Flames

Breaking the Internet, part 1

If you were pregnant, it seemed like the safe time to announce it was between the ten- and twelve-week mark. At least that's what Becky had heard. She wasn't pregnant, but the more time that went by without her and Seth making their relationship public, the more she felt like she was carrying some extra weight; it was just the emotional kind. Part of her loved having their connection all to themselves without having to wade through endless internet drama and small-minded spite, but she knew that wouldn't last forever. If it was bound to happen, she preferred it happen on their terms.

Her mother had given her surprisingly similar advice about disclosing their relationship when she asked for her advice after Wrestlemania. "Wait until it feels right," her mom said. "You'll know when. In the first few weeks, it's usually all the good stuff: the fun, the exhilaration, new love. Once it settles a bit in the second or third month, that's when you know."

But Becky still wasn't sure. Charlotte and Andrade had essentially announced their relationship at the Hall of Fame ceremony, and so far WWE wasn't pushing it. When Becky asked how they managed it, Charlotte said she had made the request: Andrade was still working his way up the ranks, and she didn't want people think he was getting preferential treatment because he was her boyfriend. That, too, was inevitable, but they could at least delay it a while. Some other dating superstars made subtle announcements on their Instagram accounts with poignant pictures. Becky still wasn't sure what felt right for her and Seth. Since they were both champions, they bore different expectations.

When she called her mother on the American version of Mother's Day—a habit she picked up when she first moved to Canada—Becky barely got a word out before her mother asked, "Rebecca, when are you announcing it?"

"What?" The question took her so by surprise that, for a minute, she forgot why she called. "Happy American Mother's Day, by the way."

"Thank you, love." Her mother gave a soft chuckle. "Now answer the question! When are you announcing it?" Before Becky could play dumb, she added, "That you're dating Seth?"

"I'm fine, Ma. How are you? Hope you're well. It's nice being on the same side of the pond for a chance. I've been busy, but you know. . . ." Becky stopped with the small talk when her mother started full-out laughing.

"Okay, okay. Point taken." Her mother paused. "But I still want to know when the announcement is so I can be sure to keep my eyes peeled."

Becky rolled her eyes and curled up in her hotel chair. She and Seth were waiting for their car to take them to the arena, and he had stepped out to talk to Roman. "Soon," she said at last. "I guess. I don't know. I don't want to jinx it." Then she glanced at the hotel room door. "I mean, I want it to work. So it should probably be a coordinated thing, right?"

"Maybe. Or you could surprise him. Does he like surprises?" her mother asked.

Becky was suddenly very glad she hadn't made a video call, because there would have been no disguising her expression. As much as she loved her mother, there were certain things she was not going to discuss with her, at least not on the phone. "Depending on the surprise, yeah," she hedged. "And he agrees that we should do it soon, if only to put all the rumours to rest."

"That's smart. Well, I know you'll find the right way, sweetheart. You always find your way." Becky didn't have to see her mother to picture the pride in her smile. "Good luck with that, and with your match."

"Thanks, Ma. I appreciate it. Do you—" When she heard the door's lock beep, she straightened up a bit. "Oh, I've got to go, Ma. Our car's here. Talk soon."

"Talk soon. Love you."

A moment after the beep, Seth entered the room, a smile brightening his face as soon as he saw Becky stand. "Hey." When he noticed the phone in her hand, he stopped. "You didn't have to end your call because of me. The car's going to be here in ten minutes so I'm just gonna take our bags down to the lobby."