NaNoWriMo Story Snippets

30. Excerpt from IGNITION POINT

Subject to editing, etc. Excerpt from the next scene of IGNITION POINT.

Depending on how Becky looked at it, Finn could be credited or blamed for much of her life. He had helped her get her life back on track when she first started training. He had encouraged her to go to Canada and learn more about the craft. Whenever she had a problem, he had always just been a call away, whether he was in Ireland or Japan or Florida. "I know. And I'm grateful. But it also makes me feel guilty. You guys are all being incredible, but you don't need to babysit me."

"This isn't babysitting, Rebecca. It's spending time with friends. How many years did we spend apart, seeing each other maybe at Christmas if we were lucky?" Finn raised an eyebrow. "Now we're in the same country, the same company even. Why wouldn't I want to visit with you as often as I could?"

Vero poked her head outside. "I just got a text from Jimena. She needs me to cover for her for an interview tomorrow," she said, dashing out to give Finn a kiss, "so I should go over the questions tonight." Then she gave Becky a quick hug. "I'm sorry. Maybe we can go out for coffee tomorrow morning before I have to head to the office?"

"Of course. Just let me know when to be ready." Becky smiled as Vero stepped back. "I might need a wake-up call, though. That bed in the guest room is too comfortable."

"Deal." Vero shot her a wink and added, "And he can even come so you have a ride home."

Finn pressed a hand over his heart as he grinned. "So if Becky didn't need a ride, I wouldn't be invited? You wouldn't invite your own husband?"

"My own husband," Vero pointed out as she gave him another kiss, "did the grocery shopping and bought the wrong coffee, so someone needs to finish that." She skipped away before Finn could try pulling her into his lap. "I'll be in my office for a bit, but don't worry about waiting up. Sleep well, Becky. See you in the morning." Ruffling Finn's hair, she added, "And I'll see you later."

"Night, Vero." Becky watched her head back into the house before turning to look at Finn. "God, you two are still sickeningly adorable. How do you do it?"

Finn's smile was soft and sure. "Well, having a Lego room helps," he joked. The sparkle in his eyes dimmed a bit as he turned onto his side to face her. "Are you dating yet?"

"What...?" Becky glanced back at the house. "Oh, for fuck's sake. Is this a set-up?" Pointing at the patio doors, she added, "Vero didn't have to leave on account of me...." She knew her personal life was going to come into question at some point during her visit, so she shouldn't have been surprised; she had just hoped Vero would be around at the time so she might have an ally.

"Are you dating yet?" Finn repeated, reaching across the space between their chairs to grab her hand. "You should be."

"Finn...." Sighing, Becky stretched out on her side as well. "It's only been a few months...."

"Months, Rebecca. Months." Finn made his eyes comically wide.

Becky huffed out a breath. Now that the sun was setting, the air felt thicker somehow. "Why? Is Seth dating again and you just don't want me to feel bad when he brings her to WrestleMania?" Her heart didn't skip when she said his name anymore, and in truth she kind of missed it. Watching Vero and Finn together or overhearing a conversation between Roman and his wife flooded her with longing.