The Plan

Chapter 18: Happy Birthday Mami

On Wednesday Dominik slouched on the plush couch of Liv's hotel room. He had been spending majority of his time following behind her and Raquel to keep an eye on Liv but mainly just because his constant presence pissed Raquel off, it was a win-win. But right now, he wasn't in the mood.

His brows furrowed as he canceled yet another hotel reservation, the plans he had meticulously organized for Rhea's birthday unraveling right before his eyes. His fingers hovered over the screen as his frustration continued to bubble in his stomach. This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

Friday was her day. He had planned everything; reservations at a secluded resort, a dinner overlooking the ocean with a private chef and a carefully constructed menu that he came up with himself, and a suite that was going to be filled with all of Rhea's favorite things. But after the fallout at Bad Blood, their carefully constructed facade still demanded distance, and spending her birthday together in any way would raise suspicion without a doubt. Dominik's frown intensified just at the thought.

"What's got you so grumpy, Daddy?" Liv teased, nudging his leg with her foot.

"Nothing," He muttered while not even bothering to look up.

"You've been on your phone all morning," Liv pressed with a frown. "What's so important?"

Dominik looked up and shot her a challenging look that quickly made her regret even asking.

"Sorry," She mumbled.

Raquel watched the exchange with scrunched brows. She wasn't a fan of the way Dominik had been talking to Liv recently and she disliked that Liv seemed to be okay with it even more.

"Raquel, do you want to get lunch after this?" Liv asked to shift from the slight awkwardness in the air.

"Sure," Raquel said flatly, her eyes still glued to Dominik.

Dominik ignored them, his jaw tight as he canceled the reservation for their couple's massage.

He didn't miss the way Raquel was glaring at him. It was almost amusing how easy she was to rile up, but he wasn't in the mood to indulge her pettiness today; his mind was too consumed with frustration and disappointment.

As Liv and Raquel chatted about where they should go for lunch, Dominik leaned back on the couch, scrolling through his phone while his mind raced. He knew he couldn't completely let Rhea's birthday go unacknowledged. The thought of her spending the day without him, especially after everything they'd been through, was unbearable.

Right on cue, Liv's voice cut through the air with a gasp.

"Oh! Dominik! I almost forgot to tell you. Me and Raquel are going to SmackDown on Friday."

Dominik's head snapped up, his interest piqued. "Why?"

Raquel gritted her teeth in annoyance, Dominik wasn't supposed to know of their plans.

"To confront Nia duh!" Liv said with a grin. "Crown Jewel is coming up and she's been running her mouth. If we show up on her turf it'll give us the upperhand. Smart huh? It was all Raquel's idea."

Dominik leaned back, his mind racing. He had accepted defeat that he wasn't going to be able to see Rhea on her birthday, but if they were going to SmackDown...

"I'm coming with you." He announced.

Raquel straightened, her eyebrows scrunching together as she folded her arms against her chest. "You don't need to come. We've got it handled."

Dominik knew she was trying to assert control, but it only made him chuckle.

"Liv wants me there, don't you, princessa?" Dominik said smoothly, turning to Liv with a softer expression.