Behind Closed Doors

Preying on the Animal

"You know, I was a little apprehensive when you asked me to come talk to you. I was afraid of what people might say with us being together." Maria laughed as she grabbed her coat.

"Oh, well, I promise it had nothing more to do than with the storyline, but you helped me in more ways than one today." Randy said, smiling.

"Well, I'm not sure what I did to help so much, but I guess, you're welcome. I'm here anytime you need me. What are friends for?" Maria said smiling.

She walked towards the door then, with Randy following close behind her. She turned slowly, with her hand still on the door knob and smiled once more.

"I guess I'll see you sometime tomorrow morning for the taping, then." Maria said opening the door.

Randy stepped forward and brought her close to his chest. It was the first time in days he had held a woman in his arms, and he couldn't help but admit that it felt good and warm. He kissed her cheek gently then, stopping himself before it was too late. Before he did something drastic that he couldn't help, but at the same time, he honestly didn't want happening in his heart of hearts.

"Thank you for...helping me get through this. I really needed this, Maria." Randy said, pulling back from and smiling.

"I told you...anytime you need me Randy. I'm here." she said simply.

"Well, I'll call you later?"

"Alright. Until then." she said, leaning in to kiss his cheek, before turning around and waving simply as she headed down the hallway.

Randy watched as Maria boarded the elevator before walking back into the now peaceful hotel room. He had some time to waste before he had to catch his flight, but being alone was not on his agenda. That's why Maria was there in the first place. In part, anyway.

He slumped onto the couch and leaned backwards, letting his mind take in the sudden emptiness he had felt. It had been just days before that he was kissing Janie, holding her in his arms and telling her he loved her and only wanted to be with her. He hadn't realized that pouring his heart and soul out would push her away, but apparently he had done just that. It felt good to release the feelings, but he felt God-awful knowing he had lost her.

She had sparked something inside of him that he didn't know existed; that he wasn't aware he could ever feel for any woman. She had captured his heart without even knowing it, and now, he was hooked, only left yearning for more. He loved the surprise element of not knowing where there mysterious relationship was headed, but after losing her, he almost kicked himself in the ass daily for spilling such private and intimate feelings. Had he keep them to himself, she might still be there, with him. Not Dave.

Then there was his friendship with the newly-drafted Animal. He had always been someone Randy could talk to, rather it was about his career, family troubles or woman. Except this time, it was the same woman they were both pining for and he couldn't talk to Dave about it. It seemed he had lost the friendship at the same time he lost her. He suffered two blows in the same day and it shattered his heart even more.

Paul was something completely different. He wasn't sure what side he was on, but at the same time, he was almost afraid to ask. He could care less either way. He was sure Paul didn't want his sister with either men. He probably expected a lot more for his sister; dreamed of someone a lot better for her. It made him sick to his stomach knowing he would have to face him day in and day out, knowing how much of a living hell he could make his life he didn't tow the line with the bosses son-in-law.