A/N: The concept of this story was inspired by the 1998 chick flick You've Got Mail and the 1940 film Shop Around the Corner. I really liked this overall idea, and I wanted to try creating my own spin on it. But because this story takes place in the late 90s, it'll probably be more similar to the 1998 movie in terms of technology and the use of AOL/AIM.
Let me know if this is a keeper or not. If so, I may continue this, although updates may not always be consistent because I have other priorities to attend to as well (also, my new puppy demands a lot of attention). But if it isn't, I will go back to updating my other three stories, because I am WAY behind on updates. It was also my birthday this past Wednesday, so this is like a belated birthday gift to myself and to you guys.
Disclaimer: I do not own WWE, or any familiar names mentioned in this story. I only own my OC Dayna and any other names that may not be recognizable.
October 1997...
"Was that or was that not a great match?" a young brunette woman flipped her now sweat covered bangs away from her eyes and gave fellow wrestlers Billy Gunn and Davey Boy Smith a smirk as she strutted into the backstage area with the Women's Championship title displayed on her shoulder after a victory over Luna Vachon.
"Yeah, great match, Dayna," Billy Gunn stated with Davey nodding in agreement.
"Thanks, Billy," she called out as she passed by the two men.
Dayna continued on her way to her locker room to prep for her shower, basking in the looks that she would receive from her other coworkers. But the smirk on her face quickly dropped into a grimace when she noticed the sound of a familiar raspy drawl.
"Believe or not baby, I bench lifted almost 350 pounds at the gym this morning. Check out the size of these guns..."
That deviant Shawn Michaels was standing around the corner with Sunny on his arm, and she seemed to be taken in by whatever tall tales he may have been telling to win her over. It was no secret that Dayna never liked him from day one. Everything about him irked her, even the way he wore jeans that looked to be a size too tight for him. He didn't do anything to provoke her though, she just simply saw him as a conceited, ass kissing man whore. Shawn didn't care for her either, although he never gave a reason as to why, aside from stating time and time again that 'Dayna is a stick in the mud.'
Resisting the urge to barf at the sight of Shawn and Sunny sucking face, Dayna carefully tiptoed towards the corridor, hoping to sneak past the two lovebirds. But her presence didn't go unnoticed, however.
"Well, look who it is, Sunny," Shawn proclaimed, making Dayna's teeth clench up, "The Woman's Champion... Tell me, how many asses did you have to kiss to get that title?"
The brunette woman couldn't help but huff when she saw Sunny's sly smirk. She so badly wanted to slap it off her face once she was through with Shawn.
"I've earned my place in this business, thank you very much! As for you, Shawn, I'd do some serious self-reflecting, because the only ass kisser I see is standing right in front of me."
As if on cue, Shawn stepped aside, bringing Dayna face to face with a full-length mirror that displayed her reflection.
"Yup, I see the ass kisser alright," Shawn snickered alongside Sunny, "As a matter of fact, we can all see her."
Dayna gave the twosome a look that could kill an army of people. She would have thrown hands right then and there if it weren't for a few of the other wrestlers being in the room. But she had to remind herself that no matter how infuriating this man was, he wasn't worth losing her job over. Or her dignity.
"Go to hell, Shawn," Dayna merely expressed before stomping away towards the locker rooms.
The sound of laughter echoed behind her as she continued on her way, fists clenched tightly. Dayna and Shawn barely spoke to one another backstage, but whenever they did, they were almost never on good terms. In fact, this was the first conversation they've had in a while that didn't end with Dayna attempting to rearrange his face.
Dayna tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear and exhaled heavily. She hoped she wouldn't have a run in with them again anytime soon.
"Did Shawn say something to aggravate you again? I can't with him..." Joanie Laurer, also known as Chyna, crossed her arms and shook her head as Dayna informed her of her previous encounter with Shawn.
"He claims that I kissed up to Vince to get the title," Dayna slammed her towel down on the bench along with her gym bag after she had showered and changed out of her wrestling attire, "What did I ever do to deserve this treatment?"
"He's just vexed because you have the title and not Sunny," Joanie stated as she began to pack up the rest of her belongings, "Also, if I were you, I would tone down the ego, because you could lose your status in this company as quickly as you've earned it."
It has been over a year since Dayna Waters, known as simply Dayna in the ring, made her debut in the WWF. When she was training with an independent wrestling federation in the early 1990s, WWF officials wouldn't give her the time of day. But once she was finally given a chance, she became a fan favorite after a couple of months in the business, therefore gaining the favor of Vince McMahon. Due to her status in the business, she could never go beyond a 'hi and bye' relationship with most of her coworkers, especially the women. But it wasn't her fault that she had a natural affinity for this sort of work.
"But it's not my fault that people are so jealous of me," Dayna protested, "I'm allowed to be proud of where I'm at today."
Joanie shook her head at Dayna's pigheadedness, "If you want any allies in this company, you need to stay grounded. I had to learn this lesson the hard way, and I wouldn't want the same for you."
Dayna sighed in response. She hated when Joanie would put her in her place.
"Well, Hunter and I are going to this burger joint around the corner from here," Joanie stood up from her spot on the bench and lifted her gym bag onto her shoulder, "Wanna join? Shawn will probably be doing God knows what with Sunny, so he won't be coming."
Dayna opened her mouth to accept her offer, but suddenly remembered what she had planned to do after the show, "Actually...I'm pretty pooped, so I'll just head back to the hotel instead. Let's take a raincheck maybe?"
Joanie simply shrugged her shoulders and turned towards the exit, "Alright, see you tomorrow."
"Enjoy those burgers! You deserve 'em!" Dayna called out and Joanie waved in response.
Once Joanie was out of sight, Dayna surveyed the area to ensure there weren't any other wrestlers nearby before closing the door discreetly. She pulled out an IBM ThinkPad laptop and upon turning it on, she quickly opened up AOL and logged onto her email account under her screen name GorgeousDay. After the dial tone went off, a voice sounded, indicating that she had mail. Dayna scanned through the names on the list. Skylar, her current roommate and friend from high school had sent an email, and her mom had sent a few as well, but she didn't feel like talking to either of them at the moment.
When she came across the name TexanBoy01, she immediately stopped scrolling. She had met him while wandering aimlessly through an 18+ chatroom several months ago, and their connection was instantaneous. TexanBoy01 was the typical Southern gentleman and Dayna loved that. They also connected over their shared interest in animals and fitness. However, she didn't know his name, occupation, or any specifics about him, and likewise. This guy could be a creeper for all she knows, but she didn't want to think that way. She did remember him mentioning that he had a demanding work schedule, which forced him to be away from home most of the time. She knew how he felt, since her job had similar demands and it was another thing they could bond over.
She opened up his email and began to read over what he said:
Hello, gorgeous,
I hope your week was as great as you are. As for me, I hit a few roadblocks these past couple days. My rental car had a flat on the way to work, my boss got on my case for showing up 15 minutes late, and I may have taken my frustrations out on a co-worker. I guess we all have our ups and downs, right? One thing I can say for certain is that I've really enjoyed our talks, whether through email or messaging. Believe it or not darling, they've gotten me through the hardest of weeks. I recall you've mentioned something about a slime bag co-worker, and I hope he isn't too much trouble. I'd show that guy a thing or two if I knew where you worked, but I'd rather it remain a mystery.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely yours.
A smile slowly began to form on her face as she read the email a few more times. Dayna was very touched by what he told her here, and she felt the same way. She enjoyed the back-to-back conversations that she would have with him throughout the week. Due to their busy schedules, they usually communicated by email, but if they were both online, they would chat via Instant Messager. Excluding specifics, they could talk about any subject under the sun, and Dayna felt a sense of comfort with TexanBoy01, even though she never met him. There was a part of her that felt the urge to ask him to meet somewhere for a meal, or to at least know his name. But there was something alluring about how everything was a mystery to her. And she wanted it to remain that way.
Humming to herself, she typed out a response to him before turning off her laptop and placing it in her gym bag. Hoisting her bag onto her shoulder, she left the locker room area with a spring in her step.
"Hunter, you've got to believe me! This woman is nuts!" Shawn exclaimed, nearly blowing his best friend's ear off through the phone speaker, "Did you see the way she tried to uppercut me last week?"
Triple H, affectionately known as Hunter, had to suppress a chuckle, "I'm not justifying her actions or anything, but you did start that rumor in the locker room about how Dayna contracted herpes. How would you, of all people, have known that?"
Shawn shrugged in response. Dayna was in a brief, on-screen romantic storyline with Mark Henry prior to winning the title. And around the time they had to share an on-screen kiss, Shawn decided to 'hint' to Mark that Dayna was contagious with something, just for funsies. Ever since then, the other male wrestlers have been avoiding her like the plague, and it made Dayna hate Shawn even more than she did before. Honestly, Shawn didn't know for sure if Dayna had herpes or not. Maybe she did, but he just enjoyed finding ways to get under her skin.
"Well, I wouldn't be surprised if she had some sort of contagious disease," Shawn retorted, "I mean just look at her..."
"I thought you said Dayna was hot?" Hunter questioned.
"She is hot," Shawn stated, "A hot mess."
Hunter rolled his eyes, "Shawn, what am I going to do with you?"
"Be my best friend of course," Shawn bluntly stated, earning a chortle from Hunter.
"I have to let you go now," Hunter sighed, "Joanie and I are getting ready to go out for burgers. We would have invited you, but we figured you'd be busy with Tammy."
Shawn did a waving gesture with his hand, even though Hunter couldn't see it, "Naw, she wanted some quality time with the gals, so I'll just be in my room. I'm pretty beat anyways."
"Okay, sleep well, buddy. Good night." Hunter responded before the call disconnected.
Shawn placed the phone back on the receiver and walked over to the door to ensure that Tammy aka Sunny wasn't around before pulling out his laptop. After turning it on and connecting to the Internet, he logged on to his account TexanBoy01 and smirked upon finding that he had mail from GorgeousDay. He had never been too big on technology, but several months ago, he and a buddy of his decided to jump into online chatrooms to mess with people, which was how he came across her. Upon talking, Shawn found her to be the most down-to-earth person he's ever spoken with. With her, he was free to be plain old Shawn, or whoever he wanted to be. He didn't have to be the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, and he considered that a refreshing change.
He began to read over her most recent email:
Howdy, cowboy!
Sounds like you've had a rough week. I wish I could do more to help, but it's makes me happy to hear that you enjoy talking with me. Most people don't to be honest. I've only ever had a few friends growing up, and connecting with others is still a struggle for me. But I can't complain much, because I get to talk to you at least. As for the "slime bag", he's been annoying as usual. I got promoted at work last week, and he accused me of cheating my way to the top. I couldn't believe the nerve of this guy. Because I worked hard for this promotion, but he can't see that for some reason. Such is life I guess... Anyway, I hope your week gets better, and I'd loved to chat with you later if you're online.
Take care,
Sincerely yours.
Shawn had an inkling that GorgeousDay might still be online, so he decided to send her a brief message:
TexanBoy01: Good evening, gorgeous.
His leg began to jump as he waited for a reply. He figured he would wait for a few minutes and if there was no response, he would log off and try another time. But his leg still couldn't help but bounce faster as the feeling of apprehension began to hit him. Was he too straight-forward? Maybe she found him annoying and didn't want to talk to him. Shawn was slowly allowing these thoughts to consume him, until his computer made a sound that made his jump from his seat. She messaged him back! Now they were in business.
GorgeousDay: Good evening to you as well.
TexanBoy01: So, tell me more about the d-bag.
GorgeousDay: You mean the ignorant coworker I was telling you about?
TexanBoy01: Yup, where can I find him? I'd like to stick my foot up his ass.
GorgeousDay: That won't be necessary. But I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
TexanBoy01: Anything for you, sweetheart. Congrats on your promotion by the way!
GorgeousDay: Thank you! I've been on cloud 9 since it all happened.
TexanBoy01: What will you get from it? A pay raise? Better work environment? Hopefully better coworkers.
GorgeousDay: Yes and no. I get a much bigger pay raise, but that all comes with more responsibilities, travelling and so forth. Unfortunately, I'm also stuck working with the same people.
TexanBoy01: That's too bad. I have a few coworkers that I don't enjoy working with either. But I've gotten used to it by now.
GorgeousDay: Got any advice on how to cope? A friend told me that if I want people to like me, I need to be humble. But I think there is a line between wanting people to like you and being a complete suck up.
TexanBoy01: I can't say that I'm able to preach a lesson on humility because it's not my strongest point. But I can say that there is a difference between showing humility and allowing yourself to be treated like crap.
GorgeousDay: Okay, so how do I show humility and not care what my coworkers think of me?
Shawn raised an eyebrow as he reread her question. This conversation was headed in an interesting direction. He ran a hand through his dark blond locks as he contemplated on how to answer her. He remembered one of his mentors giving him advice on a similar subject when he first started out in the WWF, but what did he say again? All of a sudden, a light bulb went off in his head and his fingers started typing again.
TexanBoy01: You show respect to those that are deserving of it. And if people still don't like you, tell them to "kiss my ass".
GorgeousDay: Kiss your ass or mine?
TexanBoy01: I think you get my point. But it can go both ways if you want it to.
GorgeousDay: I think we should call it a night. But I want to thank you for your words of wisdom. I never realized that I was talking to a sage this whole time.
TexanBoy01: I'm full of surprises darling.
GorgeousDay: You weren't lying when you said humility isn't your strong point.
TexanBoy01: Thank you for noticing.
GorgeousDay: Okay, I need to log off now. But it was great talking to you again.
TexanBoy01: Always a pleasure, sweetheart.
"What'cha doing, babe?" Tammy questioned out of nowhere, causing Shawn to jump from his seat and quickly close his laptop.
"Nothing, baby," Shawn replied, as he stood up to give her a kiss on the cheek, "Just checking my email. You're back early."
"Yeah, I just want to go to bed," Tammy responded as she studied the expression on Shawn's face, "You seem to be in a better mood. Did something good happen?"
Shawn just shook his head as he guided her to the bed, "I'm just glad you're back, and I'm down for a little action, if you know what I mean?"
"Shawn, I'm not in the mood tonight," Tammy pulled away from Shawn's embrace and went into the bathroom to change her clothes.
Shawn grumbled to himself as he fell back onto the bed. At least he still got to end the night on a good note, even if he wasn't going to get any. As he began to drift off to sleep, he stared out the window at the night sky and couldn't help but wonder if GorgeousDay was looking at the same view.
The next night...
"Is she going to be alright?" Dayna questioned the medics backstage as they prepared to take Joanie away on a stretcher after their match.
"Dayna, I'm fine. I just pulled a hamstring," Joanie attempted to stand but immediately doubled over from the pain and into the arms of another medic.
"This injury looks to be more severe than a pulled hamstring. It may take a couple months to heal," One of the medics replied.
Dayna and Chyna were wrestling a dark match before the taping, and Dayna may have pulled on Chyna's leg a little harder than necessary when she tried to drag her out of the ring.
"I'm so sorry, Joanie!" Dayna knelt down to her friend's level as Hunter and Shawn came over to check on Joanie's welfare.
"This is all your fault, Dayna," Shawn pointed an accusing finger at the brunette, "You should get suspended."
"Shut your trap Shawn, before I shut it for you!" Dayna lifted a fist but was interrupted by Vince McMahon clearing his throat behind her.
"Dayna, I don't need you to cause another injury amongst one of my top stars," Vince stated, "Both of you in my office now."
Dayna sent a murderous glare in Shawn's direction as they made their way to Vince's office. He was always finding ways to torture her. If he could just disappear off the face of earth, she'd be thrilled.
Moments later...
"Mr. McMahon, sir. I swear it was an accident," Dayna attempted to plead with Vince while Shawn tried to hold back from laughing, "Jo...I mean Chyna hinted to me that we should take things outside of the ring and..."
Vince held a hand up to silence her, "I witnessed the incident, and I'm aware that there is a risk for injuries in the ring. I'll assure you that you are in no trouble."
Dayna let out a sigh of relief, but Vince wasn't done yet.
"But I just got word from the hospital that Chyna suffered a torn hamstring and will be out of action for about 3-6 months. So, I'll need you to stand in for her as DX's manager until she is cleared to come back."
Dayna and Shawn's jaws both dropped to the floor. Suspension sounded more desirable at this point...