The Storyline

Chapter 21

"Hey John."

The words felt weird coming out of her mouth. She hadn't said his name in so long. He looked tired more like exhausted. She could tell the break up of the engagement really messed him up. When he and Nikki got engaged she was so happy for him. They had been through so much and wether people believe him or not, he always wanted to marry her.

"Nice outfit you got going on there." She said pointing to his hiding from the paparazzi outfit. It basically consisted of gym shorts, an Under Amour sweatshirt and a black baseball cap. He had even grown out a little scruff on him.

"Leave it to you, to come for my outfit like it's nothing even though we haven't talked in months." He said with a chuckle.

"Despite our fight that night, I still care for you and think of you as my big brother."

"I've missed your annoying self. You know that? I regret saying those things I said that night. Me and Nicole had just broken off our engagement and I took it out on you and I'm sorry." John apologized.

"It's okay. I know you didn't mean the things you said. I rather you take it out on me rather than on Nicole and make things worse. Speaking of Nicole, how are you guys?"

"We're good. We are just friends still but we are working hard together and going to counseling to fix things."

"Thats good. Thats really good. Who would have thought the big old emotionless robot I met 7 years ago would be going to counseling." Lena said with a grin.

"Hey I wasn't that bad 7 years ago. Last time I checked I showed compassion, well at least enough towards you to actually help train you." He stated. "Enough about me, how are you. I saw Raw and I know when a superstar goes off script when I see it. Baron was lucky I wasn't there to beat his ass afterwards."

"I'm fine, a little sore but nothing I can't handle. As for Baron, you're gonna have to get in line to kick his ass. Finn and Madison already want to beat the crap out of him."

"What about Roman?" He questioned her with smirk. He knew all about her thing for Roman and what she didn't know was that John knew all about Roman watching her down in NXT and being pissed when she was put in the back corner after being called up.

"What about him?" Lena asked acting dumb.

"You know exactly what I mean. Him beating Baron looked a little more personal than storyline acting. Like I said, I know when someone goes off script when I see it."

" Well yeah I mean he was pissed that Baron went off script. He sorta doesn't tolerate men hitting women, just like everyone else. Soooo.... I don't see what your getting at John."

"Stop playing dumb Angelina. You know exactly what I'm talking about which means something is going on between you two. So spill right now." He said in a stern voice.

"Jeeze. Calm down Mr. Hustle, Loyalty and Respect. I forgot how annoying you are when you get all big brotherly and shit. But if you must know, Roman and I don't have anything going on with us. Well.. it's complicated.. I just.. I don't know. I'm a mess John and I don't know what to do."

"Well at least you two don't have to worry about him being married anymore." John knew about Roman's divorce way before any of his Roman's friends did. He had bumped into him one day a few months back right after the divorce was still fresh. He could tell there was something wrong with the Samoan and invited him to lunch. Roman told him about the divorce and how he was dealing with everything. John could relate to him, his previous relationship before Nicole ended in divorce.

"What don't look at me weird. Just because we don't get along well doesn't mean I don't respect him. I bumped into him a few months ago and we went to lunch and he told me everything." John said trying to explain to Lena who looked confused.

"Well yeah I guess that it's nice I don't have to worry about that but I've just made a mess in these past six months we haven't talked. Me and Baron broke up shortly after you and I stopped talking. He started spreading more rumors about me and people backstage somehow became worse towards me. Then a little while after I started a solely sex-based relationship with Seth and well it was nice for a while but I'm done with it. The thing is though Seth is changing, he isn't as egotistical and I think it has something to do with me. I don't want to ruin that, I want people to see the real Seth I see. On the other hand I can't do anything or be something with Roman if I'm still continuing my relationship with Seth. And on top of that, say I do get in a relationship or whatever with Roman people are going to judge him and me even more."

"Well let me tell you something kid. First of all if Seth is becoming truly a nicer person than you ending the relationship shouldn't change that. Secondly if there is a chance to be with Roman, do it. I've seen you pine over him for so long and I hate that you started hooking up with everyone to distract yourself. You don't think I didn't hear the crap going around about you. It kills me because they are focusing more on your personal life rather than your ring skills. Lastly, if anyone says crap about you and Roman just ignore them okay. I know it's easier said than done but if you make decisions to please others around you then you really aren't living your best life."

John got up and sat next to Lena. He wrapped his arms around her and just held her. Lena didnt' know tears were falling down her face till John hugged her. She missed this, the comfort and closeness of him. He was basically like her brother and having him back giving her advice and comforting her gave her relief. Eventually Lena calmed down and the two ate. After eating the two were walking out to their cars.

"So you mean to tell me you go all out with your paparazzi proof outfit but still drive your nice ass car and hope they don't find you? Sometimes I question your knowledge." Lena laughed.

"Yeah I didn't really think that through. This was nice, I missed this and you. How long are you going to be in California. I was gonna hit the gym tomorrow and need a partner if your up for it."

"I'm here for two more days but just text me the address. I'll see you tomorrow."

The two hugged and got in their cars but from far away sat a paparazzi and he was taking pictures that would make Lena's life more complicated.