One plus of being in California means being close to both Ricardo's family, and Mike and AJ. Which is great for Alicia. They're currently staying with Ricardo's mother while they get things sorted out, Ricardo's schedule filling up for the next couple of months. Alicia is a bit more mobile than she was immediately after her injury but she still needs rest so it's something of a relief when they go to Mike and AJ's, Alicia getting some time with baby Sara while Ricardo and Mike wander the beach, Ricardo taking in sights he's missed all too much the last few years.
"So except for Alicia's injury," Mike says quietly, "the drive went alright?"
"Yeah, it was smooth enough," Ricardo responds, squinting out into the sun. "It's easier after you get rid of... pretty much everything." He'd kept the bare necessities and had tossed the rest, feeling at a crossroads in his life upon deciding he'd done all he could in Florida. So everything filling his car had been Alicia's- clothes and other things important to her. He hadn't suggested she do as he had, aware that that was a step too far, especially considering her injury.
It's a kind of freedom he finds he really likes, not having the weight of personal belongings, needing space for everything. Now he can go anyhere, stay with pretty much anyone, and not be a burden. He digs his hands in his pockets and glances over at Mike. "So everything's going good with you and AJ?"
"Yeah, everything's great," he says. "Just really busy." He rocks forward. "This reality show with Maryse, the usual WWE obligations... everything leading up to Wrestlemania."
Ricardo nods. "I heard you signed a new contract with WWE, so I guess you're gonna keep busy for the immediate future."
"Yep." Mike's brows furrow. "I miss out on a lot of Sara Louisa's life because of it, but the money's good and I know she and AJ will be secure financially at least. And if I decide in four years that I've had enough, that it's time to move on, then I'll have more time for her, and she'll be able to remember when she's old enough."
"Do you think you might?" Ricardo wonders, examining Mike's face, his stance in the sand.
"I'm not sure," he confesses. "WWE's been one of the best, and most aggravating, things in my life. It's definitely been a challenge and I appreciate all that it's given me. I wouldn't have met AJ or had Sara without it, after all. But as awesome as it is to be one of the longest reigning Intercontinental champions, I really want more... I'm hungry for other opportunities, more challenges."
Ricardo understands that. It's the reason he'd left WWE all of those years ago himself. "So would you focus solely on movies and stuff or venture out into the indys with the rest of us?" he asks with a faint laugh, imagining a Mizorrison reunion after all of these years.
Mike shrugs. "I'm not sure, guess I'd have to see how my body holds up. I've been pretty lucky most of my career. If that keeps up, I might take that route." They fall quiet, thinking about their futures. "You think you guys are staying here in California?"
Ricardo squints into the sun. "Maybe. I know we are for awhile, I'm not sure if it'll be permanent though. Things here are really expensive, I guess it depends on where the bookings take us." He exhales. "Alicia's injury came at a weirdly good time, because she can help me figure out what's next." He casts a glance over at Mike. "I threw the most of my stuff away, so I can pretty much go anywhere. Just need a place where Alicia is comfortable, and there's room for her clothes."
Mike's teeth flash as he smirks. "Yeah, I know how that goes." He pauses. "Not about AJ's stuff, by the way. My percentage of the closet far exceeds hers."
Ricardo laughs at this and they stand in silent companionship for awhile, watching the sun glisten off of the waves as it sets further. "Let's go back," he says after a few moments. "I haven't seen enough of Sara myself yet. Ay dios, she's getting so big."
"I know," Mike murmurs. "Her birthday is in a couple of days. She's gonna be two years old. It's ridiculous. She'll be in kindergarten before either of us will be prepared for it." Ricardo smiles sympathetically and pats him on the back as they trudge through the sand.
When they arrive, Alicia is sitting gingerly on a pillow, feeding Sara some berries, and her smile softens as Ricardo walks over to help, tickling the toddler as she squeals and squirms in his arms, babbling excitedly and waving her little arms around as he laughs at her and teases her by pretending to eat all of the remaining blueberries until she pouts up at him, her blue eyes fixed on his face until he shows her the berries, her lips parting eagerly as he feeds her.
Alicia sits back and watches until Sara starts to yawn, her eyes drooping. AJ eases in and takes her from Ricardo gently, rocking her as she moves to take her back to her room for naptime. Mike follows along to help and Alicia smiles, eyes still locked on Ricardo as he chews on the last berry, only just catching her stare as he wipes his hands on his pants. "What are you thinking about, Alicia?" he asks with a small smile, growing a little unnerved with how focused she is on him.
"You're gonna make a really good father some day, Ricardo," she finally says, smiling when he flushes hotly.
"Yeah, maybe," he mumbles.
She shakes her head and reaches out for him, careful not to move too quickly and send pain up her spine. As he leans into her, she kisses him slowly. "You will," she murmurs against his skin, eyes closed. "You will."