It was 2am.
On one coast, he was up watching playbacks of new talent he would be scouting for but distracted.
On the other coast, she was trying to sleep but all she did was toss and turn.
Finally his ring tone went off.
"Hey", she said restless.
"I couldn't concentrate".
"It wouldn't be the first time", she joked.
"Ha ha. Seriously, I want to talk to you. Did I wake you up?"
"No. I was trying to sleep, but I think I gave myself a bruise".
"Listen, I'll let you try to sleep".
"No, you called me. You already know my number one rule".
"If you call me don't waste me time", he mocked.
"Ok, I don't sound like that though", she chuckled.
"You do, but it's one of the reasons I love you though".
At this point he was driving up the road to the place he talks to her without anyone hearing their conversations. She was quiet. It wasn't the first time he said that but she knew what this call was about. They have them at least once every two months, and it also meant this conversation would be emotionally draining.
"You still there?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to wait until you stopped driving".
"I'm good. Why do you get quiet when I say that?"
"Because you like you love me. You lust me Paul. You love Stephanie".
"No. I love you on a lot of levels. I love Stephanie too…but differently".
"Sir, don't play with me. Yes, I know we didn't meet just yesterday, but whatever this is…"
"A relationship".
"Situationship".
"In your mind".
"Fine. In my mind, it's a situationship. Still, love isn't in the equation".
"Ree, you know things about me my wife doesn't know. I'm going to be honest right now".
"When aren't you honest with me".
"Noted….I want to leave….all of it".
"No you don't".
"Yes. Yes I do. I love seeing it come together. I love discovering the new talent, and the fans, but I think I want more".
"Paul, why do we have these conversations? This is the fourth time we are doing this, and it hurts. You say you want out. I convince you that you love Stephanie and the kids. I tell you that too much is at stake to leave, and your wife gave us her blessing if we are discreet. What is so different now?"
"She doesn't love me. She loves the illusion of the family, marriage, and being the boss".
"Ok, we established that".
"She's in love with your best friend".
"Pause. Who?"
"Bobby. Has been for a while".
"Wait….what?"
"Bobby hasn't dated since he got divorced".
"So you think…"
"Ok but what does this have to do with us or Stephanie?"
"Stephanie hasn't looked at me or fawned over me like that since we first got married. I don't think she wants to be married. She wants the chase and power. I want that too, but with someone who wants to build that with me".
"You think if you give her a divorce, you can build that, and she can go be with Bobby?"
"Yes. With you".
"You aren't leaving Paul. Even if you are serious, how do you know we will last. We haven't been committed to one another ever".
"Yes we have. I drive up the street to talk to you. You have met my kids. I have consistently only been with you. No one else".
Kamaria got quiet. With in ten minutes this wasn't the typical leaving conversation. This one had new facts, and a different tone. To be honest, it scared her a little bit. On one hand, she could finally be in an open honest relationship. On the other side, how in the hell could she trust this would happen again. Bonus, how in the fuck didn't Bobby tell her about him and the owner?
"Ree", he whispered.
"I'm here. Just a lot to digest".
"I know. I'm just tired. Tired of sneaking, lying, faking, and everything in between. Last year scared me but taught me. It's all about wrestling and these weird ass hours. There is more to life than this".
"I know. Last year scared me too. I just want you realize what you are saying and doing. What would happen not only you, but Stephanie, the kids, and WWE. This isn't a regular divorce. This is big ass news".
"I know. I also know this will affect you too. Listen, I know it's a lot to think about and I won't see you for another week, but I need you to know, I do love you. I want to be with you, and you only, and this will get messy".
"I love you too", she whispered.
He got quiet. He never heard her say she loved him. It wasn't allowed. No feelings or attachments. No getting comfortable. Just sex and private dates. Nothing more, nothing less. It relieved him that she always loved him too. Though he secretly knew she did, she never said it.
~Flashback~
She walked into the hotel room they were sharing. It was the first time they shared a room after the conversation they had…with Stephanie.
It felt weird. Even though she gave permission for them to continue, it just didn't feel right. Then again, when did an affair feel right?
His bags were on the bed, and not unpacked yet. 'One night this visit I guess'.
She began to unpack and get comfortable. It was the routine. The last month was a whirlwind, and she didn't plan for any of it, but she wouldn't take it back either. The business mind went out the window, and she got to relax…..sort of.
Turning on the television, she saw him on screen. It was so scary after his health took a turn, but he was back as the boss. He was having a hard time accepting he couldn't wrestle anymore, but realized his life was on the line. She watched him give that last speech and turn over his boots. It was so official, and sincere. She knew. She knew him, past the lights, the boots, and everything outside WWE. He wanted to see what else he could tackle outside of that ring.
Her phone went off.
"Did you see me?"
"Yeah. You were great".
"I had a great teacher".
"Naw, I just gave you feedback".
"