Chapter 10

Heyman and Bischoff were sipping, actually more like downing, double scotches at a local bar.

"It's your fault," Heyman snarled. "If you hadn't screwed up."

"Screwed up! I did everything I was told to. Everthing! And this is the thanks I get," Bischoff slobbered and quickly downed another scotch. "If anyone is at fault, it's you!"
"Me! I did everything I was told. At least I didn't try to come on to a certain someone, remember?"

Bischof choked on the last swallow. "Oh, so we're going to bring that up! What about you and Miss Thing?"

"Don't even go there," Heyman shook his head.

"What gets me is the look I saw on their faces. They were glad, no releived," Bischoff moaned. "What did we do?"

"Hey, stupid. Think!" Heyman slapped Bischoff on the forehead. " All those weird matches, stipulations. Does that ring a bell up there? And don't forget we did go over Stephanie's head. Be prepared for revenge matches."

Linda and Phoenix met with the writers the day after to update her on what storylines were on and what was in the works for later. Phoenix was familiar with the layout, remembering some of the ones she did. "You will have full control and any changes will have to be okayed by you," Linda told her. "And if the wrestlers have any ideas, they go to you first."

"Is there a chance I myself might be in any of them?"

"Perhaps, but that will come later."

Phoenix noticed a storyline involving Heyman and Bischoff. "Are you sure about this last one? Sounds like you want to get a bit of revenge."

"Exactly," Linda smiled. " But that one will come when they least expect."

Chaper 11

Sable sat in her hotel room still fuming from the remark, but more from disappointment. "Damn you, Linda!" she spat. "That fat-ass bitch calling me the company whore!" She thrummed her fingers on the end table. She would have to come up with another plan. She picked up the phone and dialed long distance. She had promised to keep Vince informed of any developments. Maybe he could still be of use yet, she thought to herself.

Phoenix settled into her job, working constantly, rarely taking a break. If she wasn't at ringside, she was meeting with the creative staff. She noticed that certain writers wrote for certain wrestlers. At one of their weekly meetings she mentioned this and expressed her opinion. "From now on there will be no favoritism as far as storylines go. You were hired to write for all, not just your personal favorites. That is going to end as of now."

Some of the writers slouched in their chairs. One raised his hand. "Vince didn't mind. Besides, this is going to upset a few of the bigger named wrestlers."

"Well, Vince is no longer here. If you have any complaints, you can see me later or talk to Linda. As for those bigger named wreslters, I'll tend to them. That will be all."

As they left, one fo the writers whispered, "Wait till Trips hears this. He is going to hit the ceiling."

Heyman and Bischoff had been watching Phoenix closely, wondering how they could worm their way to her good side. Everywhere she turned, Phoenix noticed them watching. She would silently chuckle to herself.

"How do we?" Heyman pondered, stroking his chin. "I mean, she's not like the rest of them."

"Flowers, dinner perhaps?" Bischoff asked.

"She doesn't seem the type," Heuyman said. "No, this one isn't the usual pushover."

"What then? Get her drunk?"

"Could. But the both of us can't at the same time. We'll flip,"

Heyman took a quarter out of his pocket. "Heads," he said and flipped the coin. It came up tails.

"Oh, great. I get to take the Amazon out," Bischoff groaned. "Does that include seducing her as well?"

"If that's what it takes," Heyman raised his brows.

Phoenix sat at her desk going over last minute changes in the storylines. She heard the door softly click. She raised her eyes, seeing a pair of shoes sneak in. Pretending not to have noticed, she kept on reading. Bischoff waited, getting up the nerve. Phoenix lifted her head. "Yes?"

Bischoff hesitated. "I just...uh wondered... uh perhaps if you wouldn't mind going oiut for a drink. It's my way of welcoming you to WWE," trying to sound as calm and sincere as possible.

Phoenix pretended not to notice his hesitation. "Well," she began. "I do have a lot to do. Let's say tomorrow night after RAW. I know of a small bar that would be perfect. Good enough?"

Bischoff nodded. "After RAW," and left. Once out he heaved a hugh sigh of relief. "That weasn't too hard," he thought. As he walked away a small grin appeared as he thought this was going to be easy.

Phoenix shook her head and laughed softly. "Just a drink, huh?" The town they would be at for RAW was familiar to her as she had wrestled there many times and knew of a small bar where she would frequent after the shows. Once they arrived, she would go to the bar and make some special arrangements.

Chapter 12

Phoenix smiled as she came out of the bar. Everything was arranged and now it was off to the arena for tonight’s show.

Linda had flown in to meet with J.R. and some of the veteran wrestlers to listen to their opinions on their new boss. After the meeting she had J.R. stay behind. “They like her judging by what I’ve heard,” Linda said, “but a couple of them said she seemed a little standoffish.”

“The only time she talks with them is about their matches or whatever changes may have been made in the storyline, that’s it. She doesn’t mix with any of the wrestlers like Steph did,” JR said.

Linda thought perhaps she would talk with Phoenix about that later. “What about our ….?” she asked.

“Those two. So far there’s been no trouble, but, I have noticed them watching her very closely.”

“Interesting,” Linda said. “Just how closely?”

“Wherever she is they stand I would say from here to the locker room from her, watching.”

Linda sneered. “I wonder if she knows?”

Phoenix entered the back of the arena and was informed Linda had arrived and was now in the lounge. Phoenix proceeded wondering.
Heyman and Bischoff were eating across town at a small restaurant. “I can’t believe she said yes,” Heyman grinned. “She can’t be that gullible.”

“Yep. Right after the show tonight. We’re going to a bar that she knows about.”

“Does anyone else know?”

“I haven’t told anyone.” Bischoff shook his head.

“Good,” Heyman nodded, taking a sip of his drink. “I want to know everything you two do.”

“Everything?”

“Yes. It just might come in handy.”

Phoenix entered the lounge just as JR was about to get up to leave. “You don’t have to leave,” she said.

“I was leaving anyway,” JR said.

Phoenix sat as JR went out the door. “I just had a meeting with JR and some of the veteran wrestlers. “

“Oh? About what if I may ask?”

“About your performance so far. They all agreed you’re doing a good job, but they did have one negative thing. They think you’re just a bit too standoffish, like you prefer not to socialize with them.”

Phoenix sat back in her chair. “Was that all they said?”

Linda nodded. “Care to tell me? Have any of them said or done anything?”

Phoenix shook her head. “Linda, I’m basically a loner. Yeah, I work with people where it concerns my job, but after that I tend to stick to myself. And my dad had a lot to do with that. When I first became interested in wrestling, he used to tell me, more like drummed it in my head, not to socialize with them afterwards because most of them are only interested in furthering their careers and will stab you in the back the first chance they get.”

“Not everyone here is like that. Yeah we do have our black sheep, but for the most part, this is a very close-knit group.”

“Dad never really got over the fact of the way he was treated by your husband. Even on the day he died, he was bitter about it.”

“I understand from JR that Heyman and Bischoff have been watching you very closely.”

“I’ve noticed although I pretend not to. I have a pretty good idea of what they’re up to.”

“And?”

“I think I can fix that,” and told Linda what she had planned for Bischoff.

Linda chuckled. “How low can one get? I mean, to get you drunk and seduce you?”

“Well, the surprise will be on him. I can’t wait to see what shape he’ll be in tomorrow.”

Linda smiled. “I just might hang around and find out myself.”

Chapter 13

Phoenix found Bischoff waiting impatiently in a corner booth, :Sorry, last minute details,” she lied. In truth, she had arrived some minutes ahead and had waited and watched from a back room. The waitress immediately came over. Bischoff ordered a scotch on the rocks while Phoenix ordered her “usual.”

One can imagine the look on Bischoff’s face when four double shot glasses filled with an amber-looking liquid were placed in front of her. “That’s your usual?”

“Yes it is,” she replied, and gulped each one down. “I always do this as a relaxer, sort of a warm-up to my real drinking.”

“Oh shit!” he thought.

Off in another corner booth on the other side, Big Show, Flair and Batista watched with interest. “Damn, were those double shots?” Batista asked. “She downed them like water!”

“Hell, what surprises me is she’s sitting with Bischoff!” Flair said with amazement. “I would have bet she wouldn’t have accepted a date with him.”

“You seem surprised,” Phoenix said.

“Well…,” he started to say.

“I’ll let you know up front. If you’re going to make it with me, you have to prove you can hang with me. People say my dad was that way and I’m just like him,” she said. “Forgive me for lying, dad” she silently thought.

Mark and Glen came in and sat at the bar. Glen looked around before ordering and spotted the two of them. He tapped Mark on the shoulder. “Hey, look who I see.” Mark turned. For some seconds he couldn’t speak. “I don’t believe it,” he said in amazement. “Here I thought she was anti-social. If she was going to be more sociable, she could have at least picked someone better than him. I thought she had more brains than that.”

Bischoff called the waitress over and placed his order for the same thing Phoenix was drinking. Mark and Glen watched as the waitress took the order to the table, placing four double shot glasses in front of Bischoff and four in front of Phoenix.

“Damn, what are they having – a drinking contest? This should be interesting,” Glen said and sipped his beer.

Everyone in the bar watched as the two downed glass after glass of whiskey. After a couple of hours, and the equivalent of at least a couple of fifths each, Bischoff was barely able to sit up while Phoenix pretended to be tipsy. “I have to admit, Bitchoff, excuse me, Bischoff,” she slurred, “You’re the first to even come close.”

With that Bischoff fell over in the booth. Phoenix snickered She saw Mark and Glen at the bar and thought, “Oh hell!” and knew she had to keep up with the charade. Easing herself up she pretended to wobble just a bit, then made her way over to the cash register. As luck would have it, the owner was running it that night. “Hey, Ben, give me a bottle and call a cab for me will you?”, teetering as she stood.

Ben went to the back and brought out a brown bag and gave it to her. “Should we leave him there?” he whispered.

Phoenix nodded and whispered, “Just be sure he pays the tab, and by the way, charge this at full price to his account.”

The man gave a slight wink. “I’ll just leave him there. I’ll sleep in the back for tonight.” He looked out the window. “You’re cab’s waiting, miss,” he said in a loud voice.

Phoenix turned and made like she was about to fall over a bar chair, catching herself before she fell. The man came around and helped her toward the door. On her way out, she let out a loud belch for good measure. Once in the cab, she let out a sigh of relief and started to laugh. “He’s going to have one hell of a hangover in the morning.” She gave the driver her address. The bottle she had in her hand was going to be proof as she had a feeling she would be having visitors in her office tomorrow.

Big Show, Flair and Batista went to the bar to pay and leave, spotting Mark and Glen. “Did you see that?” Flair asked.

“I can’t even comment,” Mark said. He looked at Bischoff lying in the corner booth and shook his head.

“One thing’s for sure, she put him under the table,” Glen laughed, and was joined by the rest.

“Should we take him out of here?” Batista asked, grinning.

“No, leave him there. He was stupid enough to let a woman drink him under the table, then that’s good enough for him,” Flair smiled.

“He is going to be one hung over mother in the morning,” Big Show said.

Chapter 14

Bischoff was sipping hot black coffee in the lounge when Heyman came in. His head was pounding like a jackhammer and just the slight noise of Heyman sitting down next to him made it worse. "OOHH please, don't sit down so loud!" he moaned and took another sip. "Damn, I never knew anyone could drink like that woman! I couldn't keep up! When she downed the first four and said that was a warm-up, I knew I was in trouble."

"Well?"

"Well what? I don't remember a damn thing past the tenth glass. Before I knew it, I was waking up on the bar floor. No one was around except the bar man."

Heyman began laughing.

"Stop laughing, dammit! It's not funny! OOHH!" Bischoff moaned again.

:"Get yourself together," Heyman said. "We're meeting in an hour."

"I don't think I can make it."

"Be prepared to be laughed at. You're the topic of conversation. It seems you were spied having a drink fest with her and then passing out in the booth, while she gets up and leaves, taking a full bottle with her. And speaking of her, she just came in all bright-eyed and ready to go. I lost ten bucks betting on you."

Those who had seen Phoenix arrive were shocked speechless by her entrance, looking well rested and full of energy. "Are you sure about what you saw?" one of them asked Big Show, who was as surprised as anyone.

"Hell yeah! You can ask Flair and Batista. Hell, ask Mark. He and Glen watched the whole thing!"

Mark had also been amazed. Something wasn't right. "This has to be an act," he said. "No one who drunk that much could survive without a hangover." He knew better than anyone.

In the office, Phoenix related everything that went down to Linda, who had arrived just shortly after Phoenix. Both women were rolling on the couch. "It was so funny to see him chugging them down trying to keep up," Phoenix said, the tears of laughter rolling down her cheeks. She took out a full fifth from her bag. "This is the bottle I took from the bar. I told the owner to charge Bischoff full price for it. Care for some?" Phoenix got a couple of small paper cups.

"Normally I don't drink this early in the morning," she laughingly replied. "But then, one won't hurt." Phoenix handed her the cup.

"Just out of curiosity, how much did you two drink?"

"You mean Bischoff drunk. I would say the equivalent of two one-fifth bottles. The bar owner kept us well supplied for at least a couple of hours, at least until Bischoff fell over."

"I'm surprised he didn't pass out before that. By the way, just out of curiosity, how much was the tab?"

"I don't know. I couldn't ask because I saw a few of the guys there, watching, so I had to pretend to get tipsy. Since the bar owner is a friend of my dad's, I'm sure he stiffed Bischoff for more than what it was worth," she grinned. "Shall we toast?"

Just as they put the cups to their lips, Mark came in, noticing first thing the bottle on the desk. The women looked at each other than at Mark, who was standing there with his mouth open.

"Yes?" Phoenix arched her brows.

"What the hell is going on?"

"Oh, we're just having a little celebration of sorts," Phoenix replied, keeping a straight face. "Care to join us?"

Mark didn't respond at first. In all his years, he had never seen Linda take a drink while she was doing business. "Linda, you drinking this early in the morning?"

"What's wrong with that? I like a good whiskey every now and then."

"This early?"

"Should we tell him?" Phoenix asked her.

"Why not."

"Here, have a drink," Phoenix got another cup.

Mark was reluctant at first, but Phoenix insisted. "Let's all drink a toast." Both women raised their cups, waiting for Mark to do the same. Slowly he raised his cup. "Salude." At the first taste he spat into the waste can. "Shit! What is this? It tastes like tea!"

"That's exactly what it is," Phoenix said with a wicked grin.

"This is what you drank last night?"

Phoenix nodded. "While Bischoff drank the real stuff, I stayed perfectly sober."

"Then this was a set up." Mark grinned and then began laughing out loud. "Until last night I thought you anti-social. Then when we saw you with him I thought you had sunk really low."

"Give me some credit, she said. "I'm not the smartest person in the world, but I know more than I let on. And not a word of this to anyone. This will be just between the three of us. Can I trust you with that?"

"Boss, you haven't a thing to worry about," Mark replied as he chugged the rest of the cup. "Give me another," he laughed.

Chapter 15

Sable sneered at Bischoff as he came out of the lounge, having overheard in the women’s locker room. “You let that fat bitch drink you under the table. You idiot!”

“How the hell was I supposed to know she was a bottomless pit! Besides, I don’t see you doing a damn thing!” he spat back.

“I’m not trying nor will I ever ‘warm up’ to that thing,” she scoffed.

“Then what?”

Get her to quit or get fired,” Sable replied. “Then Linda will have to choose you or Heyman. That…that….ooohhh will pay for what she called me!”

“Let me guess – the company whore?”

Bischoff immediately felt a stinging slap on his cheek. “Can’t stand to be told the truth?” he scoffed.

Sable went to slap him again but this time was stopped short as Bischoff grabbed her wrist. “I wouldn’t do that again if I were you. Everyone knows that’s how you got rehired.”

“Let go you SOB!” she grimaced as he squeezed tighter. “When Vince is back running things again, I’ll be the one you’ll have to go through.” She twisted her wrist and walked away.

Bischoff’s lips twitched. “If I were you, I would watch my step,” he mumbled.

Linda had seen how Phoenix had scrutinized Mark as he walked out of the office.

“What’s he like?” Phoenix asked.

“Who? Oh, Mark. Well, he’s been here longer than any of the others. When it comes to the business he doesn’t cut any slack. If you need a straight up answer, he’ll give it to you. Any particular reason why?”

Phoenix immediately turned her head. “No, just curious.”

Linda smiled to herself, thinking it just might be more than just curiosity.

After the meeting, which both women tried to keep a straight face in front of Bischoff, Phoenix grabbed her bag and headed to the locker room to change for her workout, which she kept up religiously. As she entered, she noticed the room was empty, which was how she liked it.

Glen was at the back entrance waiting when he saw Mark approach chuckling. “Well?” he asked.

“Well what?”

“What kind of shape was she in?”

“Like nothing happened,” Mark replied. “Come on, let’s grab a bite.

Trips had just returned form a short leave of absence (for the storyline to heal his leg) with Stephanie, and had missed the introduction of the new manager. He came in ready to workout and headed straight for the gym. Upon entering, he saw Phoenix working out and surmised she was a newly hired wrestler. He watched, impressed by how she handled the equipment. He then went on to do his routine.

When Phoenix was through, she noticed Trips working out in the corner. “That must be Triple H,” she thought. She had been told that he was on a short leave of absence, and particularly that he was going with Stephanie. Knowing backstage politics for what it was, and now having seen him, she figured he liked having his own way. Before hand, she had approached Linda about Trips and Steph, thinking Linda would say to cut some slack with him. “Yes, Vince did let him have his way, but you’re the boss here now. You do it the way you want,” she told Phoenix.

Sable had seen Phoenix enter earlier, then Trips. She thought to herself this just might be something she could work on. Upon seeing Phoenix leave, Sable entered the gym and sauntered over to Trips, with the pretext of looking for someone.

“What do you want?” he asked.

“Looking for the new manager.”

“There was no one else in here but some woman working out. She left not too long ago.”

“Was she rather tall, big built?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s the new manager, Phoenix Terrell.”

Trips noticed the venom in her voice. “I take it you don’t like her. Sounds like you and her might have had a slight run in? Or did you try one of your so-called specials?”

Sable’s eyes turned to slits. “Just because you go with Steph doesn’t mean you treat me like…..”

“Treat you as what?” he stopped and sat up.

Sable didn’t reply. “I’d watch it with her. She just might put you in your place.”

“Perhaps because she put you in yours?”

Sable hissed then turned around and stomped out.

Chapter 16

Trips had his doubts about the comments Sable made of the new manager and decided to put it to the test. RAW was in Phoenix, AZ, and that night Trips was to take on Hurricane in what was to be a challenge match, with Hurricane winning on a fluke due to interference by HBK, with whom Trips was feuding. It was well known that Trips did not like to lose to anyone he felt was not on his “level.” When showed the script by the writers, Trips vehemently said no and demanded a rewrite. He was informed that all rewrites were to go through the manager first, to which he replied he would do as he pleased. That night he cornered Brian Hebner and told him exactly what he was to do, if he knew what was good for him.

From her office, Phoenix watched the show, pleased with how it ran, that is, until Trips’ match came up. Phoenix tapped her fingers on the desk as she watched. When it was over, she immediately had one of the staff tell Trips she wanted to see him pronto, to which his reply was when he was fuckin’ good and ready. Without hesitation she went to his locker room and walked in. Trips had just gotten out of the shower and had only his towel on. “What the hell are you doing in here?” His face a mask of indignation.

“I sent word I wanted to you – pronto,” she replied calmly as possible. “But since I’m here, I’ll make it short and sweet.”
Trips stood with his hands on his hips and a look of disdain.

“Absolutely no one, and that includes you, makes any changes without my say so. That also goes for the refs as well.”

Trips stood closer. “Look, missy, everyone here will tell you I pretty much do as I please,” he sneered. “In case you’ve forgotten, I happen to have the belt, which gives me quite a bit of latitude.”

“That was then. It’s just a bit different now.”

Trips got in Phoenix’s face. “I can and will go over your head.”

“Please feel free to do so. But I must tell you I have already had a talk with Linda about this, and she said I was to handle it the way I want. So be prepared to defend it whenever and wherever.”

With that Phoenix turned and walked out the door. A smile appeared as she heard him cursing out loud.

Chapter 17

Phoenix immediately called int he refs for both RAW and Smackdown. She emphasized at the meeting that they were to do their jobs and not to give in to any of the wrestlers unless it was in the storyline. When they left her office, she got on the phone and called Betty to check on how the school was doing.

"Things are going great," Betty said. "But we do miss you, especially when you get in one of your snits," she laughed.

Phoenix chuckled. "I hardly think you miss those."

"We did hire someone to runt he office. Thye other girl quit due to personal reasons. The new girl's name is Judi. She has the office completely organized."

"Good."

"Oh, Jade said to tell you your package arrived. Boy, is it a beaut."

"I can't wait to get my hands on it," Phoenix said. "The show will be in town in another couple of weeks. How would you, Jade, and Judi like backstage passes?"

"Hell yeah! You don't have to twist our arms."

"Just a word of caution, don't let anyone know you work at the school. Just say you're personal friends of mine. Only three people know who I really am and that I used to wrestle."

"Okay, if you sayso. I'll tell the other two."

"The passes will be waiting at the ticket office."

Phoenix leaned back after haning up. "It's going to be so nice to get home," she sighed.

After Phoenix had left the locker room, Trips immediately got on the phone to Linda who was at home. She listened patiently as Trips ranted. "Yes, I did tell her to handle it the way she should, and I back her up on her decision."

Once she had gotten in the house, Phoenix dropped her luggage and plopped on the couch. She closed her eyes, thankful to be home, even for only a couple of days. The phone rang. She softly moaned as she picked up the phone. "Hey, Betty. I just got in."

"Feel like going to our favorite haunt?" Betty asked. "Jade and Judi are going."

Phoenix looked at her watch. "Give me about an hour to freshen up and change. I'll meet you there."

It was just past an hour later when Phoenix arrived. She spotted her friends at their usual table. Betty introduced Judy. "She has most of the crowd at the school scared of her already," Jade chuckled.

"Oh?" Phoneix arched her borws. "Even Holly and Snow?"

"Snow gets out of her way. Holly is the only one who isn't, other than us," Betty replied.

"Runs a taut ship then. Good."

Phoenix ordered her usual. After catchingup on the latest, the girls asked how it was going.

"About like you would expect. The people are nice, well, with the exception of two or three. The main one being Sable. I am definitely not on her 'make friends' list." She related what happened the first night she arrived.

"That's not surprising, considering what's on the rumor mill about her," Betty said.

"She was never my favorite person," Judi added. "What anyone sees in her is beyond me."

"Oh, but you haven't heard anything yet." Phoenix told what happened with her and Bischoff. The girls fell out as she talked. "He fell for that old trick," Jade said between laughs.

"No one else there knows but Linda and I. I understand some of the guys took bets as to which one of us would show up first. Can you imagine?"

It was at that moment that a group of wrestlers came in - Glen, Rock, Mark and Nash. "Hey, look what's over there?" Glen pointed. The rest looked.

"Hey, those, are some cool looking babes," Nash grinned.

"Is that Phoenix with them?" Mark asked.

"Sure is," Glen replied.

Jade poked Betty in the ribs. "Look what just came in."

Phoenix turned around and then back. "You want to meet 'em?"

The girls nodded eagerly. Phoenix got their attention and motioned for them to come over.

Chapter 18
“Hi guys,” Phoenix said.

“Hey boss.”

“Please call me either Ms. Terrell or Phoenix,” she said. “We’re not at work.”

“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Betty asked, tapping her arm.

“Guys, meet my long time friends.” She started with Jade. “This is Jade, Judi and Betty. Girls, this is…well, I don’t think introductions are necessary.” Everyone shook hands.

“Mind if we sit with you?” Nash asked, looking at Jade.

The girls shook their heads,” No, we don’t mind.” Glen brought another table over while Dwayne and Mark brought chairs.

Nash immediately sat next to Jade, which surprised her. Phoenix smiled to herself. The other three sat at the second table. The waitress took their orders and was soon putting them on the table.

“So, how long have you guys known each other?” Glen asked, who was next to Judi.

“For quite a while,” Betty replied.

“Excuse me if I seem a little surprised,” Mark said, “But it’s not often we see our boss with anyone.”

Over in the far corner was a small stage. A small group came out and began to play. Nash, who was always the most direct, asked Jade if she cared to dance. She nodded as both went to the dance floor. Glen asked Phoenix if she cared. She shook her head. “Ask Judi, she loves to dance.”

“Glen looked at Judi. “Care to?”

“I have two left feet,” she warned.

“Oh, hell, so do I,” he grinned, and led her to the dance floor.

Dwayne cocked his brow at Betty. “How about you?”

“I’d love to,” she replied.

Phoenix watched the other couples on the floor. Mark was sitting at the other end. He moved to the chair next to her. He had noticed the large bottle of JB when they came over. “Is that the good stuff or the other?” he asked.

Phoenix chuckled. “That’s the good stuff.”

“Oh, so you’re not a teetotaler after all.”

“Far from it,” she said. “But I’m not a guzzler either. I really can hold my own when necessary.”

“I believe it,” he smiled. “Can I ask you something?”

“Depends.”

“Well, nothing personal, but it seems you never seem to make friends or hang around anyone, at least when I see you.”

"I keep my work and personal life separate as much as possible. That’s something I’ve always done. It’s nothing against any one there. It’s just something I do.”

“Somewhat of a loner I take it.”

“In a sense, yes.”

“I saw you and the girls laughing it up.”

“Oh, I told them about the little joke on Bischoff,” she said. “You haven’t told anyone, have you?” her brows arched.

Mark grinned. “No I keep my promise.” He took a sip. “You know, you should smile more often. You have a pretty smile.”

Phoenix was surprised by his last statement. “I haven’t had that said to me in a while. Thank you.”

“Since everyone else is out there, want to join them,” he asked.

“Okay.”

Chapter 19

Phoenix looked at her watch – midnight. “Hey guys, I hate to be like Cinderella but I need to get some rest.”

“You want me to take you to the hotel?” Mark asked.

“Thanks, but I live her so I drove my own car.”

“Well, at least let me walk you to your car.”

Phoenix said good night to everyone, reminding the guys about the house show the next day. When they got to her car, Mark opened the door. “Take it easy going home,” he said. “See you at the arena.”

“Good night.” Phoenix started her car. “See you later.”

Mark went back inside to see the other girls ready to leave. “We had a good time, guys,” Betty said.

“We will see you again, right?” Nash asked.

“Oh yeah, we have backstage passes for tomorrow,” Jade replied. “But we have a lot to do tomorrow so we need to get going.”

Phoenix arrived at the school the next morning to the chatter of her friends. “Well well, what’s all the chattering about?” she grinned. “As if I don’t know.”

“The guys were great,” Judi said. “It’s hard to believe you’re near them every day and don’t even so much as drool.”

“Judi, I am the boss, and I keep it that way. It’s only a temporary job until Stephanie returns, so why get personal.”

“Nah, you can’t food me,” Betty shook her head. “I’ve known you longer than the others. You’ve got your eye on someone.”

“Who for instance?”

“Phoenix, come on, you know who and don’t tell me you haven’t thought about him.”

“Let’s suppose I have, he’s going with someone and you know how I am about that, so enough. Now, where did you put my package?”

--------------------------------------------------------

“She’s exactly as I ordered,” Phoenix said as her fingers went over the chassis.

“Here are the keys,” Jade said.

Phoenix took the keys and got on. “She purrs like a cat,” she said, revving the engine. “I’m off for a test run then to the arena. See you later.”

As soon as she was out on the highway she opened it up. “Yes,” she sighed. “The feeling of freedom at least.” As she rode, she thought to what Betty had said. What she said was true and it had been a long time since she had had any fun. “Well, it was only for one time,” she thought. “No sense thinking anything will come of it, at least for me. He was being polite, that’s all. Just concentrate on the job.”

She arrived at the arena and parked next to the semis. She glanced one more time then went inside to check on how things were shaping up for the show.

Mark had arrived a bit ahead of time and was relaxing in the lounge before going to the locker room to dress. Orton came in just as he was about to leave. “Hey, that’s quite a ride you got there.” Mark thought for a minute, then shrugged his shoulders and left.

“When did you get the new ride?” Glen asked in the locker room.

“What new ride?” Mark puzzled.

“Come on, the one that’s out there next to the semis,” Glen replied.

Show and Nash came in. “You should see the crowd outside,” Show said.

“When did you get that?” Nash asked. “All I have to say is nice.”

“I haven’t gotten any new ride,” Mark said.

“Well, then who’s is it?”

“If it’s that big a deal then I’ve got to see this,” Mark said, and headed out of the locker room.

When he got outside, it wasn’t hard to find. He could hear people remarking how awesome it was. Everyone was looking at a Harley 2004 FXDL Dyna Low Rider, with minor modifications, done in purple, silver, and black. He had to admit that whoever the owner was had good taste.

“May I get by?”

Heads turned to see Phoenix standing there. “Is this yours?” Bubba Ray asked.

Phoenix nodded as she got on. “This is my relaxation,” she said and started the engine. She looked around. “What is everyone surprised at?” She put it in gear and slowly took off.

“You learn something new everyday,” Glen remarked.

Chapter 20

The girls met Phoenix at the arena exit after the show that night. They found that Nash, Glen, and Dwayne were waiting on them. Phoenix told the group to go on and that she would meet them later at the usual place. She was glad to see her friends enjoying themselves. "Maybe it's best I don't join them. Nothing worse than being the odd man out." She turned her attention back to the crew, who were busy loading the trucks. An hour later she headed to her bike.

"What's the matter? Can't get a date?"

Phoenix knew in an instant whose snotty voice was behind her. She turned to see Sable arm in arm with Lesnar. "Maybe if you were to, well, have an overhaul," she sneered, "Perhaps you just might be tolerable."

Phoenix knew she could puncher her lights out but figured why waste the effort. "At least the man I would be with won't have to wonder about how many men I've been with and if he's caught some kind of disease." With that Phoenix got on her bike and took off, hearing Sable scream in a fit of rage.

"I need a drink," Phoenix thought as she rode and headed straight for her usual spot. When she got there she saw how good a time the girls were having and almost turned to leave. Betty saw her and motioned her over. "It's about time you got here," she said.

"Well, you know how it is. Last minute details and such," Phoenix replied. She told the waitress to get her a triple. When the waitress returned she took the glass and drank without stopping. Betty watched. Something was wrong to make Phoenix order a triple, which she rarely did. "Miss P, I need to see you in the ladies room."

Phoenix knew what was coming when Betty called her Miss P and followed her to the ladies room. Once the door was closed Betty turned. "Okay, what's wrong? And don't say nothing. You never drink a triple unless something is bothering you."

Phoenix related what Sable said and what her response was. "You know better than to let what that silicone witch get under your skin." She chuckled. "I can see her pitchin' a fit." She put her hand on Phoenix's shoulder. "What you have is at least real, not bags of sea water. Now let's get back to the table."

"Is everything okay?" Judi asked when they returned.

"Yeah," Phoenix answered.

"Babe, you don't mind if I have a turn or two with the boss?" Glen asked Judi.

"No, go ahead."

Glen and Phoenix headed to the floor. Mark had come in with his date and sat in a corner booth. After ordering he looked around and spotted Phoenix dancing with Glen. Watching them, he felt a small twitch begin in the corner of his eye. "That's never happened," he thought. It wasn't until he saw them sit that it stopped.

Phoenix thanked Glen when they sat. "Now, please, go dance with Judi," She looked around and spotted Mark and his date in the corner booth, seemingly preoccupied. She turned her head back and then looked at her watch. "I hate to be spoil sport, but it's time I called it a night. Have to get on the road for the next show. See you guys in Lubbock."

Unknown to Phoenix, a pair of eyes watched as she left.

Chapter 21

As soon as Phoenix got in the door, she went to her room and stood in front of the dresser mirror. There was no denying she was her father all over again; from her blue-black hair all the way down to her toes, a combination of Sioux-Irish ancestry. She had been given her name by her grandfather before he died. She remembered her dad saying her name was that of a mythical bird said to rise up from fire. She smiled to herself. “Yeah, some firebird I am.”

Sable’s snotty comments came to mind. Betty was right. She shouldn’t let them get under her skin. But then, if her mother hadn’t died, maybe she wouldn’t have turned out like she was, leaving the responsibility of being two parents to her father, who never was at home much due to his wrestling career. Because she was so like her father, she became a tomboy, outdoing the boys in her school, which in some ways, did have its advantages. For one thing, she never had to worry about being bullied as she usually was taller than most of them and could hold her own against them any time. She never wore pretty dresses the way most girls her age did, preferring blue jeans, sweatshirts, and sneakers. It didn’t hit her until she turned 13 and her body began to change. She remembered how the boys would leer at her because of her shape, but none ever asked her out because of her height. It used to make her cry at first to see her friends on dates and she would be alone. Eventually she quit crying and accepted it. She also remembered not wearing any make up like other girls, thinking what was the use. When she got older and had gone into wrestling herself did she even wear any, and that was because she was told it would help her character.

She began to shake as memories flooded back to that time, that one incident. She continued to look in the mirror. A certain person came to mind, a rather tall person. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to change my look just a little.” She turned from the mirror and looked at the wardrobe on her bed. It was suitable as she was always doing things that would ruin most other clothes, but not all the time. Perhaps a change here and there wouldn’t be to bad. She repacked her clothes and undressed to shower. She could get one of the make-up girls to give her some pointers – privately.

“You girls know our boss. Just what is she about?” Glen asked out of curiosity. “No one knows a thing about her. Just like today. We were admiring a Harley that was parked at the arena. We all thought it was Mark’s, but even he was surprised. Then she gets on and rides off, which shocked all of us. What’s next?”

“Well, we do know one thing,” Dwayne chuckled. “She can out drink Bischoff.”

Everybody laughed as the girls looked at each other knowingly.

“Really, can’t you tell us something, anything?”

“I’ll sum it up,” Betty said. “She keeps her life private and wants it that way. Sorry guys, but I’m not saying any more.”

The subject was dropped for the time being. The band came out and started playing a slow tune. All three couples danced, very closely, their arms around each other.

“Hey, Jade,” Nash whispered. “Want to go some place private for a while?” He nuzzled her neck. Jade shivered from the sensations she was getting and nodded. Nash motioned that they were leaving. Jade mouthed to Betty she would see them at work.

“Where are they going?” Judi asked.

“Well, It’s not to the soda shop,” Glen replied.

“Smart ass.”

“You know where. Speaking of which, I wouldn’t mind some alone time with you either. So shall we make it your place or mine?”

“Think you can handle it?” she asked with a smirk.

“I won’t know till I try.”

Betty saw Glen and Judi leave. “Looks like were left behind,” she said. “Dwayne looked at Glen and Judi. “Guess so.” He pulled her closer. “Why don’t we do the same thing?” Betty looked into his eyes and read the desire shining in those dark orbs. There was no way she could refuse. They slowly exited the bar and went to her place.

Part 3

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