May 13, 2013

My phone ringing wakes me. "Fuck me," I moan peering at the red numbers of the alarm clock before snatching up the ringing phone. "At three in the morning someone had better be dead or dying."

"If you didn't get up so damn early I wouldn't have to call so early to catch you off guard," my ex-boyfriend growls waking me fully.

"Rick," I sigh. "What do I owe the displeasure this morning?"

"When are you coming home?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Because I want you back."

"Right," I laugh. "You forgot you already showed your hand on this. You don't want me. You want access to Randy's house. It's not going to happen. Then there's the legality of me even having this discussion with you with the restraining and no contact order you have against me."

"I don't need you for access to Randy's house. There is always that sweet sister-in-law of yours. Who knows, she might have forgotten something of yours here. Then there's the fact that she sticks to a strict schedule that makes bumping into her ever so easy."

"You stay the fuck away from Sam. My whole family is off limits to you , understand."

"Or what? I know you're not going to threaten me with the possibility that I'm recording this conversation out there. You're not that stupid."

I clamp my jaw together so tightly the fact that my teeth didn't crack amazes me. The plastic of my phone case creaks in my hand. "Maybe I'll just tell Randy the reason behind your stabbing," I spit through my gritted teeth.

"After all this time, do you think he would believe you. I mean you've had, what, four months to think up this story you're going to tell him."

"Go near my family and we will find out," I growl.

"You know my lawyer is adamant about a civil suit against you," he states conversationally. "You know I had lots of hospital bills from your little stunt. How would Daddy take the family name being run through the mud again? His little bastard daughter causing more embarrassment for him, bringing more shame to his family."

"You do whatever you feel you need to do to bring a sense of joy to your pathetic little life, Rick. You just keep my sister-in-law and niece out of it," I snarl ending the call. Burrowing my head under the pillows I release a scream of frustration. "Maybe it's time to tell Randy," I think laying buried in the bed. "Who am I kidding? Rick is right. I tell him now and he'll think I made everything up just to give him an explanation."

I lay there mulling over my options until my alarm goes off two hours later. Disentangling myself from the bed, I reach for my phone. Three text messages. The first is from Randy's wife informing me her and my niece would be meeting up with us next week.

I'll start working on getting Randy's bus on the road as soon as I can. Can't go into details but change your routine for your own safety. I reply.

The next is from Jon. Good morning. Try not to cause too much trouble today.

I smile as I move on to the final message from Randy.

Slept like shit last night. Going to sleep in. You should do the same.

"I wish I could Bub," I think pulling out my laptop to begin my work for the day.

XXX

"I told you I could have slept a couple more hours," Randy grumbles as we enter our hotel for the night.

"Then check in and go back to bed, for Christ sake," I growl.

"You're in a mood today."

"You're whiney today, I wonder what put me in said mood."

"Everything ok?"

"Fine," I answer as we approach the front desk.

"Seriously JJ, what is wrong," Randy sighs as we move towards the elevator bank after checking in.

"Nothing," I force a smile as the elevator arrives for us. "Just a long day already for me and it's only noon. Got up earlier than usual."

"Why?"

"Too much pent up energy I guess," I lie.

"You're lying. You always tilt your head to the left when you lie."

"No I'm not," I sigh. "I haven't gotten a good run in months. I've been feeling very cooped up lately. Now go back to bed before you annoy me to death."

"There is a good gym about three blocks north of here. I went there last time we were in town here. You go tear up a treadmill and I'll nap then we can grab a late lunch. We will both be in a better mood afterwards. Deal?"

"Deal," I grin wrapping him in a quick hug as we reach our rooms across from one another. "I really do love you, Bub."

"I love you too, Jaybird."

"Remember that when I cause all hell to break loose again," I think as I watch him enter his room.

XXX

"I seriously need an iPod," I think as my music is cut off by the sound of ringing. Digging my phone out of the arm band. Dad. "Hello Father."

"JJ," he sniffs.

"What can I do for you," I ask after a few moments of silence shutting the treadmill down.

"I have been on the phone all morning. Seems that you violated your no contact order this morning and called Mr. Dreyer."

"Actually he called me."

"That is not the story he is telling."

"And, of course, the story he is telling is the one you're willing to believe."

"Do you sincerely blame me?"

"Yes," I snap. "I sincerely do. I am your daughter, remember."

"If you want me to believe you, you occasionally have to talk to me. You refuse to talk to me about what happened-"

"Because you are always too busy blaming me to ask what the fuck happened."

"You will watch your language young lady," he snaps. "You will remember who you are speaking with. Now Mr. Dreyer is willing to not press charges for your violation."

"If I do what?"

"He is just asking that his medical bills be paid… And a public apology."

"I would rather die than apologize to that piece of scum. I'll pay his bills but he can go to hell on the apology."

"You will apologize Janet Janna Orton," he snaps. "You will make it heartfelt and sincere. Do not fight me on this."

"I will fight you tooth and nail on this. That man will never get an apology from me."

"We will see about that."

"I assume you hired Mr. Greenbriar again for me?"

"I have spoken with him, yes. I am keeping this out of the court system this time around, Janet. I will not have the family name tarnished again."

"It great talking to you as always, Father."

Pulling up my call log details I double check that information shows that the call this morning was in fact an incoming call along with the date and time showing before taking a screenshot. Attaching it to an email I write a short note to my attorney explaining that I had not violated anything and I was willing to pay any medical bills that Mr. Dreyer accumulated because of my actions but would prefer that be the extent of my contact with him. I ask that he share the picture with anyone he deemed would expedite the process.

Rereading the e-mail I send it off with a sigh. "Maybe one day I might fix this relationship with my father," I think miserably. "Right," a small part of brain counters "and maybe Randy will wear a pink tutu to the ring. We both hold on to our anger and hurt too tightly to ever let that happen."

XXX

I knock on Randy's hotel room. He opens the door with his phone planted to the side of his head and I wait for him to move to allow me to enter. When he doesn't I hold out the container holding his lunch to him. He take it from my hands and I turn to hide the tears gathering in my eyes. "I guess I'll see you tonight then," I whisper moving to my room. I hear the door close softly behind me. I blink away the tears as I search for my keycard in my gym bag, all my thoughts from today a constant buzz in my head. Running a hand through my hair I try to calm myself as I dig through my bag for a third time, still not finding my keycard. I ignore my phone as it rings in my pocket. After the fifth time I pull it out to read the screen. Rick. I hit the ignore button. It immediately begins ringing again. Growling I pitch the phone down the hallway before noticing three figures approaching. "Shit," I call. "Heads up."

The center figure reaches out and catches the phone easily as it once again begins to ring. Bringing the phone to his ear, the ringing stops. "I don't think she is taking calls right now," the figure rumbles stepping into the light from a nearby window and I recognize him as the man holding Jon at bay the night of Stephen's attack and dinner the following week. I don't even remember his name. The other two join him in the square of light to reveal Colby and Jon.

"Shit." "Sorry guys," I call weakly. "Frustration got the best of me."

"Good arm," the catcher smiles holding up the phone.

"Glad eight years of softball paid off."

The phone in his hands rings once again.

"Just ignore it. He'll take the hint eventually," I sigh as they approach.

"I don't think he will but whatever," he smiles holding the phone out to me.

"Thank you. I'm sorry again," I try to smile but feel it fall almost immediately.

"No problem," he smiles widely. "JJ, right? Orton's sister and assistant. "

"Not in that order," I smirk. "It's Joe, right?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Colby," the bi-color haired man smiles sticking out his hand.

"Funny," I smirk.

"Made you smile," he winks moving off down the hall, Joe trailing after him.

I turn to find Jon studying me intently.

"Jon, you coming," Joe calls.

"You ok," Jon whispers taking my hand, concern filling his blue eyes.

"At the moment, I don't feel like I am but I will be," I whisper back as his thumb rubs patterns across the back of my hand.

"I'll catch up with you guys in a bit," he calls.

"We leave in an hour," Colby calls. "Be dressed and not exhausted."

"What's wrong," he whispers.

"Where do I start," I sigh leaning with my shoulder against the wall.

"How about the most pressing and we're work from there," he smiles softly.

"The most pressing, huh? Well at the moment that would be the fact that I can't find my room key."

He leans around me before wrapping arm around my waist, his hand dipping into my back pocket. Pulling his arm back, he reveals my room key. "You always keep your key card in your back pocket," he smiles.

"I'm rattled today," I smirk taking the key from him. Opening the door, I stand aside to let him enter first.

"Next problem," he smiles and I feel my smirk fall. "What?"

I shake my head. "I can't."

"You can't what?"

I open my mouth to answer but no words come out, tears filling my eyes.

"JJ?"

His hand rests on my hip pushing me gently to the bed. We both sit gently on the edge of the bed, his hand moves up to rub my side soothingly.

"I can't win," I murmur blinking away the tears. "Every time I get a grasp on the game someone changes it up on me. My ex called me this morning to talk shit but it violated a no contact order he has against me."

"Is that who keeps calling?"

I nod, tossing the vibrating phone onto the table. "He's trying to stir up shit. And he succeeded."

"I'm going to answer it," he growls.

"No," I snap. "Just let it go. I'll send another screenshot of all the calls to my attorney later. It will look better the fewer times I actually answer."

"You're way too calm about this," he states as he studies me. "There is more than you're telling me."

I nod sharply.

"Are you going to tell me?"

"Why, bother? Everyone I've talked to today has either made me question myself or basically called me a liar," I sniff. "Or better yet. They just don't speak to me period."

He very slowly moves closer to me until we sit hip to hip, his arm wrapping around my shoulders gently. "I wouldn't knowingly do that to you."

"Knowingly?"

"I can be a bastard without knowing it."

"Not from what I have seen," I smirk, resting my head into the crook between his head and shoulder momentary. "I need a shower."

"I'll be here," he calls after me.

The sobs burst from me as I step under the hot water but I manage to clean myself up and dressed in record time. The urge to be back near Jon overriding my want to mope. I avoid any kind of make-up as tears still occasionally slip down my cheeks. Stepping back into the main hotel room I find Jon in the same spot staring at my cell. "You don't have to stay here, you know."

"I don't want to be anywhere else right now," he smiles up at me. I fight the urge to move closer forcing myself to stay rooted across from him.

"You're going to have to leave soon," I murmur glancing at the alarm clock on the table beside the bed.

"I could always ride to the arena with you and Randy," he states standing.

I drop my gaze to the floor. "I don't think Randy is going to want me around tonight. I'm sure I'm confined to my room here until we leave tomorrow."

"Well, I guess I better work fast then," he whispers pulling me closer, his arms wrapping around my shoulders.

My hands come up to rest on his waist, preparing to push away. "Work fast on what?"

"Making you feel better enough to be my guest at the arena tonight," he states bringing one hand down to pull my hands one at a time around him to rest on his back. I start to shake my head when his hand comes up to grasp my chin pulling it up so I meet his eyes. "Do you really want to be alone tonight?"

"No."

"Didn't think so," he smiles releasing my chin, his hand finding its way down to the small of my back.

I allow my head to fall forward to rest my forehead against his chest. "Thank you."

"No problem," he sighs, his hands soothing across my back. "Does he do this often? Randy, I mean."

"Not talk to me or leave me behind?"

"Either," he murmurs against the top of my head.

"During the beginning of our working relationship he would leave me behind more often than not. I think that was more of not knowing what to do with me than anything else. Now it is only when he's taking shit because of me. Kind of like it's a punishment. I don't know. Maybe he still doesn't know what to do with me."

He is quiet afterwards, his hands continue their movements along my back. I turn my head to rest my ear over his heart and allow the rhythm lull me into relaxation. I open my mouth to tell him he should be getting ready to leave when all the details of my day spills out. I clamp my jaw shut afterwards mentally cursing myself. His arms tighten around me before he steps back. "I'm going to find Colby and Joe. Finish getting ready and we'll be back in a few."

I nod, my eyes never leaving the carpet.

"Hey, look at me," he states.

I shake my head moving around him. He reaches out and grabs my arm gently pulling me back to him. Reaching down he pulls my face up until our eyes lock. "This isn't the end of the world. Don't let yourself feel like it is," he murmurs, placing a kiss on my forehead. "I won't let you question your ability to pull through anything."

I stare after him as he leaves.

XXX

"Can we talk?"

I look up at Randy's voice as I wait for my group to finish up for the night. "I guess," I murmur, swallowing down the sarcastic remarks that would rather come out.

"Dad called."

"I figured."

"Can I get your side of the story?"

I look up surprised. "I don't think I heard you right."

"Rick said you called him. Dad believes that, I don't. I don't think you're that stupid."

"Thank you, I guess."

"I'm always on your side, Jaybird. Whether you believe that or not. I'm sorry if I let you forget that from time to time."

"It's not a big deal," I murmur, my eyes tracing the patterns in the arena floor.

"I hurt you. That is the worse thing a brother could ever do," he sighs pulling me into a tight hug. "I'm sorry."

I shake my head against his chest.

"Did you call Rick," he asks softly.

"No," I sigh stepping back. "He's been calling me nonstop all day. I've been taking screen shots of my call log every few hours and e-mailing them to Mr. Greenbriar.

"Good girl," he smiles. "I'll tell Dad to back off."

"No apologies, public or private, are going to be given to Rick Dreyer. Regardless of what Dad thinks or says," I state.

"Like I said. I'll tell him to back off," he states backing away.

"Everything ok," Celeste asks as an arm slides around my shoulders.

"Yeah," I smile. "Just a little brother-sister love. That sounded entirely less creepy in my head."

She chuckles softly. "We 're going out for drinks after the show, you coming?"

"I'm dead on my feet tonight, I'm just going to go to the hotel and crash."

She studies me for a moment, "You do look exhausted."

"Thanks for that," I smirk. "I've only been up since three this morning."

"Why on earth would you willingly wake up at three in the morning," April asks wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Believe me it wasn't willingly."

"So no JJ tonight?"

"No JJ tonight," I stifle a yawn.

"Here," Celeste smiles digging through her bag before producing a car key, "take our rental. We'll get a ride back with the boys. I'll get the key from you in the morning."

"Thank you," I smile. "Tell the boys I'm sorry for leaving them."

"They'll understand," she smiles placing the key into my hand.

XXX

The soft click brings me out of my light doze, my hand instinctively reaching out for a weapon on the bedside table. Cracking my eyelids I search the room quickly finding the large silhouette by the balcony. Closing my eyes and balling my fists, I try to even out my breathing as I sense whoever moving closer. I swing with all my strength as the bed moves beside me but the effort is futile as the punch is easily deflected and a hand clamps over my mouth to cut off the scream. Suddenly Jon's face comes into view as he leans over me. "It's just me," he smiles.

Pulling my face away from his hand, I glare up at him. "You scared the crap out of me. What are you doing here?"

He just shrugs looking down at me. "Colby and Joe are out so I got bored."

"So you decided to break into my hotel room in the middle of a storm. You're dripping on me by the way," I smirk.

He laughs shaking his head over me raining water across me.

"I have to sleep in this bed after you leave, I'd appreciate it if you didn't get it soaking wet."

He opens his mouth to comment and I cut him off with a look. "You're grumpy tonight," he comments instead, pulling his shirt over his head. "Still having a bad night?"

"No," I yawn. "You thoroughly did what you set out to do tonight. Thank you," I smile sliding across the bed as he toes off his boots and slides under the blanket. "Just tired. Those jeans better be dry."

"Miss Orton, I believe you're trying to get me naked," he leers, settling on his side facing me.

"It's not that hard to do," I return the leer, wrapping an arm around him. "But not tonight. I have no energy. So how else can I entertain you? And why are you here, usually you require entertainment via text?"

"Maybe I came to entertain you," he smiles nuzzling against my throat, one arm sliding under my shoulders.

"Cuz me sleeping was so boring plus you admitted you were bored."

"Hmmm."

"So, how was your night," I ask, skimming my nails up and down the back of his neck. "And your super secret meeting."

"Good," he sighs, his breath raising goose bumps in it's wake as it caresses across exposed skin. "I pick up the US title at the pay-per-view."

"That's great," I smile.

"Yeah," I feel him smile. "Celeste said you were talking to Randy at the arena earlier."

"You're talking to Celeste now?"

"You and Colby love her," he shrugs awkwardly against me, "seemed like a good idea to be friendly."

"Back to your original statement," I grin, "Yeah, Randy is talking to me again. The silent treatment…It never really lasts long. Especially with me working for him now."

"Good," he sighs again, his free hand rubs soothing laps from my hip to ribs and I feel sleep pulling on me.

"Jon," I murmur.

"Yeah."

"I think I'm going to fall asleep on you."

"Okay."

XXX

I groan as a phone ringing wakes me. "Why can't he just wait until after my alarm to annoy me," I think contemplating ignoring the ringing.

"Yeah," Jon's voice is full of sleep as he grumbles beside my ear. Opening my eyes I study the top of his head as he lays on my shoulder. "Yeah, I'll meet you guys in the lobby at seven. Joe? No, I haven't seen him."

I can hear a muffled voice coming from the cell phone in his hand and he chuckles looking up at me. A smile slides in place as he notices me awake. "I'll see you at seven," he states to the phone before ending the call. "Sorry I didn't mean to wake you."

"Phone did," I answer glancing over at the alarm clock. "I over slept twenty minutes."

"I changed your alarm," he sighs. "Figured you needed the extra sleep after yesterday."

"And what time did you plan on me getting up?"

"Seven. Celeste said nine but I checked your phone and saw Randy needed you before then. He has a meet and greet at nine."

"Were you planning on telling me this little fact or were you just going to let me wake up and panic?"

"I didn't think it through, sue me," he smiles.

"I've had enough legal issues. I think I'll pass. Only if I can get my arm back. I think it fell asleep under that big melon of yours."

"You never hear me complain when mine falls asleep under you, do you?"

"Probably because you've exhausted me and I am contently sleeping when you get out of bed and realize yours is asleep," I smirk as he raises enough for me to remove my arm from underneath him. I shake it to get the blood moving again.

"You should really get some more sleep," he sighs brushing my hair back from my face.

"I'm awake now," I smile.

"Come on now," he smiles, "you're breaking my record of being gone by the time the girl wakes up."

"It doesn't count when we don't have sex beforehand," I smile turning to lay on my side my back to him.

"Who made that rule?"

"I did just now," I smirk reaching behind me to drag his arm across me. He adjust so his chest is pressed against my back and I intertwine our fingers. "Who's turn is it in twenty questions?"

"Mine," he murmurs, his breath tickling the back of my neck.

"Then go," I sigh.

"How did Stephen ever convince you to date him?"

"Right place, right time," I shrug. "I was still hurting because my relationship with my previous ex ended. I was mad because Randy had drug me onto the road then locked me in hotel room after hotel room. I was fighting with my father and step-mother on a almost daily basis. I was brooding over how crap-tastic my life had become in the corner of some restaurant when this tall redhead slides into the chair across from me and orders a bottle of wine. He was charming enough and I let myself think I was in love again."

"Were you?"

"I believe it's my turn to ask a question," I admonish lightheartedly. "That's what you always tell me when I ask a follow up question ."

"I'm so sorry," he laughs holding his arm out in front of me. "I must be punished."

I feebly slap his wrist before bringing the arm back to my body. "How did you meet Danielle?"

I feel him wince at the question. He clears his throat before answering, "FCW. I noticed her around backstage but never really paid much mind to her until she literally tripped and fell into my arms. She asked me out. I think I was still in shock when I agreed. I gave her a version of the speech I gave you. I was damaged and didn't do relationships. She claimed to understand. We ended up in bed a couple times.

Suddenly she would include me in plans without consulting me. She introduced herself to anyone who would listen as my girlfriend. We would fight and end up in bed together again. Then she was talking marriage and kids. I told her I'd consider it. By the time I figured out my feelings, she was leaving."

"Next question."

"I got to get to my room," he sighs disentangling himself from me, "and change. You need to get some sleep."

"I slept pretty good last night," I murmur. "I feel pretty rested this morning."

"Good," he smiles kissing my temple.

I follow him out of bed and to the door intending to duck into the bathroom but his hand wrapping around my wrist stops me.

"You have plans tonight?"

"None that jump to mind but that could change."

"Would you like to join me for dinner? Just the two of us."

"Sounds like a plan," I smile. "As long as you don't come sneaking in through my balcony."

"You should be impressed. I had to jump like ten balconies to get here last night. I almost died."

"And you didn't learn a damn thing from it," I smile. "You'll do the same thing some other time."

"You're not wrong," he smiles pulling me into his arms.

"Thought you had to go."

"I do."

"Need help with that?"

"I might because that bed is looking very inviting suddenly," he smirks.

I find the door handle behind him, I pull it open before pushing him out. "Save it for tonight."

"I'll hold you to that," he smiles leaning down as the door on either side of mine opens up and the other two members of The Shield step out.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here," I smile.

"Morning JJ," Colby smiles, his attention focused past me and Jon. "Feeling better this morning."

"Yes, thank you so much for asking," I smile as Joe tries to slide past un-noticed. "How was your night Joe?"

He freezes momentarily before continuing down the hall. "You're not going to get off that easily," I call after him. "Or was it easy, April?"

"I hate you," the short brunette sighs terminating her attempt to duck back in her room.

"I've heard that before from you," I smirk. "You always come crawling back."

"I'll see you tonight," Jon smiles squeezing me into a tight hug before following Joe down the hallway.

"I got to go too," Colby sighs, pecking Celeste's lips.

"Awww," April and I coo.

"Shut up," Celeste smirks as I try to duck back into my room.

"Oh no," April smirks following me. "Joe is not the only one not getting off easy."

"Expect nothing less," I smile holding the door open as the other two women join me before making my way to the bathroom sink.

"So another night with Jon," Celeste smiles perching on the edge of the tub. "This makes what? Six days in a row? This is getting serious."

"No it's not," I state around my toothbrush as April joins her friend on the tub. "It's the same seriousness as the first night."

"So you're sticking with this friends story?"

"We are friends."

"Friends don't fuck," April smirks.

"Friends with benefits do," I state. "What are you and Joe?"

"We are not talking about me."

"I am."

"Joe and I are friends."

"And she gives me shit," I smirk wiping my mouth.

"I didn't have sex with Joe."

"She does know we just saw him leave, right," I ask Celeste leaning against the counter.

"We talked. We've actually been talking for about a week now," she blushes.

"This is the first I'm hearing this," Celeste smiles at her friend. "Why is this the first I'm hearing about it?"

"I didn't want to get your hopes up. Either of you. We fell asleep together but I didn't have sex last night. Can we get back to little Miss 'I'm-too-tired-to-go-out' now?"

A look crosses Celeste's face as she turns to me, "Neither did Jay. You didn't have sex last night."

"And you know this how," April asks looking between me and her friend.

"Believe me, we would have known. She is not quiet."

I feel my face heat up. "Shut up Celeste."

"Even when she's quiet, she's not that quiet. So spill."

"You seem to know everything, I'm not needed for this conversation," I sigh moving back to the main room.

"Wait, wait, wait, if you weren't having sex why was Jon in your room all night," April asks following me out.

"How do you know he was?" "Why is it better they think we had sex than to think we just slept together in the same bed?"

"Because I saw him hop from my balcony to yours at eleven last night and he was still here at six in the morning," Celeste supplies.

"Fine," I sigh. "He snuck in through my balcony, scared the crap out of me, we talked for a bit, and I fell back asleep. He was still here when I woke up this morning. End of story."

"So you filled each other in on your days," Celeste starts smiling. "Then fell asleep together."

"Why is that something to smile about when Short Round here just said she did the exact same thing? Hell, the same thing has happened with us. All three of us."

"We have never had sex and then decided to be friends."

"We were friendly before we had sex," I smirk pulling a pair of jeans from my bag.

"You know what? You're a big girl. You can take care of yourself. Just answer me, one question."

I motion for her to continue as I pull my jeans on.

"This thing you've got going with Jon, is it something you truly want?"

"At the moment, yes. I'm tired of being half of something that's not even real. Rick used me to get to Randy. Stephen used me as a place filler. Jon at least had the balls to look me in the eyes and tell me that all he wanted from me was my friendship and sex. If I wanted more than that I was free to walk away. At some point I know I will want more but right now I don't."

"Ok," she sighs wrapping an arm around my shoulders.