The city was Los Angeles, the perfect setting for the WWE to host a party celebrating the release of a series of new company related video games and action figures. Vince McMahon was starting to focus more than ever on introducing the WWE to the mainstream media. The press was out in full force and so were the Divas, Superstars and other significant employees. Wearing a simple but body hugging white dress that stopped well before her knees in order to show off her smooth and shapely bronzed legs, Memphis Kramer stepped out of the limousine onto red carpet where a dozen or so photographers and reporters were waiting. She still wasn't quite used to the Hollywood treatment and the first couple of flash bulbs caused her to blink and make hideous faces but after the first few minutes, she took it all in stride. On her arm was her boyfriend, Phil Brooks. Though all on camera personalities were mandated to attend the huge event, special and extra attention was being given to Memphis that night for her FHM photo shoot. The issue had just hit the stands and to celebrate, the WWE had made sure that a life size portrait of one of the shots was put on full display of the entrance of LoftSEVEN, the trendy location where the party was being held.

"This is so embarrassing," Memphis whispered to Phil through the clenched teeth of the most forced smile she had ever smiled. "I can't believe I wore silver strappy shoes. I look like a stripper."

Phil chuckled.

"Relax, Dollface. They've already seen you in your underwear. Nobody is gonna care about a tight dress and hooker shoes."

"Stripper shoes, thank you very much and thanks for the downgrade, by the way. You are so out of the running for Boyfriend of the Year."

"Strippers and hookers, gypsies, tramps, and thieves…it all sort of starts to run together after a while. My mistake," he stopped her and squeezed her hand a little tighter. "You look absolutely stunning tonight, a real classy broad that I am ecstatic to have on my arm. I know I wasn't your biggest cheerleader with the whole FHM thing but you followed your heart, you did a great job and I am very proud of you. I mean that. I love you, Memphis."

Tears clouded her eyes, mixing in with the growing nerves.

"Thank you. I love you, too, and way to get back in the running for that Boyfriend of the Year prize," she winked.

They turned and were greeted by a reporter working the party for the WWE's official website.

"Okay, WWE Universe we have with us tonight on the red carpet, the sexiest referee in all of sports entertainment, Memphis Kramer and she is joined by RAW Superstar and commentator, CM Punk. Welcome, Memphis and Punk, it's great to have you here tonight."

"Thank you so much. It's really great to be here," Memphis answered.

"Pleasure," Phil went right into character. "But I'm really sort of offended because you didn't introduce me as sexy. So I'm quite miffed and as a result, I am going to chill over here in the corner while you talk to my girl."

Everyone laughed as Phil began a private conversation with Kofi Kingston and his wife. It was his subtle way of leaving the spotlight and letting his girlfriend enjoy the moment she had earned. He winked at Memphis and that gave her all the confidence she needed.

"Memphis, you are rather new to the WWE, tell the WWE Universe what it feels like to be here at such an event."

"It is absolutely amazing. Outside of being in the ring actually officiating matches, this is one of the best parts of the job. The WWE offers the best in sports entertainment programming but there are also the video games and the magazines and the action figures and music and movies…gosh, it just goes on and on. I am so proud of what this company is doing and so proud to be affiliated with them."

"You mentioned officiating matches and that of course is what you do and you do it so well, by the way…"

"Thank you," she giggled.

"…You are making waves and headlines as really one of the first female referees in the business. How does it feel to be a pioneer and how hard is it controlling those matches?"

"Um, you're too sweet for the compliments but um, it's really cool. Being a referee was I guess an odd dream for a little girl growing up, I mean, most people would expect for me to want to be a Diva but this is all I ever wanted to do. I tried college and the nine to five but this business is my true passion and I worked hard for a long time to get where I am now. It is so fun and so rewarding but it's hard work. My co-workers are pretty awesome and yeah sometimes they give me a run for my money but it's my job to maintain law and order inside that ring and I feel like I do a pretty good job."

"From the courtroom to the wrestling ring, what a journey…"

"I'll say," she laughed. "But it was so worth it. No regrets."

"And now you are gracing the pages of FHM in a stunning and sexy pictorial and you also give an in depth interview about your journey to the WWE and life as a referee. You look absolutely gorgeous in that magazine and of course here tonight. Giving a quick spoiler, in the interview you hint at being in a relationship and various pictures have been posted on the Internet of you smooching with WWE Superstar CM Punk. You two did walk the red carpet hand in hand tonight and he called you his girl…would you mind confirming what we already know?"

"And what's that?" she played coy.

"Are you and CM Punk an item?"

Memphis smiled and looked over her shoulder.

"Why don't we ask him?" she beckoned her boyfriend over.

"No comment," Phil volunteered.

"Get over here," she said with another laugh as he walked over towards them. "Punk, I've just been asked if we are a couple."

"And what did you say?"

"I said they should ask you."

He gave a smug shrug and grabbed her hand.

"I'll never tell…"

They were being playful with the media but out of the corner of her eye, Memphis saw Randy Orton finishing up an interview. Their eyes met and his lips immediately turned into a smirk as he watched them. Not missing a beat, Memphis leaned up and gave Phil a kiss on the mouth.

"That means yes," she stated.

"Well, Punk, it looks like you're the luckiest man in America, maybe on the entire planet. You've got a beautiful girlfriend and you're looking pretty dapper in that suit. We're not used to seeing you all cleaned up. Is this a new style, perhaps a new CM Punk?"

Phil kept in character.

"Same guy just a different outfit."

"So there you have it, folks. Congrats, Memphis on FHM. You both look great tonight. Have fun and we'll see you inside."

Memphis and Phil walked inside and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"We survived."

"All in a day's work, Dollface."

"In case I forget to thank you later, thanks for being an amazing guy and for dressing up in a monkey suit and answering stupid questions all night. It means a lot and I love you for it."

"You owe me a lot of sex later on tonight."

"That will gladly be arranged," she eagerly responded with twinkling eyes.

He squeezed her hand a little tighter as they made their way further into the room among their colleagues. They worked the scene and made rounds, mingling amongst the other guests. Temporarily separated when they talked to different people, Memphis was approached by the big boss man himself.

"Miss Kramer," he gave her a hand shake.

"Mr. McMahon. Hello."

"You look lovely."

"Thank you."

"I just wanted to speak with you personally and not only offer congratulations on the FHM issue but also say what an extraordinary job you have been doing with the company altogether. We are all tremendously proud and happy and I hope that you keep up the good work."

"Thanks," she said, in awe. "I appreciate the kind words. I am very happy to be here and promise to keep giving it my all."

"I know you will, now if you will excuse me."

"Of course."

"Have a wonderful night."

"You as well."

He walked away and she suppressed the urge to scream and dance in the middle of the crowded room. Memphis was on cloud nine. Everything was going perfect. The FHM decision had turned out to work in her favor. She was continuing to climb the ladder of success at work. She was being accepted and making new friends. Her relationship with Phil couldn't have been better. It was so incredible how everything had come together and was working out. Grinning, she turned around and bumped into someone.

"Well, well. We meet like this again."

Memphis half smiled.

"Are you gonna get over it this time or do I get to look forward to another TSA lockup as a result of the Viper's twisted revenge?" she shot back.

Randy smirked.

"A truce is a truce. I'll live."

"Good. How are you tonight?"

He shrugged.

"Another one of Vince's dog and pony shows."

"I think it's awesome. I'm having a great time."

"I saw," he teased.

She frowned.

"It felt like you were watching me with Punk on the red carpet."

"I was."

Memphis let out a breath.

"And it also…"

"What?"

"I don't know. Listen, I've been meaning to talk to you about something that was kind of bothering me. I don't know how to say this but the other night at the Japanese restaurant, it felt really weird. It was like you kept staring at me all night and later on by the bathroom…God, I hope this doesn't sound stupid or whatever but I felt like maybe you were trying to come on to me."

She laughed nervously and felt even more uncomfortable when his expression did not change. Memphis was a strong woman, normally in control of her life and her emotions but now this thing with Randy, whatever the weird dynamic was, had changed her as a person.

"It's not stupid," he looked right at her.

"Wha…"

"I was hitting on you."

Memphis was shocked at his honesty.

"What? Randy…"

"Look, I like you. I was a jerk at first but we've gotten past that. We've talked and gotten to know each other and hung out and stuff. You're a cool person. And you're beautiful. How could I not be attracted to you? I just wanted you to know how I feel and see if you feel the same way."

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she pulled him aside away from other ears.

"Are you insane?"

"Is that a trick question?"

"Randy, I am not joking around right now. I have a boyfriend. I have a serious boyfriend who even though you don't like, I happen to love very much. And we are practically already moved in together and we're happy and you need to let it go."

"You're gonna look me in the eye and honestly tell me that you're into that guy and you feel nothing for me?"

"Yes. I am into Phil and I don't have feelings for you, I'm sorry."

Her voice was full of conviction but she had not made eye contact with him, not even for a split second.

"Okay," he casually shrugged it off.

"And you don't have real feelings for me either. You're just bored, Randy."

"That's not true."

"Whatever," she cut him off. "I don't want to hear it. Look, things are going right for me at work and with Phil and just everything. I am happy. And yeah, spending time with you has been great. We've had fun and at the same time, we have shared a lot of personal stuff with each other. I do consider you a friend and that is not a word I throw around lightly. I value that relationship with you and the last thing I want to do is lose it but that is exactly what is going to happen if you don't stop this nonsense. You and I have a strictly platonic relationship and if you can't handle that, then maybe we shouldn't talk at all."

"If that's how you feel."

"Because I can't be around you if things are going to be weird."

"Understood."

"And you cornering me in front of bathrooms and telling me you want me is definitely weird."

"Look, I'm sorry, alright? I am not sorry how I feel and I'm not even sorry that I told you but if it makes you feel that uncomfortable, then I apologize and I will back off."

She shot him a skeptical look.

"You give me your word?"

"I swear on everything."

"Thank you," she breathed a sigh of relief. "Listen, I am going to pretend this conversation and all the crap in Green Bay never happened. We go back to how we used to be and never bring this up again, okay?"

"If that's what you want."

For the first time she looked at him and her whole body shook involuntarily.

"It is," she replied quietly.

"Everything alright over here?" a third party asked.

It was Phil.

"Hey babe," Memphis forced a smile. "Everything is good. Um, Randy and I were just chatting."

Phil turned to his arch nemesis.

"Randal," he said curtly.

Randy didn't even bother to hide his sarcastic chuckle.

"Phil."

The tension was thick.

"Well, this is…awkward," Memphis nervously laughed again.

"I was on my way to the bar to get a drink. I might try some Diet Pepsi…with an extra kick," Randy rubbed his beard, still eyeing Phil.

"Try not to choke on it," Phil kept the staring contest going on.

"Okaaaayyyy. On that note, I'll see you around, Randy. Enjoy the party," Memphis said quickly, ushering her boyfriend away.

"He's such a classy and charming lad, that Randal," Phil said sarcastically.

"Why do you two have to have a damned pissing contest whenever you're within breathing distance of one another?"

"You know why. I don't like the guy."

"That's not exactly breaking news," she huffed. "Anyway, it's over now. He's gone and it's a party and we're stuck here anyway so we may as well make the most of it."

"Agreed."

"I'm serious, Punk. I don't want to cause a scene or ruin the night."

"That dude gets under my skin but I'm not going to let it ruin the rest of the evening."

"Thank you."

"Or jeopardize my booty call tonight."

She couldn't help but smile.

"You're an idiot…and the word booty should never come out of your mouth…or any grown man's mouth for that matter."

"You know you love me," he put his arm around her and they walked to the other side of the room.

At the bar, Randy Orton downed his shot and smiled a satisfied smile to himself. After seeing that forced red carpet makeout session, he had revealed his feelings to Memphis and she damn near had a nervous breakdown in front of him. She had denied feeling anything in return, had gone on and on about her love for Phil and made him promise to drop the situation. Randy had agreed. He had been unsure of how she would react but he knew Memphis was nowhere near ready to confront her own true feelings. He could deal with that and he could hold up his end of the bargain. Sooner or later she would cave…just like they all did. Not that she was like any other woman. He liked her, he actually respected her. Part of it was conquest but something else inside him really felt something real and special for her. He always had. And considering she couldn't even look him in the eye anymore, something told him that deep down the feeling was mutual.