Breakdown 12-2-21 #1
{{Thursday, November 18
Buffalo, NY
During Breakdown}}
Minutes after the ending of the six-person match Spencer had just won, Spencer and Amy are backstage. Spencer has a towel over his shoulder, still in his ring gear, consisting of just trunks and boots. They're about halfway down the hall towards the men's locker room, when Amy stops, ducking into a sort of alcove that looks like it would contain a beer cart when the venue is hosting a different event that doesn't require so much of the concourse to be blocked off. Spencer takes the end of the towel and wipes his forehead as Amy speaks.
“Now that we're away from all the noise... I have to say again congratulation. You did everything right, I'm not even gonna complain about the SSP to the outside.” Amy smirks.
“I was fully expecting to get yelled at for that.”
“Nope, you knew exactly what you were doing and you nailed it. I'm proud of you.”
Spencer grins, rubbing the towel across the back of his head now. “Thanks. I just hope I'm up for the challenge I just won myself.”
Amy nods knowingly. “Christy Matthews is as tough as they come. I'm not sure you can submit her, you'll have to find a way to keep her down for a three.”
“Didn't you submit her, when you won the Adrenaline?”
“Technically, yes. But she didn't tap, she passed out.”
Spencer shrugs. “I've put people to sleep.”
“I know... but Christy isn't most people. I ran her into the ring post first, it wasn't easy. I got heat for that.”
“I remember. You just did what you had to do though. I'll do what I have to do. That starts with watching a lot of tape, your match with her first.”
“Good plan. Just make sure you give yourself time to rest. And enjoy the win.”
Spencer smirks. “Oh, you know me. I will certainly enjoy it.”
Amy crosses her arms, pursing her lips a bit. “Yeah... yeah, I know you.”
Spencer laughs a bit. He sees movement to his left and looks... Marie Caedes is approaching, with a smile. She's also still in her gear.
“Hi.... hope I'm not interrupting.”
“Not at all.”
“Of course not.”
“Good. I just wanted to congratulate you, you earned the win.” Marie offers her hand to Spencer. He takes it, neither noticing Amy's scowl.
“Thanks, appreciate it. You did a really good job, too. Impressive.”
Marie grins, pulling her hand back. If anyone had been paying attention, Amy visibly relaxes at the separation. But neither young person notices. “Thanks... I feel like I was probably in over my head, though.”
“Bullshit. You slowed me down a few times first of all... and at the end there you just got caught, and I saw an opening to take it. It could have easily gone in your favor. I've fought you and trained with you, trust me.”
“That's kind of you to say.” Marie smiles, and Spencer returns it. Amy? Frowns. “Anyway, I just wanted to say congrats, and mention that we'll get to train together more, as I've moved to New Orleans to be able to train with you guys full time. Well, between shows. I just got settled in my new apartment before coming here.”
Spencer's smile gets bigger. “That's great news! I'd be happy to work with you more.”
“I'm glad you feel that way... as I've also-” Marie turns to Amy. “-decided I'd like to take you up on that manager offer. If it's still on the table?”
“Of course it is. I'm a little surprised you decided here and now was a good time to bring it up.”
Marie shrugs. “Well, you've obviously done a great job with Spencer, it seemed like the opportune moment.”
“Can't argue with that logic. We'll go over details back at the Academy, okay?”
“Yeah. Absolutely. Thank you.” Amy and Marie shake hands. Marie then turns back to Spencer. He offers her another handshake. She takes it.
“I'm gonna congratulate you, on your brilliant career decision.”
Marie grins. “You're biased.”
“I am.”
“But thank you. I just hope my mom agrees.”
Amy speaks up. “You let me handle Lynn. If she has any concerns, have her call me.”
“I will. I should get going... shower and all. See you guys later.”
Amy nods and waves.
“See ya.” Marie walks away, and Spencer watches her. “This is a development. Should be lots of fun.”
Amy smacks his arm, making him look at her. “What did I tell you about her? Back off.”
Spencer lays a hand over his heart. “Ouch, Amy. Do you really trust me that little?”
“Hey, I've traveled with you since August, I know how you are.”
“Come on, that's just me having fun. I'm genuinely interested in helping Marie out. I do know the difference between business and pleasure.”
Amy glares, there was no missing this one, as she steps closer to look Spencer dead in the eyes – she's nearly as tall as he is.
“Listen to me. Her mother? Is the woman responsible for getting my entire career started. She and I have gone through hell and back. Friends, enemies, business partners... you name it. If I sign off on something that leads to her daughter getting hurt? Retired or not, she will come for my ass. And then... I will direct her to you. Is that understood?”
Spencer knew Lynn Brewster's history well, he'd heard of her before coming to BlackOut, but did further reading and watching recently, when Marie Caedes made her appearance. Lynn had been brutal in Japan before making her name in various companies in the States. One of the first women at the time to demand ring equality with the male wrestlers, getting in the ring with them in a time when intergender wrestling was frowned upon. In other words... she was not a woman he wanted pissed at him. Amy could be intimidating but Lynn Brewster's temper was another level. Luckily, Spencer was being completely sincere – this time.
“Perfectly. But you have nothing to worry about, alright? I promise.” Amy raises an eyebrow skeptically. “Have I ever lied to you?”
“Not yet.”
“Ouch. Amy, come on. I'm dead serious here. Nothing but good intentions, cross my heart.” Spencer actually does the heart-crossing motion over his chest. Amy looks him in the eyes a few seconds. She can't find any reason not to believe him, factually or instinctually.
“Alright. Do not make me regret trusting you.”
“I would never. I know she means a lot to you, and I just want to help.”
Amy nods, more to herself than to Spencer. “Okay. We'll discuss it more at home.”
“Thank you.” Spencer grins as he looks down at himself. “I should probably get showered and changed.”
“Good idea. I'll get going, beat the traffic back to the hotel. See you in the morning?”
“Yes ma'am, on time.”
Amy scowls a bit, but ends up laughing a bit, dryly. She doesn't like being called 'ma'am' and Spencer knows it.
“You'd better be. Just because you're a contender now doesn't mean you get any slack.”
“Didn't expect any.” Amy shakes her head as Spencer smirks.
They part ways, Spencer heading to the men's locker room. Breakdown was still ongoing so he had the room to himself for the moment. He has a quick shower and gets changed, into black track pants and a gray SCW logo t-shirt. After getting his things together in his bag, he pulls his phone out of a side pocket and sits on a bench, checking messages. One missed call, from Caleb. Spencer dials.
“Hey hey bro! You kicked some ass, grats man. Four matches in and you bout to be a champion already!”
Spencer laughs. “Slow down, the current US Champion is a damn legend around here. I have no idea how I'm gonna step up to her.”
“Same way to step up to anything else. No hesitation and full confidence. You hauled your lanky ass to New Orleans with a backpack, wad of Mom's money, and a name to track down your old man. Look at you now. Certified professional wrestler, you found the motherfucker. No one has any idea and you're about to shock the world. I have nothing but faith in you, brother.”
Spencer leans back with a sigh. “Yeah. Yeah man, you're right. Thanks. I needed that reminder. Went through a lot to get here, I can't talk myself down now.”
“Damn right you can't. Speaking of shocking the world thought... plans all set for Pops?”
Another sigh, this one dragged out. Spencer rubs his face. Caleb wasn't going to like this.
“You know, I had things worked out. Had this whole plan in my head, how to get in his face and tell him who I am and that despite the way he has the world fooled I know he's a shitbag. Was gonna be a hell of a Christmas surprise. But...” Spencer shakes his head to himself. “I can't do it, bro. Not yet.”
“What? Why not? This is your whole mission man!”
“I know... and I'm not giving it up, I'm gonna do it. Just not yet. I need to hold out a little longer. See how some things go. Like this championship match for starters.”
“Starters? What else is there? That fine manager of yours crowding too close?”
Spencer laughs. “Fine? You know she's like pushing fifty, right?”
“I don't give a damn, she can get it.”
“Cal... my dude. No.” The brothers laugh. “Seriously though... it's nothing to with Amy. There's this girl-”
“Hold up! You let a girl sidetrack you? After you gave me this whole song and dance about the girl you brought here running from that storm? Wait! Is it her? Jodi?”
“Nah. I think that bridge is burned. We're still cool and hang out sometimes, but I can tell she's done. I don't blame her, I did her wrong. She deserves better.” Spencer wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he hated the way things with him and Jodi ended. He'd really cared for her, but forced himself to keep her at a distance. She simply followed his lead and backed up further.
“The fuck did you do to her?”
“Just... you know what, it doesn't matter. It's not about her. Another girl. She's new to BOA. You saw her on TV, Marie Caedes.”
“Didn't she tap to you a few weeks ago?”
“Yeah... but we talked after that, it's all good.”
“Is it though? Do you know who that chick is? Who her parents are?”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. Amy beat me over the head with her family tree. So what though? Everyone in wrestling is fucking related to someone else... I'm not even an exception to that, even if no one knows it yet.”
“So what? Lemme ask you this, do you know how old she is?”
“I don't know, my age I guess. What-”
“Nah bro. She's nineteen!”
“Damn, really?” Spencer is legitimately shocked. He would have put Marie at at least twenty-one. But, a split second later, he decides it doesn't matter. “Nah, I'll ask you again, so what?”
“Just saying watch yourself, man. You're getting close to the fire pit with that one.”
“Nah, it's not like that.”
“Oh, it's not? Who do you think you're fooling? You're putting the whole reason you went down there on hold for her!”
“It's really not like that. She's different... I don't know what it is.”
“Youth?” Caleb scoffs, then chuckles.
“Fuck off, man...” Spencer laughs though.
“Alright, alright, I'll quit busting your balls. But what about your pops?”
“It can wait. I gotta see what's gonna happen with this girl. If she doesn't like me like I think she does... it won't matter. But if she does? I need to see if she can handle the shit storm I'm gonna create... and who's side she'd take.”
“Okay. Whatever you want to do, I got your back. I'd just hate for you to lose your chance at ruining the old man like you've been planning since Mom died.”
“He ain't going nowhere and neither am I.”
“Aight. Do you, brother. Ima let you go, take care.”
“You too brother.”
Spencer shoves his phone back into his bag, and closes his eyes, still leaning against the wall. He really hopes he's making the right call here, pushing his whole mission back just because Marie Caedes – the girl with the beautiful smile – intrigues him. He'd tried to explain it to Caleb but it was almost intangible. Marie wasn't like Jodi, or Desiree, or even Natalie, the fan he'd met during Under Attack weekend who'd made him forget being annoyed he wasn't on the card. Nah... Marie wasn't for disposable fun. There was something deeper to her... and he had to figure her out. Spencer knew that getting involved with her in any capacity beyond training would be dangerous – on several levels. But he was willing to take the risk. Something about her just pulled him... and he needed to see it through.