"So what are you doing for Christmas?" It's Alberto. Ricardo looks up while stretching his knee out and exhales. "I am wrestling a bit, but then I'll be off spreading holiday cheer far and wide..."
Ricardo leans over and tightens his laces, shrugging. "I haven't decided yet, but I think Mike and AJ are bringing the baby. We went to them for Thanksgiving so they figured it was fair to come to us this time. We just need to confirm a few things beforehand."
"I know it's hard, and I understand why we weren't invited to Thanksgiving," Alberto offers. "I just hope... some day you will forgive me, and maybe we can spend holidays together again. But I will not push you." He smiles sadly at Ricardo before turning to leave.
"Ah, Alberto?" Ricardo offers, waiting until his former employer turns to look at him. "I wanted to thank you again for recommending me to your rehab specialist. I'm nearly at 100% again and should be able to wrestle once more by the New Year."
Alberto's face relaxes into a brilliant smile. "I'm so happy to hear that, mi hermano. Um, I hope you and Alicia have a happy holiday. No matter how you spend it."
"You and... your household as well," Ricardo says awkwardly, not wanting to exclude Paige but also unable to outright say her name.
Alberto nods. "Gracias, mi hermano." Turning, he leaves and Ricardo grabs his things, exiting the building as well.
Their careers are still intertwined, thanks to MMA, but he finds he's minding a little less now. The situation with Paige is still a throbbing ache deep in his chest, but now he has Alicia to focus on, and it grows slightly easier day by day.
Who knows, he thinks as he sinks into the car. Maybe I'll forgive Alberto some day. Just... not right now. Truthfully, Alberto had looked past Ricardo's anger and pain and had given him a job, had helped him find medical help when he'd needed it, and now... well, now things are looking up for him. He just hopes it lasts through the holiday season and into the new year.
Returning home, he smiles at Alicia and drops down next to her, rewatching footage of 205 Live. She looks good with Cedric, even changing her hair and make up for him, and it makes Ricardo sick. He itches at his arm and gnaws on his bottom lip before turning to look at her. "You know you're beautiful no matter what you do with your hair, right?" he asks softly, curling a strand of the teased hair around his finger. "Straight, curtly, long, short, dark, light... you don't need to change just to attract someone."
She cups his hand, smiles at him. "I know. But I like it like this." Self-confidence faltering, she frowns. "Unless you mean that you don't like it...?"
He immediately shakes his head. "No, no, that's not what I meant, Alicia. I love your hair, it's just I don't want you to feel the need to change for anyone. You're gorgeous inside and out and I don't want you to lose any part of yourself because of someone else."
She smiles at him. "You're sweet, Ricardo." Leaning in, she kisses him slowly. "I promise not to lose myself in anyone else."
It should appease him, because she sounds sincere, but it doesn't.
