Chapter Fifteen
August 17th, 2006
Chloe's POV
" Brie you have to tuck your arm in or you're going to hurt yourself and/or your opponent! Now do it again. " My voice booms against the walls in the training room.
I don't know how I let Hunter talk me into training not just one, but other wrestlers. Especially at the same time that I'm making a comeback.
She gives me a death glare before setting up her twin sister, Nicole again. Tucking her arm this time, she executes the move we've been working on for hours. Finally!
" That was good. Now we- "
Just then the training room doors open and in walks Steph. " Hey! Sorry to interrupt. "
" Hey sis, it's okay. " I say before looking back at Brie and Nicole. " You two take ten. "
Getting out of the practice ring I head over to her. " Thank god, I needed a break. "
" Happy almost birthday to the best big sister-in-law a girl can ask for. " She says holding out a protein muffin that has a candle stuck in the middle.
Blowing it out I say, " yeah, happy birthday to me ". I say sarcastically. " No- I'm sorry for being crabby. It's not you. Thank you."
" What's wrong? " Stephanie asks as she's coming out of her office.
Sighing I sit on one of the benches and say,
" a few things I guess. Missing Arly, getting re-used to being on the road, training new talent... But mostly, Shawn. He has been avoiding me for three days. "
" What's his deal this time? " She asks scrunching her nose.
I take the ring box out of my jacket pocket open it.
Her eyes bug out. " He asked you to marry him? "
" He hasn't asked yet... " I say contemplating saying anything about Melina stealing it. " I found it... I don't know what to do. "
She puts her hand on my shoulder. " He loves you, Chloe... He always has. "
" I know... " I say unconvincingly. " But this soon after his divorce? I don't need to be labeled as a homewrecker. "
She shakes her head. " She wrecked their home when she had another man in his bed. " She says pausing for a moment. " Shawn took his vows seriously and he didn't. "
That's what happens when you try to turn a Nitro Girl into a housewife. I never met the woman but if her given WCW name is any indication, Whisper, then I guess I'm not surprised. All of them so-called dancers were nothing but hookers and hoes looking for a come-up. Disgusting really.
But then again, Steph isn't the best person to be saying these things, however. Given how she ended up with my brother that is. When I first found out that he was seeing her behind Joanie's back I was livid. I love Joanie and to see her tore up over my brother's and Steph's wrongdoings sent me into a frenzy of anger and vendetta planning on Joanie's behalf.
Once I was talked out of retaliation by Joanie I calmed down. After the dust settled I realized that everyone makes mistakes. I can't just cut off my brother for making one when no one is perfect. Me and Steph got over that hurdle and things have been good with us ever since.
The look on my face must show how I'm feeling because she says, " I know we had our issues when me and Hunter started seeing each other... But you've been the big sister I never got to have over the years. You're amazing to everyone you love, why wouldn't he want to make it official and make an honest woman out of you? "
" I see what you're saying, it's just... I wasn't expecting this so soon. " I say shrugging.
She chuckles. " From what I've heard, and I've heard a lot from Hunter, this ring was bought back when you two were together the first time. "
What? Why would he have saved this ring all of these years? Better yet, why didn't he give it to the Nitro girl? I have so many questions swirling around in my head. This is crazy.
" That right there tells me that he wasn't really in love with Rebecca. If he were, she'd have gotten that huge rock. Instead, she got a pathetic solitary stone and he let that ring sit in a safe deposit box for years. " She says matter of factly. " I'm not supposed to know that last part. I listen to them talk sometimes... They forget I'm in the room a lot. "
I give her an unbelieving look. " What else do you know? "
" So much... Like how Shawn packed his bags at least five times during their marriage because " she isn't Chloe ". Or how he said your name in bed a few times when they were first married. She was understandably pissed. " She tells me not at all sorry that I now know.
Oh my, I can only imagine. I can't deny the feeling of pride that only comes with knowing I made a lasting impression on old HBK.
" Hold on, what stopped him every time he packed his bags? " I ask wanting to know everything.
She shrugs before saying, " Hunter. He refused to allow him to throw away his marriage. Not after it caused so much pain. I think he wanted Shawn to suffer in the mess he made. And he did for years. Because he was right, she wasn't you. He was never as happy with her as he is with you. You bring that famous smile out. He lost it when he left you. "
Wow. I never knew any of this. My mind is churning with the information I just received.
Friday, August 18th, 2006
By my birthday Shawn was back to his usual self. No more secret conversations with Hunter and also no more distance between us.
" So you're done avoiding me? "
He shrugs his shoulders. " I've had some things on my mind. I'm sorry. "
" If this is going to work you can't do that. You should be able to talk to me about anything. "
" I know... Again, I'm sorry and we'll definitely talk about it later. Oh, and before I forget, " he says coming closer. " Happy birthday, darlin'. "
He kissed me soundly and I melted into it completely. That was the only gift I needed today. Well, if my own plans go off without a hitch... Let's not get into that right now.
I spend the rest of the morning having quality time with my niece. She has gained three pounds and grown two inches since she was born last month. That's way fast and apparently, it doesn't stop until she looks like one of our peers.
" Aurora, one day you're going to be old like me. " I tell her as she yawns cutely.
Hunter snorts. " So... The big 3-0, huh? "
" Mmhmm. " I say handing him the ring box. " Hey do me a favor, get this back to him will ya? "
He hands it right back to me. " Oh, no! I am not explaining where I got it from. "
" Come on, Hunter! " I cry out childishly. " I don't want him to know that I know. That would ruin everything. "
He shakes his head. " Figure it out, Chlo. We all know how he acts if he thinks you crossed him. And like I said, I'm not coming up with a reason as to where I got it from when I told him I didn't know where it was in the first place. "
" You're my broth- " I try but he isn't having it.
" And he... " He says looking around to make sure we're alone before saying in a lower tone, " is my work wife. Don't make me choose ". He once again leaves me stunned in pursuit of his wife.
He has a real gift for leaving me slack-jawed. " What in all the weirdness? "
Shawn's POV
Looking at the ring I had rushed here after the other went missing and sigh. It's nice but it isn't the ring I intended for her to have. The ring she deserves. Slipping the box back into my pocket I go over to the bathroom door.
" Darlin', we're gonna be late. " I call out to her.
I hear a few things being gone through before the door opens and she comes out looking good enough to eat. For a second I can't believe that God ever blessed me with this beautiful woman.
" What? " She asks looking down at herself.
I can't help but smile. " You're breathtaking. "
" Flattery will get you everywhere, HBK. " She flirts as we make our way out of the hotel room.
I shut the door behind us and say, " I'm serious. I can't help but wonder how I got so lucky to have you in my life. "
" Don't go getting mushy on me. This mascara is waterproof, but let's not push it okay? " She jokes as we get into the elevator.
" It's your birthday, darlin', I'm allowed to love on ya extra. " I tell her before kissing her temple.
She runs her hands up and down my exposed arms and shoulders. " You still won't tell me what you planned for tonight. "
" And I'm not gonna. You're just gonna have to suffer through dinner and a car ride to the destination. " I say teasingly.
She chuckles and shakes her head. " I'm going to remember this when it's your birthday. "
" I can't wait. " And I really can't. " Come on let's get going. "
Chloe's POV
Dinner was amazing and true to his word, Shawn hasn't let spill where we're heading to. In fact, when we get close he forces me to wear a blindfold just so I can't see even the area we are in.
When the car stops I hear him get out and then my door opens. His hand takes mine and he helps me out of the car. My heart beats shockingly fast as he leads the way with me blindly walking beside him.
" Ready, Chlo? " He asks for the fifth time since we got in the car.
Smacking my lips I say, " yes, already! "
The blindfold is taken off and I'm faced with an entire party full of familiar faces.
" Surprise! "
I'm genuinely shocked! In a million years I never expected this! " What? "
" Happy birthday, darlin'. " He says from behind me.
I snap out of it and launch myself in his arms. " Oh, Shawn! "
He's such a sweetie to do all of this! Looking all around I see people from my label and some of my close industry friends.
" This is too much. " I say fighting the urge to cry.
He wraps his arms around me and says, " no, it's just the right amount. It's not every day that you turn thirty. Now go and enjoy your party. "
And I do. Some of the people in this room I haven't seen in months.
" Chlo! "
" Bestie! " I can't believe she's here! " I missed you. " I say as we embrace.
Pi- or Pita to you, is one of the best people I've met in the music industry. That's why I made her my manager.
" You've been traveling with the juiceheads for too long Chlo, we all miss you! " She says pulling me back to take a look at me.
Don't I know it. " I know... The situation we have going on right now is still playing out and I'm having my first match back in a few days. You should travel with us to the next city! You can see my in-ring comeback in person. "
" Oh, I don't know... " She says looking uncomfortable. " I've never been into this kind of thing. "
I'm not having it. " Pi, as my manager, and your only client, I know you don't have anything better to do. "
" Okay, fine! " She relents. " Only because it's your birthday and I've never seen you wrestle. "
It's then that I see Shawn coming and I give him a huge smile before waving him over.
" Shawn, you remember Pita, right? " I ask as I need them both to get along.
He nods. " Hello. Nice to see ya. "
" I wish I could say the same to the man that broke Chloe's heart and ripped it out of her chest. " Pita says simply. " I hate you. "
His eyes bug out before saying, " okay! I'm gonna go find Hunter. "
" That wasn't very nice Pita. " I say watching him go.
She doesn't give one f either. " Just because you decided to allow him back into your life doesn't mean I have to like it. I remember how you were when he got married to that skank. "
" Excuse me? I'd like to make a toast. " We hear a shrill voice come from the speakers.
Looking over at the DJ booth I see none other than Melina with a mic in her hand.
" Who the hell invited her? " I ask in irritation.
This is supposed to be my birthday! Why is she here?
" I'd just like to get up here and congratulate the happy couple! Shawn, Chloe, you two were made for each other I wish you all the happiness that marriage brings. Cheers! "
Everyone in the place applauds meanwhile everyone who knows about the ring debacle shoot alarmed looks at each other. Shawn is just standing there with a disbelieving look o his face. That bitch is going to pay for this. I march right up to her and slap her soundly across the face.
" What the fuck is your problem? Are you so miserable that you just can't help yourself? " I yell not caring who hears.
She just smirks evilly. " What's wrong, Chloe? Are you mad that I wore YOUR ring before you could? "
" What is she tal- " Shawn starts as soon as he's in hearing distance but I rush past him and head to the bathroom with Pita right behind me.
Once the bathroom door closes I kick one of the stall doors. " Why in the world would he invite that... Bitch! "
" Who is she? " Pita asks looking just as pissed as I am.
Silly me, I haven't clued her into what has been going on recently. " Melina. She's the woman that I'm going to be pulverizing on Monday. There is so much that you've missed and this whole thing has been playing out for like a week. She just ruined Shawn's proposal. "
" Shawn's proposal?! " She gasps in horror.
Cracking a smile I say, " you've missed a lot. "
" I can see that. " She says still in shock. " You will be telling me everything. "
It's then that we hear knocking on the door.
" I'll take two guesses as to who that is. " She says going over to the door. " We'll talk later. "
Shawn's POV
" Chloe, baby it's me. Please let me in. "
By the time she opens the door Pita is exiting. She gives me a funny look but says nothing as she leaves us alone.
Before Chloe can say anything I'm already apologizing. " I'm sorry babe I wanted this to be a surpr- "
" Sorry for what? Losing this? " She asks before pulling the ring box I've been looking for, for days out of her bag.
This night is just full of surprises. " Where did you find that? "
" Melina took it. " She says shrugging. " I got it back a few days ago but I didn't know it was yours until Hunter told me. "
This whole night is ruined thanks to Melina. She will be dealt with. " Well, darlin' my whole proposal has been ruined. I don't blame you if the answer is no. " I tell her fully prepared to be turned down.
" Ask me..." She says with that mischievous smirk I love. " Proper like. "
What is she talking about? " Right here? In the lady's room? "
She nods with a smile and tears in her eyes.
This woman is actually serious.
Blinking away my own tears I clear my throat before saying, " Chloe Andri-Hart, you are everything I've ever wanted out of life. I've been so stupid in the past, but I want a future with you. I want to share every joyful moment with you. Will you marry me? "
" Yes, Shawn. I love you and I always have. " She says making my heart soar with happiness. Coming closer she continues. " The past is in the past. I've come to realize that you're worth the trouble, we're worth the trouble. "
Taking a deep, cleansing breath I take the ring out of the of and she holds her left hand out shakily. The ring slips onto her beautiful finger perfectly. As if it has always belonged there. And it has. This is by far the best night of my life.
Author's Note: Hey guys, she said yes! Also, I've finally found the right person to play Chloe! Alica Schmidt is known as " the world's sexiest athlete ". Let me know what you guys think!