"I can't believe you," Mike says teasingly, staring into the computer screen and smirking as Ricardo huffs at him.
"What did I do now, Mike?" he wonders, adjusting Andre against his chest, hand warm against the little boy's neck.
"Well, not only are you returning to Egypt, you're dragging Alicia and Andre with you? And Sofia?!" Mike tsks, shaking his head in exaggerated amusement. "Do you realize what this has done to my wife? She was inconsolable."
"I actually was on the phone with Alicia when she told AJ the news," Ricardo says drily. "She squealed, she was so happy for Alicia. So stow your lies, Michael."
Mike gasps, clutching at his chest. "Why, I never." But he does grin at this, winking at Ricardo. "Ok, fine, we're both thrilled for you all. Just don't forget us lowly Americans while you're over there, ok?"
"I don't think that's even possible," Ricardo laughs softly. "Besides, we're all gonna come visit and spend Christmas with all of you ridiculous people."
Mike's face brightens. "Yeah? Full house? Fantastic, man. I can't wait. We're gonna send you guys off with style."
"Well, you know Alicia wouldn't have it any other way." Ricardo grins. "I'm glad we were able to talk this morning, Mike. It's been too long."
"Yeah, I guess we've both just been too busy. I'm glad this worked out too."
After they finish getting caught up, Mike finds himself staring at the flight plan for his trip to Raw. He exhales, fingers itching to grab his phone, call Maryse and complain about how he has not missed this, when his phone rings on its own. He blinks down at it, and again when Maryse flashes on the screen at him. "Oh," he mumbles, answering it. "Hey, I was just thinking about you."
Maryse clears her throat. "Hello, Mike. Um, well I don't know how to tell you this, but some stuff is going on and Heath and the girls need me to stay home this week,s o I won't be on Raw."
"Oh," Mike says, thrown by this sudden change. They had just been talking yesterday about how her accompanying him would probably be somewhat permanent for awhile, to promote Miz and Mrs especially.
"I'm very sorry," she tells him, and she sounds it.
"Are- well, it's ok, but is everyone ok?"
"Yeah, oh we're gonna be fine, just... I think they need some mommy time, you know." Maryse sounds brisk, there's an undercurrent of something in her tone, but he shrugs and decides to take her word for it. "I'll do my best to be available next week."
"Ok," he tells her. "I'll handle Edge on my own. Don't worry. Just... enjoy the time with your family."
He can hear the smile in her voice. "Thank you, Mike. Bye for now."
"Bye." He ends the call and swipes at his face, shrugging. "Huh."
"Long day?" AJ asks, slinking up behind him and yawning as she curls close to him, wrapping an arm around his waist and resting her forehead against his shoulder.
"Yeah, that's one word for it," he says, lifting her hand and kissing it. She hums, and shifts, and kisses him on the jaw, before trailing up and kissing his nose, between his eyes, over his cheek, then finally on the lips. "What's this for?" he asks softly, squeezing her hand.
"You looked sad, I guess," she muses, shifting to straddle him, lacing her fingers behind his head with a soft smile. "Want me to cheer you up, husband?"
"Yes please," he mumbles, leaning in to press warm, gentle kisses against her collarbone. She sighs and tangles her fingers in his hair as he trails lower, then higher, scraping his teeth up her throat before angling her face down and kissing her intently.
She groans softly, his hands trailing paths of warmth down her flesh, and she smiles at him as he echoes after her with a muffled moan. "I love you, Mike."
"Love you," he repeats softly. "Always and forever."
Raw isn't as demoralizing and bleak as last week's. He confronts Edge, yes. They exchange words, but this time Edge keeps his needless thoughts about Morrison to himself, and Mike manages to keep a slightly more level head. Maryse not being there is only briefly acknowledged, and Mike moves on with his night.
Another win is that at least now he knows for sure what he'll be doing for Day One. That's always a plus, even if he's not looking forward on being away from his family when the new year is rung in. HE stares at his travel calendar and circles it, making a few aimless notes. "I hope this coming year goes better," he mumbles, shifting his weight on his knee surreptitiously. "I really, really do."