Chapter 1 “Angela, the server is down again,” yelled Emma from across the office. “Why are you telling me?” she called back. Emma made her way across the room. “Because any minute now that door is going to fly open and.....” “Now what’s wrong?” he shouted as the door of his office banged open. “We’re checking on it now, Mr.McMahon,” Angela said, rushing past him. “Everytime we update something, this happens. Does somebody around here not know how to do their job?” he asked, looking at the sea of faces staring at him. They scattered quickly, trying not to look guilty. All, except Emma. Even angry and looking or someone to blame, he was the most exciting man she had ever met. Of course he had no idea she was alive....but that didn’t stop her from wishing like mad that one day he might actually notice her. “I think we underestimated the number of hits the site would take,” she said from behind him. “Jack,” he called to a man sitting 2 desks down. “How in the world can we underestimate the number of hits we’re gonna take? This is WWF.com for crying out loud. We get more hits than anybody. At least we did until the server went down.” He turned quickly to go back into his office. He looked at her for the briefest of seconds, and her heart stopped. “Let me know when we’re back in business,” he said, shutting his door.” “Yes, Mr. McMahon,” she whispered. She stared at his closed door for several seconds. “Emma, we could really use your help,” called Angela. “I’m coming,” she said, pausing to take one last look over her shoulder. She knew from the moment she met him at her interview, that he was unlike any man she had ever met. He was a mixture of boyish charm and amazing intensity. During the months of her internship, she had seen him laugh and joke, completely ignoring the fact the he was indeed, a part owner of this company. She had also seen him exhibit an almost palpable air of energy, when they were in the midst of yet another crisis. She had been proud to be in on the launching of WWF.com. In some ways it had been a rocky start. But they were now the website that others tried to copy. So she could understand why Shane was so upset when it wasn’t up and running perfectly. It had been his project from the start, and he had hand picked his staff. He had been looking for bright, energetic people, with a knowledge of the ins and outs of computers and a real love for wrestling. That was one thing he had been adamant about. “If you don’t like what we’re selling, then you certainly won’t sell it very well, now will you?” he had once asked at a staff orientation. Fortunately for her...she loved wrestling. She took a lot of ribbing over the years, but it was something she was totally hooked on. When her friends were going crazy over the latest movie idol, she was dreaming about The Undertaker and the Hardy Boys. Landing the job at WWF.com had been pure luck. She certainly was qualified, but it was really her friend Angela, who had gotten her the job. They were in the middle of a staffing crisis. Someone they had hired, had decided to accept another position...leaving them short handed. Angela had suggested her. She came in and spoke very briefly to Shane, while he scanned her resume. “Well, I’ll be honest with you,” he had said. “We’re up against a deadline here. I really don’t have time to be choosy. Angela seems to think you’ll be a perfect fit. Your resume looks great. So..if you’re interested, the job is yours.” She had accepted immediately. First because she needed the job, and second, because she absolutely knew that there was no way she could pass up a chance to get to know Shane McMahon. Chapter 2 They had to work until almost 8 o’clock, but finally, the site was back up. She went to his door and knocked quietly. “Yes?” he said. She opened the door and stuck her head in. “We’re back online,” she said with a smile. “Well, it’s about time,” he said. She moved to leave. “Wait,” he said, turning to his computer. “Let’s just make sure.” She stood and waited while he accessed the site. “It could still be a lot faster,” he said. “I know,” she agreed. “We’re working on that.” They watched in silence as he picked different areas at random to test just how well the site was performing. “Well, there are a couple of things that could be improved. We should probably call a meeting for tomorrow,” he said, turning off his computer. “OK, I’ll spread the word,” she said, turning for the door. “Listen,” he said. “Tell everyone I appreciate all their work. They did a good job.” “Thanks, I will,” she said. “Good night, Mr. McMahon,”. “What?” he said, looking up. “Oh..yeah. Good night....uh....” “Emma,” she said, somewhat disappointed, that he didn’t remember her name. “Yeah, Emma,” he said, giving her the barest trace of a smile. “I might as well be invisible,’ she thought, closing the door. She walked to get her coat. “Just another day in paradise,’ laughed Angela as she waited for her friend to grab her purse. “What do you say we go and get something to eat...I’m starving.” “I don’t know,” said Emma. “I’m kind of tired.” “Oh come on, it’ll be my treat,” Angela said. “OK, you talked me into it,” Emma sighed. They sat in a booth and ordered some wine. “So was Mr.McMahon happy with our work?” Emma nodded. “Hey...what’s wrong?” her friend asked. “Nothing,” she said, lowering her eyes. “It’s Shane, isn’t it?” Angela asked. “Is it that obvious?” “Well to me it is...but that’s because I know you so well.” Emma took a sip of her wine. “Maybe if he at least knew my name.....” Angela laughed softly. “Honey..the man is completely wrapped up in making WWF.com a success. Can you imagine the pressure he must be under? I know I wouldn’t want Vince McMahon breathing down my neck. Well....on second thought...” Emma looked up and laughed. “There, that’s better,” said Angela. “You know, maybe you just need to give this some time. From what I hear, he’s really a very friendly, easy going guy. When the work load lightens up, maybe then he’ll get a chance to see exactly what he’s been missing.” “Maybe,” said Emma quietly. “But I won’t be holding my breath.” Chapter 3 Days turned into weeks and Emma was no closer to being anything more than an employee to Shane. She and Angela were working on the Superstars link one day, when Angela suddenly had an idea. “You know, instead of moping around...why don’t you let me introduce you to someone?” “A fix up?” Emma asked. “No way.” “Oh? And you’re meeting so many men your way?” Angela teased. Emma had to admit that she was tired of sitting home alone. “Well maybe I could meet one of your friends,’ she said. “But he’d have to know from the start, that I’m not interested in anything serious.” “Yes maam,” she said, laughing. “Your stipulations will be duly noted.” “This friend,” she asked. “How exactly do you know him?” “Well he’s really a friend of Steve’s,” she said. “A wrestler?” she said, in shock. Angela had to laugh. “This is the WWF...the odds were pretty good.” “Oh I’m not sure about this....I mean, what is he like?” “Oh stop worrying,” Angela laughed. “He doesn’t have purple hair or wear a mask.” “It isn’t that,” Emma said. “Then what is it?” “Well,wouldn’t Shane know this guy?” “Yeah, I guess he would. What’s your point?” “Well if Shane thought I was dating someone else....” Angela looked at her friend. “Emma, don’t you think that if he was at all interested....” She stopped when she saw the look on Emma’s face. “Honey, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” “Oh you didn’t. I guess facing the truth just hurts a little. So..who is this guy you want me to meet?” Angela turned to her computer screen. After a couple of clicks, a picture came up on the screen. “There he is.” Emma studied his picture. “Tell me he has a real name,” she said. “Of course he does,” laughed Angela. “I mean the guys call him Test...but I’m sure he’ll want you to call him Andrew.” Chapter 4 “Why did you tell them to pick us up here?” asked Emma, checking her hair for the tenth time. “I just thought you’d be more comfortable meeting him in your own house..you know...home field advantage?” “You’ve been watching too much ESPN,’ laughed Emma. At 7:30 on the dot, the doorbell rang. “Is Steve always this punctual?” “Never,” said Angela, with a grin. “Must be Andrew.” She opened the door to two smiling faces. “Hi sweetie,” she said to Steve, giving him a quick kiss. She turned to the other man and looked up. “It’s nice to see you Andrew.” “Hi Angela. It’s nice to see you too.” “Come on in,” she said. The two men stepped into the room. Emma stared up at Andrew. Angela had said he was tall, but she never said how tall. “Ceiling fans must pose a real threat to this guy,” she thought. Angela turned to her friend. “Emma, this is Andrew. Andrew, this is my best friend Emma.” He smiled and extended his hand. He was physically imposing, but his smile was completely disarming. “Angela has told me all about you,” he said. “Yeah but I convinced him to come anyway,” Steve said with a laugh. Angela, smacked his arm. “Hey, nobody lays a hand on the WWF Champion.” “Watch me,’ she said, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Well now, that’s different,” he said, playfully nuzzling her neck. “Your fans should see you now,” Andrew said, shaking his head. “So where are we going?” asked Angela. “I thought you might like to try that new place by the harbor. They have a nice outside deck. I know how you like to watch the boats,” said Steve. “Isn’t he just the best?” asked Angela. “Yeah, he’s a regular Stone Cold sweetheart,” teased Andrew. Steve looked at Angela and Emma and winked. “There are ladies present, so I’ll ignore that...for now.” “Settle down boys,” Angela said. “Save the rough stuff for the ring.” Emma had to laugh at them. “Maybe this won’t be such a bad night after all,” she thought. Chapter 5 Surprisingly, she found herself enjoying the dinner. Andrew was sweet and charming and Steve was actually funny. “It’s nice to see you smiling again,” Angela leaned over and whispered to her. “OK, don’t rub it in,” Emma teased. They were sitting and having coffee when it happened. They were talking about some of the funny things that happen on the road when both Steve and Angela looked past Emma to the restaurant entrance. Steve smiled and Angela’s eyes widened in surprise. Emma turned and her heart sank. Standing in the doorway was Shane with a very pretty woman. “I wonder who that is,” said Angela. “I think her name is Marissa something,” said Steve. “I met her at WWF NY when we were there.” “Must be serious if he’s still seeing her,” said Andrew. Emma looked down at her hands. She was twisting her napkin, desperately avoiding looking in the direction of the door. Unfortunately, Shane spotted them. “Oh no, he’s coming over,” Angela said under her breath. “Do you think anyone would notice if I hid under the table?” Emma asked, trying to paste a smile on her face. “Hey, we must be paying you guys pretty well if you can afford to eat here,” he teased. “Actually we’re charging it to the WWF,” said Steve with a laugh. “Don’t let my father hear that,” Shane laughed. “Marissa, you remember Steve don’t you?” “I sure do,” she said, smiling. “How are you?” “I’m fine, thanks. This is Angela.” “She works at WWF.com with me,” said Shane. Marissa extended her hand. “Its a pleasure to meet you.” Angela smiled back at her, totally aware of the daggers Emma’s eyes were shooting at her. “And that’s Andrew Martin.” “Hi Andrew,” she said brightly. “And that’s.....oh man I did it again,” he said, smiling sheepishly. “Emma,” she said, barely looking at him. “Shane is terrible with names,” teased Marissa. “He seemed to remember everyone elses,” thought Emma, still not believing how much it hurt. “Well, we’ll let you get back to your dinner,” said Shane, placing his hand against Marissa’s back to guide her to their table. “Enjoy your evening.” He smiled at them, but when his eyes met Emma’s he suddenly got the strangest feeling. He felt awful about forgetting her name again.....and the look in her eyes told him that she felt just as bad. “How about we take a stroll along the pier?” asked Steve. “That sounds nice,” said Angela, linking her arm in his. Andrew stood up and helped Emma pull out her chair. “You’re an awfully nice man,” she thought.”You deserve much better company than me.” “What do you think..are you up to it?” he asked her. She took one more quick glance at Shane and Marissa. “I’ll bet you never once forgot her name,” she thought. She turned back to Andrew and smiled up at him. “Let’s go,” she said, taking his hand. |