The next day Jon and Dixie were on a plane for New York for the weekend live events. Jon was waiting to spring it on Dixie that Joe was going to be riding with them after the show and he would be rooming with them. He knew she was going to be pissed but he wanted them to at least try to make up. She told Jon she wasn't really comfortable hanging around backstage, but he insisted, telling her that he didn't want her anywhere else. She figured she would find a spot out of sight to hide so she didn't have to talk to anyone, and hopefully avoid Colby.

Colby arrived shortly after them and his stomach churned when he saw Jon with his arm around her, holding her protectively with his face buried in her hair. She was smiling and giggling and Colby wanted to murder Jon himself seeing them together. He clutched the engagement ring that he had on under his shirt and fought back his emotions, muttering under his breath, "why, Dixie?"

She caught him staring at her and quickly turned her head. She whispered, "Jon, will you take me somewhere quiet where I can hang out until the show is over?"

He wondered about her sudden change in demeanor, and then he saw Colby as well. "Babe, you don't have to hide from him."

"I just don't want to cause a scene. We have had enough of those lately. Just, please, baby?"

"Okay. Let's go get something to eat and we can find an empty room somewhere around here."

She took Jon's arm and followed him down the hall, still feeling Colby's eyes on her. "Enjoy it while you can, Jon," Colby growled.

He took her to catering and the first person they saw was Joe. Jon bro-hugged him and Dixie felt her body stiffen at the tension. She saw everyone staring, watching to see what would happen. She took a deep breath and sighed, knowing she was to blame for their gawking. She looked in Joe's soft grey eyes and could see that he was worried so she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. He was surprised, but hugged her back. He leaned down and spoke softly, "I am sorry."

She whispered back, "I am sorry too."

When he pulled back, he saw that people had looked away. "Thank you for that, Dixie."

"You're welcome. It is my fault they were staring anyway."

"Not all your fault, babe," Jon said, curling his arm around her waist.

"I am glad you are okay with me rooming with y'all for the weekend. I appreciate it. Next week they said everything would be sorted out and I will be staying with Claudio."

"Wait, what?" Dixie asked.

Joe looked surprised and raised an eyebrow at Jon. "You didn't tell her?"

"No, I didn't have a chance to tell her yet."

"Um, Jon, what is he talking about?"

"Well, with everything going on with Colby, Joe can't stay with him like they were booked, so he is staying with us. Just for this trip, like he said."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Hey, if it is going to be a problem I will try to figure something else out," Joe said.

"No, it is okay I guess. I just wish I had known before now," she answered, frowning at Jon.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, babe."

"It's fine."

"If y'all need some time alone, I will make myself scarce. I don't want us all to be uncomfortable."

"We will make do. It's fine."

Jon knew it wasn't really fine, but at least she was going along with it. He wanted them to talk and make up for real, not just hugging for pretense. He thought it would give them all a chance to talk and maybe somehow mend fences. He also thought if Joe saw him with Dixie, he would realize how much he really loves her and not think so ill of him. They had taken the first step in restoring their friendship, but he knew they had to repair their bond.

After they grabbed some food, Jon led Dixie to an empty room and they sat in the floor to eat. "Dix, you're mad aren't you?"

"I'm not mad. I am annoyed that it just got sprung on me, but Joe is your friend, and it will be okay."

"I want us all to get along again. It is too fucking soon to expect that from Colby, if ever, but I want my girl and my best friend to get along. Do it for me."

"I said I would try baby, just give me some time and I will."

"That is all I am asking."

After they were done, Jon knew he had to go so he could get ready for the show to start. "I don't really want to leave you alone in here."

"I will be fine. It won't be that long. Besides, I have sat on the floor a lot. Hell I lived in an apartment that was about this size once. I don't think I should really be back here anyway, so you go. I will stay out of sight and we will leave when you are done. I assume Joe is riding with us too?"

"Yeah. I am sorry we just fucking sprung that on you like that."

"It's okay. Really."

"Okay, babe. I am gonna go then. I will come back and get you when we are ready to go."

"Sounds good." She reached up to kiss him before he walked out. She sat back down and took out her Kindle, deciding to read while he was gone.

After the show, they piled in the car and Joe got into the back seat. He watched Jon with Dixie, the way he smiled at her and gently held her hand. He didn't say anything, but part of him was anxious to see how they interacted now that they were officially together.

When they finally made it to the hotel, they checked in and lugged everything up to their room. Dixie flopped onto the bed and Jon jumped in on top of her. She giggled and he kissed her, briefly forgetting that they had an audience. Joe lightly smiled and put his bags down. Dixie cleared her throat and pushed Jon off of her, and got up to unpack their things. Jon moved back on the bed at watched her, the love on his face evident to his best friend. After she was done, she grabbed them all a drink and sat at the head of the bed between Jon's legs. Joe saw how he held her protectively and noticed the light in her eyes when she looked at him. He wondered how he hadn't seen it before. Joe offered to order them pizza and they decided to watch a movie instead of going out.

They picked out a movie on demand and sat eating while it was on. When it ended, Dixie got up to go to the bathroom to get ready for bed, and Joe finally told Jon what had been on his mind. "Jon look, I know I wasn't supportive of you being with Dixie, but I can't deny how much she seems to love you. She has a twinkle in her eye that I never saw when she looked at Colby. She looks relaxed and happy with you and I have never seen you so happy. You have only drunk two beers since we got here instead of downing them like water as usual. She must do something to you."

"She does make me happy, man. I don't need that shit when I have her. I want to be a good man for her; a man she is proud of. I know she loves me and sometimes I get so fucking overwhelmed when she looks at me. I didn't think I would have someone who loved me like that. Now you see why I couldn't let that go. I couldn't let her go."

"I do see. I won't ever interfere again. I am sorry that I was only thinking of Colby and I didn't realize how deep either of your feelings went. I thought it was just about the sex."

"It was at first, man, but I fell for her. Hard. I didn't see it coming and I couldn't stop it. She just fucking fits me. She understands me and she broke down my walls. I know we fucked up and were shady as hell, but I know she is the one for me."

"I agree that y'all fucked up, but I can't be unhappy for you, uce. You deserve happiness."

"So do you. I can't believe I am saying this, but do you still love Colby?"

"Yeah, I guess I do. He broke my fucking heart, but I still love him. The bastard."

"Like I said before, I don't think he is as opposed to you as he acts."

"I told him that he is in denial, but I fucked up and kissed him trying to make my point."

"You what?"

"Yeah, I kissed him."

"Holy shit, Joe."

"I know. I just was so pissed off at the shit he was saying and I decided to kiss him instead of punching him in the face. He just keeps acting like he didn't want it, and I fucking know better."

"Don't tell Dixie I said this, but maybe you are what Colby needs. She told me a lot about their sex life and it is a real possibility that he is trying to suppress who he really is. It's not fucking unheard of. His parents are devout Catholics who would probably disown his ass and then again, he may just want both. Who knows."

"Don't get my hopes up, Jon."

"Just saying, man. Just like I said, don't mention it to Dixie. Her man cheating on her with another man is a touchy subject and you being that man puts you on thin fucking ice. She promised she would try, for me, so just don't bring up how you feel about Colby to her."

"Don't worry, I won't."

Dixie came out of the bathroom and wondered what they were talking about. "Why do I feel like I missed something?"

"Oh, babe, I was just telling Joe how we are going to go see my mother next week."

Joe's eyes widened but he tried to play it off.

She answered, "Yeah, Jon said he wants me to meet her," as she pulled the covers back and got into bed. It was a subject she really didn't want to talk about because she wasn't really looking forward to it. She couldn't understand it, but in a strange way, she wanted his mom's approval but she still dreaded it.

Jon climbed into bed too and turned their lamp off, and then Joe got into his bed and shut his light off too. Dixie cuddled up to Jon and kissed him goodnight. She told them, "Joe, I hope to hell you don't snore."

The boys laughed and Joe replied, "No, I don't. Goodnight, guys."

The next few days went by without any problems and Dixie stayed at the hotel while the guys were wrestling. She wanted to avoid Colby for all of their sakes. Things were more relaxed between her and Joe and between both the boys. Joe couldn't stop thinking about what Jon had said about Colby and wondered if he was right.

Colby was still wearing her engagement ring around his neck, but managing to hide it from everyone. He knew he should just move on, but he couldn't. He didn't want to let her go and let go of the dreams he had about their life together. He still felt she belonged with him and he knew despite what she had said that she still loved him as well. He loathed seeing Jon so happy, feeling as if he was purposefully rubbing his happiness in Colby's face.

He was also furious that Joe had taken Jon's side and they were acting like best buds again. He felt a twinge of jealousy that he dismissed as just wanting his friend back. He noticed that Dixie wasn't with them and wondered when he would get to see her again. He hoped he could get her alone and they could just talk without yelling. It hurt him that she told him she was done with him and dismissed him from her life, seemingly so easily. He made up his mind that he was going to take her back, one way or another, and Jon would feel the pain he felt. He knew there was no way her love was dead; damaged, but not dead. He wanted to revive it and make it stronger than ever.

The following Wednesday, Jon and Dixie left for Cincinnati. The show wasn't until Friday night, but Jon thought it would be nice to show her around his hometown. Part of him was nervous for Dixie to see where he grew up, but he kept telling himself that she loves him and wouldn't think less of him. She knew his secrets and it hadn't changed how she felt, but he hoped it didn't change when she met his mother. His biggest fear was that when she saw where he came from, his heredity, she wouldn't want to have children with him. He was afraid that she wouldn't want her children to carry the same genes as his mother and father had given him. He tried to push those thoughts from his mind, but they still managed to creep up. The closer they got to Cincy, the more anxious he became. Dixie noticed and reached over to hold his hand. She was nervous too, but she could see the distress in Jon's face and was more worried about him. He was starting the think this wasn't a good idea at all.

When the plane landed, they took a taxi to the hotel, Jon saying he wanted to check in before they did anything else, but the truth was he needed to collect himself. She sat behind him on the bed and rubbed his shoulders. He was tense and she wanted to help him relax. She softly kissed his neck and wrapped her arm around his chest. He covered her hand with his and took a deep breath. "Everything is going to be fine, baby."

"You promise?"

His question stunned her. "Of course I promise. No matter what happens, it won't change how much I love you. So you don't worry. Now we need to get going. Your mom will be expecting us."

"You're right. Okay, let's go." A cab met them downstairs and as they drove across town, Dixie noticed the area was looking rougher. She had made it a point to avoid bad neighborhoods as an adult, because like Jon, she had seen enough of them growing up. She could feel Jon's anxiety exceeded hers so she knew she had to keep it together, and no matter what, not let him know how nervous she was. When they made it to his mom's apartment building, Jon paid the driver and led Dixie up the stairs. They stood outside the door and Jon grabbed her hand for courage. He felt her hand shaking and her palm sweating. He squeezed and lightly smiled. He turned back to the door and sighed, then knocked, knowing there was no turning back now.

His mom answered and Dixie was surprised at the red haired woman at the door staring her down. They heard another woman's voice calling from inside, "Who is it?"

"Jonny and his little girlfriend."

The other woman stood behind her and smiled, "Well for shit sakes, Janice, let them in."

"Yeah, come in."

She moved out of the way and motioned for them to come in the apartment. "This is Dixie. Babe, this is my mother Janice and her girlfriend Shelly." Jon had mentioned before that his mom had become a lesbian after the years of abuse she took from men, but she wasn't expecting to meet her girlfriend.

"Nice to meet you both." Dixie looked around at the sparse furnishings and had to admit it reminded her of a place she stayed with her mom once when she was growing up. Janice noticed her looking around and immediately became defensive. "Well sit down, that is if you are going to stay," she said, aimed at Dixie.

"Um, thanks." She felt his mom's animosity directed towards her, and wondered why. So did Jon.

"You want a beer, Jonny?"

"Yeah, sure. I could use one."

"What about you? I am sure you would prefer white wine but we don't drink that here."

Dixie forced a smile and grabbed Jon's arm, knowing he was about to say something. "No, beer is fine."

"Get 'em a beer would you, babe?" she asked Shelly. "So where are you from anyway? You sound like some of our redneck family down in Kentucky, but you sure don't look and dress like them."

Shelly handed them their bottles and shot Janice a look. "Thanks," she said for the drink. She looked over at Janice and answered her, "I am from Gulfport, Mississippi. I left after Katrina."

"Oh, I see. So you grew up on the coast, going to the beach and shit?"

"Uh, not exactly. I lived downtown, and we moved a lot."

The tension between the two women was thick so Shelly decided to speak up. "You say you moved a lot? Are you still close to your parents?"

"Oh, no. My dad died when I was three and my mama remarried several times. We don't see eye to eye on a lot of things, and she still lives in Mississippi so I don't see her much."

"Too good for your own mother too, I see" Janice muttered.

"Where did you move to then?" Shelly questioned, talking over Janice.

"Chicago, to go to school."

"What did you study?"

"I have an MBA in accounting. I finished it a couple of years ago. I was working as a comptroller until I moved to Vegas to be with Jon."

"Oh, that is sweet," Shelly said, smiling at them both.

Janice however was glaring. She quizzed her, "So how did you two meet?"

"Um, a mutual friend," Dixie answered, as close to an honest reply that she could muster.

"So what is a girl like you doing with my son?" Janice asked suspiciously.

"A girl like me?"

"Yeah. A girl like you. Jonny had told us all about how you have this fancy-ass job at the hospital and this big degree. He told us how smart and pretty and downright perfect you are. So, shouldn't you be with a man more your speed?"

"What? More my speed?" Dixie was getting angry now.

"Janice…" Shelly warned.

"It is a reasonable fucking question. The likes of us aren't good enough for her. We're not, Jonny damn sure ain't. I saw how she looked around when she came in; looking down her nose at us. Jonny may have money now, but he is still the same. Always going to be an alcoholic like his father and stay in trouble. Miss High-and-Mighty over there won't be with him long when he fucks up and loses all that shit then starts hitting her."

"Wait just a fucking minute…" Jon yelled but Dixie grabbed his arm, silencing him.

She stood up and put her beer on the table. "Listen, first of all, I looked around because this felt familiar to me because it reminded me of an apartment I lived in with my mom and one of her men. Secondly, I don't think I am above anyone. I have more in common with you than you think, if you took the time to listen. You are too busy judging me because you think I am judging you. Thirdly, I love your son. I trust him, and I know he won't hit me. That is one of the many ways he is different from his father. You should be proud of him and what he has accomplished, without a bit of support from you, instead of waiting for him to fail. I can't believe you sit there like you have some right to judge. If you had ever cared as much about him as you did your drugs, he wouldn't have had to grow up like that. And unlike you, I will support him and protect him and he won't ever feel alone again. I will give him the family he always wanted and he will be the kind of parent that he wishes he had. You let him down then, and you just keep fucking doing it, and here he is, still miraculously wanting your approval. So did I, but to hell with it. I don't need your approval. Moreover, I don't fucking want it. But mark my words; I won't let you hurt him anymore. Never again. Actually, you know what, you and my mother should get together. You can start a club for bitter old bitches who failed at their own lives so they shit on everyone else's who has something they never aspired to get. Or one for shitty mothers whose kids did well for themselves despite the fucked up lives they provided and they can't fucking stand it."

"You little bitch!"

Jon jumped up, "don't talk to her like that, Janice. You fucking started it. I knew it was a fucking mistake bringing her here and thinking you could actually be happy for me."

"It's okay, Jon. I told my own mother to go to hell, so I have no qualms about telling someone else's the same damn thing. You can go to hell, Janice." She took Jon's arm. "Come on, let's go."

They walked out and Jon slammed the door behind them. When they made it downstairs, Jon could tell Dixie was fuming. She was digging in her purse, cursing. "Dix, what are you looking for?"

"I need a fucking smoke." She found the pack of Camels but couldn't find her lighter. "Goddammit!"

"Here, I got a light." He lit her cigarette for her, and took his phone out to call the cab back. When he hung up, he stole the Camel from her and took a deep drag. "That was a train wreck, babe. I am sorry I asked you to come here."

"Don't be. I am fine. I am just pissed at what she said to you. After all the shit she put you through…"

Jon threw the cigarette down and grabbed Dixie's face with both hands. He brought her lips to his and tenderly kissed her. She clutched his shirt, wanting him closer. When he broke away, she saw his eyes were glassy. He didn't even have to say what he was thinking. "I love you, Jonathan. With all my heart, and I meant what I said. Every damn word. I know she is your mom, but forget her. She has hurt you enough."

"I love you too." He wanted to thank her for defending him and the things she said, but he was afraid he would get too emotional standing there on the sidewalk. She cupped the back of his head and pulled him into a hug. She wrapped her arm around his shoulder and he hid his face in her neck. Dixie was livid with his mom but right then she just wanted to comfort her man; to be his rock and show him it was all going to be okay. She whispered into his ear, "Don't worry, baby. We don't have to come back here." All Jon did was nod in agreement.

Shortly, the taxi arrived and they climbed in. "Where to, man?" the driver asked.

Jon answered, "The Marriott by the airport." Dixie looked over at him. "Yeah, enough trips down fucking memory lane for the moment. I promise I will take you out tonight, but right now I need to calm my ass down."

She scooted closer to him and took his hand, laying her head on his shoulder. "We will do whatever you want, baby. Whatever you want."

"Booze and violent sex?" he said low so the driver didn't hear.

Dixie laughed, "If that is what you want, then okay. But I don't really think that is what you need. I am the one who likes violent sex when I am upset, remember?"

He managed to let out a chuckle. "I remember."

"I know what you need, Jon. Just let me take care of you. I will always take care of you. I give you my word."

He softly smiled, "so, can I get that in writing?" He always tended to make jokes when he was upset and now was no different.

"Yeah, you sure can….when you marry me," she replied, laughing loudly.

He thought to himself, 'that's not such a bad idea.'