what it's all about for me."
"What's it about for then?" Jon asked thoroughly intrigued. He was use to Renee's mentality that working your way to the top was what really mattered. The next step was just a stepping stone, but to what? He's not really sure what Renee was trying to achieve. Where she wanted to be.
"I just love acting," Allie beamed and said it with such passion that Jon could feel her sincerity and love for what she did. Just like his passion was wrestling, Allie's was acting.
"I've loved movies since I was a little girl and always dreamed of the opportunity to be someone who gets to help tell a story. To bring a fairy tale character to life for children. To make you feel the adrenaline pump through you during an action thriller. To make you feel the terror of a horror movie. To bring humor and romance into someone's life. If I could just act and never have to deal with all the other responsibilities life would be a lot more simple."
Jon sat and stared at for a moment, a small smile on his lips. Where had this woman come from? She was most definitely not like every other female he had met in the entertainment industry. His own girlfriend included. He felt like he had finally found another person outside of Joe and Colby that understood him.
His gaze began to make Allie fidget in her seat. Had she gotten too carried away?
"I'm sorry," she blushed, bowing her head slightly. "I get a little long winded when I talk about acting."
Jon shook his head to reassure her and to also knock the cobwebs loose. "No, it's just refreshing to talk to someone who would understand how I feel about wrestling. You're passionate about something you love. I appreciate that."
"No one else feels the same way about wrestling that you do?" Allie quirked a curious brow.
"Joe and Colby do," Jon answered after taking a long sip of his drink. "But there are many of them that use wrestling as a stepping stone and it pisses me off. There are so many talented dedicated wrestlers out there that would kill for an opportunity with the WWE, but because we have talentless bloodsuckers taking up roster space, they don't get the chance. I just hate that the real wrestlers get bumped for people who couldn't give two shits about this business."
"So you've always wanted to be a wrestler?" Allie asked, leaning towards him showing genuine interest. Another first for Jon.
"Always," Jon smiled at her. "Except for maybe a brief stint when I was five when I wanted to be a fireman." Allie giggled and the sound made Jon's heart soar. He really need to be careful or he could easily fall for this woman and that just wasn't an option.
"My parents always tell everyone that when I was little I would tell them that I either wanted to be a hairdresser or a brain surgeon," Allie giggled, while Jon bursted into laughter.
"Talk about both ends of the spectrum," he grinned at her teasingly.
"Right?" Allie laughed.
Their conversation carried on and before long they were joined by Colby who had returned from the bar after exiting the restroom.
"Geez, I'm starting to feel like a third wheel over there," Colby said motioning back to the bar towards Steph and Joe who seemed to be engrossed in a deep conversation as they both sat at the bar and were leaned in close to each other. "I figured I come back to the booth where it's safe."
"It really surprises me," Allie said turning back to the two men. "She's usually a lot more shy around attractive men. I'm usually her ice breaker. I'm kind of proud of her."
"How long have you two known each other?" Colby asked, leaning back in his seat.
"Since we were 7," Allie smiled fondly. "We've been best friends since third grade. Sisters really."
"Wow," Jon smiled impressed. "You've stuck together all this time?"
"She's the reason I even had the nerve to audition for my first role," Allie responded. "If it wasn't for her, I may have never started acting. It seemed pretty obvious that I needed her there with me every step of the way. She doesn't get nearly enough credit for the shit she has to deal with."
Before long the three were joined by the topics of discussion. Steph plopped herself down next to Allie with a beaming smile, while Joe slid in next to Colby.
"Hi," Allie chuckled at her friend, watching her cheeks go even more pink if it was possible.
"Hi," Steph responded, before giving Allie a gentle nudge to knock it off. "So I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we both forgot you have a tv spot tomorrow."
"What?!" Allie leaned back with a displeased look. "With who?"
"The Morning Blend," Steph winced, biting her lip.
"Oh fuck me," Allie hissed, throwing her head back and growling in annoyance. Neither of the girls notice the three men share impish looks at her comment.
"I know," Steph sighed. "We booked it right before you left for Hawaii. They've been dying for you to come on the show. You promised that when you came back you would."
"What's wrong with The Morning Blend?" Jon asked curiously, looking between the two women.
"Nothing," Allie shook her head. "It's just a lot earlier than I wanted to be up on my first day off, that's now apparently not a day off."
"I'm sorry, Leash," Steph grimaced, knowing how much her best friend was looking forward to getting some rest.
"It's ok," Allie smiled at her. "We both forgot." A thought crossed Allie's mind before turning to Steph again. "But we are so going to Bachi's tomorrow for lunch."
"Ummm," Steph winced before glancing quickly at Joe, making Allie look between the two of them with amusement.
"I'm assuming you already made lunch plans," Allie chuckled.
"Well, Joe decided to stay another day in Vegas and asked if I would should him around," Steph blushed.
A couple of snorting laughs sounded from across the table and the girls looked over in time to see Joe giving Jon and Colby scolding looks as the two men tried to compose themselves.
Allie gave Jon a questioning look, but he just cleared his throats and waved his hand, telling her it was nothing. Allie continued to glance between the three men before realization dawned on her.
"Well," Allie said looking at Joe. "You're in for quite the tour then. Steph was apprehensive about loving to Vegas when I suggested it, but she quickly fell in love with it. She knows Vegas better than anyone."
"Well maybe you could at least join us for lunch," Joe suggested feeling bad about Allie being left to her own devices after the unexpected plans for tomorrow.
"Oh no," Allie shook her head. "I wouldn't dream of interrupting. I'll find something to do. You two enjoy your outing tomorrow."
"Well, we better get you home so you can get some rest," Steph said as she slid out of the booth and pulled out her phone to call a car for them. "Let's go say goodbye Gage, before we leave."
They all made their way over to the biker who was disappointed to see them leave. He thanked them for coming and told the guys they were welcome back anytime. He scooped both women into his arms like he had when they arrived and gave them big bear hugs, telling them not to be strangers.
The group exited the bar and waited by the curb for the girl's ride to arrive. Allie turned to Jon while the others began a conversation about Steph and Joe's plans for tomorrow.
"So," Allie glanced back at the others who were slightly out of ear shot. "He doesn't need a tour does he?"
Jon chuckled and shook his head. "He probably knows Vegas just as well as he knows Pensacola. The three of us have hit this town pretty hard. I think my friend was just looking for a way to spend some time with your friend."
Allie laughed and nodded her head, "I figured as much. Gotta say it's kinda cute." She smiled at him and realized that he needed a way to get home. "Do you want us to drop you off at home?"
"No, thank you," Jon smiled at her concern. "I'm going to walk back to the hotel with Joe and Colby. I'm gonna spend some time with them before I head home later."
"Ok," she answered. "If you're sure."
"Yep," Jon nodded, "but listen, since your plans for tomorrow fell through, and the back up plan, would you mind me being Steph's replacement. I haven't been to Bachi's in forever and I could definitely do with some bad food choice."
"That'd be awesome!" Allie beamed in excitement. "Would Colby want to come too? I don't want him to feel like the odd man out."
"He's actually flying out early to head home to his fiancé," Jon replied, surprised, though he shouldn't be at this point, by her consideration for his friend. "I'm sure he'll appreciate you thinking of him though."
"Maybe next time then," Allie smiled. "Do you want to meet me at studio tomorrow and we can head to lunch once I'm done?"
"Sounds great," Jon answered. "I can't wait."
They both turned their heads when they heard a car approaching the group, realizing it was Steph and Allie's ride. Turning back to Jon, Allie smiled at him, her hands fidgeting with her clutch in front of her.
"For a night I was in no way looking forward too," Allie spoke sweetly, almost shyly. "It turned out to be pretty incredible. I'm glad Steph made me go out tonight."
"It was one of the best nights I've had in a long time," Jon answered with a gorgeous smile. He reached towards her and took her right hand in his, before bringing it slowly to his lips and brushing them lightly across her knuckles. "Tonight, and you Ms. Miles, were absolutely enchanting."
Allie's heart stuttered and skipped, as she fought to form words. "It was enchanting to meet you as well, Jon," Allie's voice was breathy and soft.
Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds before Steph called out to her and the spell seemed to dissipate. The pair moved over to the car, where Allie said goodbye to Joe and Colby wishing them both safe flights home.
As she went to slide into the car, she turned to Jon again, "Tomorrow?"
Jon smiled and nodded at her, "Tomorrow."
And with a final beautiful smile, she disappeared into the car and was whisked away into the night.
'Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.'
End Part One... Stay tuned for Part Two of The Wondrstruck Series: Heart on Fire