Ch 33

Backstage during Raw, Jessica and Samantha were sitting together, watching the show on a nearby monitor. The energy backstage was electric, with staff and superstars moving in and out of view.

Randy Orton strolled over, flashing his trademark smirk as he approached Jessica. "Hey, Jess, its good to see you again," he said casually. "Enjoying the show?"

Jessica nodded, glancing up at him. "Yeah, it's been good so far. What are you doing here?"

He leaned against the wall, his eyes on her. "I decided to check out the show with my Dad. You want to head over to catering? I'm starving and we can talk more there."

Before Jessica could respond, Samantha grinned and gave her a nudge. She knew that Jessica liked Randy even though her Dad didn't approve. "Go on. I'll be fine here."

Jessica hesitated for a moment, but Samantha waved her off. "Seriously, I'll be okay. Go."

Reluctantly, Jessica got up and left with Randy. Samantha stayed by the monitor, keeping herself entertained as the show progressed.

Later, during Bella's confrontation with the Rock in the ring, Samantha heard a voice behind her. "She won't be controlling him for much longer."

Startled, Samantha turned around to respond but stopped when she recognized the speaker—a tall, dark-haired teenage boy who looked vaguely familiar. Her surprise grew when she realized it was Roman Reigns, one of Rock's cousins. She had seen him around with his family but had never spoken to him before.

Snapping out of her shock, Samantha folded her arms. "My aunt might control him for a while, depending on where the storyline is going. It will probably be for at least a few more shows to build how strong a force the corporate ministry is."

Roman chuckled, clearly amused. "You're probably right," He extended a hand. "I'm Roman. I've seen you around at the shows with your Dad."

"I'm Samantha, lately I've been at more of the shows" she replied, shaking his hand.

Roman looked around, a bit sheepish. "My cousins Jimmy and Jey disappeared on me. Mind if I watch the rest of the show with you?"

"Sure," Samantha said, smiling. "It's better than sitting alone."

As the matches continued, the two of them kept talking. Samantha was impressed by Roman's easygoing nature and how effortlessly the conversation flowed. She learned he was two years older than her and was interested in pursuing football. He also knew a lot about wrestling like she did.

Roman seemed equally surprised. "You know a lot about wrestling for someone your age."

"I'm only 2 years younger than you," she laughed, making him smile. "My Dad calls it annoying but I like to ask a lot of questions. Since my aunt got involved with Mark, I've been learning so much more from Kane and him."

"That's right your aunt is really married to Taker now," he said looking up at the monitor where the Undertaker was making his entrance with Pallbearer and Bella. "Do you think your aunt will stay after the storyline? I heard she may leave after it's done."

"I hope she does but she worries about me too much. Since my Dad started working here, my aunt has always stayed with me."

"Could you stay with your Mom?" he asked, seeing a sadness fill her eyes.

"My mom passed away having me. It's been my Dad and Aunt Bella raising me. I have some family in Florida but I only stay with them occasionally," she softly said.

"I'm sorry I didn't know," Roman touched her shoulder.

"It's ok, tell me more about your family," she said changing the subject.

They spent the rest of the show chatting, sharing laughs, and swapping stories. When it was time for Roman to leave, he looked at her with a grin. "You'll be at more shows, right?"

"Yes, till school starts up again I'll be at the shows," Samantha said.

"Good," Roman said, stepping back. "I'll see you at the next one. We can talk more than. It was nice to meet you Samantha."

"It was nice to meet you too, Roman," Samantha smiled, watching him walk away just as Jessica returned. Jessica's eyes narrowed playfully as she saw the grin on Samantha's face.

"Who's your new friend?"

"It's Roman, he's the Rock's cousin," Samantha said, trying to sound nonchalant.

When Bella and Mark came backstage, Jessica wasted no time filling them in. "Samantha made a new friend tonight."

"Oh, really?" Bella asked, raising an eyebrow as she glanced at her niece.

"I met Roman Reigns, we watched part of the show together. It's no big deal," Samantha softly said.

"He's a good kid. He can probably help you learn more about wrestling thanks to his family. There are quite a few legends in his family," Mark said. "I'm glad you made a new friend. We are going to change, then we will head out."

As they walked back to the locker room, Mark leaned toward Bella with a teasing grin. "Do you want me to give you the same pep talk you gave me when Jessica started to take interest in boys?"

Bella shook her head, a small smile on her face. "I'm not ready for Samantha to be interested in boys yet."

Mark chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "You better get ready, darling."