Chapter 28

Trish waited in the gorilla position before her match. Her music would be hitting any minute. This was it, the match that started her destiny to Wrestlemania. She tried to focus on the match, but Randy had been invading her thoughts all day. When she woke up this morning, he had already left for the arena. He left a note saying he'd catch up with her, but she hasn't seen him all day. She sensed he was ignoring her purposely, but she could be wrong. The Elimination Chamber was a grueling match…he would need to be in top shape for it. A lot of the guys chose to be alone while they prepared for this match…maybe Randy was the same.

"Hey, are you all set?"

She turned to find Amy next to her. She nodded gently, "Yes, are you?"

Amy jumped up and down a few times, "A little nervous…afraid of the fans' response to me."

Trish gave her a quick hug, "You'll be fine…they are going to go crazy for you!"

"Your mind seems to be elsewhere right now…penny for your thoughts?"

She sighed, "Randy…I think he's avoiding me…"

Amy tilted her head to the side, "Why would he be avoiding you? Did your talk not go well last night?"

Trish shrugged, "I thought it was, until Ron called and interrupted. I haven't spoken to or even seen Randy since then for the most part."

"What did he want?"

"His money for Stratusphere…and to tell me that he missed me and thought he made a mistake." She looked up at Amy, afraid of her reaction.

Amy threw an irritated look, "Of course he would. He's such an ass! Drudging up these feelings after your divorce was finalized."

"Oh it doesn't matter…I told him I was really done. Said that I realized we weren't right for each other."

"Did Randy know you were talking to Ron?"

"Yes, I answered the phone in front of him before stepping out into the hallway to take the call."

"Do you think that freaked him out?"

Trish shrugged, "I don't know…I didn't think it would, but I'm starting to wonder."

Amy smiled, "I'm on it."

Suddenly, Trish's music hit. It was showtime.

"Huh? On what?" Trish looked at Amy confused.

"Don't you worry about it…I'll figure out what Randy's problem is. Now get your ass out there!" She gave Trish a nudge forward and motioned for her to get out there.

The match was going according to plan. Beth and Trish had worked out some great moves and Nattie was throwing interference left and right. The fans were completely behind them, booing Nattie's every move and cheering for Trish's every comeback attempt. Everything was set up perfectly. Nattie had the referee busy on the apron, giving Beth the go ahead to nail Trish in the head with the belt. The fans reaction echoed through the arena as Trish ducked Beth's attempt, as the belt connected with the head of the referee, who fell to the mat, pretending to be knocked out cold.

That was Nattie's cue. She entered the ring and played up the fans a little bit who booed even louder than before. Trish tried to take her out but the double team was too much for her. Nattie had her up in the Nattie By Nature before she could blink. Trish played up the bump big time, barely moving on the mat. She couldn't see what Nattie and Beth were doing, but whatever it was, it got a huge pop from the crowd.

Within seconds, she felt Beth grab her hair. This was it. Trish was going in the air for the Glam Slam. Instantly the crowd went nuts and Trish knew exactly why. She saw as Lita slid into the ring and clotheslined Natalya, once, twice, three times. Beth instantly dropped Trish before the Glam Slam was completed and focused on Lita. They scrapped in the ring for a few seconds before Lita hit Beth with the Twist of Fate. Lita then pulled Beth into position for the Moonsault. She climbed the turnbuckle and the crowd was deafening. She connected instantly, stood and taunted the crowd before pulling Trish's body on top of Beth. She shook the ref until he came to and the extremely slow count came 1…..2….3! Lita helped Trish to her feet and gave her a huge hug. The two of them continued to celebrate as Nattie helped Beth up the ramp, both of them yelling at Lita and Trish.

"Oh what a rush! That was amazing!" Amy gushed as they popped through the gorilla.

Beth agreed, "That was the biggest crowd pop we've ever gotten! Talk about an adrenaline rush!"

Trish smiled, "I don't know what you ladies did out there, but man was the crowd booing you!"

Nattie chuckled lightly, "I may have made fun of one of your moves. I apologize now, but it really worked."

Trish shook her head, "Hey, whatever it takes!" She looked to her right and saw the guys getting together for the Elimination Chamber match. Phil and John were starting to stretch and loosen up for the match, while Bryan and Nick were talking over the plans. "Hey ladies, great match out there tonight!" Phil yelled as the four women made their way over.

"Thanks Phil! Think you'll be able to follow up such an awesome match?" Beth joked. Phil and John laughed a hardy laugh. "We can only try, Beth"

"Only try for what?" Randy asked as he walked up behind everyone. Trish immediately tried to make eye contact with him but he avoided her like the plague.

Amy took this opportunity to pounce. "Oh you know, to try and show up our awesome match!" She joked as she put her arm around Trish, focusing his attention on the two of them. Randy should naturally look at Trish, even if he didn't have anything to say to her.

Randy looked at Amy and flashed his signature smirk, acting as if Trish was invisible. "It shouldn't be too hard to do."

Amy shot him a semi dirty look, "Well good luck out there guys. Bryan, you get to keep the title?"

He smiled, "Yup…we're planning for another dirty win! Ref isn't going to see my foot on the ropes. Its gonna come down to me and my boy here!" Bryan said, giving Randy a light punch in the arm. Just then CM Punk's music hit. "Shit! That's my cue! See you out there my bitches!" Phil turned and jogged through the curtains.

Amy turned to Trish as the guys all walked over to the gorilla. "Oh yeah, he's definitely avoiding you. Now we just have to figure out why."

"Hey boys, I'm thinking a celebration is in order after the match…you all in?" Amy yelled after them. The four of them turned around and instantly John and Nick responded, "Absolutely!" Randy nodded in agreement, shooting a quick look at Trish who was staring at her feet.

Amy smiled triumphantly and turned to face Trish. "Perfect! Now the stage is set!"

Trish rolled her eyes, "For what?"

Amy shot her a dirty look and responded matter-of-factly. "To figure out what freaked Randy and to play matchmaker for you two since you can't seem to do it yourself!"

The club was packed when Trish and Amy arrived. They noticed Phil and a few others in the VIP section immediately. They immediately walked over and started to mingle with everyone. Amy ran up and gave Phil a kiss before scurrying off and grabbing John. Trish continued to chat with Beth and Nattie, watching Amy pull John off to the side. What is she up to?

About twenty minutes later, Randy entered the club. Trish noticed every single woman's head in the club turn and drool at Randy instantly. It really was annoying to watch all these women throw themselves at him. She smiled as she watched him ignore every single one of them. John approached him a few seconds later and started talking to him about something. Trish made her way to the bar, trying to get a better angle to watch the two of them without looking suspicious. They looked to be deep in conversation. Randy glanced up for a moment, looking through the crowd. The second he spotted Trish he looked away quickly and focused back on John. John turned and glanced at Trish a moment later and flashed her a little smile. He's up to something too obviously.

A few minutes later, Trish saw Amy pull Randy to the side. They disappeared around the corner and Trish couldn't see where they went. "Are you going to stalk him all night, or just for half the night?" She noticed an accent immediately and assumed it was Stephen. She was surprised when she realized it wasn't Stephen. "Hi, I'm Barri…you may recognize me as Mason Ryan?" he chuckled.

Trish smiled, "Yes, I do recognize you. It's nice to meet you Barri, I'm Trish."

He gave a heartwarming smile that reached his eyes. "I know who you are Trish."

She blushed, "I wasn't stalking him."

"No? If you say so…though your eyes haven't left him since he walked into the bar."

Trish smirked, "Hmm…then that must mean you're eyes haven't left me since I walked into the bar."

He chuckled and scratched his temple slightly, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "OK…you caught me…you're a beautiful woman, standing at a bar all by your lonesome, of course I'm going to notice you. So can I buy you a drink?"

She nodded, "Sure."

An hour and three drinks later, Trish had stopped looking for Randy, Amy, or John. Barri was keeping her company, telling her endless stories about his brief career with the UK Gladiators. She found his company interesting. He was over six foot tall, but had an English accent that didn't fit his body. He reminded her of Batista in so many ways and he kept her preoccupied enough to stop worrying about the drama filling her life.

"Come on…let's go dance."

Trish looked alarmed, she enjoyed Barri's company, but she wasn't interested in him and definitely didn't want to lead him on. "I don't know…I don't think I'm really in the mood to."

He grabbed her hand and pulled her on the dance floor. They started dancing together and at first it seemed harmless. But by the second song, Barri started to put the advances on Trish. She slowly became uncomfortable and needed an escape. His hand slowly ran up her thigh and around her waist, pulling her flush against his body. She pushed back slightly, "Look Barri, I think you're getting the wrong idea."

"What, do you have a boyfriend or something? I heard you were single. Am I not attractive enough for you?" He seemed to be angry that she resisted him.

She shook her head, growing more uncomfortable by the minute. "No, you're very attractive, but I'm just not interested."

"So you're taken, is what you're saying?" His eyes were dark and menacing.

"Well, no, not really, but…"

"But what? I thought you were into me!" He yelled.

She became panicked, this guy was way larger than she was and she didn't notice anyone nearby to bail her out. "Look, I'm sorry I gave you the wrong impression, but I'm into someone else."

"Someone else? Who? Wait, let me guess! Randy Orton? You were staring at him all night practically!"

She looked him in the eyes, raising her voice to try to hide how intimidated and scared she truly was. "Yes! Randy Orton! I'm interested in Randy Orton! So please, leave me alone! I'm sorry you got the wrong idea!"

A smile crossed his broad face. He looked past her, "Did you get all that?"

Trish turned around wide eyed to find John, Amy, and Randy standing behind her. Her mouth dropped open as she realized this was the scam that Amy and John were up to. Randy stood looking at Trish with a goofy grin on his face that eventually made her chuckle.

John smiled sweetly at Trish and then looked at Barri. "Thanks man, now we're even." He handed Barri a beer and they toasted before Barri started to walk away. "Oh and Trish, it was very nice to meet you, even under the circumstances. I just want you to know I would never force myself on any woman."

Trish smiled and nodded, "I believe you…it was very nice meeting you too Barri. I hope to see you around."

She turned back to Amy and John. "Well, aren't we quite the con men?"

Amy laughed, "Well, I knew Randy wouldn't believe that there was nothing going on with you and Ron. And John came up with the idea to make you admit to someone other than Randy, since the two of you seem to have a problem expressing your feelings to one another."

Trish looked at John expectantly.

"Barri owed me a favor. Last year he was essentially a rookie with the company. Some of the guys got him wasted and took some pretty embarrassing pictures of him. I helped get a hold of the pics for him. But he is very charming isn't he?"

Trish narrowed her eyes at him, "No comment."

Randy smirked, "How about I escort you back to the hotel and we finish our conversation from the other night?" He held his hand out for her.

She looked him in the eyes, all the nervousness finally gone. "I thought you'd never ask!" She slid her hand into his as he led her toward the exit.

Trish sat down on the bed next to Randy. "Just to clear the air between us, the phone call the other night with Ron…he told me he missed me and that he thought he made a mistake. But I told him that things were over between us. I realized that we weren't right for each other. I never even thought about taking him back."

Randy nodded, "I eavesdropped…I thought you were going to get back together with him."

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Which is why you were suddenly asleep when I came back in…"

Randy gave her a shy smile. "So, what is this…between us?"

Trish looked down at her hands. "Well, I think you already know how I feel. And I'm hoping you feel the same?"

Randy smiled warmly, pulling her chin up with his hand, staring deep into her eyes. "You didn't have that figured out already?"

She melted instantly. It was so easy for him to affect her. Her breathing shortened, "I'm scared" she whispered.

He nodded, seeing the fear radiating in her eyes. He licked his lips before swallowing hard. "I am too…so where do we go from here?"

She thought a moment before responding. "Slow. Let's take things slow."

"What does that mean exactly?"

She giggled, "Well we've already slid through home once."

He chucked, rubbing his forehead. "Yeah, I guess we did. So what are you suggesting? We back it up to first base?"

She smiled as she sat up and straddled him on the bed, "That's a little extreme in my opinion…I was thinking more along the lines of second base." She kissed him, suck in his bottom lip. He moaned into her mouth before inserting his tongue and gently massaging hers.

"Taking things slow with you is definitely going to test every ounce of will that I have."