Memphis Kramer walked into the Covelli Center in Youngstown, Ohio with one bag over her shoulder and another dragging behind her. By her side was her boyfriend, Phil Brooks, as the two made their way into the arena for RAW. They had driven to Ohio from Chicago that morning and had enjoyed a workout together. She secured her belongings into the female locker room and met up with her friends, Melina Perez and Nattie Neidhart in the Catering area. The women enjoyed their food, giggling and gossiping the whole time. Memphis put her best fake smile forward but it was hard. It was hard to go on with her quote unquote normal life and pretend like nothing had ever happened, pretend like everything was okay. For nearly a month, the guilt she felt inside had been devouring her.

Being in Chicago with Phil was one thing. As a couple newly moved in together, it was supposed to be the happiest time of their life as they were starting one together. He was a great guy and they were happy, she was happy except for one thing. And making like it didn't happen, putting sex off with Phil was not going to make things better or erase the fact that she had slept with Randy Orton. Work only made it worse. The WWE was supposed to be a dream come true. Her career was finally at the place where she had worked for years to get to. She had come to love traveling and the fans and showing up for work and being with her colleagues. But one night in Canada had changed all that. Now her time was spent with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Every five seconds she was looking over her shoulder, making sure he wasn't around. For weeks she had successfully ducked and dodged the Viper. She had gone out of her way planning covert mission after mission that had ensured she did not run into Randy, not be alone in the same room with him, and not referee any of his matches. Avoiding him helped somewhat but it didn't make her feel much better. Spending time with her girlfriends didn't help either. She had been infinitely miserable going on 25 days and it seemed like nothing was going to ever make it better.

Wrapping her arms around herself, she headed to the front entrance. Just like before every show, legions of fans had lined the building early, hoping to get a brief look at their favorite Superstar, daring to hope they would be one of the lucky few that got a picture of autograph. Memphis had always had great appreciation for the fans. Without the WWE Universe there would be no WWE. She had never had a problem interacting with them and ever since her secret liaison with Randy, she had found solace in them. Instead of spending hours living a lie with Phil and the others or thinking up excuse after excuse to stay away from Randy, hanging out with the fans was the only time she felt like herself again. That hour or so making dreams come true with the simple movement of a Sharpie or click of a camera helped to clear her head. She could focus on someone other than herself, other than Phil, other than Randy and other than the horrible, sordid mess she had made.

"Can I please get a pic, Memphis?"

"Memphis, over here!"

She nodded and grinned and moved down the line as security kept a close watch. As she signed a program for a young fan, she glanced over and saw a guy in the crowd wearing an Orton tee shirt. That wasn't uncommon. He was a hot commodity and his merchandise was a top seller but staring into the icy likeness on a shirt paralyzed her in the moment. A small smile crept to her lips. Who was she kidding? It made her think about him but that was nothing new. In fact, she thought of him all the time. Whether it was good or bad, whether she was ducking and dodging, he, that night was always on her mind. When she closed her eyes, she could still see him, still feel him…still taste him on her lips.

"Hey Memphis, it's time," Barry the security guard glanced down at his watch.

She knew what that meant. It was time to head inside, time to get ready for the event. She said her good byes and disappeared inside the massive building. She had already picked up production notes for that night. Her matches were John Morrison and Sheamus as well as Wade Barrett versus Evan Bourne. Heading to the changing area, she quickly disrobed and put on her freshly pressed fitted black slacks, shoes and striped top. She pulled her hair back into a neat ponytail and carefully applied her makeup. A few seconds there was a knock on the door. It was one of the Production Assistants.

"Memphis, Mr. Laurinaitis would like to have a word with you. He's down in the conference room."

John Laurinaitis was former professional wrestler, Johnny Ace and the current Executive Vice President of Talent Relations. He traveled with the rosters constantly and was basically in charge of everything talent related from booking appearances to actual wrestling matches. Memphis nodded, checking her reflection in the mirror one last time. The backstage area was chilly so she grabbed an official WWE hoodie and slid it on. The walk to the conferencing area was a short one. She rounded the corner and entered the room. John Laurinaitis was not there but someone else was. Wearing one of his tee shirts, wrestling trunks, and boots was none other than the Apex Predator himself. Memphis was taken aback. Her gasp was audible as she eyed him carefully.

"What are you doing here?" she questioned suspiciously.

"I…"

She didn't let him finish.

"I told you I never wanted to talk to you again," she said angrily. "What part of that do you not understand?"

"Look…"

"I have absolutely nothing to say to you. And if you think this is a funny or cute little way to get me to talk to you by getting some PA to lie and say John Laurinaitis wanted to see me, then this is just pathetic. It is stupid and pathetic and I want no part of it and no way is it going to work so just do me a favor and leave me the hell alone."

Randy frowned and raised an eyebrow.

"Really, Memphis? You think I went through all that trouble just to see you? Don't flatter yourself, sweetheart. I got a message to meet Laurinaitis in here myself. Trust me, I had no idea you would be here."

His words were swift, matching her aggressive tone but deep down inside he was glad to see her. She looked beautiful. And as much as the Legend Killer hated to admit it, he missed talking to her. His feelings for her were real and they hadn't changed. As hard as it was, he had respected her space and kept his distance ever since she had freaked out the morning after they had sex. He knew she had been avoiding him but now they were unexpectedly face to face. She had been running from him and probably from her own true feelings but now there was nowhere to go, nowhere to hide.

"Whatever," she made a face, still not convinced. "Just don't look at me."

He shook his head.

"When are you gonna stop?"

"Excuse me?"

"When are you gonna stop running from the truth?" Randy's intense stare bore a hole in her. "You can't not talk to me or be around me forever, you know. I've given you time and space and I've kept my mouth shut about what happened but there is gonna come a time when you have to stop being afraid and face reality and admit what happened that night and admit how you really feel about me."

Memphis bit her lip.

"That night never happened. And the only thing I feel for you is contempt and disgust."

Randy stood and walked towards her. His hulking frame towered above her. Just being so close caused goose pimples to cover her flesh.

"It happened," he breathed in her ear. "You know damned well that it happened. That feeling you get when you can't even look Phil in the eye because you know you lied to him and when he finds out the truth, he is going to hate your guts. The feeling you get in the middle of the night or early in the morning when you're tossing and turning in bed and your body is aching to be satisfied like I pleased you that whole night. The feeling you try to ignore, those inner voices you try to silence, that tell you that you're supposed to hate me, that tell you that night and the time we spent together before that doesn't mean anything. The feeling you're fighting right now of wanting me to throw you against that wall and make you come five times in a row again. All that, Memphis…it's me. I'm inside your head. And until you deal with it, until you're honest with yourself, it won't go away."

Memphis felt her blood pressure start to rise. How dare he! Who the hell did he think he was? She hated Randy. She hated him for being a jerk. But most of all, she hated him for being right.

"Fuck you," she spat.

"You already did that," he kept his cool.

Seething, Memphis reached back and let her hand land hard against the Viper's face. He shook off the sting of the slap but another one was on the way. His cat like reflexes caught her hand in midair and held it.

"Let me go," she commanded.

He stared at her for a moment before finally releasing his grip. He backed away slowly, just in time for the door to open and John Laurinaitis made his entrance. He was followed by Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and Phil. They were in deep discussion regarding commentating and production for the broadcast. Memphis' eyes caught Phil's. He playfully rolled them and made a funny face and a hand gesture aimed at making fun of Laurinaitis' reputation for being rather long winded. She forced a smile, ignoring Randy's gaze that had drifted towards them.

"Randy, Memphis, thank you for meeting me on such short notice right before the show. Randy, you and Miz are scheduled for the Main Event. There are a few last minute changes so it is very important that all the key players are involved," John began, clapping his hands for emphasis.

"I'm confused," Memphis frowned. "Why did you need me?"

"Memphis, we want you to officiate this match. It's a perfect fit."

Memphis felt her heart skip.

"No," she loudly blurted out, much to everyone's surprise.

"Is there a problem?" John looked right at her.

She cleared her throat.

"No…I mean, it's just that I've got two big matches already. Maybe someone else could take this one."

John shook his head.

"You're the one we want. Besides, watching your past in ring interaction with Orton and Mizanin has revealed an incredible chemistry. It looks good on screen. Now moving right along…"

Memphis sighed. She knew it was no use in protesting. It was a done deal and arguing with the boss especially in front of her boyfriend would only raise suspicion. So she quietly listened to the plans. As she stood, her mind drifting off into another world, she jumped when she felt fingertips gently rubbing the small of her back. She peeked over her shoulders and saw that it was Phil. A few minutes later the meeting was over and after adjournment, everyone dispersed. Randy watched the couple leave as Memphis purposefully avoided looking at him on the way out.

"Everything kosher?" Phil looked at his girl.

Memphis nodded.

"I'm good."

"You up to making the trip back home tonight after the show?"

"Sure," she readily agreed.

Phil stopped and looked at her, tilting her face up to meet his eyes.

"You sure everything is okay? You've been kind of weird lately, Dollface, even weirder than usual. I'm starting to worry about you."

"Punk, I'm fine…"

He took a deep breath.

"This might not be the time or place but I know it was stressful and scary with the move and all. Things are good between us but if you need to talk, I mean, if you're having second thoughts…"

Her eyes widened.

"It's not that."

"Whatever it is, I've got your back. I mean that, kiddo. Strength in numbers. You know you can tell me anything."

"I know," she swallowed hard.

"Sorry to break this up love birds but Punk, we've got to get out there," Jerry slapped Phil on the back.

It was almost time for RAW to go live.

"We'll talk after the show but um…it's okay. Everything is going to be okay. I love you."

"You too," he leaned in and kissed her.

When he pulled away, she wouldn't let him. She kept her arms around his neck, never breaking their kiss. Finally she let go, leaving them both breathless. Getting herself together, she put her game face on. She now had three matches, one at the beginning, one in the middle and one at the end of the show. Focusing on the work, she made it through the first two stints in the ring. The third would require extra mental preparation and Memphis' legs felt like jelly as she walked down that ramp for the final time that night. She climbed between the ropes to much fanfare. Phil was comfortably at the announce table undoubtedly charming the home audience with his unique wit and charm. Their eyes met and he winked at her. The moment was interrupted when Voices began to play. The fans were all on their feet while the referee desperately tried to keep her footing. She exhaled and waited as he sauntered to the ring. He played to the reaction before turning around to face the woman he shared a secret one night history with. They never uttered a word but their expressions silently spoke volumes. Memphis felt like she might pass out. Randy smirked. He recognized that look. With that, he looked her right in the eyes and flailed his arms back, striking that classic RKO pose. He knew he had her right where he wanted her.