Chapter 27

Trish examined her reflection in the mirror before sauntering over to the couch in the women's locker room. She picked up her cell and checked for any new text messages. Though she had messages in her inbox, none of them interested her…none of them were from Randy.

It had been almost 3 weeks since Trish had seen Randy. To say she missed him was probably the biggest understatement she's ever made. Granted, they'd kept in touch, but talking to him on the phone was so different from seeing him in person. She missed seeing his smile and the twinkle in his eyes…she missed his smell, his laugh…everything about him.

They actually had only spoken to each other a few times, as Randy was super busy with rehab, as well as wrapping up his messy divorce. It really is amazing how quickly divorces can be settled when the parties involved sign prenups and have large amounts of money at their disposal.

Trish had started traveling with Phil and Amy about a week after the Rumble, as Phil worked his magic and convinced Amy to continue training with the girls. That arrangement worked out well for Trish as with Randy out the picture, she had no one else to travel with. Obviously Phil benefitted most from the arrangement, as he and Amy were full swing into a blossoming relationship. If one thing was to be said about travelling with the two love birds, it was that Trish was finally realizing she wanted to take her quasi-relationship with Randy to the next level.

Tonight was the last house show leading into the Elimination Chamber and word backstage was that Randy would make his return for the main event at the pay-per-view. There currently was one open slot left in the Elimination Chamber match and they were leaving it a mystery opponent. Though, if you were an avid wrestling fan, it wasn't hard to figure out the spot was going to Randy.

This meant that in exactly two days, Trish was hopefully going to get to see Randy again. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and Trish could definitely identify and agree with that statement 100%.

A knock at the door pulled Trish from her day dreaming. She rolled her eyes and sat quietly on the couch, hoping whoever it was would go away. She wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. She'd rather sit there and sulk about how much she missed Randy. The stranger on the other side of the door knocked again. Persistent, aren't they? She sighed as she stood up and slowly meandered over to the door. As she opened the door and glanced up, she was met with a pair of sexy blue eyes.

She lit up immediately once she realized those eyes belonged to no one other than Randy. He stood there, with a huge smile running from ear to ear. She jumped into his open arms instantaneously and melted from the feelings that overwhelmed her body.

"Randy! Oh my God! It's really you!"

He chuckled, burying his face in her hair, inhaling her intoxicating scent. "You didn't know I was coming back?"

"No, I did…I just didn't think I'd see you for at least two more days! Why didn't you tell me?"

He looked her in the eyes and brushed a strand of hair from her face. Instantly, Trish felt a wave of energy run through her. The slightest touch from him was enough to make her weak in the knees. "I wanted it to be a surprise. I guess it worked?" He smiled, beaming at her.

Her smile filled her entire face. "Yes, absolutely!" She threw herself in his arms again, "I missed you so much!" She buried her head in his chest, breathing him in. He smelled amazing…a mix of cologne, soap, and laundry detergent…just as she remembered him.

He ran his hand through her hair, caressing it lightly before reaching down under her chin and pulling it up gently until her eyes met his. He had trouble expressing his feelings to her the last time he saw her, but this time, things were going to be different. He slowly leaned down until his lips found hers and pulled her into a kiss.

Trish's breath caught in her throat when his lips connected with hers. Her body became charged and tingled with anticipation. She was not expecting this whatsoever, but she also wasn't going to complain. He could have done whatever he wanted to with her right there and she'd do it, her body was putty in his hands.

After the kiss he pulled away slightly, trying to gauge her reaction. When he looked into her dark eyes, he found them filled with lust and desire. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into another kiss. Her lips parted, allowing his tongue entrance into her mouth. He backed her up until he had her pinned against the wall. She could feel his erection at her stomach, her body throbbing with pleasure, begging for more.

He reached his hand down and slid it up her thigh, lifting her leg around his waste and pushing his erection into her harder. His other hand reached up and massaged her breasts as his lips trailed down her neck. Trish twisted her hands in Randy's hair and pulled so that her lips smashed against his even harder.

Their session was cut short though as Amy came barreling in the room. "Hey Trish, we're waiting for you in the ri…" She turned around as soon as she realized what she walked in on, instantly embarrassed. "Oh shit, um…hey Randy, didn't know you were back."

Trish and Randy broke away from each other quickly, both out of breathe, their bodies reeling from what had just happened. Randy cleared his throat and scratched the back of head, letting a nervous chuckle escape his puffy, slightly swollen lips.

"Hey Amy…yeah, I got back today."

Amy turned back to face them, after allowing them time to resituate their clothing and smirked at Trish, "Are you coming or do you need some more time?"

Trish glared at Amy, as her lips curled into a slight shitty smile, "No, I'm coming. Lead the way." She glanced at Randy giving him a shy smile, "I'll catch up with you in a little bit."

Amy and Trish sat in the middle of the ring after practicing the interference for their match tomorrow night. "So…it looks as if Randy is more into you than you thought he was."

Trish looked at Amy and smiled. "Do you really think so? I don't know…I wish he would tell me what is going on in his head. For all I know I'm just friends with benefits to him."

Amy gave Trish an exasperated look. "You really think that's all you are to him? Trish you have to be blind if you don't see the way he looks at you! He's into you! It's obvious!"

"Yeah, but being into to me, as you put it, and wanting a serious relationship are two different things. He's been through so much shit with Sam; I wouldn't be surprised if he never wanted a serious relationship again."

"And what about you?"

Trish looked at Amy bewildered. "What about me?"

Amy gave Trish a knowing look, "Do you think you're ready for a serious relationship…with Randy or anyone else?"

Trish looked down, deep in thought. After watching Amy and Phil together these past weeks, Trish felt as if she was ready for a serious relationship. But she couldn't lie to herself that she was scared to death to open her heart again. Randy scared her in that sense. She knew her feelings for him were strong enough to fall and fall hard for him. But, what if things didn't work out? The pain she felt when Ron walked out was more than she could bear. She didn't ever want to have to relive that experience.

"I don't know Ames. Some days I do, and other days I don't. Right now, I do…tomorrow, may be a different story."

Amy nodded. "You're scared…"

Trish nodded, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "Terrified is probably a better word."

"Trish, you have to trust that Randy won't hurt you."

Trish sighed exasperatedly, "I put the same trust and faith in Ron and look where that got me. I was completely wrong about him."

"You can't compare Randy to Ron…it's not fair to Randy. Besides, he may be completely different from Ron."

"That's what I'm afraid to find out."

"Look Trish, many people have a hard time finding each other, and when they finally do, they're scared to take the risk. You can't be afraid to let go and open your heart to someone else. It's not easy to do, but sometimes you just have to. Otherwise, you'll be alone forever, and in the long run, that's going to hurt worse."

Trish looked at the ground, slowly nodding. "I know Ames…I'm just so scared to get hurt again."

Amy slid closer to Trish and pulled her into a hug. "Look sweetie, you can always take things slow with Randy. No one is telling you to jump into a serious relationship with him. Date him. Get to know him better and see if it helps you feel better about the whole thing. But the two of you really need to talk about what this is between you….so…"

Trish looked at Amy. "So…what?"

"So….you'll talk to him? Tonight?"

She sighed, "Yes…I'll talk to him tonight."

Randy threw his bag on the floor and collapsed onto the bed, letting out a large sigh. "What a day! I think I'm more tired from meeting with management all day than I ever was after working a match."

Trish chuckled as she sat down on the opposite bed. "I know the feeling. Hey, at least you didn't have to work a match on top of all the meetings…unlike me!"

He laughed, "Are you having a pity party for yourself?"

She busted out laughing, "Maybe I was!" She launched a pillow across the room at him. "I can't believe you just called me out on that!"

As their laughter died down, an awkward silence filled the room. Both of them trying to figure out how to begin 'the talk' they both know they needed to have. Trish decided to take a stab and begin the conversation. She swallowed hard, rubbing her sweaty palms on the tops of her thighs.

"So…this afternoon…was…um…"

"Hot" he breathed out, completing her sentence, laying flat on his back, staring at the ceiling.

"Hot, yes…er, um…and the night in the club was…"

"Amazing" he said, as he turned on his side, allowing his hand to support his head, his eyes smoldering, staring into her soul from across the bed.

Her breath hitched in her throat as her pulse began to pound. Her body became all tingly and she swallowed hard again, their eyes still locked on each others. It was remarkable how he could make her body react sitting ten feet away from her on opposite beds. He appeared calm and collected and she felt hot and heavy and fidgety with yearning for his touch.

He waited for her to speak again. He could tell she was nervous, but he wasn't sure why. What if she was trying to find a gentle way to let him down? To tell him it was just meaningless sex. Or was she nervous because she was afraid to admit her feelings for him?

"This is awkward." She mumbled out, somewhat whispered.

He crawled off his bed, closing the distance between the two of them. He sat on his knees, facing her in the middle of her bed.

"It doesn't have to be…" he said tenderly, his eyes softening, trying to hide the longing intensity radiating from them. He licked his lips, hesitating slightly on whether or not he should lean in and kiss her.

Her cheeks grew hot, while a pink blush slowly spread across them. She licked her lips, her eyes focusing on his lips. Dirty thoughts crowded her mind, as she imagined those lips on every inch of her body. Her heart was pounding in her chest, it took every restraint she had not to push him down on the bed and have her way with him.

"What are you thinking?" he asked. "Normally I can read you so well…to the point where I know exactly what's going on in that head of yours. But now, I'm not sure…."

She thought a moment before responding. "I think you know…"

He looked into her eyes and hesitated for a second before reaching his hand up, brushing it against her cheek before entangling it into her hair, reaching around to the back of her head and gently pulling her forward until his lips met hers. He sucked gently on her bottom lip, he was careful with the kiss; he didn't want it to erupt into a hot and heavy make-out session. He needed her to tell him what was on her mind.

As their lips released, Trish exhaled the air she had been holding. She could feel his breath on her face. It smelled of peppermint mixed with something sweet, maybe remnants of a drink. She opened her eyes to be met with a sea of blue eyes staring back at her. "What is this?" She breathed out.

Before Randy could answer though, Trish's cell erupted from the dresser, pulling them out of their entranced states. She jumped up immediately and picked up the phone. A concerned look crossed over her face as she read the name on the caller ID.

"Hi Ron" she said into the phone and looked up at Randy, examining his face for a reaction.

Randy remained expressionless. Was this the first time he's reached out to her since their divorce was finalized? Or has she been on speaking terms with him this entire time?

"No, I haven't found an investor yet for Stratusphere. I'm sorry, I know you need the money, but finding someone to invest $200,000 in my company isn't exactly an overnight process."

Randy's eyes lit up as a smirk formed on his lips. He could invest the money in Stratusphere. He had the money and it would be a good business investment. It seemed like a great idea. He exhaled a sigh of relief as he realized that was the reason Ron called.

"I promise I'll let you know as soon as I find someone. Otherwise, I'll start making you payments until I fully pay you back." She looked over at Randy who appeared to be relaxed as he lay back on the bed, his hands behind his head. "Any thing else you need?"

Randy watched as the color slowly drained from Trish's face. He saw the hurt in her eyes forming. Damn I wish he was on speaker phone! What the hell is he saying to her now?!

Trish glanced at Randy before speaking, "Hold on a minute." She looked at Randy apologetically before opening the door to the room and scooting out into the hallway, closing the door behind her.

Randy jumped off of the bed immediately. He walked over to the door and tried to listen in on their conversation. He knew it was wrong, but he was seconds away from confessing his feelings to Trish, if he had read her signs wrong, there was no way he was going to tell her how he felt.

He could hear her clearly for being in a completely different room. She must be sitting with her back against the hotel door.

"You're bringing this up now, Ron? Don't you think it's a little late for that?"

She sounded angry and hurt.

"I'm sorry…I'm trying to be understanding, but why did you wait so long? We've been divorced for almost two months now."

Randy's heart was in his throat. He had no idea what Ron had said to her, but he imagined it was something along the lines of 'I want you back'.

"I think about you too…"

Randy's heart fell in his chest as he struggled to find a breath. He walked away from the door immediately, he'd heard enough. So everything between them was just meaningless sex. She had no feelings for him whatsoever. She was still in love with Ron.

Trish continued, "…sometimes…I think about you and realize that this is for the best. We are too different of people. I'm actually surprised it worked for as long as it did! I wouldn't have admitted that to myself back when we were together, but now that I've taken a step back, I realize that we were never right for each other."

Randy pulled back the covers from his bed. There was no way he'd be able to face her once she came back in the room. He turned off all the lights except her bedside light and jumped in bed.

"A part of me will always love you Ron, but I've moved on…you should too. I'll email you when I find an investor. Bye."

Trish exhaled deeply and rested her head on the back of the door. She sat there for a moment, relishing in the last bit of closure. She smiled lightly as she stood; ready to finish her conversation with Randy. As nervous as she was to admit her feelings for him, she had to…he needed to know how she felt.

Her face fell when she walked into the room and realized he had gone to sleep. She stood confused momentarily. Did her call with Ron upset him? She wasn't on the phone longer than 30 minutes, though he did seem to be exhausted. It seemed understandable that he would fall asleep. But he turned out all the lights, as if he planned to go to sleep. Why would he do that in the midst of their conversation?

Her shoulders fell and she crawled into bed. This wasn't how she had pictured the night ending.