Learning Curves

three.

TRANSITIONING from a column writing type of reporter to a live on camera one was tough for Audrey, learning to express who she was in front of an audience instead of behind a computer screen. She sometimes wondered what those same people really thought about her, but she was heeding Hunter's warning to stay off social media platforms for the time being. He didn't want her falling victim to those couch potato cowboys who revel in seeing someone in pain because of their comments. Everything was new to Audrey. New city, new job, new her. As much as she needed to find out who this new person was, those were not the people to help her.

Her first month in NXT went by in a flash, making friends quickly. Bayley was always there with a reassuring hug. Becky shared her tastes in music, the pair usually found jamming out in Audrey's truck. Finn had traveled the world, and was always full of great stories, as well as positivity. Not everyone was so nice though. Kevin Owens was always snarling it seemed, ready to ram down anything or anyone that got in his way. CJ Parker needed to learn to respect her environment a little, and get his signs out of her face. 

It was the four she met her very first week that she was the closest to, though. Alexa and Devin seemed to be over her apartment regularly, her phone filled with pictures from their girls nights, and silly conversations. Corey had slid into this big brother role to a point, picking on her one moment, picking up her faltering spirit the next. He was a little surprised how quickly, and just how much faith she put in him, letting him pierce her cartilage after he told her he'd done it on the side before coming to NXT. Corey believed it had a little something more to do with the person that so valiantly offered to hold her hand while he did it.

Baron may have been able to intimidate the rest of the NXT roster, but his walls were no match for Audrey Quinn. He'd laughed one night, watching her parade around his living room in his vest, giggling and tipsy with Alexa. He'd never admit just how much he enjoyed the clash of her Burberry perfume greeting him the next time he slid on the stiff leather vest. Baron liked to take her out on his motorcycle, taking her out to dinner on it one night, after losing a bet on a football game.

xxx

Any other Sunday morning would find Audrey stumbling out of bed close to eleven, wandering into the kitchen to make herself some breakfast. But this was far from any normal Sunday morning, as it was her first time to join the NXT roster backstage as they supported the main roster at the latest Pay Per View. She had just about emptied her closet in an attempt to figure out what to wear. Everything looked too fancy, or too simple. Half tempted to give up, she sighed heavily when the doorbell rang, forgetting Alexa was coming over to help her with her makeup.

Of course, the resident sparkle fairy looked perfect in a sky blue blouse with a peplum, paired with dark wash jeans and boots.

"Tell me that's not what you're wearing!" Alexa teased, Audrey biting her tongue to choke back a retort. Standing there in an old concert tee and pajama pants, her hair in a messy bun, she had no intentions of going anywhere dressed like that.

"Yeah, just need to find my slippers. Alexa, I don't know what to wear!" Audrey whined, Alexa laughing as she followed her back into her bedroom, catching sight of the chaos.

"We're just going to be backstage, silly, who are you trying to impress?" Waggling her eyebrows over her big blue eyes, Alexa began hanging up articles she didn't think would work.

"Everyone. No one. This is a big night for me."

"Don't have to tell me. My first pay per view, I got to be involved in Triple H's entrance. Try doing that and then talk to me about an outfit crisis."

"Yikes." Audrey grimaced, grabbing the pair of black boot cut jeans Alexa thrust in her face.

"These, with those black boots you wore last week. Yeah. And this purple top looks good with your hair color. Baron will love it."