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June 3: Friday (Tuesday) Night SmackDown TV taping - Cincinnati, OH; US Bank Arena
(1 hour before show time)
Miz's POV
This morning was full of revelation. I proved I've come to terms for what is the hardest decision of my life. Paige is who I want to love. My heart feels light when I think about her. I get ridiculously happy knowing she's mine. Hopefully, I can share this elation because I'm about to be hers—and hers only.
Then, my heart becomes heavy when I switch thoughts to Maryse. It's like a killswitch that brings out dread and worry. It shouldn't be that way in a new marriage. Was it like this all along? I guess it took a person like Paige to change everything. It goes to show there is no such person as the one in this world of 7 billion and counting. The next step won't be easy either. There is no way I can avoid telling Maryse.
But I have to.
The thoughts brush away as I concentrate on the SmackDown taping here in Cincinnati.
After our little "bonding" moment, Paige and I chose to separate ourselves, just only for the day being. I'd see her again tonight, during the show, and most certainly after.
I wonder how she's tolerating it. If I was here, I wouldn't know whether to drop and forget it all or stay. I'm glad she chose to stay.
So then we're here, the WWE family has rolled out the production for the WWE Universe for yet another spectacle in Ohio, my home state. I'm set for a match against The Shield's Dean Ambrose, propping up a win for a future chance at the United States Championship, versus Sheamus.
The stroll out to the main backstage area opens up a network of various conversations with colleague Divas and Superstars. As I pass them, they all somehow throw a greeting gesture. Everyone's ready in their wrestling gear and authentic WWE t-shirts from the Shop. A quick glance down a hallway, I see the back of one of my shirts. Each sleeve is cut off so it looks like a muscle tank top. The white words "The old ones are starting to like me" are wrinkled as the fabric fits loose, and are also covered by strands of black hair.
I make my way over to this girl and let my chest bump into her back.
Emma, who's speaking a few feet across from her, stops talking and stares up at me with a grin. Paige hesitantly turns her head around. Once she realizes it's me, her arms automatically go for an embrace around my neck, "Miz!"
I let out a laugh and support her body.
"Nice shirt, kid." I'm currently wearing the same one so we're twinning in this case.
We part and her face shines of glee, then looks down, "Oh, yeah well I figured why not?"
"Yeah, it looks great on you." Her in my shirt is probably one of the hottest things I've seen.
"You know what looks even better?" I ask.
"What?"
Making sure I'm close enough for only her to hear, I whisper into an ear, "You with it off."
The way she reacts is the cutest—she crinkles her nose and lightly slaps me on the chest.
Emma chimes in, "Alright, I'll let you guys chatter for a bit. I'm gonna go find Renee or someone so I don't end up a third wheel." She waves off as Paige and I are left to ourselves, like we always love being.
"Hey, I have a shirt too! Are you gonna wear it next?" Paige returns to the topic.
"Of course! I'll even take a selfie in it, with my best duck lips. Like this!" I crouch down to her and pretend I have a phone in hand, making my best Donald Duck impersonation.
"You're so goofy!" She rolls her eyes, laughs again, and pushes against my temple left with two fingers.
"Thought I was more of a Donald Duck there, but hey, that's cool, " I situate upright and throw an arm around her firm shoulders, "but for real, I'll get one of your shirts too. What better way to represent my girl right?"
We begin to walk to the merchandise trunk across the concrete way.
"Your girl, huh? Hmm, I like being The Miz's girl." She says matter-of-factly.
"My girl, my champion, my Paige. All mine." I give her a kiss on the side of her head. If anyone saw that I'd honestly be okay with it.
Her arms enclose around my body and squeeze as a sign of approval. We stop at a table where our shirts our on display. I let go to rummage through all of the black cotton, making a determined search for a silver and purple logo.
"Ah-ha!" I flip through the crew neck collars for a Large and hold up the shirt with "Think Again" on the front.
A t-shirt in the WWE is like a company staple in letting the fans know that you're a legit Superstar. Paige earning one so early in her career adds another admiration star on the board for me.
"You know what? I think I'll wear this to the ring tonight." I say as I turn to her.
"Woah, really?"
"Since you're promoting me, I'll return the favor." I wink and throw the shirt over my shoulder.
"Deal. I walk out there with yours and you with mine!"
"Awesome."
(SmackDown in progress)
Paige's POV
My part for the show is done—exhibition squash match against Rosa Mendes where she got laid out with Rampaige. It had to be short due to my sore neck.
When I walked out on that stage and down the ramp, I could feel the eyes of the WWE Universe on me tenfold. I could already hear the collective, "What? Why is she in Miz's shirt?" from the masses around the world. And I already could see the Internet and social media erupt on Friday night.
It felt similar to getting a giant stain on your shirt and having no choice but to be in it all day. Except, I wore that stain with anxious pride. This was basically the message that there is something us. I wonder what Maryse will think...
"AWWWESOOOME!" His theme rings throughout the US Bank Arena with a boom.
It's his turn to say the same message.
I'm stationed in front of a live-feed monitor in the Divas locker room. I bite my nails in anticipation as the camera angle switches to stage. The Miz makes his way from the curtain and there he is, in my authentic WWE Shop shirt. The logo pops out so clear on screen. Those smiles that are impossible to resist get thrown onto my face. He's in usual arrogant form as he leaps onto the apron for his signature pose against the ropes. Once inside the ring, and on the turnbuckle, he grabs on the fabric on his chest and brushes off the words "Think Again". His duck lips are out like they were earlier. I can tell he's wearing it with pride, as I did.
Behind me, some of the Divas begin whispering. Their noises perk my ears, and not in a good way. I don't want to care what they think, but I do anyway because these are the Divas I see almost every night. I know some of them are good friends with Maryse and they shouldn't be oblivious to not suspect anything.
It's whatever. Let them talk.
All of a sudden, one of the Bella twins plots herself to my right. I try not to make the first move.
"Hey Paige, isn't it cool that Miz's wearing your shirt?" The way that came out, I knew it was Nikki.
In my usual awkward form, I reply, "Yeah...it's nice of him."
"Sure is. You guys have been getting really close over this past week..."
This time, I push the effort to face her and make eye contact. "We're friends, so what?" I shrug like it's nothing.
"Friends? Alright. I'm guessing really good friends then if you guys are already making out in the hallways." Her eyebrows raise at this statement.
Does she know about that kiss?
Her face zooms in on mine, too close for comfort. I try to stand my ground but the fact that she has experience in playing the "love game" quickly intimidates me. In the ring I may be better, but in relationships, she's the number one contender for the championship.
I square her eyes as the stare is deathly relentless.
"Paige, whatever's going on with you and Mike ends here." She says deliberately, like I don't comprehend words easily.
I gulp a lump in my throat.
"Having to hear this from a friend instead of your own husband would be really unfortunate, don't you think?"
I nod slowly understanding she's talking about Maryse.
"Whatever you two have, it's over. Paige, I'm warning you right now this is not a game you should be playing. I'm only looking out for you and Miz."
I manage a peep, "Okay...you won't need to worry about it."
Nikki backs up and returns to a less threatening expression.
"Alright, good talk champ." She pats my shoulder and turns to leave the locker room.
My attention turns back to the screen as the match is still going on. Miz is dominate Ambrose with his series of moves. What am I supposed to do after that? Our "laying low" is obviously doing a pathetic job.
No, I love him too much to just forget it.
If Nikki thinks her trying to scare me like that is enough to keep me from telling Miz, then she's dead wrong. There's too many things to do before we can truly be together. I'm willing to be there for him through all of the pain and struggle.
It's time to tell Maryse.
Hm, it's funny, I can actually hear Nikki in this chapter lol
Ch. 16 is THE BIG ONE you guys, the wait will soon be over!