Chapter 7: Right When I Need You
Punk was at house show that following Friday. He had spoke to April earlier to wish her luck with her interview and she promised to call him right after. Punk kept checking his phone constantly as he prepped for his match for the evening.
"Hey" Punk said catching Langston walking by
"What's up Punk?" Langston asked
"Have you heard from April yet?" Punk questioned
"No I tried calling her and it went to voicemail" Langston said to him
"Her interview was like two hours ago" Punk said to him
"Maybe it didn't go well" Langston suggested
"Impossible" Punk snorted and Langston just smirked at him
"I'm sure you'll hear from her" Langston assured him
"You don't think something do you?" Punk asked him
"In the interview?" Langston asked
"No maybe she got hurt or something" Punk said almost nervously
"Are you worried about her?" Langston asked amused
"Of course I am" Punk spat "She's my friend" he defended
"You should just get that tattooed across your forehead" Langston chuckled "It sounds like you're trying to convince yourself of that one. Don't worry man I'm sure she's fine and if I hear from her I'll tell her to call you"
"Alright thanks" Punk mumbled and watched as Langston walked off
"Hey Phillip" Beth said walking towards him
"I don't have time for you" Punk said holding up his hand to silence his ex
"You have plenty time for mousy little waitresses from Tampa" Beth shot at him
"What?" Punk asked almost insulted
"I saw you and the little tart from Tampa at Raw" Beth informed him "Did I really crush you that bad that you think you can't do any better than a poor little waitress girl?" she asked seriously
"Wow" Punk smirked "You're full of yourself stay the fuck out of my business Elizabeth"
"Don't parade your business around than" Beth defended
"April is a wrestler" Punk informed her "I saw her wrestle while I was in Tampa"
"Who was her opponent, you?" Beth teased
"She's a talented wrestler and it was really refreshing to see such a talented young woman I mean clearly that's lacking around here" Punk shot at her with a wink
"Don't you dare insult my job performance" Beth warned
"And don't you dare insult my friend!" Punk yelled back "You don't know her so mind your own business" he said then stormed past her
April's meeting was running late, very late as a matter of fact. She wasn't sure she'd even make it in time for her shift. She did sit down and talk to a few different people but she was waiting on one more to arrive. She sat in a large office with a glass of water and would have been playing games on her phone but that had died about an hour ago.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting" A voice said entering the office startling her "Really sorry" he said quickly. April would have fallen over if she wasn't sitting in a chair.
"It's uh-" April started trying to find the words "It's fine" she mustered out. The large man took a seat behind the desk and looked over to her and smiled.
"Don't be nervous" he insisted
"You're Triple H" April pointed out "Duh obviously you know who you are" she mumbled to herself causing him to let out a small laugh "I'm sorry"
"Don't be sorry" Hunter insisted "And you can call me Paul" he said to her
"Ok" April said to him
"I watched your tryout a few days ago" Hunter said to her "I liked what I saw"
"Thank you sir" April said to him trying to make eye contact but was still too nervous
"Please let's stick with Paul" Hunter smirked "Bill personally handed me your tape and really took a liking to you. Bill doesn't do that often" April just nodded "Then my ears really perked up when John Cena mentioned you to me"
"He did?" April asked surprised
"Yea" Hunter said with a nod "He told me how you freelance wrestle and said you were good"
"He's a nice guy" April said to him nervously
"Imagine my surprise when I found out that it was Punk who got your foot in the door" Hunter said to her
"I waitress across the street from Hard Nocks and I've met a lot of the guys" April admitted
"Yea Cena mentioned that to me as well" Hunter said to her "But this isn't about John or Punk you've got a gift"
"Thanks" April said to him
"I'm working on developing NXT to a wider audience" Hunter informed her "I need more Divas" April slightly cringed at that "Something wrong?"
"It's nothing" April said feeling as if she blew it already "It's just the term 'Diva' is odd to me. I can wrestler sir- Paul" she corrected quickly and watched as he leaned back in chair and listened to her "I actually think I'm pretty good at it. But I'm not a high heel wearing, tight dress wearing, ten pounds of makeup type of girl" she informed him "I can try" she added
"That's what I like about you" Hunter said to her "You did your tryouts in a pair of converse that caught my eyes. I don't want a typical Diva I want an anti-Diva"
"Than not to sound too presumptuous I'm your girl" April informed him proudly causing him to offer her half a smile
"Good" Hunter said to her "I'm going to make this short I want to sign you to a developmental deal" April gasped slightly and it certainly amused Hunter. "If you sign that means a few things" he started off and she nodded for him to continue "No more independent shows" he said to her
"I understand" April agreed
"It's also not a lot of money" Hunter told her "I don't want you to run out and quit your job or anything because this also doesn't guarantee you a spot. It just means we're going to work with you and see how far we can go with you. This is just a couple of days a week training here with us and if I like what I see you'll move further up and maybe even make it to NXT at some point"
"Done" April said to him
"You're good but you need a lot of work" Hunter told her honestly "I personally wouldn't be here personally if I didn't think you had what it takes to be here"
"This isn't because John mentioned me or Punk set this up right?" April asked surprising him
"What would that matter?" Hunter asked curiously
"It matters to me because this is my dream come true" April said passionately "I want to be able to tell everyone who laughed at me when I told them I'd be here one day that I made it and I got it because I earned it"
"I respect Cena and Punk" Hunter said to her "Doesn't mean I'm going to hire their friends" he smirked "You're here in this office right now because you have drive, ambition and natural raw talent"
"I'll sign" April said to him and Hunter nodded
"I'm glad to hear that" he said reaching across the table to shake her hand "Welcome to the WWE April"
Punk was back in his hotel room and was still waiting to hear from April. He even tried calling Bill to find out if everything went ok but he couldn't get him either. He was now worried about his newfound friend. It actually alarmed him how worried he was for a person who had only been in his life for less than a month. Once he determined it was ok to feel this way he started to wonder what could have happened to her. A million horror stories ran through his mind. Did she get mugged going into her apartment? Did she sweat to death? Did she get into a fight with Jason? Was the diner held up? Did she get into an accident? Did she- he stopped mid horror story when he felt his phone vibrate.
"Hello?" Punk asked trying to remain calm
"Hey Punk!" April said to him "I didn't wake you did I?"
"No not really" Punk lied "So what's up?" he was so relieved to hear her voice
"I thought you wanted to know about my interview" April said to him
"Oh that's right" Punk said casually "So spill, what happened?"
"I got signed!" she practically screamed and he smiled immediately
"Congratulations" Punk said to her
"It's not like I'm going to be on TV or NXT for that matter I'm just going to be training there for a few days a week and they'll see how I progress" April said to him
"I knew you'd make it" Punk told her "I'm proud of you April"
"I owe this to you" April said to him "All of this is happening because you set this up for me"
"That's what friends are for right?" Punk teased
"Next time you're in Tampa I'm treating you to dinner" April insisted
"I'll hold you to that but I must warn you I'm not a cheap date" Punk joked
"I have two jobs now" April told him proudly "I'm going to be making some money with WWE and I'm still going to work at the diner"
"That's going to keep you busy" Punk noted "Maybe you should give the diner up" he suggested
"I can't do that to Hector" April said to him "He is lightening my load though. He's been so supportive of this"
"Good" Punk said to her
"So when are you going to be coming back Tampa?" April questioned
"I'm actually going to be there next week" Punk informed her "I'm visiting some friends" it was a total lie; he just hoped she wouldn't see through it.
"Well if you can get a free night try to squeeze me in" April said to him
"Yea I'm sure I could work you into my busy schedule" Punk teased "You should get some sleep April you had a big day"
"I don't think I could sleep if I tried" April said to him "But I should try. I just wanted you to be the first to know"
"I was first to know?" Punk asked "I'm flattered"
"Of course. Next is my short list of 'I told you so's" she said to him
"Who is on that list?" Punk asked
"My parents, my sister, my brother- that's about it" April said to him "Oh and Kristy Gape who I went to elementary school with but I don't think I have her number"
"Enjoy it" Punk encouraged
"They probably won't even answer their phones" April sighed "I'll just leave a message and it will just be me laughing. But I also want to call Langston and stop by and see Jason and Jewel" Punk would be lying if the sound of Jason's name didn't make his skin crawl.
"Ok but remember this is about you- don't let anyone bring you down" Punk said to her "And if someone tries to you just give me their number and I'll set them straight"
"I know" April said to him "Go and get some sleep and I'll see you in a few days"
"Goodnight April" Punk said to her
"Night Punk" she responded
"Oh and uh I've missed you" Punk said then hung up.
The week came and went and April had trained two days already at WWE and her body was aching. She couldn't believe the difference between training with WWE and with Jason. She loved what she was doing now but she still felt something was missing. She found herself thinking more and more of Punk as the days went by. Every time she considered calling him her phone would ring and it would be him. He clearly worked up the nerve to actually call her first and that did make her happy.
But tonight April was back to where she started- the diner. It was packed as it was on most Wednesday nights. And when Langston, Dean, Seth and Roman showed up it felt just like old times.
"Hey boys" April grinned walking towards them
"Damn you're still here?" Dean asked seriously "Haven't you moved on to bigger and better things?" he joked
"Congratulations April" Roman said to her sincerely
"Thanks" she smiled
"So how are you liking it so far?" Seth asked
"It's hard" April admitted "But I'm loving it"
"That a girl!" Seth cheered "You'll be up in NXT in no time"
"Yea the girls are seriously lacking" Dean noted
"I want to wrestle the boys" April said in an almost threatening tone
"Damn" Langston whistled "Cockiness- I like it"
"You keep that up and you will be" Roman laughed
"So what can I get you guys?" April asked them
"The usual" Dean said not even looking at the menu
"What are we going to do when she's gone from here?" Roman asked them seriously
"Yea we're going to have to train a new waitress to know our orders" Seth agreed
"If that's the worst of your problems than you all are very lucky men" April teased
"April" Hector said walking over to her "Your friend is at the counter looking for you" he informed her. April glanced over her shoulder and saw Jason sitting there waiting for her.
"You're not still working with him are you?" Langston asked her
"Yea I think you've graduated to a new league" Roman said to her
"No I haven't seen him in a week actually" April said to them "I don't even think he knows I got signed"
"Oh let me tell me" Langston begged lightly "I'd love to see the look on his face"
"You hate him too?" April asked
"Too?" Langston questioned
"Punk isn't a fan either" April said to them
"Probably because Punk knows a sleazy disgusting dirt bag when he sees one" Dean noted then waved and smiled towards Jason "Prick" Ambrose muttered under his breath
"Are you still pissed over that the fact that he slept with your girlfriend?" Seth laughed
"She wasn't my girlfriend" Dean defended "I don't have girlfriends. I have meaningless one night stands"
"Right" Roman scoffed
"I'll put your order in" April said to them then walked over to the counter. "Hey Jason"
"April" Jason said coolly "You have a minute for me?"
"Hector?" April asked
"Yea take five" Hector said but eyed Jason "Five minutes" he said to Jason
"Yea I heard ya" Jason groaned standing up and walking outside with April "So where you going to tell me?"
"I was but you took off" April said to him "Aren't you happy for me?"
"Yea April congratulations" Jason said to her in an even tone "So I guess since you're a big star now you don't have time for me anymore? Your suddenly to good for me?"
"No" April insisted "I wouldn't think that. I haven't even seen you"
"Look it's fine" Jason said to her "Obviously you worked for very hard to get where you are right now but don't forget I helped you. I got you booked, I worked my ass off with you"
"I didn't forget" April said to him
"Did you forget about all the money you owe me?" Jason questioned
"Jason-" April started
"Answer me April" Jason demanded
"No" April said to him "And I'll get you your money"
"Well you're a WWE talent now where is it?" Jason asked
"I haven't even gotten paid by them yet" April said to him "I haven't even been there a week!"
"Well when you do start rolling in all of that money this is what you owe me" Jason said passing her an envelope. She looked surprised but took the envelope from him and opened it. "Jason" she said slightly hurt "Is this a joke?"
"Not it's an official invoice" Jason said pointing the letter head
"This is a lot of money" April said to him "I'm not going to be making that kind of money. I still haven't been able to get my electricity put back on"
"The longer you wait the more interest that gets tacked on" Jason warned her
"I thought we were friends" April frowned
"We are" Jason said to her softly "You know there are other ways you can work this off and that offer is still on the table"
"I'm not like that" April reminded him
"Yea because I'm sure Punk went out of his way to get you this job out of the goodness of his heart" Jason shot at her
"You don't know anything about Punk or his heart" April defended harshly "And clearly you don't know me at all"
"I know you April" Jason informed her "And I also know if I don't start seeing payment soon I'm going to have to sue you"
"Why are you doing this?" April asked him
"I'm doing this to keep you level headed April" Jason said to her
"You're doing this because you're jealous" April said to him coldly "You couldn't make it and I did"
"It has nothing to do with that" Jason hissed
"It has everything to do with it!" April yelled
"Start paying this off April" Jason warned her
"Or you'll sue me?" April mocked "We never had any contract"
"Don't push me April" Jason warned her
"April" Hector called out from the door
"I'm sorry" April said to him then looked back at Jason "This is the worst thing you have ever done to me" she shot at her friend then went inside
"Bye Jason!" Hector waved smugly then closed the door
Later that night the diner was quiet so her and Hector were cleaning up.
"You ok kid?" Hector asked her
"Yea" April said quietly as she dried some glasses
"You've been so happy and one visit from your friend your down in the dumps" Hector noted
"I think that friendship is over" April admitted sadly
"He was never your friend" Hector informed him "He was a leech"
"Still is" April muttered
"Huh?" Hector asked
"Nothing" she sighed
"Just remember you're going places and unfortunately you have to leave some people behind" Hector pointed out
"That's not true" April argued
"It is but that's life" Hector said to her "I accept that I'm eventually going to need a new clumsy waitress and I'm very happy for you. A real friend would be"
"He's just a little jealous I think" April said to him
"A real friend would show up here at almost one in the morning just because he missed you" Hector informed her in a whisper
"What?" April asked then Hector nodded towards the door and sure enough CM Punk was in the building.
"Have a good night sweetheart" Hector said to her "I've got the rest of this"
"Thanks" She said to Hector then stood up and walked over to Punk "Hi" she smiled
"Hey" he smirked "How did I know I'd find you here at this time?"
"Because I'm always here?" April offered
"Yea" Punk smirked "When are you off?"
"Now" April said to him
"Good" Punk said to her "Need a ride?"
"Sure" April said to him
Instead of heading straight home Punk and April walked over to the beach located not too far from the diner.
"So what time do you have to be in for training tomorrow?" Punk asked her as he soaked in the beach atmosphere that he couldn't get in Chicago.
"I'm off tomorrow from both jobs actually" April said to him "I don't know what I'm going to do with myself"
"Wow that's new" Punk smirked
"I wasn't expecting you tonight" April admitted "But I'm glad to see you"
"I just got in and thought I'd swing by" Punk shrugged casually "So what's eating at you?" he asked "You've been quiet"
"I'm always quiet" she said seriously but he laughed out loud
"I think I know you a little better than that" Punk informed her "What's wrong with you?"
"You ever feel betrayed?" April asked bluntly and Punk just let out a sigh
"It's something I'm all too familiar with" Punk informed her "You feel that way right now?"
"Yea I do" April admitted as they continued to walk. Punk gently grabbed her arm halting her movements.
"What happened April?" Punk frowned
"Jason came by the diner tonight" April started and Punk listened intently "He's upset with me I guess because I got signed"
"That's no surprise" Punk snorted "So what did he say to you?"
"It wasn't much" April said knowing if she told him he'd want to jump in and help her
"April we're friends here" Punk said to her abruptly "Just tell me"
"He just mentioned how I still owe him money for classes" April shrugged
"Oh really" Punk laughed "He's still trying to rip you off" he said bitterly
"You were right about him" April said to him and Punk just nodded "But you have to understand he was all I had for a long time"
"I don't want to butt into your personal life or anything but were you two ever an item?" Punk asked her
"No" April assured him "Never, ever. I've never even had a boyfriend"
"You're kidding" Punk said in an very amused tone
"Nope" April said to him honestly "Look at me Phil" she laughed gesturing to herself "I'm a poor girl from New Jersey who would rather spend her Friday nights playing video games than dancing at a club"
"I think you're beautiful" Punk wasn't sue what possessed him to say that but he did.
"Wow" April said taken back slightly
"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything" Punk said to her casually "I was just making an observation"
"No one has ever called me that before" April admitted surprising Punk yet again. He wasn't even sure what to say "Thank you it was nice to hear actually" Punk looked down at the beautifully insecure woman in front of him and for the first time he was speechless "We should probably head back" April said stepping away from him
"Yea" Punk choked out and followed her off the beach.