Flames

Time After Time, part 2

"I bet you're regretting all those windows now, aren't you?" Becky teased, watching Marek and Seth set up makeshift curtains in front of Black & Brave's many windows. "And it's not even the corner lot! How did the cafe luck out with so few windows to cover?"

Seth shot her a look as he handed Marek another repurposed ring skirt. "Because we didn't anticipate television watch parties, that's why." Then he laughed. "I guess I should have asked if we could have had it at the cafe. I'm sure some of the staff would have picked up an extra shift in order to get a sneak peek."

"How do you screen old matches with all the light that must come in?" Becky wandered closer to the front doors, which would be the last to be covered. All the action was drawing attention from people on the street, but the sign Marek posted outside simply read Private event. Thanks for your understanding! "I mean, the glare off Sheamus's chest alone would be blinding...."

Seth set the next curtain down on a box and went over to kiss his wife. "Maybe I never thought I'd score a god-tier gorgeous, talented, Hollywood-bound wife, so I never thought I'd need to worry about hosting a premiere screening of a television show."

"Well, someone clearly wasn't aiming high enough," Becky grinned. They had bought up all the food that 392 Davenport had at closing time and had it spread out on a snack table, so she went to grab one of her favourite cookies. It felt strange not to have Roux on her hip, but Holly had taken her for the afternoon so they would have an easier time converting Black & Brave for the viewing party. "Your mom's still coming, right?"

Seth pulled his phone out of his pocket and nodded. "Yeah. She sent a message about five minutes ago. They're on their way."

Becky did a little hop before she could stop herself. Wrestling was her first love, sure, but acting intrigued her as well and she hoped she pulled off the iconic role well. "I wonder what Roux will think. I mean, I know she sees us on TV all the time, but it's different. I know we're playing roles, but this... this is playing an entirely different person."

"Well, it's not exactly like she has a frame of reference for Cyndi Lauper," Seth remarked, "and you wear some pretty wacky clothes yourself, so if anything, it'll be the voice that throws her."

Crinkling her nose, Becky gave him a wink. "I don't know what you mean," she said, replicating Cyndi's distinctive voice since no one else was close enough to hear. All the students already knew who she was playing and there weren't many other people invited—just friends and a few members of Seth's family—but she still wanted to maintain some element of surprise.

After the last window was covered, Marek clapped his hands to get everyone attention. "Hey! Gather 'round!" The students finished arranging the chairs and came closer to listen. "As you know, this is an advance viewing. Dwayne Johnson was kind enough to give Becky a copy to share with us, but that comes with some rules. Don't release any spoilers. Phones down or off during the viewing. And I'm serious." Marek gave a few students some pointed looks. "I know we get a bit lax with the no-phones rule sometimes during training, and we need to crack down on that. This could get us in legitimate legal trouble, though, so no recording of any kind. If we even think we see you trying to film a clip, we're confiscating your phone and kicking you out."

"Of the viewing," one student asked, "or the school?" His frat-boy chuckle died out pretty quickly when Seth glared at him. "Well, I mean...."

"If you have to ask," Seth replied, "does that mean you think it's worth getting kicked out of the school for trying? The show premieres tonight, so you won't gain much, but you'll get the school and Becky in trouble. Is that what you want?"