Breakdown 8-31-23
{{ Saturday, July 15
Kenner, LA
Bree's home }}
When I open my eyes, I can immediately tell it's mid-morning by the way the sun slants through the windows. I start to wonder what woke me up, when I hear Dom's phone ring again. Oh. I turn over and nudge him awake. He groans, not wanting to wake up fully. We were both still tired from last night, you see.
“Baby. Your phone.”
He growls again, more exaggerated this time, and I giggle sleepily. He reaches over to the nightstand and grabs the noisy thing. “Ugh.. it's Lisa...” He taps the screen and totally changes his tone. “Lisa! What do I owe the pleasure of a Saturday morning wake-up call??” I can hear Lisa's voice through the phone, which alarms me, she rarely speaks that loud. Both Dom and I sit up at the same time. “Wait, wait... slow down! We did what now?... Shit! That was yesterday?! Aw fuck...” Dom leans his forehead down into his palm.
“What was yesterday?”
Dom turns to me, I can hear Lisa going on as he whispers, “Fucking strike.”
I gasp, covering my mouth with my hand. Oh no. If that started yesterday... then the whole TV show crew worked, they were on location. Aw fuck, indeed.
“Lisa, Lisa... slow down. I can't understand you. Take a deep breath, okay? …. Good. Now who's mistake was this?... Okay, and why did Neil think it was okay?.... Fucks sake, I could have told him that!... So why didn't anyone tell us it was-- right.... Look, that's not my job, okay? I'm the talent, I get paid to show up and say my lines. It's the suits' job to pay attention to contracts and all that shit and then give us the correct information!.... Yes, I am learning that quickly, thanks.... so what do we do now?... You're kidding, right?... You do know what next weekend is?” That made me sit a little straighter and stare. “Okay well, you're gonna tell that to Bree, not me.... yep, speaker. Hang on.” Dom lowers his phone and taps the screen. “Okay, you're on.”
“Good morning, Bree.”
“Hi Lisa. Now what is going on with next weekend? I have-”
“I know what it is. And unfortunately... Dominic is going to have to be in Los Angeles with the rest of the Agent: SEAL crew.”
I glare, despite the fact she can't see me. “Excuse me?!”
“I don't know how much of the conversation you heard, but yesterday was a massive fuck up. Everyone who worked on that location shoot after the strike began is getting massacred in the media. And your husband, Bree... is the star of the show. Who do you think the media is focusing on? Not the producer who fucked up! No one knows who Neil Savage is. But everyone knows who Dominic Teller is. So... the entire cast and crew are going to Los Angeles next weekend to join a few protests where they can be seen doing so.”
Dom and I look at each other over the phone screen. He shrugs, looking very upset. “Why can't they do that sometime this week?”
“Because we need to give it time to settle down. If everyone shows up tomorrow, it won't look sincere, just damage control.”
Dom raises the phone closer to himself. “It is damage control! Let's not pretend it's anything else, okay? I don't want anything to do with it.”
“If you say anything like that in public, I will drop you as a client on the spot.”
“Lisa-”
“I am serious. The last well-known actor who said something similar damn near had to shut down his Facebook and Instagram. He's been around over a decade, he can fix it. You can't afford a hit like that to your career. All three of us know there's been enough scandal around your name.”
Dom sighs heavily. I just shake my head. One, Lisa is right. Two, I had no idea Dom felt that way about all of this.
“It's not like I don't care, or don't support it, I voted yes for fucks sake! I just didn't want to be part of the publicity. Is that really a bad thing?"
"It would have been fine before yesterday. Today is a whole new playbook. And you cannot go around telling anyone that you want nothing to do with this!"
Dom rolls his eyes. "Fine, I'll keep my thoughts to myself. But once again, we're not going to pretend it's not damage control.”
“No, we're not. But we're also going to do it in the most media friendly way possible. That means... laying low for a bit, then going to weekend protests where more people will be, which will mean more media, and you will all be seen. Wearing your little t-shirts and carrying your signs. Your personal opinion on this doesn't matter right now.”
“Yeah... yeah, I get it. Okay. I'll be there, I don't seem to have a choice.”
“If you want to keep your career, you don't. In the time between now and then, I suggest you do a lot of reading. I will send you some information. You may change your mind on how involved you want to be.”
“Yeah you do that.” The sarcasm is heavy.
“I've never been more serious with you since I've known you. You do not want to be on the wrong side of this, Dom.”
Lisa never calls him just Dom. She's getting personal. Dom sighs, resigned.
“Yeah... yeah okay, I'll read whatever. It's not gonna make things any better for Bree, though.”
“Bree... I am truly sorry about this. I know how important next weekend is for you, but there really is no other recourse here. I've been in meetings since four AM. There's nothing else we can do.”
“I know, it's not your fault.”
“No, it's Neil Savage's fault, and he will be falling on the sword for this, I can guarantee that. Dominic, check your email in about an hour.”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
The phone screen goes black.
“Dom... fuck!” I cover my face with both hands. I didn't mean to yell like that, it just came out.
“I know... I'm sorry, I-”
“She said she understands, but I don't think she does.” I look up, I can feel myself glaring. “It's not just any special event, its Rise to Greatness. I have two title matches, possibly three! And I now I have to go and do that without my biggest supporter, because some fuckstick producer.... I don't even know what he did! Other than had you all work when you weren't supposed to!”
“That's easy enough to explain.”
“What is?”
“What Savage did. Apparently he assumed that because the studio we're filming at, Starlight, is an independent one, and that the show is backed by a group of independent producers, that we were clear to continue. But he failed to realize that the partnership with Lionsgate that got us the Paramount deal put us under the contract rules. And no one could tell him or anyone all day yesterday because we were off the grid, filming in the woods in Brechnel Park with no cell service.”
“Ugh, I hate that park. It's so overgrown.”
“That's why they used it. Dead body scene.”
“Ew.” I shake my head. “I just...” I stop and try to find nice words, but there aren't any. “I'm so sick of your job interfering with mine!” I turn and swing my feet out of the bed, ready to get up and.... I don't know. Leave the room.
“You do know I'd much rather go with you, right?”
I spin around. “Yes, I know. But even that is just because you'd rather stay out of the whole strike issue altogether, which... I'm sorry baby, but Lisa is right. Taking that position is a mistake.”
Dom looks at me surprised. “What do you know about it?”
I cross my arms. “Apparently more than you do. Just because I'm an athlete doesn't mean I don't pay attention to other things, especially ones that could affect your work. I'll repeat Lisa. Go read. I shouldn't have to stand here and explain any of this to you, you're the talent, remember?”
I grab my robe off my chair and pull it around me as I storm around the bed towards the door.
“Bree, wait...”
I just wave my hand at him over my head and continue out the door. Heath spent the night at Jaina's so I don't need to check on him, but I do need coffee after the way this morning started.
I might even spike it.
{{ Wednesday, July 19
Gretna, LA
CrescentCity Fitness }}
After my ten mile run set on the treadmill, I am relieved when the speed slows to cooldown mode. I wasn't sure I was gonna make it the full ten at the pace set, but I need to make sure my endurance is strong for Rise. Especially if I have to work two matches Sunday night. And given I plan on beating Deanna Frost, I will have to, because Alexis Quinne will be waiting for her shot at the United States Championship. At least I know she holds some respect for it. Walking now rather than the sprint I was running at, I have a chance to down half my water bottle. As I close the lid and set it back into the machine's cup holder, I see my brother approaching me from my left. He has a strange expression that I can't make heads or tails of. I give him my sister smile as he walks up.
“Hey. Checking up on me?” Wyatt's specialty in personal training is cardio and endurance. He'd set this run for me.
“Not really. You look like you handled the run well. I actually... would like to speak to you.”
“Okay...” I shake my head, we're talking now.
“I mean privately. In my office?”
“Oh. Sure.” I grab my water bottle and step off the machine. “Is everything okay?”
“Not really, to be honest. But...” He looks around. There are about a dozen people in the gym. “Not out here.” Wyatt gestures for me to follow him.
“Look, if this is about Dom, he's doing everything they said to-”
“It's not that. Although I am concerned, but that's another conversation for later.”
Oh. I just nod and follow my brother to his office. Dom had started reading everything Lisa sent him while laying low. The media had been absolutely relentless. Neil Savage 'voluntarily' stepped down from his Executive Producer role. None of the cast had made any kind of statement yet, except through their agents. The fact that the whole thing isn't what Wyatt wants to talk about has me confused. What else could it be?
Once in the office, Wyatt gestures for me to close the door behind me. I do, and when I turn around, he's sitting on the end of his desk. I take one of the chairs against the wall.
“Okay, if this isn't about Dom and the strike, then why the secrecy?”
“Because everything I'm about to say to you needs to stay between us. Exclusively.”
My eyes widen. That was our sibling code for 'tell literally no one, no best friends, no family, no significant others.'
“Oh. So this is serious serious.”
“Yeah, it is. I'm sorry to add to everything else you're dealing with right now, but I didn't really create the situation, so I have little choice here.”
“That seems to be going around.”
“That's what I hear. Anyway... first I need to ask you something. The last few weeks or so, have you noticed anything off, or unusual, with Amy?”
I blink in surprise. Of all the things I expected Wyatt to ask me about, Amy was nowhere near the list. But, I considered the question a few seconds before answering. “Um... well, other than a down mood every now and then, not really. But I figured that was understandable, considering....” I nod my head to the side, not wanting to actually say what I was referencing, which is Jason's exodus.
“Of course. But I mean beyond that. Acting off, or... anything out of character?”
I think a few more seconds, then shake my head. “No. Can't say that I have. I know she was super upset for a while after that poor woman from the shelter was killed, but.... I haven't noticed anything that stuck me as strange. Why? What's going on?”
“That woman's death would be about the time any weirdness would have started. Nothing?”
“No. What are you getting at?” I'm getting frustrated, he keeps asking me the same thing. With a slight twitch of an eyebrow on my brother's face, it clicks. No.... “Wait. Is she... you think she's drinking again?”
“I don't think, I know.”
“Oh...” I almost ask how does he know, but that would be dumb. He's her husband, he sees her every day. If anyone would notice, it would be him. Instead, I think back over the last few weeks again, with a different slant on my memory. “No... I can't really think of anything that gave me that idea. Are you sure?”
“Positive. I saw it.”
“I'm so sorry. I wish I had something to tell you.” Wyatt nods, as if he expected my answer. “How long?”
“That, I don't know. I only found out myself about a month ago. Flat out caught her in the office. She tried to lie about it, but it's a distinct smell that you never really forget.”
“Oh my Gods.” If she was lying, it was deep.
“She blamed the girl's death, promised she'd get it under control. I gave her the benefit of the doubt, you know? She'd had a rough few weeks and I could understand the crack, even if I didn't like it, or the fact she tried to lie. But, I gave her the chance to prove she'd handle it. I'll tell you exactly what I told her, she'd better get it under control, because I will not go through that again.” I knew what he meant. He'd leave. But I don't believe that.
“You wouldn't... would you?”
“Its the only leverage I have, Bree. If I have to, to get through to her? Yes. I will.”
“Shit...” The fact that he'd even consider doing that tells me how bad it really is. After the last time they split up and got back together, I truly believed there was nothing that would come between them again. On the other hand... I understand that eventually enough gets to be enough when it comes to the same things that interfere with every part of life, over and over again. I wonder if I'd ever get to that point in being sick of Dom's job causing issues- wait. No. Stop it, of course not. Wyatt continuing brings me out of my thoughts.
“I hoped making that crystal clear would be enough... but it wasn't.”
“You caught her again?” Oh Amy....
“Not exactly. I... found out about something else that happened. I haven't told her I know yet. I plan to soon though, and make it clear that everything will be handled after Rise.” Even with how upset I could see he was with Amy, Wyatt still didn't want to mess up the show for her. It's touching.
“So... are you leaving?”
“Undetermined. But if I have my way, Amy will be going away for a little while. We'll see what happens after that.”
Rehab. He wants to make her go to rehab. “I see. Can I do anything?”
“I'm glad you asked. I have a favor to ask you.”
“Of course.”
“I will be going to Toronto with you guys, to keep an eye on her. But I can't be everywhere she goes, obviously. That's where I need you. Keep an eye on her.”
“What, like FanFest, backstage?” Wyatt nods. “There isn't much trouble she can get into during events.”
“Probably not. But you and I both know from experience that she can be very good at hiding it. I wouldn't put anything past her at this point, not after what I learned this morning.”
I sit back in the chair, almost afraid to ask. But I had to. “What happened?”
Wyatt lowers his head as he shakes it. A moment later he looks back up, and sighs. “There are a lot of things about this that you really don't want to know about. Just trust me on that.”
Suddenly I remember a few weeks ago, when I came to BOA on my day to help out. There had been a weird tension in the room the whole time. Amy had been pointedly avoiding Simon, and Simon had a fading bruise on his face, just under his eye. Some things start to click together in my head, and I shut that down before it got too far. Wyatt is right, I do not want to know.
“You know, I think you're right, I don't. I'll do what I can, you know that.”
“Thank you. If you notice anything even a hair off... tell me.”
“I will. Hopefully I won't have to.”
“That's my hope, too. But...” Wyatt shrugs. He doesn't seem to have any faith in Amy right now. It's heartbreaking to me, I can only imagine how he feels.
“Yeah, I know.” I stand up and grab my brother's hand. “It'll work out, okay? We'll get her through it.”
“I'd rather if she did it herself. But I know what you mean and I appreciate it. More than I have words to say.” I don't know what else to say, so I just smile, and give him a hug. He hugs me back, then steps back. “You have a circuit to finish, right?”
“You know I do, you made it.” We both grin. I reach for the door.
“Remember Bree... exclusive.”
“I know. I promise.”
A few minutes later, Wyatt was in the weight corner with a client, and I was on a stationary bike. I'd just agreed to two things that had me shaken up. One... to deliberately keep something family related secret from my husband. And two... to watch Amy for any signs of trouble during Rise weekend. I can't stress enough how much it rattles me to see Wyatt have zero trust in her. They're the strongest couple I know, just look at everything they'd survived. If their relationship could get to such an unstable point... what does that say for everyone else?
{{ Monday, July 24
Kenner, LA
Bree's home }}
During the entire Rise to Greatness weekend, I did as Wyatt asked and stayed as close to Amy as I could without making her, or anyone else, suspicious. I didn't see anything at all that would make me think she was hiding liquor in her water bottle again, or whatever. Any time we were all together though, I could sense a... tightness, or tension, between Wyatt and Amy. I assumed he'd told her what he knew, like he told me he would, and maybe Amy had made it a point to behave herself. Wyatt had told me things would be handled after the weekend... I just had to hope for the best.
Other than Amy not getting herself into any noticeable trouble... the entire weekend was a disaster. I main evented the Pre-show defending the United States Championship against Deanna Frost... and I lost. It wasn't as simple as that sounds – Ace and Ravyn got involved, straight up attacked me. Liz came to help, then Alexis Quinne did too, but the end result is that the woman who cried that she was too good to be on the Pre-show and insinuated that the championship being defended on it made it worth less.... is now holding it. It's enough to make me ill.
Sunday night was worse. First, Deanna beat Alexis too, so she still has a title she doesn't deserve, because she has no respect for it.
Then, Amy had her match with Asher Hayes and Adam Allocco... and not only did she not win, she was the person Asher pinned to get the victory. Again, there was interference – Adam's son Alistair came out of the woodwork, along with that Carrie woman. But the end is still the end and Amy hasn't hardly won anything since she returned. I can tell it's getting to her, and I would have noticed that even if I hadn't been keeping a close eye on her as I was asked.
And finally... Liz and I fought in the Tag Team Championship match. It was a clusterfuck of epic proportions, even with Pro Kinneck not even showing up. The ending happened too fast for me to stop it. Liz had Ravyn down and was gonna put her in my Crescent Lock, but Ace ran in, dropped her, then dragged Ravyn on top. It was done in less than 3 seconds, much less a 5 count that tag partners get. Sophie James threw me into the barricade and I couldn't get back in in time to stop it. So... X Rated are still champions, and Statera is 0-1 in regular tag team competition. After the match, Liz once again questioned us continuing on this track. I told her it was too soon to discuss that and we needed to let it sit over the break. I don't think she liked that answer, but I was in no frame of mind to discuss anything as important as that.
I watched the rest of the show from my locker room, alone. The main event was.... insane. There's no other way to describe it. Never in my SCW career had I heard the entire crowd booing Selena out of the building. It was even more crazy after Kandis got the win... and the roof nearly came off. Like... what the hell just happened, you know?
The World Championship scene wasn't my concern, though My concerns were... making sure Liz would be okay, and finding a way to get my United States Championship back, before Deanna's attitude could do it too much damage.
But, SCW was going on hiatus, which meant that I didn't have to figure any of that out any time soon. Right now, the day after Rise, as my plane touches ground home in New Orleans, I can feel my mentality shifting back to home concerns. I don't know if Dom will be home when I get there. It's late afternoon and he left Los Angeles this morning, but you can never be sure about travel times these days. After saying bye to Wyatt and Amy at the airport (they'd left Amy's car there when we flew out), I drove Jaina home, then turned towards my house. I had left Heath home with Marie; I knew Rise weekend would be way too much stimulus for him and he would have been cranky and irritable the whole time, not understanding why I was there, but not there with him. So it was best for him to stay in a familiar place with a familiar person.
As I approach my house, I see Dom's car in the driveway. So he did make it before me. I go inside, leaving my luggage in the trunk for later. As soon as I close the door behind me, I hear a squeal coming from the kitchen. I grin and turn around to see Dom holding Heath, and Heath trying to dive out of his arms towards me.
“Well... someone's excited to see Momma.”
“Momma's excited to see him, too. Hey my little Nugget! Come here.” I walk up and grab my son. He leans into me, clinging to my shoulder. “Aww.... I missed you too, baby boy.” I drop a kiss on the top of his head. He giggles and looks up at me, then 'kisses' my cheek, except his mouth is wide open. I laugh because it tickles. He's trying. I see Marie come in from the den.
“Hi Bree, I thought I heard a ruckus.”
“You mean this one squealing at me?”
“Yes, exactly.” Marie laughs. “How was your trip?”
“Just a flight. Nothing out of the ordinary. How were things here?”
“Just fine. No problems at all. He's a sweetheart.” Heath starts wiggling in my arms, he wants me to put him down. I do, and he toddles towards Marie. She squats and lets him grab her, then stands, picking him up. “I'll just take him to his room. We have a book to read, don't we Heath?”
He smiles at her. “Okay... if you insist.” Marie turns and heads up the stairs, talking to Heath as they go up.
I sigh deeply, and Dom pulls me into a hug. “That bad, huh?”
“The worst. You have no idea.”
“Sure I do, I watched.”
“I know you did, but... I'm just glad to be home.” I pull away and go into the kitchen, but Dom redirects me.
“No. You're not doing anything but going sit and relax. What do you need?”
“I was just gonna grab a drink.”
“What? I'll get it. Go. Sit.” He shoos me with both hands. I grin.
“I wasn't sure yet, I don't even know what's in the fridge.”
“I'll surprise you.”
“Okay, okay, fine.” I laugh and go into the den, and drop myself into the couch. It's comfortable anyway but feels even more so after this wreck of a weekend. A minute later Dom walks in and hands me a bottle of beer. As he sits next to me I see that he has one, too. I look at my bottle skeptically.
“Should we be having this? Marie will be leaving and-”
“Nah. I asked her to stay one more night. Give us both a chance to decompress after the weekend. I hope you don't mind.”
“Mind? I'd marry you right now if we hadn't done it already.” He laughs as I take a drink.
“So... how are you? Really.”
“I... don't know. I don't think I've ever had such a terrible Rise weekend. The only thing that went right was FanFest.”
“At least you had a little fun with that.”
“Can we not talk about me right now? Tell me about you. How was LA?”
Dom has a long drink from his beer before answering. “It was... exhausting, but enlightening.”
“I'm gonna need you to elaborate.”
“I figured.” He grins. “Well, after getting there Friday, I had to meet with Lisa at her office there, except it wasn't just me and her. It was all the main cast of the show, their agents, a union rep, and a lawyer.”
“Oh wow. Are you guys in trouble?”
“Thankfully no. The rep had spoke with Savage first and was satisfied that the whole thing was his fault and that the rest of us had no idea that his assumption incorrect. So, we're not getting fined or kicked out of the union or anything like that. But, as Lisa said, we had to make appearances. We worked out and agreed on a group press statement – I sent you it.” I nod, it was a pretty straightforward apology for their mistake and an assurance that they supported the union.
“I thought it sounded good.”
“It made the media happy anyway, they lightened up on us and turned their attention to Savage. I'd almost feel sorry for the guy if this entire mess wasn't completely his fault for not double checking.”
“I don't.” I shrug. I will never not be angry about being forced to go to Rise to Greatness alone.
“I know.”
“How'd the protests go?”
“Not nearly as bad as I'd imagined. We arrived, got stopped immediately to take a few pictures, and then really just walked around a bit. I saw a few people I'd worked with before and hadn't seen in a while, so that was a plus. I also learned that I'm not the only one who didn't want anything to do with the whole thing, but was advised by their agents to be seen.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it's a lot more common than you would think. The thing is, most of us felt like our faces being out there getting attention is taking away from the actual issues. Most of the suits and the media feel the opposite though. Over the weekend though, after talking to a lot of people? I can understand why they see it that way. Most of the people all of this affects are never seen by the general public. We are. So we're their voice. In a way.”
I nod, smiling. “Yeah, that's how I saw it.” I'm glad he came around to it, too.
“Also, after I calmed down from being upset about not being able to go with you, I realized that it was actually very important for us to show our faces and take responsibility for the mistake, even though it wasn't really our fault. It's hard to hold the studios accountable for their end if we can't hold up ours.”
I look down at my half-empty beer. “Yeah.... stupid responsibility. I still hate it. I really think things might have gone better for me if you'd have been there.”
“Well, we can't do anything about it now. Just move forward. You have a few weeks to shake it off, and work out how you'll try to turn yourself around.”
“Yeah, well, I plan on taking at least two weeks to do absolutely nothing.”
“That's fair, and well deserved. I'll be doing a whole lot of nothing along with you, apparently.”
I scoff, and we both laugh, dryly. “Well, at least I'll have helping Amy at BOA once that starts back up.” If it did. On the plane this morning Amy, under what seemed like direction from Wyatt, had told me and Jaina what Wyatt had already told me in private – she'd recently found herself in a bad place again and would be going into treatment. Tomorrow. Jaina hadn't seemed surprised either. I couldn't tell though if it was because she already knew, or if she was just numb to and over her mother's repeat relapses. I make a mental note to speak with her sometime soon. I also realize I hadn't told Dom anything about it yet. But right now wasn't the time.
“Yeah, when is that anyway?”
“I'm not sure. She set a date but it could change.”
“It's something to look forward to though.” He sips his beer, then smiles as he lowers the bottle from his mouth. “There is one thing from this weekend you may enjoy. You have a new fan.”
“I do? How much did you brag about me on the picket line?”
“Only a little.” He smirks. “But yes, you do. Amanda watched the shows with me and she's a fully converted fan now. Or... what's that other term you guys use, mark?”
I laugh. “A fan and a mark are not the same thing. Amanda couldn't be a mark for me, because she knows me for real.”
“Maybe one day I'll learn the nuance of the difference. Anyway, she thoroughly enjoyed both shows, other than when you lost....”
“I didn't like those parts either. Where did you watch the shows if she was with you?”
“Oh, just at home. Amanda was the only person in our group who doesn't have property out there, as she lives in Florida. So I offered her the guest room rather than let her be the only one of us in a hotel.”
What? “You... had Amanda stay with you? At home? In the guest room that's supposed to be Heath's room? For three nights?” That's a lot of questions.
“Yes... otherwise she would have been hounded at any hotel she would have been at, because she'd have been the only one there.”
“And no one else had an extra room?”
“I don't know, I just made the offer to be nice.” He squints at me. “Wait... don't tell me you have a problem with that?”
“With you being nice? No. Never. It's just that...” I hesitate, trying to pick my words. “Don't take this the wrong way, because it's not meant to suggest anything, but given the problems we've had in the past with the vultures taking something minor and innocent and turning it into making you look like a scumbag, was it really a good idea to have your female co-star stay at your house when it's well known your wife wasn't there?”
“I did consider that. But the house is behind a gate. There's no way for the vultures to have even noticed.”
“That's a fair point I suppose.”
“You don't sound like you accept that, so why don't you tell me what the actual problem is?”
“Okay. Did it never occur to you to run this by me first?”
“Why? She's my coworker and friend, and it's my house.”
I lean away a bit, staring. “Oh. Is that right? Well, then I guess it would be okay for me to offer our guest room to, say... Asher Hayes, over the weekend when you're away working and without asking you.”
“That's...” He stops, and sighs. “Okay, that's not actually very different at all. You've made your point, I'm sorry. I should have told you.”
“Thank you.”
“Just for the record though, you don't actually think-”
“Of course not, don't be ridiculous! I just thought that you had enough problems with the media right now to risk adding to it, and I would have reminded you of that, had you asked me.”
“I had already considered it, we just went over this. But, I still should have told you. I concede that.”
“Okay.” Even with the concession and the apology, it still didn't sit right with me, but I had no reason to still be mad, unless I was suspicious of anything, and I wasn't. Maybe I've just been in wrestling too long and worry about optics and perception too much.
“So we're good?”
I force a smile. “Yeah. We're good. Of course we are.”
Dom smiles back. “Good. I'd have hated for my evening plans to be shot.”
“Oh? And what plans are those?”
“Nighttime swim. Suits optional. I know how much that relaxes you.” He smirks as he finishes his beer.
“Relaxes. That's one word for it.”
“You up for it?”
“Oh absolutely.”
As soon as the sun was fully gone and we could see the stars over the lake behind our house, Dom and I got into the pool, and stayed out there for hours. It had been a hectic and mostly disappointing weekend, and I needed all the calm and relaxation I could get. I was still upset about the United States Championship, and the Tag. And worried about Amy. And concerned how Dom's career would hold up through this Hollywood mess. But I made myself push all that out of my head for the rest of the night. I had plenty of time to figure everything out. I needed one night to just be, and I was grateful for Dom thinking to ask Marie to stay the night with Heath and give us both the chance to do exactly that... just be.
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Another Rise to Greatness has come and gone, and like has happened at many of the previous nineteen... everything has changed.
First and most obvious, Supreme Championship Wrestling is no longer owned by Mr. D. I... can hardly wrap my head around it. It's like...the Lawson's no longer owning VWA, or the Benson's no longer owning the Saints, or... even Bezos owning Amazon! That's how much the man and the company seem to be one. But... no more. Instead, we have a nameless investment group, and a new COO, none other than CHBK himself, Alex Desoubrais. Is he the new Mr. D? Is that how this works?
I hope not.
Anyway, as I was saying... CHBK is calling the shots now and... I can honestly say that I don't know how I feel about that. Maybe I will figure it out after we've had a Breakdown or two and we see how things go.
Another big shakeup is, we have a new World Champion. I fully admit that I was personally backing Selena to retain, despite the fact she doesn't seem to be the popular choice these days. Everyone knows the history between Selena and I, and the fact that we've come to a mutual respect. It is out of that respect that I hoped she would still be champion, because I have never had any respect for Kandis. Her talent, of course. That can't be debated. But her.... everything else? No.
Maybe I'm wrong, maybe she'll prove me wrong... but I question how SCWs reputation will hold up with someone who has no shame as the face of the company.
But, I suppose that's a concern for the Board and not for me. My concern... is the United States Championship.
Deanna Frost.
Listen. I know I was hard on you before our match. I know I said a lot of harsh things. But I have never been one to shy away from speaking the truth as I see it, and facing you was no exception. I still feel the same I way I did before our match. In fact, I am even more convinced that you are not worthy of the championship you took from me. If you wonder why, all we have to do is go back to the match at the Pre-show. You know, the show you didn't even want to be on? It started out okay, we had a good back and forth for a few minutes... and then everything went south.
Ravyn Taylor just couldn't leave things alone, could she? No, Ravyn had to run around with Datura's belt that she stole, and hop right into the ring in the middle of my match! It was all part of the grand plan though. Get in the ring, distract the referee then attack me, all the while luring Datura into the ring too and trying to make it look like she only cared about her property and not my title defense. You know, I am really getting tired of people in this company doing everything they can to try and drive a wedge between me and my friends. It happened constantly with me and Sienna, and now people are doing to me and Liz. I would think everyone would have learned by now that these kinds of tactics don't work on me, I am not that easy to manipulate.
Anyway... Ravyn kicked me repeatedly in the face. Poor Demitra got knocked down and Ravyn was about to try to hit me or Datura with the Unsanctioned belt, and if it hadn't been for Alexis Quinne running out and putting a stop to it, Ravyn would have likely taken us both out. So Alexis... thank you for that.
Now it may sound like I am blaming Ravyn for my loss, but that isn't the case at all. I am simply stating the truth of what happened. A few years ago though... I would be throwing everything at Ravyn's feet. I would have claimed her kicks to my face injured me, and Deanna's knee only made it worse and that's why she was able to pin me, by taking advantage of an injury... that may or may not have been real. But that's not me anymore. First of all, I was not injured by Ravyn. And secondly, the only person to blame for my loss... is me.
I went into Rise to Greatness weekend with a lot on my mind. I'm not going to air any personal issues out in public, you all know by now that just isn't what I do. Just know that there were things happening in my life outside the ring that, while I tried my best to compartmentalize away and stay focused on the task in front of me... I found myself unable to do so. I got in my own way, and Ravyn's interference – while unwanted and uncalled for – also had little to do with the end result. Ravyn I can handle. I have before, and if necessary I am confident I can again.
No, I am going to tell you exactly what happened once Alexis left the ring and I made my move to end the match. I wasn't thinking straight and I let too much time pass, and I didn't realize that what I was doing was up there on the screen for the entire arena to see... including Deanna. She turned and countered me, and while I tried to recover from it, she struck me and that was that.
It was my own carelessness that caused my loss. Not Ravyn Taylor. I want to make that perfectly clear, before Ravyn starts to claim that she had any hand in it.
I am the one who lost the match because I was too much into my own head. For anyone who agreed with me about Deanna's disrespect of the championship and the Pre-show... I am sorry. At Breakdown. I am going to do everything in my power to rectify... my mistake. We've had a long break. Some of the personal issues that had me discombobulated have sorted themselves out. Others... not completely. I took the time off to find my center again. I spent time with my shadow self, looking for understanding of why I couldn't keep my focus where it needed to be. I learned some things about myself, I faced the issues I found within... and I'd like to think I've dealt with them in a healthy way, and enough so that now that SCW is back, and it's time to go back to work, I am ready and able to take responsibility for my own mistakes and actively do my best to turn things around.
That leads me back to you, Deanna. Maybe one of my mistakes was to underestimate you. I promise you that I will not be doing that at Breakdown. You carry something that your own words have proven you have little respect for. I commend you for going toe to toe with Alexis and remaining champion, so that now I have this chance to bring the championship back to a place where it is held with respect, treated with respect, and carried with honor.
I owe that to myself, and I owe that to everyone who's supported me and believed in me. I let all of you, us, down... and I won't rest until I make it right.