by Skyla Carter
"Oooh. The great Corey Steele was shot down," John laughed.
"I'd have had her if she hadn't started shooting off a load of shit. I just didn't want a repeat of the Peyton situation."
"How is it that all these women want you when they all know what a dick you are?"
"I'm irresistible. What can I say," Corey laughed.
***
Rae cursed as she stumbled into the room she was sharing with John and Corey. These fucking headaches were getting worse, even with the strong painkillers she was popping down like candy. She could be fine one second then feel like her head was being sawn open the next. Dr. Harvey had explained what would happen. The pain would get worse as the pressure on her brain increased. Eventually she would be in pain the whole time.
How would she stand anything worse than this? She couldn't. She wouldn't.
She swallowed some more painkillers and a very strong sleeping pill, knowing she would be over the worst when she eventually woke up. She was grateful Corey and John had already gone to their signing, she would have had to explain herself otherwise. Now was definitely not the time. The last thing she needed was for them to drag her down to the hospital. She would never step foot in a hospital or doctor's office again. Never.
Corey had offered Alyssa a lift back to the hotel at the end of the signing. The three of them had been booked at the same place along with a handful of other fighters. She was hot but he would never think of messing with her, she was way too sweet to be treated like dirt. She was also one of the handful of people who didn't judge him so he considered her a friend. He didn't fuck friends.
But looking at the way his normally talkative friend had suddenly gone mute, he knew John wouldn't mind. What was it with John and women? This was always the first sign that he was falling for someone, the way he suddenly lost his voice around the girl. Then he'd get clumsy and stupid before finally working up the nerve to ask the girl out. Then the bastard would wait a few weeks before even sleeping with the girl. To Corey that was all just a waste of time. If he wanted Alyssa, he'd have her flat on her back and whimpering his name in minutes. He really needed to teach his friend a bit of game. Going so long without being laid was obviously not good for your brain functions.
The beautiful brunette had been bubbling away to him from the back of the expensive rental that had been hired for them, completely unaware of the effect she had on John. Obviously, he needed to have a word with her as well. At this rate, it would take them years to finally get together.
In the lobby of their hotel, he held the brunette back.
"I'll be up in a minute, John. Tell Rae to pick a movie or something. We can watch that until it's time to go to the Hall of Fame ceremony."
John looked at his friend with an inquiring look.
"I'm just going to have one drink with Alyssa in the bar," he answered the unasked question. "Won't be long."
He ushered Alyssa to the bar before John could say anything.
"Are you going out tomorrow night, sweets?" he asked as he ordered their drinks.
"No. I just thought I'd get an early night for a change, maybe pamper myself and then catch up on my beauty sleep."
"Beauty sleep? You don't need that, you're more beautiful than all the other groupies put together," he said with his trademark charm.
"What do you want?" she asked, clearly not buying it.
"What? Can't I compliment you without wanting something?"
"Spit it out, Corey."
"I just wanted to ask if you'll come out with Rae, John and me tomorrow night. And tonight for the Ceremony."
"You don't need to sweeten me up to ask that. What do you really want?"
Corey took a sip of his drink as he thought of a way to put his question across. Then he decided that didn't really matter. She either liked John or she didn't.
"How do you feel about John?" he asked bluntly.
The brunette actually blushed which was all the answer he needed.
"What do you mean?" she asked coyly, looking away from him.
"Come on, Mandy. Don't play games. You know you can tell me anything."
That was true. Corey didn't have many friends, but to the few he did have he was as loyal as they came.
"Where's this coming from? Has he... has he said anything?"
"You saw the way he was in the car. The guy's falling for you," Corey laughed. "I think you two would be perfect together, actually."
"Did he ask you to say something to me?"
"No, but if I'd left it to him you'd have been waiting years for him to tell you how he feels."
"Well, I think I'd actually prefer to hear it from him," Alyssa said decisively as she finished her drink.
"Which is why I'm asking you to come out with us. You always look hot when we go out, John won't be able to help himself!"
Mandy laughed as she picked up her bag.
"I suppose I could. I mean, I also get to meet this really elusive Rae. That's worth getting dolled up for."
Corey frowned a bit. He hadn't thought this through. Mandy was the type of girl Rae preferred, she'd probably try to hit that the second she laid eyes on her. Like John, Alyssa was off limits. He'd tell Rae that but he was sure she would come on to Mandy anyway, just as she did John. Word had already gone round how Dave had nailed 'Corey's special friend', so obviously, she couldn't keep her pants on long enough to do the whole date thing. He had to prepare Alyssa for what was obviously coming.
"Let me get you another drink. I think I should set you straight on a few things."
Rae was fast asleep when John walked into their room. She looked pretty done in, probably from her excess the night before, then her after breakfast party.
"Wake up, lazy bones," he called out as he sat on the bed next to her and gently pushed her wild hair from he face.
When she didn't stir, he noticed the bottle of pills she had clutched in her hand and frowned as he read the label. Sleeping pills. Why the hell did she need those? He noticed the little frown that marred her pretty features even in her sleep and smoothed it. Something was obviously bothering her.
Her phone vibrated on the bed next to her and he automatically answered it. He'd been doing it for years, it wasn't an issue at all.
"Rachael Taylor's phone," he answered.
"Hi, this is Dr Harvey in St. Luis. May I speak to her please?"
"She's asleep at the moment but I can pass on a message," John frowned.
"Is this Corey?"
He remembered they had the same doctor and since Rebecca had passed away Corey was listed as her next of keen.
"No, sorry. He's out, he should be back in half an hour or so."
He heard the doctor sigh heavily.
"I've been trying to get a hold of Rachael for two weeks now. Could you please make sure she calls me back? It's really urgent."
"I'll tell her as soon as she wakes up."
He knew Rae had an intense dislike for doctors and anything to do with them. It was no surprise she was avoiding Dr. Harvey, she'd done it her whole life.
"Please," the doctor said again. "It's very important that you do."
When he hung up, he put the phone on the bedside table. That was when he noticed another bottle of pills, and this time he shook her awake. Why the hell would she take such strong pain killers? Wrestlers lost their careers and sometimes their lives because of those pills.
"What?" she mumbled as she stirred.
"What's all this?" he asked, shaking the bottle in her face.
"Oh, God, John! You woke me for that?" she asked with irritation as she rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.
"Why do you need these?" he asked again.
"I had a head ache," she shouted. "Now leave me alone."
These were way too strong for just a headache.
"Who prescribed them to you? You can't have these for headaches."
"My doctor."
She was already half asleep by then.
"The same doctor
who just rang and said he's been looking for you for weeks?"
He could have sworn he felt he tense but he couldn't be too sure when she rolled back to face him.
"What did he want?"
"He wants you to call him urgently."
"Maybe it's about those damn pills then," she said. "Maybe he made a mistake."
That could explain it, he reasoned.
"Well, don't take anymore of these until you've spoken to him. I have weaker painkillers in my bag."
"Yes, Daddy," she chuckled.
He got up from the bed and pulled his black formal shirt off. He didn't like wearing such things.
"How come you're in bed anyway? I've never known you to nap in the day."
"Been working too hard," she answered as she sat up on the bed and stretched. "Haven't been sleeping at all."
That explained the sleeping pills as well, he thought as he sat on the couch.
"Well, if I was you I'd hide those pills from Corey. You know how he feels about those things."
She did as she was told before joining him.
"Watching a movie?" she asked. "What do you have?"
"I want to check out that Accidental Husband."
"You are such a girl!" she teased as she snuggled close to him. "Can't we watch something with loads of guts and blood?"
"This is a beautiful movie."
"Beautiful?" Rae asked incredulously. "Really?"
"Hey, I'm a sensitive guy. I'm allowed to say things like that," he laughed as he held her closer.
"You seriously need to get laid. Beautiful movie..."
"Hey, just because I can appreciate good movies doesn't mean I need to get laid."
"Are you sure? I'm willing to do you that favour right here right now," she smirked.
"Down, girl! Watch the movie."
"Hey guys."
Corey walked in on the cosy scene, Rae resting on John's naked chest as they watched a movie. It didn't bother him; he knew John would never touch Rae with a barge pole, even with all her persistent flirting. Yes, he knew how hot and bothered John got when Rae really turned up the heat. He was only a man, after all.
"Hey, sexy. Heard you were having a drink with a certain Playboy pin-up."
Corey dropped a kiss on her lips and sat next to her. He always kissed her on the lips, he'd been doing it for as long as he could remember.
"Yeah, what was that all about? You practically told me to fuck off," John said.
"We were just talking. I am allowed other friends besides you two, you know."
"And when do I get to finally meet her? You've kept her from me long enough."
"Tonight, actually. She's coming with us to the Ceremony and tomorrow we'll hit the clubs after Riptide Rumble."
He was watching John's face as he said that and grinned when he saw the faint blush on his cheeks. The man needed serious work. It would be fun to watch him fall all over himself when Mandy was about.
"Can I play with her?" Rae asked.
"No!" both men answered.
"Can I at least touch her? She got to be the most beautiful girl I've ever seen," Rae begged, looking from one to the other.
"I thought you were doing the whole dating and finding love thing," Corey said.
"I decided I'll start tomorrow," she chuckled. "Come on, just one breast then. That'll keep me happy for a long time."
"I doubt that," John laughed.
"Well, okay, maybe for a few seconds."
"I'm serious, Rae. Alyssa is my friend."
"Okay. Okay. I won't touch her," she laughed. "I was only teasing anyway. Tonight is all about you guys. You'll have my undivided attention."
"I wonder what Dave will think of that," John teased.
"What, you think he'll think we're together just because I slept with him? He's a grown man, he knows how these things work."
"I don't know. I saw the way he was looking at you this morning. I don't think one time will quite do it for him," Corey laughed.
"Who said it was one time?"
"So this whole dating thing is off?" Corey asked.
"I decided to start tomorrow. He was just too hot to ignore. The man can do things with his tongue that should be illegal!" Rae chuckled.
"Can you guys stop talking about this, now? I really don't want to know what you and Dave did this morning."
"I can show you, if you want," Rae said wickedly as she ran her fingernails down his muscular torso. "You know you want to. Come on, how could you not. I'm molded to perfection and blessed with so many wicked talents!"
"Such an ego! Get off me, woman," John laughed, trying to untangle himself.
"John is still out of bounds," Corey warned.
"Ow," she said with a pout, her manicured nails trailing down his chest. "I was getting ready to play."
"You can play with me when the devil wears a winter coat, babes," he chuckled, dropping a kiss on top of her head. "Now watch the movie."
"Wow," Corey said, his eyes fixed on her as she walked out of the bathroom.
She gave him a little twirl, showing off her Channel evening dress. It was backless with tiny straps that held it up tied behind her neck and a neckline that dipped low enough to show her ample cleavage. It was long and molded her body, showing her curves off to perfection. She had her hair up in a disarray of curls in a look Corey believed only she could pull off; elegant, sophisticated and slutty at the same time. Diamonds adorned her ears, fingers and wrist, discreet ones that didn't take all the attention away from her features.
"You like?" she asked with a smile.
"You look so beautiful, baby," he answered, giving her a little kiss. "I'm going to be the envy of every man there."
"You look good enough to eat yourself," she smiled.
He wore all black, the colour making his tan kick out.
"Thanks."
The door opened and John came in.
"The Limo's downstairs... wow," he said when he laid his eyes on Rae. "You look amazing, Princess."
"Thank you, kind sir. You look good, too," she smiled. "Now lets get going, we're already late as it is."
The limo took them to the Amway Arena where the Hall Of Fame Ceremony was being held. They had met Alyssa in the lobby of the hotel and Rae had wished she could go back on her word. Alyssa looked so gorgeous in a little white dress and dangling earrings she couldn't help staring. The whole ride to the arena, she had been imagining all sorts of things she could do with the Diva's limber body. Damn the list!
"Rae, stop," Corey warned.
She pulled her eyes away from the brunette to smile innocently at Corey.
"We didn't say nothing about me not looking."
"You're making the girl uncomfortable," Corey chuckled. "Come on, you said it would be just me and you tonight."
"You're right," she sighed. "We're here now anyway."
The limo came to a stop and John got out first before helping Alyssa out. The fans screamed for them and flashes went off as they made their way into the building. Then Corey got out and was greeted with the usual mixed reaction which immediately turned to hushed silence when his date emerged. Corey thought they were all probably awestruck. He didn't blame them, Rae was looking seriously hot!
Corey looked down at her and smiled as he put her hand on his arm.
"You ready, sweetheart?"
It was only when they were inside that Rae thought what a stupid mistake she had made. She was in hiding. Her assistant was frantically looking for her because she had just bailed on all of her commitments. If this got out in the papers, she didn't doubt that witch would catch the first plane out here to try and drag her back to work. That would never happen. As of two weeks ago, she had started living the last days of her life. She couldn't waste her time with work now.
She knew she was the centre of attention as Corey led her to their seats. She saw Irving sitting a few rows behind so she gave him a little smile before taking her own seat. Then the party began. They were all there to pay their
respects to the men and women who had paved their way, to recognise their talent. Maybe one day Corey would walk up there and accept such an accolade. She really hoped he would because she knew how hard he had worked to get where he was, and she had no doubt his legend would only continue to grow. She really wished she could be there to share it with him, but she knew her three wishes had long since run out. He'd be on his own.
She put her arms around her friend, distracting him a bit from the proceedings.
"You okay?" he whispered as he put his arm around her.
She nodded and gave him a little smile. With a smile of his own, he kissed her softly and turned to face the stage again. Still in his arms, she turned to watch the men and women being honored, too. Neither of them realised that a few people were still watching them.
It had been an emotional night in a lot of ways. She and Corey had been affected by Rex's speech as much as the rest of them. He deserved this honour, he had done so much for the industry and had taken young Corey under his wing when he was just starting. She knew Corey was feeling gutted about his mentor's looming retirement.
The fighters and crew were going on to a little after party but Rae didn't feel up to it. She just wanted Corey to hold her and pretend everything was going to be all right. They could talk into the night like they always did, she could make plans, even though she knew she would not carry them out. She could just pretend, for one night only, that she wasn't going to die.
"Are you all right?" John asked when they found him to say they were leaving.
"Yeah. Just tired," she assured him. "We'll see you when you get back."
She gave him a little kiss on the cheek and turned to do the same to Alyssa.
"I'll definitely see you tomorrow," she whispered in the brunette's ear.
Damn! She really needed to work on that. She wouldn't find what she was looking for if she was sleeping with everyone, would she?
As they made their exit, a group of men stood by the door, watching them.
"Wow," Kennedy said. "Did you really hit that?"
"A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell," Dave answered.
"So, what's going on. Are you two together now?" Brian asked.
"Did it look like they are together? She didn't even know he was here," Nate chuckled.
"Well, thanks Nate," Dave said sarcastically.