My Best Friend's Wedding
by Shelly

Chapter 1


Christmas music rang through the Impact Zone as TNA’s annual Christmas party was in full swing. They had just wrapped up taping Impact for the next couple of weeks and the personnel were enjoying some well deserved party time. Everyone was in good spirits as they mingled, sipping drinks and dancing.

"I can’t believe we have off for the next couple of weeks," Cindy sighed, leaning into her boyfriend, Alex Shelley’s embrace.

The raven haired beauty had been assigned the not so enviable task of keeping Alex and his tag partner Chris Sabin in line as the Motorcity Machineguns’ manager. Alex always said it had been love at first sight for him. Cindy said otherwise, always teasing that he was too much of a brat for her when they first met. Eventually she had accepted a date with him and the rest had been history.

"Yeah, what are you planning on doing, Shell," Chris Sabin asked. He sighed loudly when he saw that she was pre-occupied with staring across the room. "Earth to Shell! Hello!" He snapped his fingers in front of her face.

Shelly snapped out of it and turned her hazel eyes toward Sabin. "I’m sorry, Chris. Did you say something," she asked. Alex stifled a chuckle, causing Cindy to smack his shoulder. She gave him a look with narrow crystal blue eyes and he stopped.

"I just asked what you’ll be doing over the next couple of weeks we have off," Sabin replied, casting a scathing glance across the room at the man Shelly had been staring longingly at.

"I don’t know," Shelly replied with a sigh. "I have some indy commitments right up until Christmas Eve and then the day after Christmas up until New Years Eve."

"You do like to keep busy, huh," Alex said smirking. He admired her work ethic, but even he needed some time to refresh over the holidays.

"The busier the better," Shelly smiled taking a sip of her Pepsi.

"You mean the busier the less time you have to pine away for what will never be yours," Cindy gently teased.

"Cinder, how many times do I have to keep telling you that Frankie is my best friend," Shelly sighed setting her cup down on a nearby table. "He’s with Traci and I’m happy for him."

Just then there was the sound of feedback from a mic. Everyone turned their attention toward the sound and saw Frankie Kazarian cringing. "Sorry," he said into the mic. "I just have something I need to say and it can’t wait."

"What the hell is he up to," Sabin demanded. Shelly shrugged.

"Traci, could you come up here," Frankie said smiling. Traci headed over to him, unsure of what he was about to do. She gasped, a hand going over her heart when he took one hand and got down on one knee.

"Oh my God," Cindy exclaimed. "Did you know he was going to do this," she asked Shelly.

She mutely shook her head no, unable to speak. She couldn’t hear anything that Frankie was saying. All she could see was the velvet box with the diamond ring that he was presenting to his love.

"Will you marry me, Traci," Frankie finally asked after a short speech about their relationship.

Tears slipped Traci’s cheeks and she beamed. "Yes," she exclaimed as he slipped the ring on her finger and stood, pulling her into his arms and kissing her.

"What a show off, huh," Sabin said shaking his head.

"Yeah, I mean…what woman wants a big romantic show like that," Alex said catching on to what Sabin was doing.

"Shell? You all right," Cindy asked. Her friend hadn’t taken her eyes off the couple since the proposal started.

Shelly forced back the tears and plastered a smile on her face, brushing her chestnut waves out of her face and turning toward her friends. "I’m fine," she lied. "I’m really happy for them." She could feel her façade beginning to crumble. "I need some air," she said rushing toward the exit.

She didn’t make it very far when the happy couple cut off her path. "Shell," Frankie called smiling from ear to ear. She quickly wiped the tears that had escaped away. "She said yes!"

"I saw," Shelly said hoping her voice wouldn’t crack as she continued to force the tears back. "Congratulations, guys. I'm really happy for you." She tried to say the words with meaning, but they just came out feeling hollow.

"Oh, Shell," Traci said enveloping her in a tight embrace. "Did you know he was going to do this?"

"I can honestly say I had no idea," Shelly replied forcing a smile. "I really need to…"

"You have to be my maid of honor," Traci exclaimed. "Oh please say yes!"

"That’s a great idea," Frankie smiled. "What do you say, Shell?"

"I…can’t think of anything else I’d rather do," she lied. Traci squealed and hugged her tightly again.

"Thank you," she gushed. "We have to get to work planning this. I want a HUGE wedding!"

"Give me a call when you want to start," Shelly said. "If you’ll excuse me. I really have to…go." With that she excused herself and made a beeline for the exit.

Once she was outside she leaned against the building and slid down to the ground, pulling her knees up to her chest. She buried her face in her hands and let the tears finally flow. Her shoulders shook with her sobs until the tears finally subsided a little.

It had been no secret around the locker room that she secretly held a torch for Frankie Kazarian. She put on a brave face and forced a smile when he got together with Traci, but everyone knew her heart broke every time she saw them together. Tonight it had finally shattered.

"What the hell did I just get myself into," she sighed, as she dried her face and headed inside to wash it off. She made it to the ladies room, running the cold water to splash on her face.

"Wow, someone had a good cry," she heard a voice from behind her and jumped. Turning around she found Taylor Wilde coming out of a stall. "I take it you saw the proposal." Shelly nodded splashing water on her face and grabbing some paper towel to dry it off.

"I’m the maid of honor," she replied tossing the paper towels in the trash and sighing as she leaned against the sink.

"Why would you…nevermind," Taylor sighed, shaking her head. "Maybe this will be the wake up call you need. Frankie’s officially off the market. You’re a beautiful young woman and there’s plenty of fish in the sea."

"But none will ever be as good," Shelly frowned.

Taylor smirked and slid an arm around Shelly’s shoulders. "They never are, but perhaps you need to learn how to settle for second best. Come on. I'm sure AJ, Joe and Greg can cheer you up."

Chapter 2

"Look who I found in the ladies room," Taylor said leading Shelly over to the men.

AJ smiled at her, slipping an arm around her shoulders. He noticed that her eyes were red rimmed and puffy. It didn’t go unnoticed by Joe or Greg. AJ gave her a little squeeze.

"You all right, kid," he asked her.

"Fine," she lied forcing a smile, but they all could see right through it.

"Baby girl," Joe said shoving AJ aside and slipping an arm around Shelly’s waist. "He doesn’t know what he’s missing. Any man would be lucky as hell to have you."

"Or at the very least spend a night with you," Greg teased. Taylor smacked him. "What? Aren’t we trying to cheer her up? God, babe, you act like I was saying it to be mean!"

"Weren’t you," Taylor countered.

"She’s got you there," AJ chuckled.

"Shut up, Georgia Peach," Greg growled.

"I will have you know I am PROUD to be from Georgia," AJ replied.

"Fucking hick," Greg muttered. Taylor simply rolled her eyes and sighed loudly. It was an argument that Greg and AJ had often.

"Guys, we’re supposed to be cheering Shell up," Joe growled at the two who were still bickering. By this time Alex, Cindy and Sabin had made their way over to the group.

"You all right," Cindy asked, giving Shelly’s shoulder a little squeeze.

"I need a drink," Shelly muttered as her eyes trailed toward the happy couple.

"Come on, Shell," Sabin said sliding his arm around her waist. "My treat."

"It’s an open bar, dumb ass," Joe called as he led Shelly toward the bar. Sabin cast a glance back at Joe and flipped him off.

~}i{~

"Come on, Shell, work with me here," Sabin groaned half carrying, half dragging her to her hotel room later that night. She had spent the remainder of the party getting totally wasted. Sabin had volunteered to take her back to the hotel. He was now beginning to regret his decision. "Who would have thought you were such a sloppy drunk?"

"You’re cute when you’re annoyed," Shelly slurred and giggled.

"I’m sure you’ll forget you said that when you wake up in the morning," Sabin sighed. "Where’s your room key?"

"Pocket," Shelly said leaning against the wall outside her room with one hand as the other one dug in her jean pocket. She pulled out the keycard and dropped it. "Whoopsies!" She bent down to pick it up just as Sabin did and they bumped heads. She fell backwards onto her bottom and began to giggle loudly.

"Would you keep it down," Sabin hissed, rubbing his head as he pulled her back to her feet. "Come on. Let’s get you in bed."

"Why, Mr. Sabin, I had no idea you had such intentions with me," Shelly giggled.

"Funny," Sabin grumbled. "I should have let AJ bring you back here." He led her over to the bed and let her drop across it. He arranged her so that she was lying properly and pulled off her boots. "Get some rest, Shell. You’re gonna have a hell of a hangover in the morning."

"Chris," she called as he headed toward the door. "Don’t go just yet." He stopped and turned to face her. "Stay with me until I fall asleep." Now in the confines of her room she seemed to have sobered a bit and loneliness was creeping in.

"All right," Sabin sighed. He sat down on the extra bed in the room. "You really should sleep it off."

Tears filled Shelly’s eyes and she sniffled. "Why, Chris?" He looked at her thoroughly confused. "Why her and not me?"

Sabin sighed, raking a hand down his face. "Frankie and Traci have known each other a long time, Shell," he said standing and going over to her bed. He sat down on the edge of it and attempted to pull her into his arms. To his surprise she latched onto him, sobbing. "You’ll meet someone who’ll make you forget all about him, Shell. I know you will."

They sat there like that for a good while until Sabin realized that she had fallen asleep finally. He pulled the covers up around her and placed the trashcan near the bed in case she needed it. When he was sure she would be all right he headed out of the room. Once outside he leaned against the door. He had meant what he said to her, though inside he was hoping that someone would be him.

"I would have thought that you’d spend the night," a voice said in his ear making him jump.

"Damn it, Alex!" He placed a hand over his chest to calm his pounding heart. "Why would I spend the night? She’s totally wasted."

Alex shrugged. "Come on, buddy. You and I both know you’ve wanted her since she walked through the doors to the Impact Zone."

Sabin shook his head. "She’s hung up on Frankie. The sun and moon shine solely for him in her eyes. How the hell can I compete with that?"

"You don’t," Alex replied slinging his arm around his friend’s shoulders. "What you do is make her realize you’re a catch. Then she’ll forget all about golden boy."

"How do you suppose I do that," Sabin asked as he allowed Alex to lead him down to his own room.

"Play to your strengths," Alex replied. "You’re a reasonably handsome guy. Maybe pick up some flowers for her. Do something that she’s not expecting. Endear yourself to her."

"Right," Sabin said as they stopped outside his room door. "Thanks, Alex. I think I’ll give it a try in the morning."

"Good," Alex said smiling as he headed down to his room and his awaiting girlfriend.

~}i{~

The shrill ring of the phone woke Shelly out of a sound sleep the next morning. She groaned as each ring brought throbbing pain to her temples. Fumbling blindly on the nightstand she grabbed the phone on the fourth ring.

"Mmmlo," she groaned.

"Morning Sunshine," Greg replied.

"Do you have to yell," Shelly grumbled, rolling onto her back.

"I wasn’t," Greg replied. "You have a hangover, huh? Yeah that happens when you get totally shitfaced. I’m surprised you didn’t go up to Frankie and rape the poor boy. You know what liquid courage does to people."

"Why’d you call?"

"Oh yeah, Taylor says to get your ass in the shower," Greg replied. "We’re picking you up in a half hour to head to the airport."

"Oh joy," Shelly replied. "I’m surprised Frick and Frack aren’t coming too."

"Be nice. Frack took care of you last night when you were too drunk to even walk," Greg replied. "See ya in a half hour."

Shelly hung up the phone and stumbled into the bathroom to run the shower. Her throbbing head was not getting any better and she rummaged through her purse for the bottle of aspirin she kept there. Downing a couple she stepped into the shower and let the hot spray wash away the night before.

She was just toweling dry when there was a knock on her door. "That wasn’t a half hour," she grumbled going to the door, clad only in a towel. She opened the door and found Sabin standing there stunned. "Chris, I really don’t have time. Greg and Taylor are coming to get me in a little bit."

Sabin swallowed hard, prying his eyes away from her towel to look her in the eyes. "I was going to offer you a ride since we’re all going to the same place, but…"

"That’s sweet of you," Shelly replied. "By the way, Greg told me you brought me back here last night. Thank you." She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and groaned. "I really have to go, Chris. I’ll see you after the new year." With that she closed the door.

Sabin stood there a few more moments, still stunned by the image that greeted him when she opened the door. "After the new year," he mumbled and walked off.

Chapter 3

"So, what are you guys doing for Christmas," Greg asked as they all waited for their respective flights. "Taylor and I will be spending our first Christmas together. No family and no friends. Just us."

"Sounds romantic," Cindy said. Taylor nodded, a wide smile on her face as he laced her fingers with Greg’s.

"Family stuff," Alex replied. "Mine and Cinder’s." Cindy smiled and nodded, thoroughly looking forward to spending Christmas with the families.

"The usual family thing," Sabin sighed. "Nothing special."

Everyone turned their attention to Shelly, who was slouched in her seat sunglasses on and a baseball cap pulled down over her eyes. Taylor cleared her throat to get her attention, but it didn’t work. Cindy shook Shelly’s shoulder gently.

"Huh?"

"That was an intelligent sound," Greg snickered.

"Where’d you go just then? You were a million miles away," Taylor said. "Greg asked What are your plans for Christmas?"

"Oh," Shelly said feeling a blush creeping into her cheeks. "Well, I’ll probably be sleeping off the flurry of shows I’ll be doing up until Christmas Eve."

"Busy girl," Alex replied. "Don’t you have family to visit?"

"None that I care to keep in touch with," Shelly replied. "That’s my flight." She heard her flight being called over the PA system. "Merry Christmas guys. Have a good holiday." With that she headed off to catch her plane.

"That really sucks that she’ll be alone for Christmas," Sabin said to his friends.

"Not everyone is lucky enough to have family around the holidays," Alex sighed.

"Maybe…maybe someone should…you know…go spend Christmas with her," Sabin suggested.

"Knock yourself out, buddy," Greg said standing when he heard his flight being called. He and Taylor gathered their things and headed off.

"Have a good holiday guys," they both called as they walked off.

"Come to think of it…maybe we should see if we can get on the card for those shows she’s working," Sabin said thinking out loud.

"If you want to do that then go ahead," Alex said. "Cinder and I will be comfortably relaxing."

"Yeah," Sabin said, not hearing a word his friend was saying. "I’m sure I could get on those cards."

"You coming, Chris," Cindy called as she and Alex walked toward the boarding gate. Their flight had been called and he hadn’t heard it at all. He gathered up his things and followed the couple to the boarding gate.

~}i{~

A few days later Shelly was just unloading her gear from the trunk of her rental when she heard someone calling her name. Turning around she saw Sabin coming her way, his bag slung over his shoulder. She shouldered her bag and closed the trunk.

"What are you doing here," she asked, surprised to see him.

"I decided I could use the money," Sabin shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "You know Christmas bills and whatnot. So, I put in a few calls and got booked to a couple of shows."

"Wow, I thought the card was set," Shelly said as they headed inside the building. "What about your family Christmas plans."

"They kinda fell through," Sabin lied, faking a frown. "I’ll be all alone for Christmas." He sighed sadly and then brightened. "Hey! Didn’t you say you were alone for Christmas too?"

"Yes, but…"

"We should totally get together," Sabin smiled. "You know do something special…just the two of us. What do you say?"

"I’ll think about it, Chris," Shelly said as she heard a couple of the women calling her over. "I have to go talk over my match. I’ll talk to you later."

"Think about it," Sabin called as she walked off. He smiled to himself and headed toward the men’s locker room.

~}i{~

"You had an awesome match," Sabin said falling into step beside Shelly as she headed out of the venue.

"Don’t you have someone else you can bother," Shelly commented. She had tweaked her shoulder during her match and wanted nothing more than to stand under a hot shower for the rest of the night. She shifted her bag and winced as the pain radiated through her shoulder.

"You hurt yourself," Sabin said seeing this.

"I’m fine. It’s just a tweak," Shelly replied.

"Why don’t I come back to your room and maybe give you a massage," Sabin suggested and then cringed at how sleazy that sounded. Shelly quirked a brow at him. "I mean…I have some balm that helps with aches and pains and maybe I could…you know…see if massaging it will help."

Shelly sighed, knowing it wasn’t going to be easy getting rid of him. "All right, but if you try any funny business your ass is getting bounced out the door."

"Scout’s honor," Sabin said smiling. "I’ll follow you back to the hotel."

They parted ways going to their rentals and drove a short way to the hotel. Shelly grabbed her bag and headed up the stairs to her room. Sabin was close behind, digging through his bag for the balm he had promised her.

"You’ll need to take off your shirt," he said once they were inside her room. Again he cringed at his words. "Open mouth, insert foot," he mumbled, shaking his head.

Shelly giggled. "It’s all right, Chris," she said tossing her keys onto the dresser. "I know what you meant." She pulled off her jacket and removed the sweatshirt she was wearing.

Sabin gulped seeing her standing there in her black lace bra. "Close your mouth, Chris, you’re drawing flies," Shelly chuckled heading over to the bed. She slipped the strap on the right side down off her shoulder before lying down on the bed. "Are you gonna stare or give me that massage you promised?"

"Right," Sabin said snapping out of his daze. He grabbed the jar of balm and opened it up as he sat down on the edge of the bed near her injured shoulder. He took out a healthy dollop of the balm and placed in on her bare skin.

Shelly hissed as the balm touched her skin. "That’s cold."

"Sorry. It’s been in the car," Sabin said rubbing his hands together before he began to massage it into her skin.

He was trying desperately to concentrate on what he was doing, but the little sighs and moans Shelly kept making was making that task difficult. He didn’t want the massage to ever come to an end, but he knew that eventually it had to. Once the balm was all rubbed in he reluctantly pulled his hands away from the bare flesh in front of him.

Shelly rolled onto her side as he stood and went into the bathroom to wash his hands and dry them. "Thanks," she said smiling. "I really needed that."

"Your muscles were all tied in knots," Sabin said. "Just needed to loosen them up."

Shelly rolled her shoulder and nodded approvingly. "Good as new," she said. "You have any plans for the rest of the night?"

"None," Sabin replied quickly and mentally kicked himself for sounding to eager.

"How about we get some room service and order a movie," Shelly suggested.

"Sounds good," Sabin smiled.

"Good," Shelly said tossing the room service menu at him. "You decide while I change." She grabbed her bag and headed into the bathroom.

When she emerged several minutes later she was wearing a Motorcity Machineguns shirt and pair of black shorts. Sabin took one look at her and smiled wide. "I didn’t know you had one of our shirts."

"Best damn tag team in TNA," Shelly smirked. "I thought it was appropriate considering the company. Besides that I like the logo."

Sabin was beaming from ear to ear. "So, what’d you want? I’ll order," he asked.

Shelly told him what she wanted and took a seat on the bed next to him as he placed the order. She settled back on the pillows and grabbed the remote. "So, what’ll it be? Comedy, drama, horror?"

"I could go for a comedy," Sabin replied, settling back on the pillows with her. "Ooh! The 40 Year Old Virgin!"

"Yup, that’s a keeper," Shelly chuckled and ordered it.

They were silent a while as the movie started. "So, Shell, have you thought about my suggestion for Christmas?" She looked at him and he could tell she was going to shoot him down. "It’s just a shame that the two of us would have to be alone is all. It’s totally up to you."

"Let me sleep on it, Chris," Shelly replied. "I really hadn’t planned on having company."

"I understand," Sabin replied. He knew he had a couple of days to work on her before she’d give him a final answer. There was a knock at the door. "Room service," he said sliding off the bed and pulling out his wallet to pay for the meal.

"What do I owe ya," Shelly asked. He waved her off. "You don’t have to pay for this."

"Don’t worry about it," Sabin replied. "My treat."

They went back to watching the movie, eating in silence. The only sound in the room was the occasional giggle at something happening in the movie. When they had finished eating they relaxed on the pillows to finish off the movie.

It wasn’t long before he could see Shelly’s eyelids getting droopy. He smiled to himself, hoping she’d use him as a pillow. Much to his pleasure he felt her head on his shoulder. Looking at her he could see she was sleeping deeply.

Carefully he adjusted her so that she had her head resting on his chest. He grabbed the remote and shut off the TV before reaching up and turning off the bedside lamp. Contentedly he sighed and closed his eyes, falling asleep easily.

Chapter 4

When Shelly awoke the next morning she felt a warm body and strong arms wrapped around her waist. Sighing happily, but not opening her eyes, she leaned back into the body and snuggled closer under the covers. She was sure this was just one of those waking dreams she had all too often.

The feel of Shelly cuddling closer to him roused Sabin. Smiling he wrapped his arms tighter around her, inhaling the sweet smell of her lavender and chamomile perfume. He was just settling back into slumber when he heard Shelly speak.

"Oh Frankie," she sighed. "I’m so glad you’re here with me."

"FRANKIE," Sabin exclaimed.

Shelly sat bolt upright in bed at Sabin’s voice. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN MY BED," she exclaimed, practically kicking him off the bed to the floor. His shoulder hit the nightstand and he held onto it for dear life.

"We fell asleep watching a movie," Sabin said getting out of the bed. "What the hell is the deal with you and Frankie? Damn. He’s taken, woman!"

"GET OUT," Shelly yelled throwing a pillow at him.

"I’M GOIN’,’ Sabin yelled as she tossed the pillows at him. He grabbed his bag and headed toward the door. "Does this mean we’re not riding to the show together tonight?" When the pillows missed she grabbed the remote and tossed it at him. He managed to duck it and it shattered on the wall as he quickly made his escape.

"What the hell just happened," Sabin asked no one in particular as he leaned on the door, trying to steady his pounding heart. His phone rang then and he fished it out of his pocket and walked down to his own room.

"How’s it going with Shelly," Alex asked when Sabin answered.

"She just tried to kill me," Sabin replied. "She’s fucking crazy!"

"What’d you do," Alex asked.

"She tweaked her shoulder at the show last night," Sabin explained. "I volunteered to massage it with that balm we picked up in Japan. Afterwards we ordered room service and watched a movie."

"Sounds like a nice little date," Alex replied. "Did you try to get in a little slap and tickle or something?"

"No! Alex, Jesus! We fell asleep watching movies," Sabin replied. "When we woke up this morning she was in my arms…and then…"

"Then what?"

"She called me Frankie," Sabin sighed.

"Ouch," Alex replied. "Dude, take solace in the fact that once Traci and Frankie tie the knot she’ll come crashing to reality and will need someone there for her."

"Yeah," Sabin sighed. "What the hell is so great about him anyway?"

"I think what happened is Shell missed her chance with him and is now living in the past," Alex replied. "It’s not you, bro. If I swung that way I’d snatch up your cute ass."

"I’m hanging up now," Sabin replied. "I’ll talk to you after the holidays."

~}i{~

"I’m going to kill him," Shelly said into the phone.

"Hello to you too," Cindy giggled. "What’d Chris do now?"

"For all I know he raped me in my sleep," Shelly said pacing her room. "I woke up with him in my bed."

Cindy listened as Alex quickly explained the situation to her. "Shell, calm down. Chris wouldn’t do something like that. From what Alex says he took care of your shoulder for you and then you guys got dinner and watched a movie."

"Yeah," Shelly sighed sinking to the bed. "I guess…I was just embarrassed. I called out Frankie’s name."

"Sweetie, you have to really get over him. He’s with Traci," Cindy said gently. "You need to stop wasting your life waiting for Frankie and go on with your own life."

"I know," Shelly replied with a sad sigh. "It’s just hard. I suppose I should apologize to Chris. I almost gave him brain damage with a TV remote."

Cindy snickered. "You need a brain to damage for that to happen."

Shelly said her goodbyes to Cindy and dialed Sabin’s number. Not surprisingly it went to voicemail. With a sigh she hung up. "Guess I’ll try to catch him in the parking lot." With that she headed in to take a shower and change.

~}i{~

"Chris," Shelly called relieved to catch him packing up his rental.

Sabin turned around and his eyes went wide. "Don’t hurt me! I swear nothing happened last night," he exclaimed.

"I wanted to apologize for this morning," Shelly replied. "I just…I wasn’t expecting to have you in my bed. That’s all."

"You were expecting Frankie," Sabin said tossing his bag into the backseat. "I get it. It’s fine."

Shelly bit her lip. "I thought about your Christmas offer," she said after a few moments of awkward silence.

"Forget about," Sabin replied. "I’ll just hang out at home by myself. I’ll see you at tonight’s show." With that he slid behind the wheel and closed the door.

Shelly knocked on the window. He rolled it down. "I’d like for you to come spend Christmas with me," she said softly. "We shouldn’t both be alone like you said."

"I’ll think about it," Sabin replied rolling the window back up. He started the car and Shelly took a step back as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed off toward the next show.

~}i{~

Shelly had just parked her car at the next venue when her phone began to ring. "Shit," she groaned as she dug through her purse for her phone. "Hello?"

"Shell," Traci’s voice greeted her. "I am so glad I caught you. Frankie wanted me to invite you to our New Year’s party. I figured if you come we can talk about the wedding."

"Wow. Um…well…."

"Don’t tell me you already have plans."

"Well, no…I…um…."

"Great! Then we’ll see you there. Oh and you can bring a date. See you then," Traci chirped.

Before Shelly could reply the buxom brunette had hung up. "Great," Shelly sighed. "Bring a date. Where the hell am I going to find a date?" She grabbed her gear and headed inside the venue. She spotted Sabin loosening up in the ring and sighed. "God, I hope this doesn’t blow up in my face." She headed over to the ring. "Chris, can I talk to you a moment?"

Sabin hopped out of the ring and headed over to where she stood. "I know this is short notice, but do you have plans for New Year’s Eve?" He shook his head no. "I just got a call from Traci when I got here. She and Frankie are having a New Year’s party and they invited me. Traci said I could bring a date."

Sabin smiled at the word. "So, you want me to be your date," he asked.

"Wipe the smile off your face," Shelly said crossing her arms across her chest. "It’ll just be two friends going to a party. That’s all."

"Yeah, sure I’ll go…on one condition," Sabin replied.

"What?"

"At midnight I get to kiss you," Sabin replied.

"Now you’re pushing your luck," Shelly replied.

"Fine," Sabin replied with a little shrug. "Try to find someone else on such short notice."

Shelly groaned, knowing he was right. "Fine. ONE kiss. That’s all you get."

"It’s all I need," Sabin smiled. "So, looks like we’ll be spending Christmas and New Year’s together. Should be fun."

"Oh yeah," Shelly sighed. "Just a barrel full of laughs. I need to get ready for my match." With that she headed off to the women’s locker room.

"By the time I’m done with you, Shell, you won’t know who Frankie Kazarian is anymore," Sabin said smiling wide as he hopped back into the ring to loosen up some more.

Chapter 5

Shelly had gotten ready for her match only to find that there had been a last minute change to the card. The promoter had informed her that her match would now be a mixed tag and she’d be teaming up with Sabin. Though she had been disappointed that she wouldn’t be facing the woman she had originally planned on she had to admit she was excited about teaming up with Sabin. She had always admired his style in the ring and felt they’d mesh nicely.

"Hey partner," Sabin smiled when she emerged from the women’s locker room. "I was just coming to go over some stuff for our match later."

"Same here," she smiled.

"Wow. I thought you’d be pissed about being teamed up with me," he commented as they headed off to find their opponents.

"Are you kidding me? You’re like a dream tag partner," she replied. "Definitely top five. You’re a four time X Division champion, not to mention one of the most entertaining athletes in the ring."

"Who’s in this top five of yours," he asked with a smile. He couldn’t help blushing at the compliment she had just paid him.

"Let’s see…AJ and Frankie of course." Sabin nodded, though he rolled his eyes at Frankie’s name. "Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels."

"Couldn’t stick to the one company, huh," he chuckled.

"I’ve been an HBK fan since I was a kid," she replied with a small chuckle. "Can’t deny it’d be an honor to work with him."

"Well, it’s good to see I’m in such good company. Come on, let’s go talk this match over."

Sabin couldn’t hide the smile on his face. He had no idea she was such a fan of his work and he hoped that the professional admiration would turn into something more eventually. If he had his way she’d be his by the new year.

~}i{~

The match started off with no problems, but soon turned bad. Shelly had taken a bump to the outside and landed awkwardly. She felt the pain in her knee the moment she landed. Biting her lip she shook off the bump and attempted to get to her feet. She let out a yelp of pain, unable to put any weight on her right leg.

Sabin hopped off the apron to check on her as the referee came to see what was going on. "What happened, Shell," he asked seeing her in a great deal of pain.

"My knee," she groaned, trying to put weight on it. "Bad bump." Tears were stinging her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

"All right, here’s what we’re gonna do," Sabin said making her look at him. "You’re gonna roll into the ring and tag me. I’ll finish off the match and we can get you to the back to see the trainer. Deal?"

Shelly bit her lip and nodded as she hobbled over to the ring with the help of Sabin and the ref. She slid into the ring and painfully hobbled to her corner, tagging in Sabin. Their opponents understood the severity of the injury and laid off until Sabin was in the ring. As promised Sabin finished the match quickly.

"Come on, honey," he said helping her down off the ring apron once the match was over. "Let’s get that knee looked at." He slung her arm around his neck and helped her to the back to the trainer’s office.

Several hours and a trip to the emergency room for an MRI later Sabin helped Shelly back to her hotel room. She was ordered to rest for the time being and to go see her regular doctor once she got home. They gave her a shot of pain medication, a brace for the knee and some crutches and sent her home.

"Easy," Sabin said as he helped her into the hotel room. He walked her over to the bed, easing her leg up onto some pillows.

"Thanks, Chris," she yawned. The painkiller was kicking in and making her very drowsy. "I really appreciate all you’ve done for me tonight."

"We’re colleagues," he said smiling. "We gotta stick together, especially when one gets injured. Get some rest. I’ll be by in the morning to check on you."

"No, stay please," she said, her eyelids drooping. "I don’t want to be alone like this."

"Sure," Sabin replied. He looked around the tiny room. There was only one bed and a small round table with two chairs in the corner. He grabbed the chairs and pulled them together, testing it out as a makeshift bed.

"What are you doing," she asked propping herself up on her elbows.

"There’s only the one bed," he replied. "And…last time you woke up with me in the bed you…well…"

"I promise I won’t yell at you or toss you on the floor," she chuckled. "I just really don’t want to be alone right now." Her phone began to ring then. She sighed at the familiar ringtone as Metallica’s Cyanide rang through the room. "That’s Frankie," she said softly, as Sabin pulled the phone from her bag and handed it to her.

"I’m gonna go grab some stuff from my room, but I’ll be right back," he said heading outside. He didn’t want to be around when she was speaking to Frankie.

"Hi, Frankie," she said answering the phone.

"I just heard about your knee," he said, concern lacing his words. "Are you all right, sweetie?"

"Boy, good news travels fast," she sighed. "I had an MRI, but it’s too swollen to make a definite diagnosis right now. They said it’s a possible MCL tear. I have to rest it and once the swelling goes down a bit I need another MRI. I’ll be getting around on crutches for a while."

"Don’t beat yourself up, kid," Frankie replied, hearing the disappointment in her voice. "We all get injured now and then. Part of the job."

"I know," Shelly sighed, she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes and sniffled. "It’s just…if I need surgery…I don’t want to have to take time off."

"If you need to take time off to heal you have to, Shell," he replied. She sniffled, trying hard not to cry on the phone. "Don’t cry, honey. You’ll rehab the knee and be back in the ring and better than ever. You’ll see."

"Yeah, I guess," she replied, wiping away the tears that had escaped.

"You have someone there with you," Frankie asked.

"Yeah, Chris was working a few shows before the holiday," she replied. "He’s been taking care of me since I got hurt. He’s been really sweet."

"Good. I had no idea you two were that close. Maybe this could lead to something more for you guys."

"Chris is just a friend, Frankie," Shelly chuckled. "You know like you and I. Contrary to popular belief men and women can be friends without sex being involved."

"Who said anything about sex? I just thought you guys would make a cute couple," he replied. "I have to go for now, hon. I’ll see you at the New Year’s party, right?"

"Chris and I will be there," Shelly replied.

"See? You guys already have a date," he teased.

"Cut it out," Shelly sighed. "Get off the phone. Your fiance is calling you." She could hear Traci's voice in the background.

"Rest up that knee and take care of yourself, Shell. Traci sends her love and says get better," Frankie said before hanging up. The line didn’t disconnect until she heard what sounded like Traci and Frankie kissing.

With a sad sigh Shelly set her phone down on the nightstand and scooted over to allow Sabin access to the bed. Painfully she pulled off her shoes and pulled the covers up around her.

When Sabin arrived back at the room she was lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling. He could see silent tears streaking down her cheeks. He cleared his throat to alert her that he was there.

"You all right," he asked taking a seat on the bed next to her.

"Just having a pity party," she sighed, wiping away the tears. She smiled at him then. "I’m glad you’re coming for Christmas this year. At least I won’t be alone with this bum knee."

"I’m looking forward to it," Sabin replied. "Even if we just hang out and veg in front of the TV." After a moment of silence he asked, "So, what’d Frankie want?"

"He heard about my knee," she replied. "I have no idea how. He was just checking up on me. He’s sweet like that."

"Shell," Sabin began, but faltered. He had no idea how to finish what he wanted to say. "Why him," he finally asked. "He’s got Traci. Why are you so hung up on him?"

Shelly sighed, feeling more tired now than ever. "Not tonight, Chris," she replied softly. "The painkillers are finally kicking in and I’m tired. I just want to sleep."

"Of course," Sabin replied. He was disappointed, but his concern for her superceded that. "Some other time we can talk. You get some sleep. I’ll be here in the morning when you wake up." She nodded, snuggling under the covers and closing her eyes. He watched her sleeping for a while before he too drifted off.

Chapter 6

The next morning Sabin awoke to the sound Shelly on the phone. It had started out as quiet conversation, but as he roused he could hear her sounding more and more annoyed. When she slammed the phone down and groaned loudly he opened his eyes and sat up.

"What’s going on," he asked sleepily.

"Sorry I woke you," Shelly sigh hobbling over to the bed. "I just called the guy handling my commitments after Christmas to let him know I’m injured and can’t make the shows and he cursed me out!"

"What? That’s crazy," Sabin replied shaking his head. "What does he expect you to do show up with a bum knee?"

"I don’t know," Shelly sighed. "I tried my best not to react to his rudeness, but…I think it’s safe to say I may not be working shows in that area for a while."

"If he’s going to treat talent like that then you don’t need it," Sabin replied. "So, looks like I’ll be working that last show tonight on my own, huh?"

"I’d like to tag along," Shelly replied. "It’d be fun to watch the show instead of worrying about what I’m going to do during my match."

"Good deal," Sabin smiled. "I need to grab a shower and pack up for the next town. Will you be all right alone for a while?"

"Yeah," Shelly replied. "Um…Chris…I was thinking…I don’t really want to be stuck on a plane heading back home with my knee so messed up."

"You’re not saying you want to drive all the way back to Florida," Sabin said frowning.

"I’d drive myself, but…." She pointed to the knee with the brace on it. "Please, Chris," she begged. "I’d be so much more comfortable if I could stretch out in the backseat."

Sabin sighed, knowing that he was going to give in to her begging. "All right, but we’re staying over someplace between here and home."

"Deal," Shelly smiled. "Go shower. We have to be in the next town by this afternoon." Sabin nodded and grabbed his things heading down to his own room. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, but at least he knew he would be in the company of someone he enjoyed being with.

~}i{~

That night Sabin and Shelly rested up for their road trip back to Florida. They had figured out that it would take at least two days to get there, which would bring them to Christmas Eve. Bright and early the next morning they set off for their destination.

They had been driving in silence for a while. Shelly was lying across the backseat, her bad knee propped up and her eyes closed. Sabin glanced into the rearview mirror at her and debated internally whether to engage her in conversation.

"So, Shell, do you feel like talking," he finally asked.

"Sure, what do you wanna talk about," she asked opening her eyes and sitting up to give him her full attention.

"How about…why you’re so hung up on Frankie," Sabin replied. "I mean so he’s relatively attractive and skilled in the ring, but what’s the deal?"

Shelly sighed knowing that this topic was bound to come up sooner or later. "It’s hard to explain," she replied.

"We have time," he said sneaking a peek back at her.

"I’m the one who set him up with Traci," she finally replied. "I could have had him all to myself, but instead I saw that they’d be all googly eyed at each other and…I’m the one who told him to go for it and ask her out."

"Wow. That was mighty big of you," Sabin replied.

"I’ve known Frankie since 2005, Chris," she replied. "He helped me through some rough times back when we were both in WWE. When he was released we kept in touch. He’s the reason I’m with TNA now. Somewhere along the lines I realized that I have feelings for him…more than a friend should. I guess it doesn’t really matter how I feel anymore. He’s marrying Traci and I have to deal with it."

"You don’t have to deal alone," Sabin said softly. "You know that I’ll always be there for you." He realized what he had just said out loud and quickly added. "And Cindy and Alex and Taylor and everyone. We’ll help you through this, Shell."

Shelly nodded, biting the inside of her lip. "I just wish it didn’t hurt so much," she said softly, turning her gaze to the scenery whipping by. "I think I’ll try to take a nap," she announced after the car grew silent.

Sabin watched as she curled up as best she could and closed her eyes, popping in her ear buds and turning on her iPod. With a sigh he grabbed his own iPod, popping on ear bud in. Starting his playlist he drove on.

~}i{~

After a couple of hours of driving in relative silence Sabin’s playlist came around to one of his guilty pleasure songs. He peeked in the back to see if Shelly was still sleeping. Her eyes were closed and she still had her ear buds in so he allowed himself to hum along with the song playing. It wasn’t long before he began to sing along.

"Superstar, where you from? How’s it goin’," Sabin sang along with Britney Spears’ voice.

Shelly opened her eyes as the car hit a bump in the road. She could see Sabin’s mouth moving, but because she had music playing couldn’t hear what he was saying. Without sitting up she stopped her own playlist and listened.

"Womanizer, woman, womanizer! You’re a womanizer," Sabin sang, forgetting he had a passenger in the backseat.

Shelly began to snicker. "Seriously, Britney Spears," she giggled.

Sabin jumped in his seat, yanking the ear bud out. "Good Lord, woman! Do NOT do that to me when I’m behind the wheel," he exclaimed.

Shelly couldn’t help laughing. He was flustered and his face was steadily turning ten shades of red. "Britney Spears. Who would’ve known," she giggled.

"Oh and I suppose you don’t have any guilty pleasures," he grumbled stuffing his iPod in his jacket pocket. "Or are your guilty pleasures restricted to coveting another woman’s man?" The moment the words escaped his lips he regretted them. Her smile fell and her eyes narrowed at him. "I…that was…that was a low blow," he stammered. "I’m really sorry."

"Just drive," she replied, turning her gaze back out the window.

"Shell, please don’t be mad at me," he begged. When she gave him the cold shoulder he sighed sadly and continued to drive.

After about an hour of silence Sabin tried to get her to talk to him. "How about we play the license plate game," he asked.

"What are you twelve," she asked.

"So, then I suppose Eye Spy is out too," he sighed. "Any suggestions to break up the monotony of this ride? I’m starting to go cross eyed from driving."

"How about we pull into a rest stop and check into a hotel," Shelly suggested.

"Yeah, I guess that’s a good idea," he replied. They had been driving for nearly twelve hours only stopping for gas, food and potty breaks. He spotted a rest stop and pulled into the only hotel he could find. He went into the office to register rooms for them.

"What room am I in," Shelly asked getting out of the car carefully when he came out of the office.

"See…there’s a small problem," Sabin replied.

"What?"

"They’re all booked up except for one room," he replied.

"That’s fine," Shelly sighed. "Let’s just get to the room. I’m beat and I need to put my leg up."

"O….k," Sabin replied grabbing her bag and his own and helping her to the room. He opened up the room and grimaced, bracing himself for her reaction.

"Chris?"

"Yeah," he squeaked.

"Why didn’t you tell me the only room available was the damn Honeymoon Suite," she demanded.

"I…uh…figured you wouldn’t mind since you’re so tired and we need to rest before we hit the final stretch of the road trip tomorrow," he replied.

"The bed is HEART shaped, Chris," she fumed.

"It’s all they had," Sabin replied. "And I can’t get a refund. The guy says all transactions are final."

Shelly groaned, falling onto the heart shaped bed. "Can anything else go wrong," she groaned.

Sabin had gone into the bathroom to wash up and change. He came back out with a smirk. "There’s a hot tub in there."

"Don’t you even dare ask what I know you want to ask," she grumbled.

"I just thought that the heat and bubbles would be good for your knee," Sabin replied innocently. "I started it up for you if you want to have a soak."

She got to her feet and hobbled into the bathroom. "Is there ANYTHING in here that isn’t heart shaped," she yelled. He snickered as he changed for bed.

"Good thing there’s a couch in this room," he sighed, grabbing a pillow from the bed and a blanket. "I’m gonna need it."

Chapter 7

After her soak in the hot tub Shelly’s knee did feel a little less tender, though she still couldn’t bare any weight on it. When she emerged from the bathroom Sabin was already asleep on the couch. She hobbled to the bed and curled up under the covers, going to sleep almost the instant her head hit the pillow.

Sometime during the night Shelly was awakened by the sound of Sabin talking. "Chris," she groaned. "Who are you talking to?"

"No mommy. No more cookies. I’m full," Sabin replied, clearly still asleep.

"Wonderful," Shelly sighed. "Chris, wake up!"

"Please don’t spank me," Sabin exclaimed in his sleep. "I didn’t mean to wet the bed!"

"Chris! Come on, dude," Shelly whined.

In response Sabin began to snore very loudly. Shelly grabbed one of her pillows and tossed it at him. It landed with a soft thud over his head. While it didn’t wake him it did muffle the sound of the snoring.

With a groan Shelly lay back on her pillow and tried to sleep. "I am so going to kill him," she muttered pulling the pillow over her head and managing to go back to sleep.

The next morning when Shelly woke Sabin was already showered and dressed. He was quietly thumbing through a magazine waiting for her to wake up. When she yawned and stretched he set aside the magazine.

"About time," he said. "Sleep well?"

Shelly glared at him. "Strangely no. Someone was talking in his sleep." She replied tossing aside the covers and carefully sliding her legs off the bed.

"Did I say…anything…you know…embarrassing," Sabin asked, praying that he hadn’t been talking about his crush on her.

"Let’s see…something about cookies and that you didn’t mean to wet the bed," Shelly replied. "Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be ready to get back on the road.

Sabin nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. "I’m going to go grab us some breakfast to go and some coffee," he called through the bathroom door. "I’ll be back in a few to help you out to the car."

~}i{~

The remainder of the road trip happened without incident. Shelly and Sabin actually managed to get along during the final hours on the road. When they arrived back at Shelly’s place it was well after midnight on Christmas Eve.

"You can stay on the couch," Shelly said tiredly as she hobbled into the bedroom. She opened up the closet and pointed to the top shelf. "There’s a blanket and some pillows."

Sabin grabbed them and headed into the living room to set up his bed for the next couple of days. "Hey, Shell? You tired?"

"A little, but I don’t have to sleep right this minute," she replied. "Why?"

"I dunno. I thought maybe we could watch something or just talk," Sabin shrugged.

They got comfortable on the couch and Sabin flipped through the various Christmas programming until they settled on It’s A Wonderful Life. They watched in silence for a while until Sabin finally decided to speak.

"So, you had said that Frankie helped you through some rough times back in 2005," he began. "What was going on?"

"What is your fascination with my friendship with Frankie," Shelly asked.

"I’m just trying to understand it," he replied. "If you’d rather not talk about it I’ll understand."

"At the time I was with someone who was abusive," she replied. "At first it was just verbal, but it escalated into physical abuse. Frankie was there for me when I decided to leave the guy. He probably saved my life." Sabin quirked a brow. "The guy had murderous intent in his eyes when he started beating on me. Frankie broke it up and made sure I was all right. If he hadn’t shown up…I don’t want to think about what would have happened."

"I see."

"Ever since then he’s kind of been looking out for me," she replied.

"Well, he can still look out for you," Sabin replied. "But I want you to know that he’s not the only one who cares about you. You have some good friends here."

"I know that," Shelly replied giving him a small smile.

They went back to watching the movie and Sabin smiled to himself. Over the past couple of days they had a setback or two, but for the most part he felt like they were becoming closer. As they continued to watch the movie he felt her rest her head on his shoulder. It wasn’t long before she was sleeping. Turning off the TV Sabin scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He laid her in bed and covered her up before heading back to the living room to get some sleep himself.

~}i{~

The next day Sabin decided to let Shelly sleep. She needed to rest as much as possible with the injury to her knee. He was just cleaning up the mess he had made while making himself something to eat when the doorbell rang. Drying his hands he headed to the door to see who it was.

"Frankie, what are you doing here," he asked. "Shouldn’t you be doing the family thing with your fiance."

"I came to check on Shell," Frankie replied and held up a gift bag and a wrapped box. "And I brought her gifts over. Where is she?"

"Sleeping," Sabin replied. "She needs her rest."

Frankie nodded entering the apartment without being invited in. He set the gifts down on the coffee table in the living room. "How’s her knee doing?"

"She still can’t put any weight on it," Sabin replied, wishing that he’d just go away. "She’s been getting around on crutches and she wears the brace the doctor gave her."

"How’s she handling things…you know…emotionally," Frankie asked. "She seemed pretty bummed out when I spoke to her the other day."

"Shocking you picked up on that," Sabin muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing," Sabin replied quickly. "She’s pretty upset about the injury, but I think she’s been in pretty good spirits."

"Well, that’s good," Frankie replied. Before either man could say anything else Shelly hobbled out of the bedroom. "Morning, sunshine," Frankie said smiling. He went to her and gave her a warm hug.

"You didn’t have to stop by," Shelly said.

"Of course I did," Frankie replied. "What kind of a friend would I be if I didn’t check on my poor wounded friend? Besides Traci reminded me that we still had your Christmas presents." He pointed to where he had set the gifts down.

"You guys didn’t have to get me anything," Shelly sighed as Frankie helped her over to the couch. He helped her prop her leg up on some pillows.

"We know," Frankie replied. "But you’ve been so good to us and I think you’ll really like what we got you." Sabin stood by rolling his eyes and mocking Frankie. "Can I get you anything?"

"I could use some water," Shelly replied.

"Chris, could you get that," Frankie said glancing over his shoulder at the younger man. He turned his attention back to Shelly and didn’t see Sabin huff and roll his eyes at Frankie. The action did not go unnoticed by Shelly.

"Chris, could you get that," Sabin muttered, mocking Frankie. "Oh look at me. I’m Frankie Kazarian. I get the hottest chick in TNA and have all the girls drooling over me." He ran the tap to get the water cold and grabbed a glass out of a cabinet. "Makes me sick!"

He filled the glass and brought it into the living room. Before he could hand it over to Shelly Frankie grabbed it and handed it to her. "Thanks, Chris," he said before going back to his conversation with Shelly.

"If you guys need me I’ll be…" He could see that neither one of them were paying attention to what he had to say. They were too busy chatting as Shelly opened her gifts. "In the kitchen cleaning up." With a dejected sigh he headed back into the kitchen.

Chapter 8

Sabin was just finishing up the dishes when he heard the sound of Shelly’s crutches entering the kitchen. "Isn’t Captain America going to carry you around from place to place," he asked without turning around.

"Frankie left," Shelly replied. "He had to go home and help Traci get ready for the families visiting."

"It’s a shame you’re stuck with me," Sabin said drying his hands off and putting the towel back on the hook by the sink.

"No it’s not," Shelly replied with a small smile. He turned to face her, surprised by her response. "Look, you may be annoying at times…a lot of the time, but the fact is you’ve been there for me since I messed up my knee. You’ve taken care of me and been a really good friend." She hobbled over to the kitchen table and he helped her sit down comfortably. "What I need right now is a couple of good friends to take my mind off of the shit that’s getting me down."

"Well, I’m glad that I could be here for you," he replied with a smile. "So, what’d they get you?"

"Frankie picked up a vintage Metallica shirt for me," she replied. Sabin rolled his eyes at Frankie’s obsession with Metallica. "Said he saw it and thought of me. Traci sent over a bath oil set that she knows I like."

"A shirt and some bath oils," Sabin said crinkling up his nose. "Big spenders."

"It’s not about the money you spend," Shelly replied. "What matters is that they come from the heart."

"I’m famished," Sabin said changing the subject. "I know a place that makes phenomenal food. How about I go get us some."

"Sounds like a plan," Shelly replied.

"Great. Let’s get you into the living room all cozy and I’ll head out for that food," Sabin said helping her up from the table. He walked her into the living room, propping her knee up on some pillows and covering her with a blanket. He set the cordless phone near her and the TV remote. "I’ll be back in a little while."

He left and Shelly picked up the remote to channel surf. Sabin had only been gone a short while when she heard the familiar sound of Sabin’s phone ringing. The sound was muffled and she dug around the couch cushions before finding it.

She flipped it opened and the call connected. "Hey, dipshit, have you told her yet," Alex Shelley asked.

"Chris is out getting food, Alex," Shelly replied. "Tell who what now?"

"Shell…uh…I did dial Chris’ phone, right," Alex stammered.

"Yes, he must have dropped it in the couch," Shelly replied. "Seriously, Alex, what were you talking about?"

"Talk..talking about…um….you see…I…."

"Give me the phone," Cindy said snatching the phone from her boyfriend. "Don’t mind Alex. He’s been kinda brain dead since we got home."

"Babe," Alex exclaimed in the background.

"Shut it," Cindy tossed over her shoulder.

Shelly giggled. "It’s a wonder you two stay together," she said. "You argue so much."

"Alex likes the abuse," Cindy chuckled. Alex protested in the background, but Shelly couldn't make out any words. "So, how’s the knee?"

"Hurts like hell," Shelly sighed. "The swelling is going down very slowly. I think I might need surgery. I still can’t put any weight on it. I have an appointment with a specialist after Christmas. By Frankie and Traci’s New Year’s party I’ll know one way or the other."

As she continued to speak to Cindy Sabin returned. "Is that my phone," he asked.

"Yeah," Shelly said putting Cindy on hold. "Alex called to talk to you. Cindy and I just got to chatting. She’s going to put Alex on." She handed him the phone.

"Alex? Yeah, I know. Women," Sabin chuckled. Shelly rolled her eyes at him as she browsed through the bags of food he brought back. He wandered into the kitchen speaking in hushed tones.

When he returned to the living room, pocketing his phone, she was nibbling on some tortilla chips. "So, what’s the big secret?"

"Huh? Oh nothing. Just Alex being Alex. You know how that goes," he replied. "Let’s dig in."

They got comfortable on the couch and ate while watching Elf before switching over to the A Christmas Story marathon. It had been a lazy day for the both of them and though very little was said between them it was comfortable silence.

"Chris," Shelly said finally breaking the silence.

"Hmm?"

"I think this might be the best Christmas I’ve had in a long time," she replied softly, resting her head on his shoulder as they chuckled at Ralphie and his little brother’s antics. The meal that they had eaten was making them sleepy as they lounged on the couch together.

"But we haven’t done anything," he replied with a yawn. "You don’t even have a tree."

"Doesn’t matter," she replied sleepily. "Not being alone is enough." He smiled as his eyes drifted shut. Shelly wasn’t too far behind.

Several hours later the doorbell ringing awakened them. "Who the hell could that be," Sabin grumbled, raking a hand through his hair and then scrubbing it down his face. He got up and answered the door, scowling when he found Frankie standing there.

The older man took in Sabin’s messed hair and annoyed expression and smiled. "Did I interrupt something," Frankie asked.

"Yeah, a nice nap," Sabin replied. "What do you want?"

"Merry Christmas to you too," Frankie chuckled. "Traci sent over some food for you guys. She figured Shelly wouldn’t be able to cook with her knee all messed up so she put together some leftovers."

"Thanks," Sabin said taking the bag from him. "Is there something else?"

"No, that’s it. Just tell Shell we said Merry Christmas," Frankie replied.

"And a Happy Go To Hell to you too," Sabin muttered closing the door as Frankie walked away.

"Who was it," Shelly asked, peeking at the time on the cable box. It was close to midnight.

"Frankie," Sabin replied holding up the bag for her to see. "Traci sent over some food for tomorrow."

"How nice," Shelly replied. "I hope Traci didn’t cook it herself."

"He didn’t say," Sabin chuckled. "Chances are she sent out for it. I’ll stash it in the fridge."

When he returned from the kitchen she was getting up to head to bed. Sabin helped her into the bedroom and made sure she was all right. "Merry Christmas, Chris," she said sleepily as she rested her head on the pillows.

"Merry Christmas, Shell," he said heading back into the living room to get some sleep himself.

Chapter 9

When Shelly woke the next morning she smelled coffee brewing and breakfast cooking. She grabbed her crutches and made her way into the kitchen. Sabin was just setting the table.

"Morning," he said cheerfully.

"You went shopping," she asked inhaling the luscious scent of the coffee, eggs, bacon and chocolate chip muffins that filled the room.

"Yeah. You know you kinda stock your fridge like a dude," he chuckled. "There was a shriveled up apple and a carton of milk that looked like it was growing arms and legs. Hope you don’t mind that I tossed them."

"Not at all," Shelly said taking a seat at the table. Sabin poured her a cup of coffee and set some eggs and bacon in front of her. When he had placed the muffins in a basket he set them on the table. "I usually skip breakfast, but this looks delicious."

"Just one of my many skills," Sabin replied with a smile as he wriggled his eyebrows at her.

"I don’t think I want to know about your other skills, Chris," Shelly chuckled as she took a bite of her food.

"You never know," he smirked.

muci"All right, Sabin," Shelly chuckled, shaking her head. "You’re creeping me out with the flirty shit."

Sabin felt a little hurt by her comment, but he pushed it aside. "So, I was thinking that maybe we could go check out a movie and go out to eat," he replied. "Unless you’d rather stay home. I know it can’t be easy to get around with a bum knee."

"A movie and dinner sounds great," Shelly replied smiling, pushing aside her plate. "I’m stuffed. Thank you for this."

While Sabin cleaned up after breakfast Shelly headed in to take a shower. Sabin creept into her bedroom and left a small wrapped box on the bed. He rushed back out into the living room when he heard her hand on the bathroom doorknob.

Shelly headed into her bedroom to dry off and dress. She had just closed her bedroom door when she spotted the box on her bed. Curiously she picked it up and had to chuckle at the tag. It was signed from Santa. Shaking her head she unwrapped the gift and opened the box, gasping.

"Chris," She said opening the bedroom door and poking her head out. He was there in seconds. "You didn’t have to do this."

"I have no idea what you’re talking about," he smirked. "Did Santa leave you something?"

"I recognize your chicken scratch," Shelly chuckled. "Seriously, you shouldn’t have done this." She held up he fine gold chain with a butterfly pendant dangling from it.

"I saw you admiring it last time we were at the mall," Sabin shrugged. "Thought you’d like it."

"I love it," she said smiling. "Thank you."

She hugged him and he stood there awkwardly a moment realizing she was only wearing a bathrobe. He eventually wrapped his arms around her, savoring the feel of her warm body close to his.

"Will you help me put it on," she asked eventually pulling away. He nodded and fumbled with the clasp on the chain before he fastened it around her neck. "You’re so sweet," she said kissing him on the cheek.

"I try," he said awkwardly, feeling a blush creeping into his cheeks. "I should get into that shower so we can head out to the movies."

"I need to get dressed," Shelly replied. They parted ways and went to get ready for their day out.

~}i{~

"That was a pretty good movie," Sabin said as they left the diner where they’d had dinner.

"Next time I get to choose the movie," Shelly teased.

"You loved it and you know it," Sabin chuckled.

"Yeah, but I prefer movies with a better plot and not quite so many explosions," she replied. "Do you always take your dates to shoot ‘em up flicks?"

"So, this was a date," Sabin asked with a goofy grin.

"Don’t get so excited there, Skippy," Shelly chuckled. "It was just two friends going to a movie and dinner."

"Otherwise known as the very definition of a date," Sabin replied still wearing the goofy grin.

"Do you always make the woman pay on a date," Shelly countered as they made it to the car.

Sabin’s smile fell. "Well…you insisted," he stammered. "And well….I mean…."

"Relax, Chris," Shelly chuckled. "I was just yankin’ your chain."

The drive home was silent. After the teasing Sabin didn’t really know what to say to Shelly. He was happy with the fact that she had a good time and he was able to keep her mind off of her knee and Frankie. He knew that the next day would be a hard one for him. He had to fly back home because he was booked on a couple of shows before the New Year’s party.

"I’m gonna go change into my jammies and then we can watch a movie if you’d like," Shelly said as they entered the apartment. "Your choice."

"I thought you said next time it was your choice," he replied.

"Fine. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," she said as she headed to the bedroom.

"Oh! Chick flick," Sabin groaned.

"You had your chance," she called before closing her bedroom door.

When she emerged several minutes later he was lounging on the couch. The DVD menu screen had just loaded. She made herself comfortable on the couch next to him. Before he started the movie a devilish grin spread over his face and he rummaged through the bag at his feet.

"You going to start the movie," Shelly asked him, wondering what he was up to.

"Just a second," he replied, before turning to face her.

Shelly had to laugh. He had brought a novelty headband with mistletoe hanging from it with him. "You’re cracked," she giggled.

"It is Christmas," Sabin smiled. "Come on. It’s tradition."

"Chris, just start the movie," she giggled.

"Aw, come on! It’s tradition." He puckered up.

Shelly sighed. "Fine." She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"You call that a kiss," he scowled.

"If I kiss you now you don’t get one on New Year’s," she countered.

"Dang it! I bet that if Frankie had done this you’d kiss him in a heartbeat. Am I really that hideous," he demanded.

"You’re not hideous at all," Shelly replied, floored by his words. "Chris…you’re….adorable."

His eyes met hers. "Then kiss me," he said, seriously. "It’s just a kiss, Shell. What are you afraid of?"

"We’re friends, Chris," she replied as he inched closer to her. She wanted desperately to pull away from him, to avert her gaze, but he held her with his hypnotic blue eyes. "We really…shouldn’t…" His lips were inches from hers when the phone began to ring.

He groaned, internally cursing whoever was calling. She stood as quickly as she could and made her way over to the phone, willing her heart to stop thudding in her chest. "Hello," she said leaning against the wall. "Oh hi, Frankie."

Sabin groaned inwardly. Damn him! He waited until Shelly got off the phone before saying anything. "We going to watch the movie?"

"You know, it’s been a long day," she replied. "I think I want to go to bed."

"Shell, if it’s because of the whole mistletoe thing," Sabin said yanking the headband off his head and tossing it aside. "I was just playing. It was a joke."

"Yeah," she replied forcing a smile. "I’m just tired. Goodnight, Chris."

"Night," Sabin sighed. Once she was in her room he grabbed his phone and hit the speed dial for Alex.

"This better be good, bro," Alex grumbled into the phone. "Cindy and I were celebrating the season, if you catch my drift."

"Rub it in why don’t you," Sabin replied with a sad sigh.

"Dude, what happened?"

"You know that stupid mistletoe headband I have?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I decided to try it on Shell," Sabin groaned. "And it probably would have worked, but Captain Cock Block called."

"I take it that’s your new name for Frankie," Alex sighed. "Look, until you make your feelings known to Shell she’s never going to even consider you a replacement for Frankie. You have to tell her how you feel."

"Easier said than done," Sabin grumbled.

"I don’t have any other advice," Alex replied. "Now if you’ll excuse me one of us will be getting lucky tonight." With that he hung up. Sabin muttered curses under his breath as he shut off the DVD and got ready for bed.

Chapter 10

The next morning Sabin showered and dressed before Shelly woke. He packed up his suitcase and glanced sadly around the apartment. Though he had only been there a few days it felt like home to him and he hated to leave. With a deep sigh he headed to Shelly’s bedroom door.

"Shell," he called knocking on the door. When he heard a groan from inside he opened the door and poked his head in. "Shell, I have to go now. I have a flight to catch."

"Have a safe trip home," Shelly said sleepily as she shifted in the bed. He nodded and was closing the door when she called to him. "Chris?" He poked his head back in. "Thank you for everything this Christmas."

"You know, I can cancel those bookings if you’d rather have someone here with you," he offered.

"That’s sweet, but I’ll be all right," Shelly replied. "Frankie and Traci will be checking in on me. Besides I have to be more independent. I may be needing those crutches for a while."

"Will you call and let me know how your doctor visit goes," he asked. "You know if you need surgery?"

"I will," Shelly replied, touched that he was so concerned for her. "Go on now before you miss your flight." Sabin nodded and headed out of the apartment.

~}i{~

As Sabin headed out to the waiting cab he quickly dialed Frankie’s number. He didn’t give the older man a chance to speak when the line connected. "Frankie, I need you to do me a huge favor."

"Chris? What the hell time is it," Frankie groaned checking the clock on the nightstand. Next to him Traci groaned, pulling the covers over her head.

"The time is irrelevant," Sabin replied. "I need you to keep a close eye on Shelly for me."

"Is something wrong with her," Frankie asked sitting up in bed.

"Aside from the bum knee, no. She’s just stubborn and likes to do things on her own terms," Sabin admitted. "I just don’t want her doing anything that’s too much for her right now."

Frankie smiled. "Sounds like someone has a little crush on our future Knockouts champ," he teased.

Sabin rolled his eyes. "Are you gonna help or do I need to change my schedule around?"

"All right, I’ll check in on her. I was going to anyway," Frankie sighed. "Chris, does she know?"

"No," Sabin admitted. "Just let me know how she’s doing. I’ll be back in town for your party."

"Chris, you really should tell her that you care about her," Frankie replied. "She needs someone like you in her life. I can’t remember the last time she even went on a date. I worry about her sitting up in that lonely apartment. Everyone deserves to find someone to love."

Sabin wanted to gag at Frankie’s words, but at the same time he knew that his friend was right. "I’ll tell her in my own time," Sabin replied. "Right now she’s not open to something like that. She has…issues she needs to work through."

"What issues?"

"She’s got an appointment with a specialist tomorrow," Sabin replied, avoiding the topic altogether. "Make sure she gets there and home safely."

"I will. Chris, seriously, what issues?"

"I have to go. I need to find my boarding pass," Sabin replied and hung up.

"Something wrong with Shell," Traci asked, poking her head out from under the covers.

"Sabin’s worried about her being alone with the bad knee," Frankie replied. "Asked me to check in on her."

"Like you wouldn’t have done that anyway," Traci smiled.

"I know," Frankie smiled. "She’s like family. I’m not about to let her twist in the wind."

~}i{~

The next morning as Shelly was getting read to head to her specialist the phone rang. She picked up on the second ring. "I’m about to head out of the house. Make it quick," she said.

"I know," Frankie replied. "I’m on my way to pick you up and take you to your appointment."

"How did you…Chris called you didn’t he?"

"Yes, but don’t be mad at him. He was just looking out for you," Frankie replied. "So, I’ll drop you off and Traci is going to pick you up after. She said something about getting started on the wedding plans."

"Great," Shelly replied, though internally she was screaming.

"Oh yeah and she mentioned something about taking you shopping for something to wear to the party," Frankie said. "Anyway, I’ll be there in a couple of minutes."

~}i{~

"So, how’d it go," Traci asked when Shelly made her way into the waiting room of the doctor’s office.

"I have to go for another MRI," Shelly replied. "But this guy is pretty certain it’s an MCL tear. He says once I get the second MRI he’ll know for sure." She sighed. "At any rate I have to rest the knee and not do too much. If I do need surgery it’ll be scheduled for sometime in January."

"Look at it this way, sweetie," Traci said as they headed out of the office. "You won’t have to face Kong anytime too soon."

"I looked forward to that challenge," Shelly grumbled.

Traci ignored the comment. "And you an I can get to work on planning this wedding!"

"Joy of all joys," Shelly muttered as Traci slid behind the wheel.

"I was thinking of a spring wedding. Of course that means we have A LOT to plan and not too long to do it in."

"A little less than a year and a half isn’t enough time," Shelly chuckled.

"Oh, no I meant THIS spring," Traci smiled. "Frankie and I don’t want to wait too long before we make things official."

"This…this spring. Oh, well…yeah…then that’s a lot to plan in such a short time," Shelly stammered. She had thought she would be able to ease into the idea, but that was not the case now. "When exactly were you thinking?"

"Sometime in May," Traci replied as she pulled out of the parking lot.

"May," Shelly repeated. Great. May. What have I gotten myself into?

Shelly allowed Traci to take her shopping, though her heart wasn’t truly into it. Her buxom friend had simply thought that it was the idea of knee surgery looming over her that was bringing her down. Truth be told Shelly would have gladly gone under the knife rather than have to watch the man she loved get married in just about five months.

Later that afternoon when Traci had dropped her off with her new outfit for the party Shelly had gone into the bathroom and drawn a hot bath. The doctor had encouraged her to soak her knee as much as possible. She poured in some bath oils and soon the smell of chamomile and lavender filled the room.

With a soft sigh she slipped into the hot water, sinking down into up to her chin. "May," she said softly, a tear glistening in her eye. "They’re getting married in May." With a groan she held her breath and sunk below the water.

Chapter 11

"What am I doing," Shelly sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror.

The days leading up to the New Year’s Eve party had passed uneventfully. Frankie and Traci had both made an effort to stop by or call to see if she needed anything, but Shelly preferred to keep to herself. It had been a bitter pill for her to swallow when she found out that Frankie and Traci would be getting married in May. On top of that the results of her second MRI had come in and she definitely needed surgery.

Now Shelly stood in front of her mirror in her bedroom looking at the outfit that Traci had picked out for her. "Why did I let her talk me into this," she groaned.

The dress was a royal blue halter dress that showed off quite a bit of cleavage and stopped just short of her knees. It left her back completely bare. There were rhinestone embellishments around the neckline as well. It hugged in all the right places, but still made her feel uncomfortable in her own skin. She had never been one to go for dresses. Shelly had grown up and still remained a tomboy at heart.

"It’s too late to pick something else out," she told herself. She had vowed to try to step out of her comfort zone tonight. Besides she knew that Traci would be hurt if she didn’t wear the dress. With a sigh she sat down on her bed and pulled on her black calf high boots before going to do her hair and make up.

She had just finished off curling her hair when the doorbell rang. "It’s open, Chris" she called, having unlocked the door for Sabin before going to do her hair and make up.

"You ready to party tonight," he called looking for her. When she emerged from the bathroom he his jaw dropped.

"What? Too much," she asked. "I knew I shouldn’t have let Traci talk me into this dress."

Her chestnut hair fell in soft waves around her face and down her back. She had opted for smokey eyes and soft peach colored lips. The effect really made her emerald orbs pop. Around her neck sat the butterfly that Sabin had given her for Christmas. As his eyes trailed lower he could see that the dress hugged her curves. He knew being around Shelly tonight was going to be the hardest thing he’d ever have to do.

Sabin forced his mouth shut and shook his head no. "You look really beautiful," he finally said, fighting the urge to pull her to him and assault her lips. "You’ll be the most beautiful woman at the party tonight."

"Doubtful," Shelly sighed. "You didn’t see the dress Traci bought."

"Doesn’t matter," Sabin smiled. "You’ll still be the most beautiful one there. Shall we?" Shelly blushed a deep crimson at his compliment and nodded allowing him to lead her out to his car.

"You clean up nicely yourself, Sabin," she commented. He had opted for a deep blue button down shirt, black dress pants and dress shoes.

"Well, I do try," he smiled helping her into the car. "So, has the date for your surgery been set?"

"January fourth," she sighed. "But I don’t want to think about it tonight. Tonight is about having fun and ringing in the new year."

"Amen to that, sister," Sabin chuckled as he started the car.

When the two arrived at the party Alex and Cindy were just arriving as well as Greg, Taylor, AJ and Joe. AJ and Joe had been exchanging insults when they stopped dead in their tracks seeing Sabin helping Shelly out of the car. They got Taylor, Greg, Alex and Cindy’s attention and pointed.

"Hey, Chris, who’s the looker," Alex called.

"Hi to you too, Alex," Shelly replied with a chuckle as the two came into the light.

"Shell," AJ asked, unable to believe his eyes. "Is that you in there?"

Joe slapped AJ upside the head. "Don’t listen to him, sweetheart," he said helping her up the steps. "You look gorgeous."

"Thanks, Joe," Shelly replied.

"Hey, Joe, why don’t you let her date take care of her," Sabin said elbowing Joe out of the way. He wanted to be the one to walk through the door with Shelly.

Cindy and Taylor exchanged glances and shook their heads. "Men," they muttered following their boyfriends inside.

"Look who’s here," Frankie smiled seeing the group join the party. His eyes fell on Shelly and he had to do a double take. "Shell?"

"Yes," she replied, wishing she could cover herself up.

"You look…amazing," he said taking her hand and helping her into the party.

"Hey! Frankie! Come on, man," Sabin called. "She’s my date!" He grumbled and sunk into a nearby chair. "Damn it! He’s got Traci. Does he have to take Shell too?"

"Calm down, Chris," Greg said taking a seat next to him and slinging his arm around his friend’s shoulders. "When she gets tired of him she’ll come find you." Sabin groaned. "Yeah, you’re right. She’s probably loving all the attention Frankie’s giving her." This comment earned him a slap upside the head from Taylor.

"Go get us some drinks," Taylor growled. Greg sighed and left to get the drinks while Taylor took his spot. "Chris, maybe tonight is a good time to let Shell know how you feel."

Sabin cast a glance across the room where Shelly was standing with Frankie, Traci and Petey Williams and sighed. Taylor and Cindy both glanced at their friend. They could see that she had a bright smile plastered on her face, but they knew her better than that.

"She’s miserable, Chris," Cindy said giving his shoulder a little squeeze. "She’s trying her hardest to hide it, but we can tell. She’s just plain miserable." Taylor nodded.

"Why don’t you go over there and steal her away," Taylor suggested.

"You’re right," Sabin replied. He stood, never taking his eyes off of Shelly as he made his way across the room.

"How about this one, huh," Frankie smiled, snaking an arm around Shelly’s waist and giving her a little squeeze. "I’m tellin’ ya, Petey, if I wasn’t so head over heels for Traci I’d swipe Shell up in a heartbeat. Doesn’t she look fantastic?"

"That she does," Petey smiled.

"And as fantastic as she looks," Sabin interjected. "She’s my date, fellas, so I’ll just be stealing her back now."

"Hold on there, Chris," Petey chuckled. "I believe it’s the lady’s choice who she goes with and if I’m not mistaken they are playing my song." He smiled and listened as Jay-Z’s 99 Problems began to play. "What do you say, Shell? Care to dance with the Canadian Destroyer?"

"Um…that’s going to be kinda hard, Petey," Shelly chuckled. "I haven’t exactly mastered dancing with crutches."

"There you have it, Petey," Sabin smirked. "Come on, Shell. I’ll get you settled at a table and you can prop your leg up."

Petey took one crutch from Shelly, shoving it into Sabin’s hands. "Lean on me, sweetheart." She did as she was told and he took the other crutch and shoved it into Sabin’s hands as well. "There, now you don’t have to worry about the crutches. Let’s go show everyone how it’s done." With that he led Shelly off to where everyone was dancing.

"Looks like you have some competition, Chris," Frankie chuckled.

Sabin glared at him and shoved the crutches into the older man’s hands. "Shut up, Frankie," he grumbled as he stalked off.

Chapter 12

"You having fun," Petey asked Shelly as they danced. He moved her around the floor with great ease. He made sure to support her and only allowed her to use her good leg.

"More fun than Chris," Shelly comment pointing in Sabin’s direction. He was sitting with AJ and Joe pouting.

"Serves him right," Petey replied. "If I had a tasty little dish like you around you wouldn’t still be single."

"Petey, Chris isn’t like that," Shelly corrected him. "We’re just friends."

"My point exactly," Petey replied dipping her and making her giggle. "He’s got a foxy lady right in front of his nose and he’s content to be friends? Something’s wrong there."

~}i{~

"Dude, what the fuck is wrong with you," AJ demanded. "The woman you’re infatuated with is over there dancing with Petey."

"It’s not infatuation," Sabin sighed, glancing over at where Petey and Shelly were. She was laughing as he spun her around the floor.

"Then for God’s sake tell her how you feel, man," AJ exclaimed.

"Seriously, man, you need to locate your dick and remove the shrink wrap already," Joe commented. "Oh boy, looks like Frankie’s cut in on your girl now."

"Bastard," Sabin muttered. "That’s it. I have a plan." He got up and exited the apartment.

"His plan involves leaving Shell high and dry," AJ asked Joe, who shrugged.

"Where’d Chris go," Alex asked joining the two men. Cindy lagged behind talking with Taylor. Greg was close behind his girlfriend. The couples had been dancing, but were now coming over for a rest.

"Your guess is as good as ours," Joe replied with a shrug. "Petey’s putting the moves on his woman and then Frankie cut in."

"That’s when Chris left," AJ sighed.

"He’ll be back," Alex replied. "At least I hope he will."

~}i{~

"So, are you into friends with benefits," Petey asked Shelly as they continued to dance. He wriggled his eyebrows at her.

"PETEY," she exclaimed and smacked his arm. "You BETTER be kidding!"

"A man can dream, can’t he," Petey chuckled. He leaned in closer and whispered. "Of course if you are interested…"

"Petey, you finish that statement and I will make sure you never proposition anyone ever again," Shelly replied through gritted teeth. "And in case that wasn’t a clear cut answer let me warn you that this knee brace can be used as a weapon on a very delicate part."

"Gotcha," Petey replied with a smirk.

"Excuse me, Petey," Frankie said cutting in. "I think the lady’s had more than enough of you." He turned his attention to Shelly. "May I?"

"Please do," she replied, as Petey handed her off to him. "He’s got too much of a dirty mind."

"I can’t help it," Petey shrugged. "I see a pretty lady and my mind wanders. You kids have fun." He spotted Roxxi and headed over to speak to her.

"Want me to beat him up," Frankie asked with a smirk. "No one treats my little sister like that and gets away with it."

"No, he’s just being Petey," Shelly sighed. She tried to ignore the words little sister, but she couldn’t deny that it hurt to hear him call her that.

"Nervous about your surgery," he asked after it had grown quiet between the two of them. The sounds of the others laughing and chattering filled the background as well as some generic ballad playing on the stereo.

"Very," she admitted. "I don’t really want to go, but the surgeon insists that this is the only way to fix the problem."

"You have to listen to the doctor," he replied.

"Says the man who was too eager to get back in the ring and wound up tearing his biceps," Shelly countered. "You ever think of taking your own advice? I believe your estimated return from the torn triceps was February, right?"

"Touché," Frankie chuckled. "And thank you. I’ve been hearing that from Traci since I had the damn biceps surgery."

Shelly chuckled. "Consider it your little sister’s lot in life to annoy you."

"Well, as your big brother I’m afraid I’ll have to do the same once you’ve had your surgery. I’ll be on your ass to follow doctor’s orders right to the letter. I’d prefer for you to learn from my mistakes not repeat them."

"I would expect nothing less," she replied.

In the background the music stopped abruptly causing everyone to groan. Looking around Shelly and Frankie spotted Sabin putting a disc in the player. Soon the opening of 311’s version of Love Song filled the room.

"Problem with the music, Chris," Frankie asked as the younger man approached them.

"Mind if I borrow my date," Sabin asked ignoring Frankie’s inquiry.

"Not at all," was the response as Sabin took her into his arms. "It’s almost midnight anyway. I need to find Traci. Have fun, kiddies!"

"What are you doing," Shelly asked.

"There’s something I’ve been trying to find the right words to tell you, but…I just haven’t known how," he replied. "This song always reminds me of you."

"Chris, what are you…" He silenced her by pressing a finger to her lips.

"Just listen to the lyrics," he replied, locking eyes with her.

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am home again

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am whole again

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am young again

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am fun again

Before the song could get to the chorus it was shut off. "It’s almost midnight everyone," Traci called.

"Damn it," Sabin grumbled as the crowd began the countdown. "Look, Shell what I’m trying to say is…"

His words were cut off when the crowd reached one. Shelly pressed her lips to his, instantly quieting him. His eyes widened at the sudden contact and he groaned savoring the feel of her soft lips on his as his eyes slid closed. His tongue eased her mouth open, twining with hers. She didn’t fight him as he hungrily deepened the kiss, one hand tangling in her chestnut locks. The fingers of his other hand grazed her bare back, sending lightning bolts up and down her spine.

"DAMN, BOY! LET THE WOMAN COME UP FOR AIR," James Storm exclaimed.

"THAT’S MY BOY," Petey called from where he stood. "YOU RING IN 2009 RIGHT!"

Sabin and Shelly pulled apart and a deep crimson blush crept into her cheeks. "I need my crutches," she said, not meeting his gaze. He motioned from Alex to bring the crutches over and handed them to her. "Excuse me," she said hurrying away from him as fast as she could.

She made her way to the bathroom and locked the door behind her. She needed her heart to stop pounding. When it had finally stopped thudding in her chest she made her way over to the sink and ran the cold water, splashing some on her face.

"Shell," Frankie called through the door, knocking lightly. "You all right?"

"Fine," she replied as she dried her face and went to unlock the door. "I should find Chris. I need to get home. I’m beat."

"All right," he replied. "You sure you’re all right?" He made her meet his gaze and eyed her warily. "Something’s bothering you."

"I’m just worried about the surgery," she lied. "I really need to get home." He let her pass and she made her way back to the party.

She found Sabin sitting with AJ and Joe. When he saw her coming he stood. "You all right?"

She nodded. "I’m just tired. Could you take me home?"

"Yeah," he replied. "Let me just get my CD back."

He helped her into the car and slid behind the wheel. "Chris?" He turned his attention toward her. "Could you play the whole song? I never did get to hear the whole thing." He nodded, popping the CD into the player and turning up the volume.

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am home again

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am whole again

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am young again

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am fun again

However far away

I will always love you

However long I stay

I will always love you

Whatever words I say

I will always love you

I will always love you

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am free again

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am clean again

However far away

I will always love you

However long I stay

I will always love you

Whatever words I say

I will always love you

I will always love you

She listened to the song, finally realizing what Sabin had been trying to tell her. He didn’t say a word as the song ended. He knew that she needed to process what the lyrics meant to him.

The remainder of the ride home was silent. When Sabin pulled up in front of her place Shelly allowed him to help her out of the car and walk her up to her door. The song lyrics were still rolling around in her head.

"Chris," she said softly as he turned away to head back to the car. He turned back to her. "The song was very sweet, but…"

"I get it," he replied sadly. "You don’t feel the same way. I understand."

"Can we still be friends," she asked, biting her bottom lip.

"Yeah, sure," he replied with a sad smile before he headed back to his car. She watched him until the car pulled out of sight.

Chapter 13

"I still think we should have the wedding on the beach," Frankie smirked.

"Frankie! Enough," Traci exclaimed, slapping his arm.

"Think about it," Frankie continued. "You in a sexy white bikini. The sun setting in the background. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore. It’ll be very romantic."

"This is serious, Frankie," Traci pouted. "Shell, talk some sense into him please."

Shelly didn’t reply. She was too deep in thought. It had been a couple of days since the New Year’s party and Sabin’s big confession. She had yet to speak to him and he hadn’t bothered to call her at all either. Deep in her heart she knew she had hurt him and it killed her. He had become such a good friend to her over the past couple of weeks and the thought of losing him hurt too much to even put into words.

"Shell," Frankie called snapping his fingers in front of her face.

She snapped out of her daze and blinked at her friends. "I’m sorry, guys. My mind isn’t all here today. My surgery is tomorrow and I guess I’m just focussed on that."

"We’ll be there for you, sweetie," Traci said giving Shelly’s hand a little squeeze. "Maybe we should go. It wasn’t right to come over and expect you to participate in wedding plans when you have that looming over your head."

"No, it’s fine that you’re here," Shelly replied. "It’s better than being alone."

Frankie grew concerned. "Haven’t you heard from Chris lately?" Shelly shook her head no. "Did something happen?"

"No," Shelly replied quickly. "Why would anything have happened?"

"Well, there was that kiss at the party," Traci smirked. Shelly hung her head, a blush creeping into her cheeks at the memory of the kiss. "Shell, sweetie, did he do something wrong?"

"No," Shelly sighed. "I did."

"Care to elaborate on that," Frankie asked. Shelly bit her lip, debating whether she should tell him or not. "Look, either you tell us or we’ll get it out of someone else. You know how the company grapevine works."

Shelly sighed loudly and raked a hand through her hair. "He admitted that he has feelings for me the night of the party. That’s what that song was all about."

"Oh, honey, that’s fantastic," Traci smiled. "It’s about time you hooked up with someone."

"The problem is…"

"You have issues," Frankie finished for her, though those weren’t the words she would have used. Both women looked at him. "Chris gave me a call the day he flew home. He asked me to check in on you, Shell. I realized he had feelings for you then and told him he should let you know. He said something about you having issues."

Traci gasped. "You’re in love with someone else," she said.

"Really," Frankie asked. Shelly hung her head and nodded. "Who?"

"Um…well…" Shelly’s brain scrambled for someone’s name. "It doesn’t matter because he doesn’t even know I exist and besides I think he has someone."

"Who is it," Traci pressed. "Honey, we won’t tell anyone." Frankie nodded.

"Umm…Mmmmmm…..Matt Morgan," Shelly finally said the first name that popped into her head.

"Really," Frankie asked making a face. "All brawn and no brains?" Traci elbowed him in the ribs.

"Sweetie, Matt’s going through a divorce right now, but I’m sure he’d love to take you out," Traci said. She got a bright smile on her face then. "How about I introduce you two next time you come to the Impact Zone?"

"No, that’s all right, Traci," Shelly replied, groaning inwardly. How the hell am I going to dig myself out of this hole?

Frankie could see that Shelly was clearly uncomfortable with the discussion. "Baby, why not just let it alone for now. Let Shell concentrate on her surgery before you go playing matchmaker." Traci pouted, but nodded.

"So, let’s get back to planning this wedding," Shelly said grateful to be off the topic. Traci brightened and shoved some magazines in Shelly’s lap, happily chattering away about plans for the dress and bridesmaid dresses.

~}i{~

"What’s with the long face, asswipe," Greg asked, nudging Sabin’s foot with his. He and Taylor had gone to Sabin’s room to hang out with him, Alex and Cindy.

"Nothing," Sabin sighed sadly.

Greg turned his attention to Alex and Cindy. "He finally told Shell how he feels and she shot him down," Alex explained.

"Ouchies," Greg groaned in sympathy for his friend. "Well, at least she knows now."

"Yeah, and maybe eventually she’ll feel the same way," Taylor added joining the group. She perched in Greg’s lap.

"When," Sabin moaned. "When Frankie ceases to exist? Face it, guys, she’s head over heels for him. Doesn’t matter that he’s getting married." With that Sabin stood and headed outside to get some air.

Alex attempted to get up to go talk to his friend, but Cindy stopped him. "Let me," she said getting up and going out to where Sabin stood.

"I don’t want to talk, Cinder," Sabin said before she could say a word, he momentarily her gaze before turning back to the hotel parking lot below.

"That’s fine," she replied with shrug. "I just came out to get some air." She leaned against the railing on the steps. She let the soft breeze blow through her raven locks and sighed contentedly.

"I am such an idiot," Sabin huffed, leaning his back against the room door and sliding down it. Cindy took a seat next to him. "You don’t tell a chick that you’re in love with her so soon. Anyone knows that!" He banged his head on the door. "Moron!"

"Chris," Cindy said taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. "You told Alex and I that Shell said she still wanted to be friends. Maybe right now that’s just what she needs especially since tomorrow is her surgery. I think she’ll be expecting someone there to hold her hand."

"And he’ll be there with his fiance attached to his hip," Sabin sighed.

"I meant you," Cindy smirked. "Come on, Chris. You have to be there for her."

"I don’t know, Cinder," he sighed. "I just don’t know how to be around her right now."

"Well, Alex, Taylor, Greg and I will be going to the hospital to sit with her until she goes into surgery," she said standing and dusting off the back of her jeans. "You’re welcome to come with us."

"I’ll think about it," Sabin replied.

Cindy smiled knowing she had gotten through to him. She was confident he’d be at the hospital in the morning to see Shelly off before surgery. Without another word she headed back into the room to leave Sabin with his thoughts.

Chapter 14

"This is a piece of cake, Shell," Greg said smiling. "And when you wake up you get all the ice cream and Jell-o you want."

Taylor giggled and smacked his arm. "That’s tonsils, silly!"

Shelly couldn’t help laughing as she lay in her hospital bed. Taylor and Greg had shown up with Frankie and Traci and the couples were trying to make her laugh so that her mind wasn’t on the surgery so much.

"Right," Greg said scratching his head. "So, what do you get for a ligament tear in the knee?"

"A sling and pat on the back," Frankie replied smiling. "No, wait that was for my muscle tears."

"Where the hell are you," they all heard Alex bellowing from the hall moments before Cindy came into the room. "Damn it, Chris!"

Cindy cringed at how loud her boyfriend was being and poked her head out into the hall. "Alex," she hissed. "Tone it down." Alex’s voice went down to a low grumble. No words could be made out after that. "So, how’s the patient," Cindy asked.

"Chris isn’t coming is he," Shelly asked.

"No, he…he just needed to do something before he…"

"You can stop making excuses, Cinder," Shelly sighed. "I didn’t really expect him here anyway."

"But you have us," Frankie said. "We’re here for you. I’m sure Chris will come around eventually."

The nurse came in with a syringe just then. "You’ll be heading into surgery soon," she said as she injected the contents of the syringe into the IV line. "This will help you to relax."

By that time Alex had made his way into the room, stuffing his phone into his pocket. Cindy looked at him expectantly, as did the others. "Uh…Chris is on his way," he said and hoped he was right. "He may not make it before you go into surgery though, Shell."

"It’s all right," Shelly sighed.

The others changed the subject talking about work and anything to keep Shelly’s mind off things. She tried to keep up with things, but the drug the nurse had administered was slowing down her mind. Her eyelids were slowly becoming droopy as the others continued to talk.

"Time to take her in," the nurse from before announced coming into the room. A transporter with a gurney followed her. The nurse moved the IV bag and together they got Shelly onto the gurney.

"Don’t worry about a thing, Shell," Frankie said giving her hand a little squeeze.

"We love you, sweetie," Traci said as they all followed her out into the hall.

"I love you guys too," Shelly muttered, sleepily. The medication the nurse had given her was taking effect quickly now as she was wheeled down the hall toward surgery.

"WAIT!"

The gurney stopped and everyone turned their attention toward the elevators as they closed. Sabin was rushing down the hall toward the gurney. He skidded to a halt beside it.

"Shell," he panted, taking her hand. "I’m here. I couldn’t let you go into surgery thinking that I didn’t care. I do and I’ll be right here when you wake up."

Shelly giggled and ruffled his hair. "You’re a cute little kitty," she said. "I’ll give you some catnip when I wake up from my nap. Right now I go night night."

Sabin turned to the nurse, a puzzled look on his face. "The doctor prescribed a sedative to be given pre-op," she replied.

"Oh," he replied letting go of Shelly’s hand as she was wheeled away. He made his way back to his friends, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Alex clapped him on the back. "You came and that’s what matters, buddy."

"Even if she did call you a cute kitty," Greg snickered. Taylor elbowed him in the ribs.

"She knew it was you," Taylor reassured him. "It was just the medication talking."

"Why don’t we head to the cafeteria for the time being," Frankie suggested. "She’ll be in there for at least a couple of hours." The group headed off.

~}i{~

In the cafeteria Sabin sat a little bit away from his friends. He was trying desperately not to feel out of place with all the couples around, but it was hard. Greg and Taylor were sharing a muffin. Taylor fed him, lovingly wiping away crumbs from his face. Alex and Cindy were talking quietly as she perched in his lap. Frankie and Traci were sharing a bagel and talking quietly amongst themselves as well.

Sabin sighed, unable to fight the pang of jealousy that he was feeling. He was happy for his friends, but at the same time they served as a reminder of how alone he was. His thoughts drifted to the kiss he and Shelly had shared on New Year’s. He wanted more than ever to feel her lips against his again.

"Earth to Sabin," Cindy giggled waving a hand in front of his face. "You all right, Chris?"

"Except for his left half," Alex said making her giggle again.

"Alex," she said slapping his arm. It jerked and wound up hitting Frankie in his shoulder.

"Sorry, man," Alex said and then realized he had hit his friend in the arm that had just recently been surgically repaired. "Oh man. That’s not the…"

"Surgically repaired biceps," Cindy gasped.

"Not anymore," Frankie squeaked.

"Stop being so overly dramatic," Traci chuckled. "Your arm is fine."

"It hurt," Frankie pouted at her.

"Want me to kiss it and make it better," she cooed at him.

"Gonna barf over here," Greg grumbled.

"Same here," Sabin chimed in. "Seriously, Frankie, hand over your man card if you can’t handle a little tap on the arm." Both Alex and Greg smiled. That was the Sabin they were used to.

"You’re lucky you’re a friend," Frankie said flexing his arm. He felt a twinge of pain, but aside from that he was fine.

~}i{~

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity the surgeon finally made an appearance in the waiting room. Everyone gathered around him for news on their friend. "The surgery was a success," he said. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. "She should be able to start physical therapy in a couple of weeks. From there it will be decided exactly how long she’ll be out of action."

"Can we see her," Cindy asked.

"She’s still in recovery," the surgeon replied. "As soon as she’s moved to a room I will have the nurse let you know. She may sleep a lot today from the anesthesia and pain medication she’s on."

"Thank you, doctor," Frankie said as the surgeon left the group.

"I think we should take shifts visiting with her," Taylor suggested. "She’s just gotten out of surgery and too many people at once may be more than she can handle."

"You guys all go," Sabin said.

"Don’t tell me you’re taking off," Alex groaned.

"No, I’d like to stay with her overnight if it’s all right with you guys," Sabin replied.

"That’s great," Frankie smiled. By this time a nurse had informed them that Shelly had finally been moved to a room. "So, who goes first?"

"We’ll go," Taylor said. "Greg and I have to catch a flight in a couple of hours."

Two by two the others went and sat with Shelly for a little while. As the surgeon had said she was pretty out of it due to the medication she was on. When Traci and Frankie finally left her room they found Sabin in the cafeteria to let him know that he could go in.

"She’s pretty out of it," Frankie informed him. "She pretty much slept through the visit."

"It’s all right," Sabin replied. "I want to be there when she wakes up in the morning."

"That’s so sweet," Traci said smiling. "She really needs you right now, Chris."

"Give us a call if you need anything," Frankie said. Sabin nodded and headed toward the elevators.

When he made it to Shelly’s room a nurse was just checking her vitals. "Such a popular one," the nurse smiled at him.

"She is," Sabin replied. "I’d like to stay with her overnight if that’s all right."

"I see no problem with that," the nurse smiled. "You the boyfriend?"

"Not exactly," Sabin admitted. "But I’d like to be."

The nurse nodded. "Just stay out of the nursing staff’s way and you’ll be fine. I’ll have a recliner brought in for you to sleep in."

"Thanks," Sabin said as she left the room.

He pulled one of the chairs over to the bed and took Shelly’s hand. She stirred and opened her eyes. A smile formed on her face and he felt his heart skip a beat at the sight.

"Kitty, you came back," she slurred. "Such a cute kitty." With those words spoken she was back to sleep.

"At least she was happy to see me," Sabin muttered to himself.

Chapter 15

Sabin had fallen asleep at Shelly’s bedside, her hand in his. He felt her squeeze it slightly and groan. "Shell, you all right," he asked.

"Chris," she responded, still dosed on painkillers. "Is that you? I thought you hated me."

"I’m here," he said brushing some hair out of her face when her eyes fluttered open. She stared up at him through bleary eyes. "I don’t hate you, honey. I could never hate you."

"Did I have the surgery," she slurred.

"Yes, hours ago. Everything went great," he replied.

"There’s something I need to tell you," she mumbled, but the painkillers were once again kicking in.

"What is it," he asked.

Sabin held his breath waiting for her to speak. He released it when he realized that she had fallen back to sleep. With a sigh he sat back in his seat wondering what she had wanted to say to him. He watched her sleeping a while before his eyelids drifted shut.

Early the next morning he felt someone gently shaking his shoulder. Upon opening his eyes he saw Frankie standing over him. "Why don’t you go stretch you legs and grab some coffee," he suggested. "I’ll sit with her until you get back."

Sabin nodded, standing and groaning at the ache in his back from the uncomfortable position he’d been sleeping in. "Yeah, I could use some coffee. Thanks, man."

Frankie took his seat as he left the room and headed toward the elevators. It was then that he spotted Alex camped out in the waiting area. He quietly made his way over to the chairs and nudged his friend.

"What the hell are you doing here," Sabin demanded.

"It was Cindy’s idea to stay," Alex replied, grinding the sleep from his eyes.

"I don’t see your better looking half."

"She’s getting coffee," Alex replied. Just as he said that the elevator doors dinged open and Cindy exited carrying two cups of coffee in her hands.

"How come you’re not in with Shell," Alex asked as his girlfriend handed off a cup of coffee to him.

"Frankie’s in with her right now. I’m just going to grab some of that slop they call coffee now."

"Has she woken up at all," Cindy asked, grimacing as she sipped the cafeteria coffee.

"Just for a few minutes during the night," Sabin replied. "She’s so doped up on the pain meds. I think she’ll be out most of today too." With that he headed off toward the elevators.

"We should go see how Shell’s doing," Cindy said tossing her cup in the garbage.

"I guess so," Alex sighed, forcing down more of the offending liquid before tossing his cup. He stood up to follow his girlfriend down the hall and groaned. "Man! I have the mother of all night wedgies!"

"Oh no," Cindy gasped stopping outside of Shelly’s room.

"It’s fine. I’ll just wiggled around it’ll fix itself," Alex replied.

"Not that," Cindy said slapping his chest. "Look."

Alex peered into the room and could see that Frankie was helping Shelly to sit up, pressing the button on the bed to adjust the angle it was in. He held her hand and spoke in hushed tones. She looked up at him with bleary eyes, though she smiled with complete adoration. She was still very doped up.

"What’s going on, guys," Sabin asked returning with his drink.

"Uh…buddy, maybe you don’t want to go in there," Alex suggested.

"What are you talking about," Sabin asked knitting his brows at his friend. He went to the doorway and stopped in his tracks seeing the scene.

"Where’s that cute kitty that was here with me," Shelly asked.

Frankie fought the urge to snicker and replied. "I think he needed to use the litter box."

"He was so cute," Shelly sighed. She looked at Frankie and smiled wide. "You’re cute too."

"I’m sure that’s just the drugs talking," Frankie chuckled.

"Chris never came by did he," she asked, suddenly serious.

"No, he di…"

"That’s just so like him," she sniffled, tears filling her eyes. "Such a jerk." Sabin listened to the conversation from the doorway, her words like a dagger through his heart.

"Shell, listen, he did come…"

"At least I know who my real friends are," Shelly said cutting him off again. She smiled up at Frankie. "Frankie, I love you."

"I love you too, kid," Frankie sighed. He had been trying to tell her that Sabin would be back shortly, but in her state she wouldn’t let him speak.

"I really love you so much," she confessed, tears streaking down her cheeks. She was trying to make her feelings for him known, but her muddled mind couldn’t articulate the point.

"I said I love you too, Shell," Frankie grabbing some tissues from the bedside table and wiping her eyes. "Try to get some more rest, huh? You’re all dopey on the pain meds."

"Will you be here when I wake up," she asked.

"Of course," Frankie replied, taking her hand and giving it a little squeeze. "Get some rest." She nodded and closed her eyes, falling asleep easily.

"Chris," Cindy said as Sabin slowly turned around. "She’s on medication. She doesn’t know what she was saying. She probably won’t even remember it when it wears off."

Sabin handed his cup to Alex. "She just poured her heart out to him and the dumb bastard doesn’t even realize it. I’m not wanted here." With that he headed toward the elevators.

"Bro, don’t go," Alex called. Sabin ignored him getting on the elevator when one opened.

"Poor guy," Cindy sighed.

"Hey, guys? Have you seen Chris," Frankie asked joining the couple at the door.

"He…kinda…left," Alex replied. "He heard what Shell said to you and…"

"Oh that? I just let her talk," Frankie replied. "She’s all loopy right now. She wasn’t making a whole lot of sense. Listen, if you talk to Chris let him know that she was asking for him."

"We will," Cindy said taking Alex’s hand and leading him away before he could say what she knew he was dying to say to their friend.

~}i{~

Later that afternoon Shelly awoke finally feeling like she was out of the fog that the medication had put her in. "Chris," she asked looking to see who was sitting at her bedside. She found Frankie lounging with a leg over the arm of the recliner, napping.

Hearing her voice he sat up. "Chris isn’t here, sweetie," he said softly.

Shelly furrowed her brow as a foggy memory from the night before came to her. "I could have sworn he was," she said. "I thought I spoke to him during the night."

"You could have," Frankie replied. "He sat with you all night."

"He did?" Frankie nodded. "Why didn’t he stay?"

"I don’t know," Frankie lied. "Maybe he wanted to catch a nap in a real bed. These chairs are murder for the back."

"Was I dreaming or was there a cat here," she asked. Frankie began to laugh. "What?"

"Chris showed up as you were being wheeled into surgery," he chuckled. "You called him a cute kitty and said you’d give him some catnip after your nap."

"Oh my God," Shelly groaned, pulling the covers over her face. "I didn’t."

"You did," Frankie smiled.

"What the hell did they give me," Shelly sighed, pulling the covers away from her face and looking at him.

"Some good shit," Frankie laughed.

"It’s not funny," she yelled, swinging at him. He dodged her and she hit the bed near her bad knee. "Shit!"

"Yeah, contact sports are out of the question until your knee heals," Frankie said. "You all right?"

"Peachy. I just love hot daggers being rammed into my kneecap," she grimaced.

"I’ll go get the nurse to give you some pain meds," Frankie said standing and leaving the room.

Chapter 16

Shelly was released from the hospital the next day with orders to rest as much as possible. Alex and Cindy had picked her up and set her up at home. She had hoped that Sabin would be with them and couldn’t hide her disappointment when he didn’t walk through the hospital room door.

"You all right, honey," Cindy asked as she fluffed some pillows behind Shelly’s back while she reclined on the couch.

"Fine," Shelly lied. Cindy gave her a knowing look. She had known her too long and could read her friend like a book. "I just…Frankie said that Chris stayed with me all night." Cindy nodded. "But he disappeared and never came back. Why?"

Cindy sighed, sitting down next to Shelly. "Frankie told Chris to go grab some coffee for himself and stretch his legs. While he was gone you came to and Frankie was there. You said some things about Chris that hurt and…you told Frankie that you love him."

"Oh God," Shelly groaned. "What did Frankie say?"

"He didn’t take it too seriously," Cindy reassured her. "He thought it was because of the medication you were on."

"What did I say about Chris," Shelly asked, almost afraid to know.

"You called him a jerk," Cindy replied.

"And he heard?" Cindy nodded. Shelly groaned. "And he heard me telling Frankie that I love him?" Cindy again nodded. Shelly groaned even louder.

"He was hurt, but I’m sure he’ll get over it," Cindy said, hoping she was right.

"Babe, we going? We got that thing," Alex asked coming into the living room. He had been fixing up the bedroom.

"Yeah," Cindy sighed, not really wanting to leave her friend, but knowing they had obligations for the company. "I’ll call you later to check on how you’re doing."

Shelly nodded, knowing that she wouldn’t be alone for long. AJ and Joe would be stopping by for a little while. Frankie and Traci would be dropping in to check on her as well.

Once Cindy and Alex left Shelly lay on the couch for a long while. The fact that she had called Sabin a jerk weighed heavily on her. It was the last thing that she thought he was. With a soft sigh she grabbed the cordless and quickly dialed his number.

As she had guessed he didn’t pick up. No doubt he wanted nothing to do with her at the moment. She waited until his voicemail message ended and after the beep left a message for him. She hung up hoping that he would call her back once he heard the message.

~}i{~

Sabin had been reading when his phone began to ring. He recognized the ringtone and sighed, internally debating whether he should answer it or not. The things Shelly had said in the hospital rang through his head. The ringing eventually stopped, deciding for him. Soon after the voicemail tone played. Reluctantly he picked up the phone and checked his voicemail, curious to see what she had to say. He punched in his code and listened.

"Chris, I don’t blame you for not answering the phone. I wouldn’t either if the roles were reversed. Cindy just told me what I was saying in the hospital and…you have to know that it’s the farthest thing from the truth. I was pretty doped up and didn’t know what I was saying. Frankie told me that you stayed with me all night. That was really sweet of you. Give me a call when you listen to this, huh?"

Sabin replayed the message several more times before deleting it. He could hear the tone in her voice and knew she was truly sorry for the things she had said. Still his pride had been wounded and he wasn’t ready to face her yet. He set the phone back on the bedside table and went back to reading.

~}i{~

A week went by and Sabin had not gotten in touch with Shelly at all. She had left him a few more messages before giving up. Instead she focussed on helping Traci plan the wedding. Though it pained her to do so she slapped on a happy face and helped her friend pick out floral arrangements and a venue. She also had some input on the bridesmaid dresses as well.

"You know, I think you should come to the Impact Zone with Frankie and I this week," Traci said as they perused some bridal magazines. "It might get you out of this funk you’ve been in."

"I haven’t been in a funk," Shelly replied. "I’ve just been…"

"Housebound," Traci finished for her. "Dependent on people around you for just about everything. You’re miserable since your surgery. Come on, Shell. Getting out of the house is just what the doctor ordered."

"Actually my doctor ordered me to rest," Shelly replied with a wry smile.

"Shell," Traci said in a warning tone.

"Fine, I’ll come with you guys, but it won’t cheer me up," she relented. "It’ll just serve as a reminder of something I can’t do for a long while."

"Maybe a certain someone will be there to take your mind off of that," Traci smiled.

"I don’t know Traci. I think he hates me," Shelly sighed.

"Matt? I thought you said he doesn’t even know you exist."

"No…Chris," Shelly admitted. "He’s kinda been avoiding me like the plague."

"I’m sure he’ll get over it," Traci said. "Now, don’t be mad at me, but I kinda let it slip to Matt that you’re interested."

"YOU DID WHAT," Shelly exclaimed. "Oh, Traci! Didn’t Frankie tell you to let it alone?"

"When have I ever listened to him," Traci shrugged. "Sweetie, relax. Matt is very interested."

"I changed my mind," Shelly sighed. "I think I’ll stay home this week."

"Shell, come on! Matt’s a great guy," Traci pouted. "And he could be your date to the wedding."

"I can’t believe you," Shelly said shaking her head. "What would possess you to do something like this, Traci?"

"I don’t understand what the problem is," Traci frowned. "I thought you’d be happy. You said you were in love with Matt."

Shelly sighed, realizing that she would have to reveal she had lied. "I just…it’s embarrassing. That’s all."

"Oh, sweetie, you have nothing to worry about," Traci smiled. "Matt does know you exist and he thinks you’re cute."

"Great," Shelly said trying to sound happy, though her voice cracked just a tiny bit. If Chris doesn’t hate me already he will once Traci’s done playing Cupid.

"You look tired, honey," Traci said gathering her magazines and wedding binder. "I’ll leave you to get some rest."

Once Traci had left Shelly sank back on the couch with a loud groan. "Maybe I’ll get lucky and lightning will strike me as I head into the building," she murmured to herself. Things would certainly be interesting this week.

Chapter 17

"I can not believe you would do something like this, Trace," Frankie fumed as he drove to the Impact Zone.

"I was trying to do something nice for our friend," Traci grumbled, her arms folded as she stared out the passenger side window. "Lord knows she doesn’t get out enough as it is."

"Guys, sitting right here," Shelly chimed in. She was riding with them as promised and listening to the couple bicker the whole time.

"It’s not your place to decide that, babe," Frankie replied.

"I just thought she needed a nudge in the right direction," Traci defended, finally looking at him. "Or do you want her to stay single for the rest of her life?"

"I can actually hear you guys, ya know," Shelly interjected. They seemed oblivious to her presence as they continued to argue.

"She’s not happy about this, Traci."

"It’s only because this is something new," Traci replied. "She needs this."

"Guys! Seriously, I can hear every word you’re saying," Shelly exclaimed finally getting their attention.

"Sorry, Shell," Frankie sighed. "I’m just not happy about this whole situation."

"Neither am I, but what’s done is done," Shelly echoed his sigh. "Traci didn't mean any harm by what she did."

"You would think that the world was about to end," Traci sighed, rolling her eyes. "Would it kill you to talk to a guy who isn’t like family? Honestly, Shell!"

Frankie pulled into the lot at the Impact Zone and parked. He glanced over his shoulder at Shelly. "I’ll be around if you need me for any reason," he said as Traci let out an exasperated groan.

"She’ll be fine. It’s not like Matt is going to drag her off and rape her," she sighed getting out of the car.

"I don’t know that," Frankie replied helping Shelly out of the car. "How do I know Neanderthal Man won’t smash Shell over the head and drag her back to his cave." Shelly couldn’t help giggling. He smiled at her as he handed her the crutches.

"Frankie, for goodness sake," Traci growled. "Matt is not like that."

Shelly had to hide her face to keep from laughing out loud at Frankie’s face. "You scream bloody murder if that caveman tries to make furious zug zug with you," he said winking at Shelly. She continued to giggle.

"Just get her inside," Traci snapped heading into the building ahead of them.

"I think she’s pissed at me," Frankie smirked at Shelly, who was still giggling. "What do you think?"

"Just a little," she replied. "Try not to worry about me so much, huh? I’m a big girl."

"With a broken wheel," he countered.

"Yeah, pour a little more salt on that wound, why don’t ya?" She nudged him with one of her crutches and he chuckled, helping her inside.

~}i{~

"Guess who’s coming to Impact tonight," Cindy sang as she entered the locker room with Alex. Sabin looked up at her, quirking a brow. "Frankie and Traci talked Shelly into coming for a visit."

"Great," Sabin sighed as he stood to stretch.

"Don’t even act like you don’t care," Alex smirked. "What happened to the lovesick puppy that you had become?"

Sabin glared at his friend. "I was NOT a lovesick puppy."

"You kinda were," Cindy chuckled.

"Whatever," Sabin shot back. "I’m going to warm up for my match." With that he left the locker room.

"But your match isn’t until the second hour," Cindy called as he left.

Sabin didn’t listen to her as he stalked down the hall. He saw Shelly being ushered inside with Frankie and groaned. He had been trying desperately to get her off his mind for the past week. Seeing her heading his way made that impossible now.

He was about to go say hi after debating on it for a long while when he spotted Traci dragging Matt Morgan over to them. "What the hell," he mumbled and watched as Traci introduced Shelly and Morgan. Frankie was visibly annoyed with the introduction, but he could see Shelly give him a reassuring smile. It meant one thing; Traci was playing matchmaker.

Sabin sighed sadly. He couldn’t compete with Matt Morgan. The man was built like Adonis. She would no doubt fall for the tall, tanned, muscular man and he’d be alone once again. He cast one glance back at her before heading the other way.

~}i{~

Shelly forced a smile when Traci dragged Morgan over to meet her. "Nice to meet you, Matt," she said shaking his hand.

"What’s this? A handshake? Come here you," Morgan said wrapping his strong arms around her and practically lifting her off her feet as he hugged her.

"A little friendly there, aren’t you, Matt," Frankie said, glaring at the larger man. "Careful with her. Don’t want you to squish her."

Morgan chuckled. "Sorry. That’s just me. Overly affectionate as usual," he said smiling.

Shelly forced a smile, slightly rattled by the warm embrace from the large man. "Could have been worse," she chuckled nervously. "Could have been hugged by Abyss and then Black Hole Slammed."

Morgan gave a loud belly laugh at the joke. Frankie still glared at him, not finding the little joke that funny. He had already decided he didn’t like the large man. He didn’t like the fact that he was interested in Shelly even more.

Traci smacked his shoulder. "Come on. Let’s leave these two to get better acquainted," she said dragging Frankie off. He glanced over his shoulder at Shelly and she gave him a reassuring nod, letting him know she'd be fine.

"So, you wanna go somewhere to watch the show," Morgan asked.

"Yeah," Shelly replied. He walked with her to where there were some monitors set up and pulled over a chair for her and another one for her leg, helping her to prop it up.

"So, how long will you be out," he asked.

"Doctor said tentatively six to eight months," Shelly sighed. "It all depends on how well my rehab goes. I start that soon."

Morgan nodded. "Must be killing you to not be able to get in that ring."

"I have to do what I have to do to get healthy," Shelly replied. "I’ll get my shot once I’m back to one hundred percent."

Morgan smiled. "That’s a good attitude. You know I have to admit that it was kind of a pleasant surprise when Traci told me that you liked me." She opened her mouth to speak, but he didn’t let her. "I mean I never even thought that you noticed me. I’m this big goof bustin’ my ass with Abyss and you’re…you’re this beautiful shining star in the women’s division."

Shelly blushed. "I’m not really beautiful compared to the other Knockouts. I mean Christy is gorgeous and so is Traci and Angelina."

"None of them can hold a flame to you," Morgan replied and then blushed. "I’m sorry. That was a little too forward."

"No, it was very sweet," Shelly said smiling at him. For the first time that day it was a genuine smile. Perhaps Traci had been right about this guy. At the very least he could help take her mind off the impending wedding.

Sabin stood nearby listening to their conversation, feeling more and more depressed. He could tell that she was forgetting he even existed. Before she could notice he was there he slipped away, not wanting to hear anymore of what they would talk about.

Chapter 18

As Morgan and Shelly sat watching the show Abyss approached. He hesitated seeing his tag partner with a woman. Morgan happened to look up and saw his tag partner.

"Abby! Come on over," he called waving the large man over. "Come join us."

"I didn’t want to disturb you and your lady friend," Abyss said shyly.

"Abyss," Shelly smiled. "It’s just me. Remember? Shelly, Frankie’s friend."

"Oh, hi," Abyss smiled pulling a chair over and taking a seat. "I didn’t recognize you without your gear on. I like you when you’re in your gear." He then blushed a deep crimson and dropped his eyes to the ground.

Morgan snickered and Shelly shot him a look, shaking her head at him. She turned her attention to the large masked man before her, leaning over and placing a hand over his. "You don’t have to be embarrassed, Abyss." He glanced up to meet her gaze and could see that she wasn’t upset with him. "You’re not the first guy to comment on my gear."

"I just didn’t want you to be mad at me for saying that," he sighed.

"Abby, chicks like to be complimented," Morgan smiled and winked at Shelly. "Especially when they look foxy as hell."

"Besides, I think I look pretty damn good in my gear," Shelly smiled confidently.

"You do," Abyss nodded, lifting his gaze and smiling at her. "I like her, Matt. She’s nice…and very pretty."

"I like you too, Abyss," Shelly chuckled. "You’re just a big old teddy bear, aren’t you?" Abyss smiled wider not really used to the attention from a woman.

"Matt," Lauren, the backstage interviewer called. "We need to get this interview segment done."

"I’m coming, sweet cheeks," Morgan called.

"Stop calling me that," Laurent huffed, stalking off.

"I’ll be back in a bit," Morgan said standing.

"I think I’ll go for a little walk while you’re gone," Shelly said. Abyss helped her up, delicately touching her injured leg. He lingered by her side as Morgan walked off.

"Abby! Come on! This involves you too."

"See ya later," Abyss said shyly.

Shelly watched the two head off before going for her little walk. She spotted Taylor and Roxxi at the catering table and headed their way. "Hey girls," she called. The two women looked up and smiled.

"Hey you! Alex said you were here," Taylor said giving her a hug.

"Looking good for someone who just had surgery not too long ago," Roxxi said smiling.

"Thanks, Rox. Have either of you seen Cinder," Shelly asked.

"I think she’s with Alex. Why," Taylor asked.

"I need some girl talk," Shelly said. Roxxi and Taylor both looked at her, confused by her words. "I’ll explain once we grab Cindy."

"I’ll get her, you go have a seat," Roxxi said. "This must be something important. You look all…flustered."

"Thanks, Rox. Tell her just us. No one else, especially Traci." Roxxi nodded.

~}i{~

"All right, that’s a wrap guys," Lauren said finally finished with the interview segment.

"Thanks, sweets," Morgan said slapping Lauren’s ass playfully before walking away.

"Jerk," she called as he walked off chuckling.

"Matt, I don’t think Lauren appreciates that," Abyss said as he trailed behind his partner.

"She eats that shit up," Morgan smiled, stopping to look at his partner. "You know that Shelly chick I was talking to earlier?" Abyss nodded. "Well, a little birdie told me that she has a crush on me. Honestly, I can’t blame her." He pretended to dust off his abs. "She’s pretty cute. Don’t you think?"

"Yes, Matt, but…"

"So, I figure I’ll play the nice guy," Morgan interrupted. "Get her all hot and bothered for me and then…" He wriggled his eyebrows at Abyss and smiled wide. "By the time I’m done with her she’ll be thanking me for all the sweet lovin’ I’m gonna put on her."

"Matt, I don’t think that…" Morgan wasn’t listening as Abyss tried to plead his case. He just walked off chuckling to himself, imagining scenarios for future reference. "Matt, wait!" Abyss hurried to keep up with him

~}i{~

"What’s going on," Cindy asked joining Shelly and Taylor in Taylor’s locker room. Roxxi closed the door behind her, locking it to ensure no one would barge in.

"Cinder, I’m in a pickle here," Shelly sighed. "See, back before my surgery Frankie and Traci were over my place and well we were talking about Chris and the kiss." The ladies nodded. "They asked me why I didn’t go for it and…Traci figured out that I’m in love with someone else."

"Oh no! You didn’t," Cindy gasped.

"Obviously I couldn’t tell her that I’m in love with her fiance," Shelly groaned, burying her face in her hands. "She insisted on knowing who it was. I said the first name that came to mind."

"Which was," Roxxi asked.

"Matt Morgan," Shelly sighed. "And so Traci ‘introduced’ us tonight. He’s a nice guy and everything, but he’s not really my type."

"If you ask me that’s your problem right there," Roxxi replied. "Your type happens to be taken. Maybe give Morgan a chance."

"No," Cindy said giving Roxxi a look.

"What about Chris," Taylor asked. "You can’t forget about him."

"That’s the problem," Shelly sighed. Roxxi and Taylor were confused.

"Chris told Shell how he feels about her the night of the New Year’s party," Cindy clarified. "He played her a special song."

"Then he stayed all night at the hospital with me," Shelly added. "While he was out getting coffee I woke up and started talking to Frankie. I told Frankie I loved him, which he thought was due to the pain meds. I called Chris a jerk and he apparently heard." Both Roxxi and Taylor gasped. "He never came back and I haven’t heard from him since."

"Even though she’s left him a bunch of messages," Cindy added.

Taylor frowned and sighed. She had hoped her friend would get over her feelings for Frankie and start something with Sabin. He was a good guy and she felt he would be perfect for Shelly.

"Well…maybe try to find Chris and talk to him," Taylor suggested.

"Better yet," Cindy smiled. "Come with me. Chris and Alex are in the ring right now. When they come back I’ll grab Alex and tell him I need to speak with him in private. I know for a fact that Chris locks the door when he’s alone in the locker room. You two can talk things out."

Shelly bit her lip. "I guess it couldn’t hurt."

"Great," Cindy smiled. She helped Shelly up and the women headed out of the locker room.

~}i{~

As promised Cindy grabbed Alex the minute he exited the tunnel. Sabin was close behind him. "Alex, honey, I need to talk to you a moment in private."

"Can’t it wait," Alex asked. "I need to shower."

"It’s about my match tonight," Cindy replied. "You know, my first singles match and all. I’m nervous." She pouted at him and he caved to her will.

"All right, baby," he said looking back at Sabin. "I’ll meet up with you later, bro." Sabin nodded heading to the Machineguns locker room.

He entered, not really paying attention to anything as he walked along. He locked the door behind him and began to untie the drawstrings on his tights. He was just about to slide them down when he heard someone clear their throat. He jerked them back up, turning an alarmed gaze on Shelly.

"Shell!"

"Good to know you still know who I am," she replied. "Especially since you never seem to return a call."

Sabin shrugged, tying the drawstrings. "Didn’t think you’d care," he replied. "Seeing as I’m just a jerk."

"I was under the influence of some pretty strong medication while I was in the hospital," Shelly defended. "I also called you a cute kitty. Do you believe that I think you’re a damn cat too?"

"Why are you here," Sabin demanded. "Shouldn’t you be off playing tonsil hockey with that ogre Morgan?"

"What?"

"I saw you," Sabin replied glaring at her. "You were practically drooling over the dumb ape."

Shelly muttered a string of curses under her breath, trying desperately to reign in her temper. "You know what, Chris," she said getting to her feet. "You really are a jerk!"

"That’s great," Sabin said going to the door and unlocking it. He held it open for her. "Don’t let it hit you in the ass on the way out. I’d hate to see you fall on your face!"

"Asshole," Shelly growled as she passed him. She fought the urge to smack him in the face with her crutch as she headed out into the hall. Once she had cleared the doorway he slammed it behind her.

Inside the locker room Sabin had his head pressed up against the door. "It’s for the best," he muttered to himself. "She’ll never really be yours." With a sad sigh he headed in to take a shower.

Chapter 19

Shelly was silently cursing her rotten luck as she made her way down the hall. Anger coursed through her as Sabin’s words replayed in her mind. The anger inevitably brought on the tears and she was fighting hard to keep them back when she ran into Frankie. He saw the look on her face and tears shining in her eyes and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Honey, what happened," he asked. "Did Morgan do something to you? I’ll kill that bastard!" His fist curled into a ball at his side.

"No," she sniffled, shaking her head. She wanted to be anywhere but there at the moment. "Chris…I tried to talk to Chris and he…he was just so…" She lost the battle to keep the tears in check then. "He was just so cruel," she said weakly as the tears slipped down her cheeks.

"Come on," Frankie said leading her toward towards Traci’s office. "Traci’s in a meeting with Cornette. You can tell me all about it."

"Don’t you have to do some Suicide promos," she sniffled, wishing more than ever that she didn’t have to get around on crutches. She wanted so badly to run away somewhere private, curl into a ball and have a good cry.

"They can wait," he replied. "You’re more important right now." She allowed him to lead the way to Traci’s office. They passed Alex and Cindy, who was fresh from her match against Velvet Sky. "Now tell me what happened with Chris," Frankie said softly.

Cindy took note of the tears streaming down Shelly’s face and looked at her boyfriend, her fists balling at her sides. "Alex, honey," she said through gritted teeth. "You’ll need to find a new best friend because I’m about to kill Chris."

"Babe, wait," Alex said as she stalked down the hall toward. He rushed to keep up with her. "Let’s not do anything rash."

Cindy glared at her boyfriend as he cut off her path, making her stop. "You saw her, Alex," she fumed. "He said something to make her cry. That little shit isn’t going to get away with that!" She shoved him out of the way.

"But…" he was at a loss for words as she headed toward the Machineguns locker room. He too wanted to throttle his friend. For all they knew he had just screwed up his chances of ever getting the girl he wanted.

Before she could pound on the door he grabbed her wrist. Cindy glared up at him. "Why don’t you let me go in and talk to him," he suggested. She scoffed at him. "Baby, in the state you’re in you’re liable to kill him before he can explain himself."

"Fine," Cindy sighed. "But I don’t want you pussyfooting around things. He made my friend…our friend cry."

"I know," Alex nodded. "Go cool off. Grab a shower and I’ll find you when I’m done." Cindy nodded and stalked off, still seething. "She’s gonna be the death of me yet," he muttered as he knocked on the door.

Sabin answered clad only in his jeans. He had already showered and his sandy hair was in damp disarray. He held the towel he had been using to dry his hair in his free hand.

"You royally fucked up, Chris," Alex sighed as he entered the locker room when his friend stepped aside to grant him access. "Word of advice, avoid Cindy for the rest of the night."

"What’d I do to her," Sabin demanded tossing his towel away and pulling his shirt over his head.

"Nothing directly," Alex shrugged. "Buuuut….you made Shell cry."

"She’s crying," Sabin asked and then quickly hid his concern with indifference. "Sucks to be her."

Alex muttered a curse under his breath. "What the hell is wrong with you? Make up your damn mind! Do you love her or what?"

"Leave it alone, Alex," Sabin sighed, packing his bag. He had his back to his friend so he couldn’t read his face. He had always been an open book to Alex.

Alex reached out and spun Sabin around. "Don’t you dare pull that shit with me," he growled. "I know you better than anyone here! Why are you doing this, Chris?"

Sabin sighed, raking a hand through his still damp hair. "It’s useless," he groaned. Alex’s brow knitted in confusion. "She’s so over the moon for Frankie. Now Morgan’s in the picture. How the hell can I compete with that?"

"Chris," Alex sighed, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder as he took a seat next to him. "I suspect that she’s just…confused right now. She’s been pining away for Frankie for so long. Now that’s he’s marrying Traci it’s kinda thrown her for a loop. Believe it or not the whole Morgan thing is just a huge misunderstanding." Sabin looked at him confused. Alex explained what Cindy had told him about the conversation with Traci and Frankie.

"So…she lied and said she was in love with Morgan," Sabin asked.

Alex chuckled and nodded. "He was the first name that came to her mind." He chuckled harder. "Good thing she didn’t say Shark Boy!"

"Still…I said some pretty fucked up shit to her," Sabin frowned. "If she didn’t hate me before she sure as hell does now." His shoulders slumped.

"Well, give it time," Alex suggested. "Maybe she’ll forgive and you can go back to being friends. Of course….an apology would help."

"Yeah," Sabin said thoughtfully. "I guess. Not tonight though. I’ll let her cool down overnight."

As the men chatted the door swung open and a fuming Taylor stood in the doorway. "You rat bastard," she growled.

"Apparently Cindy told Taylor what happened," Alex sighed.

"No, actually I heard it straight from Shell. She’s in Traci’s office crying her heart out." Sabin winced at Taylor’s words though she didn’t notice in her anger. "Maybe you think it’s funny to jerk her around, but it’s NOT! She’s been through enough already, Chris."

"I KNOW THAT, TAYLOR," Sabin roared. "GOD! Does everyone have to chime in with their two cents? My private life is MY business! Stay the fuck out of it! I know I hurt her! I hate myself enough for it! All right? I’ll make it up to her somehow. I just don’t know how right now." He grabbed his bag and stormed out of the locker room, shoving Taylor aside as he passed her.

Cindy poked her head in. "Did he mean that," she asked Alex. He nodded.

~}i{~

"Are you all right now," Frankie asked when Shelly pulled away from him. She had told him everything that had been said by Sabin and, though she didn’t want to, she cried her eyes out. The sting of Sabin's words had just been too much. She had been enjoying Frankie’s embrace far too much and needed to put some space between them.

"Yeah," she sniffled, dabbing at her eyes with the tissues he handed her.

"Look, you don’t need someone like Chris in your life," he said. "I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing, but if he’s going to play hot and cold you don’t need it."

"I know," she sighed. "I’d like to wash my face." He nodded and helped her up and to the door. The moment it opened Lauren was there.

"Frankie you need to get those promos done," she said, stepping aside to allow Shelly out of the office. "Is she all right?"

"Yeah," he replied. "I think she will be. Come on. Let’s get this over with."

~}i{~

Shelly had taken her time in the ladies room, letting the cold water run and washing her face. When she was done she dried off and headed back out into the hall. Morgan was just heading her way chatting with Traci.

"There you are," Traci smiled. "Matt got worried when he couldn’t find you." She took Shelly’s hand and gave it a little squeeze. "I heard about what happened with Chris. Are you all right?"

"Yeah," Shelly sighed, knowing Traci wouldn’t be the last person to ask her that question that night. "Actually, I’m kind of tired. I’d like to go home."

"Oh…well..I’m still needed here and Frankie’s getting ready to do some more Suicide promos," Traci frowned. Her face then brightened. "Matt, you’re done for the night, right?" Morgan nodded. "Great. You can take Shell home."

"Sure, that’s no problem," Morgan said smiling wide.

"Um…I can wait, Trace. I’m sure Frankie would like to make sure I get home all right," Shelly said.

"Don’t be silly," Traci smiled. "Frankie’s too overprotective of you. He’ll get over his disappointment. Matt can get you home safe and sound."

"If you’d rather wait for your friend I’ll understand," Morgan said, disappointment shining in his eyes.

"No, it’s fine, Matt. You can take me home," Shelly sighed.

"Great," Morgan brightened. "Let me just grab my stuff and I’ll get you home." Shelly nodded and watched him walk off.

"This is PERFECT," Traci beamed. "You guys can get to know each other better. Oh, Shell!" She hugged her friend tightly. "This is a fresh start for you! A chance to find love!"

Shelly looked at her friend, the smile that lit up her face broke her heart. She was so excited for her that she didn’t have the heart to explain that Morgan wasn’t her type. To hell with types and to hell with Chris Sabin.

"A chance to find love," Shelly echoed Traci’s last sentence and smiled. Or at least something like it. "Definitely."

Chapter 20

Traci was walking Shelly to the door when Abyss approached the ladies. "Excuse me, ladies," he said shyly. "Could I talk to you a moment, Shelly?"

"I’ll give you a call tomorrow," Traci smiled and left Shelly to talk to Abyss.

"What can I do for you, big man," she asked with a smile.

"It’s about Matt," Abyss said looking around cautiously. "He…he’s…"

"He’s what, Abyss," Shelly asked confused by the large man’s hesitancy to speak.

"He’s not what he seems to be," Abyss finally said.

"What does that mean," she asked, thoroughly confused.

Before Abyss could say more Morgan had joined them. "Ready to go," he asked looking from Shelly’s confused face to Abyss. "You been telling her stories again, Abby?"

"No, Matt, I…"

"Come on. Let’s get you home so you can get some rest," Morgan said cutting his partner off. He glared at Abyss a moment before leading Shelly out to his car.

"That Abyss is a nice guy," Shelly said feeling the need to make conversation as he helped her into the passenger seat. "A little strange though."

"Ah, Abby’s harmless," Morgan smiled as he slid behind the wheel. "He’s just not that suave around women."

The ride to Shelly’s place was filled with small talk. Shelly was surprised at how easy it was to talk to Morgan. He made her laugh and that was definitely something she needed after the night she’d had.

"Here we are," Morgan said pulling up in front of Shelly’s building. "So…um…I was wondering if I could take you out sometime."

Shelly remembered the words that Abyss had said, but pushed them to the back of her mind. Traci’s voice echoed through her mind. She smiled and nodded.

"That’d be nice," she replied, hoping that she didn’t come to regret this decision. "My only request is that you wait until after I start my rehab. At least by then I won’t have to get around on these blasted things." She pointed to her crutches.

Morgan chuckled and nodded. "That I can do," he replied. "Let’s get you inside."

He was out of the car and around to the passenger side in a few strides. With ease he lifted her out of the car, settling her on her feet and handing her the crutches. He helped her up the steps and into the building to her apartment door.

"Thanks for the ride and for helping me inside," Shelly said awkwardly once they were at her door.

"Will you be coming to the taping tomorrow night too," he asked hopefully.

"I don’t know," Shelly replied, not wanting to accidentally run into Sabin.

Morgan seemed to read her mind. "You’re welcome to hang out with me and Abby during the show. You know…if you don’t want to run into that Sabin kid."

Shelly smiled up at him. "I guess that wouldn’t be so bad," she replied.

"So, you’ll come?"

"Sure," she replied.

"Great! Could we pick you up," Morgan asked, unable to hide the smile that curled his lips.

"Absolutely," Shelly replied.

"Great! I’ll see you tomorrow night then," he replied, giving her a quick squeeze.

~}i{~

"And she rode in with Morgan and Abyss," Taylor asked Traci, who was beaming. Taylor bit the inside of her cheek, fighting the urge to shake Traci and demand what she had been thinking.

"Hon, they need you for an interview segment," Frankie said. Traci nodded and headed off. He took one look at Taylor and could read her face like an open book. "You’re not happy about the whole Morgan situation either, huh?"

"That obvious," Taylor sighed. He nodded. "Traci said Shell accepted a date with him."

Frankie sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I can’t put my finger on it, but something about Morgan just irks me."

"You’re not the only one," Cindy grumbled. Alex was close behind. "Honestly, I can not understand what Shell was thinking accepting a date with him!"

"Babe, ixnay on the ateday," Alex grimaced.

It was too late Sabin had heard exactly what Cindy had said. He worked to hide the disappointment in his voice. "Shell’s going on a date with Morgan," he asked. "Good for her." With that he walked off.

"He took that surprisingly well," Taylor commented.

"Are you insane," Alex yelled. "He’s dying inside! Doesn’t anyone else see that?"

"Kay…you two are just too close for comfort, Alex," Frankie said. "I thought he hated Shell."

Alex looked at his friend as if he had grown another head. "Did you lose your brain when you had that biceps repaired," he snapped. "Chris was saying that shit to her because she’s so wrapped up in…"

Cindy slapped a hand over Alex’s mouth before he could spill Shelly’s secret. "Chris was pushing her away because it’s too painful for him to be near her knowing she doesn’t feel the same way he does," she clarified.

"I guess I underestimated the kid," Frankie sighed. "I should find Traci and see what she’s up to." With that he headed off.

Taylor glared at Alex, who still had Cindy’s hand plastered over his mouth. "Do you realize what you almost did," she demanded.

"Alex, you’re lucky I love you or I would have killed you," Cindy grumbled.

"I was upset," Alex defended, pouting. "Don’t be mad at me, babe."

"What am I going to do with you," Cindy sighed, rolling her eyes at his pouty lip and puppy dog eyes.

~}i{~

Sabin was heading down the hall lost in his own thoughts. He knew for sure now that he had lost Shelly. He shouldn’t have been so harsh with her. He should have listened to what she had to say and accepted her apology for the things she had said in the hospital.

"Hindsight is always twenty twenty," he sighed.

A peal of laughter stopped him in his tracks. Turning his gaze toward the sound he saw Morgan carrying Shelly around on his back. She giggled as he jogged around the hall with her like that. The large man stopped and placed her on her feet, wrapping his muscular arms around her waist. She leaned on him for support, holding her bad leg up so that she didn’t reinjure herself.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are," Morgan asked with a smile. Shelly blushed and looked away. He tilted her head up so that she could meet his gaze. "I mean it." With that he bent down and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

Sabin watched, unable to pull his eyes away from the scene. He remembered the feel of her lips on his and longed to feel them again. The longing brought on a wave of depression. He could feel his heart breaking as she ran her hands up Morgan’s muscular chest, locking them behind his neck as she allowed him to deepen the kiss.

Unable to watch anymore Sabin stalked off. He suddenly needed air. The walls seemed to be closing in on him and he needed to get out into the wide open air. He ran toward the exit, shouldering the heavy door open and sprinting almost across the parking lot. He doubled over, his hand over his chest, gasping for air.

~}i{~

Morgan broke the kiss, panting. "Wow," was all he could say.

"Wow," Shelly echoed, forcing a smile.

She had no idea what he had felt during the kiss, but she felt absolutely nothing. She found her thoughts drifting back to the New Year’s party and the kiss she had shared with Sabin. She had felt electricity in his kiss. With Morgan…nothing.

"We should go find Abby," Morgan said snapping Shelly out of her thoughts.

"Right," she replied forcing the thoughts of Sabin to the back of her mind.

"All aboard," Morgan said crouching down so he could give her another piggyback ride. She climbed on and tried to focus on having fun for a change.

Chapter 21

Over the course of the next couple of weeks Shelly spent a lot of time at the Impact tapings. She mostly spent her time hanging out with Morgan and Abyss. The men made her laugh and she couldn’t remember the last time that she had felt so at ease that she could enjoy the company of others.

Shelly had begun rehabbing her knee and while it was grueling work she never complained. Some days all she could do to ease the pain was soak in a hot tub. She smiled at the pain, knowing she was one step closer to getting back to doing what she loved each day that passed.

Being able to spend time with Morgan took her mind off of things for a while. He often came to her place to hang out, always bringing movies with him to occupy their time. Once in a while Abyss or some of the others would join them. Morgan and Shelly hadn’t done much besides kiss and she feared the day when Morgan would want more out of their relationship.

She had also thrown herself into helping Traci plan for the wedding. She wanted to be the best maid of honor and friend she could be, despite how she still felt about Frankie. Seeing Traci so frazzled over the plans made her pity the woman and she did her best to ease her friend’s tension.

The phone ringing incessantly one morning woke Shelly out of a sound sleep. She groaned and felt around on the nightstand for her phone. Finally locating the offending object she answered sleepily.

"Mmmlo?"

"Shell! Thank GOD you’re there," Traci gasped.

"Where else would I be at…" Shelly sat up and looked at the clock on the nightstand. "Traci, it’s eight in the morning…on a Saturday."

"You have to help me," Traci said, ignoring Shelly’s impatient tone. "I totally forgot that Frankie has rehab well into the afternoon and I booked a cake tasting. Help!"

"That’s something that you really need to talk to Frankie about, Trace," Shelly sighed.

"Shell, he can’t reschedule on such short notice," Traci whimpered. "And today is the ONLY day the bakery has available. PLEASE, I need you to come with me!"

Shelly sighed. "When do you need me ready," she asked, not really looking forward to the event.

"I’ll pick you up in a half hour," Traci said. Shelly could practically see the smile on her face.

"Thanks, Shell," Frankie called in the background. "You’re a lifesaver, hon!"

"See you then," Shelly replied. "Just let me grab some coffee and throw on some clothes."

She hung up and thanked her lucky stars that she had bathed the night before. She flexed her knee a little before grabbing her knee brace and slipping it on. Carefully she stood and went to dress while she brewed some coffee.

When Traci pulled up outside her building a half hour later Shelly was sitting on the porch waiting. She stood and headed to the car only to be shocked by Traci hugging her tightly. "Traci…can’t…breathe," she groaned.

"Sorry," Traci said sheepishly, releasing her friend. "You have NO idea how much this means to me."

"Just doing my duty as the maid of honor," Shelly replied. "Um…is this going to take long?"

Traci eyed her suspiciously, a smirk curling one corner of her mouth. "Why? You have a hot date?"

"Something like that," Shelly replied. "On top of picking out an outfit and my rehab session this afternoon."

"I KNEW it," Traci exclaimed. "Matt finally asked you out. It took him long enough."

"Actually, he asked me out that night you introduced us," Shelly replied. "I asked him to wait until I started rehab so I wouldn’t have to get around on the crutches anymore."

Traci smiled wide. "Any idea where he’ll be taking you?"

"Not a clue. He just said dress casual," Shelly frowned. "I figured jeans and…"

"NO! Honestly, Shell, would it kill you to LOOK like a girl for a change," Traci sighed. "After we get done here I’ll come help you pick out an outfit."

"Can’t wait," Shelly sighed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Traci ignored her tone and chattered away about cakes and filling and what she wanted the cake to look like. Shelly nodded, allowing her friend to talk away.

~}i{~

"I think this one looks best with those jeans," Traci said pulling a shirt out of the back of Shelly’s closet. "This is cute. Why is it shoved way back here?"

"Because it’s not me," Shelly frowned as she was tossed the cerulean blue silky halter top. It had been a gift from one of her friends, but she couldn’t remember which one at the moment.

The cake tasting had gone well and they managed to settle on a cake quickly. After dropping her off and then picking her up after rehab Traci had spent the better part of the afternoon making Shelly try on different combinations of clothes. She wanted Shelly to look perfect for her first official date with Morgan.

"Just go try it on," Traci said. "I think it’ll look great with those black jeans." She started looking through the shoes that littered the bottom of the closet. "Do you have any boots?"

"Trace, I can’t wear heels yet," Shelly reminded her friend. "Have to stick to flats."

"Perfect," Traci said pulling a pair of black knee high boots out from the back of the closet. "Found a pair of boots and they’re flats."

Shelly came back into her bedroom wearing the haltertop. Traci smiled wide. "Matt won’t be able to keep his hands to himself," she gasped. "You’re a mega hottie. Here, put these on."

Shelly accepted the boots and sat down on the bed to pull them on. "So, do I pass inspection," Shelly asked standing and turning slowly in a circle once the boots were on.

"You don’t have any make up on and your hair isn’t done," Traci frowned.

"I will get that done on my own," Shelly sighed. "I am capable of doing things on my own."

"Just…make sure you look…feminine," Traci replied. "I should probably see if Frankie’s home. He likes a massage after rehab."

"Good for him," Shelly muttered. "You can go. I’ll be fine and I’ll make sure I look pretty for Matt."

"Gorgeous," Traci smiled. "Aim for gorgeous. He’ll be putty in your hands." She picked up her purse and headed to the front door. "I want details tomorrow."

"Get out," Shelly called teasingly.

Once she heard the front door close she sunk to the bed with a relieved sigh. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror on the closet door. She didn’t quite look like herself, but she wasn’t horrified by what she saw. Perhaps being a little more girly was a good thing after all.

She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and realized she needed to get a move on. Morgan would be there to pick her up in a little over an hour. She hurried as fast as her knee would allow to the bathroom to get her hair and make up done.

She had just finished putting the finishing touches on her outfit, spritzing on some perfume and grabbing a pair of earrings and a bracelet when the doorbell rang. Giving herself the once over in the mirror she headed to the door to let Morgan in. She opened the door and he gave a low whistle.

"I suddenly feel underdressed," he said looking down at his jeans and T-shirt. "This is your idea of casual?" He smiled as he spoke, raking his eyes over her form.

"Not my idea," she sighed. "Traci picked it out. Do you want me to change?"

"Not ever," he replied. He offered her the crook of his arm. "Shall we?" She grabbed her purse and a jacket and they headed off.

~}i{~

"I had a really good time tonight, Matt," Shelly smiled as he walked her to her door. "I haven’t been to a carnival since I was a kid." She held a stuffed dog in her arms.

"I thought you’d enjoy it," he smiled. "Could I come in for a little while?"

"It’s kind of late," Shelly replied. "I have an early session in the morning. I really need my rest."

"I was only thinking of staying long enough for coffee," he said, disappointed that she wasn’t inviting him inside.

"Some other time," she replied, standing on her toes to place a kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for the dog." With that she unlocked her door and opened it just wide enough to slip inside.

Morgan stood there unable to believe that she hadn’t invited him inside. "She’s gonna be a hard nut to crack," he sighed. "I’ll get her eventually. I may have to put a little more effort into it," he muttered as he walked back to his car. A wide smile spread across his lips then. "Valentine’s Day is next week. Perfect."

Chapter 22

"Matt, are you going to pick up Shelly," Abyss asked as they exited the hotel headed toward the Impact Zone.

"Nah, she’s getting a ride from her friend Frankie," Morgan replied putting on his sunglasses. "She said he needed to speak to her."

"Are things still going good with you two," Abyss asked casually. He had seen how the two were together and didn’t want his friend to be hurt by Morgan.

"I’m so close to sealing the deal, Abby, I can taste it," Morgan replied and wide smile spread across his face. "Man, I can’t wait to taste it!" He chuckled to himself. "Somethin’ tells me she’ll be well worth the wait."

Abyss listened to his friend talking and could only shake his head. He just didn’t know what he had in front of him. There was no doubt in Abyss’ mind that Morgan would toss her aside once he got what he wanted. He wouldn't let that happen to Shelly if it was within his power.

~}i{~

"Traci isn’t riding in with us," Shelly asked as she slid into the passenger seat when Frankie picked her up.

"She’s riding in with Taylor and Greg," Frankie replied. "I asked her to because I need to talk to you alone."

Shelly couldn’t read his expression. "Is something wrong," she asked, afraid to know the answer.

Frankie put the car in gear and pulled into traffic. "Yeah, something is wrong," he replied not looking at her.

Shelly’s heart leaped into her throat. Was it possible that he knew her secret? "Wh…what is it, Frankie?"

He sighed as he stopped at a red light and looked at her finally. "It’s Morgan," he replied. Shelly breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you serious about him?"

"Frankie, Matt makes me happy," she replied. He scoffed, turning his gaze back to the street when the light changed. "Can’t you just be happy for me? I’m happy for you and Traci."

"Traci and I are something completely different," he replied.

"How? Because you’re in love? Maybe Matt and I will fall in love."

"Doubtful," he mumbled. She glared at him. "Look, Shell, guys like Morgan…they don’t…they…they use women for their own needs and then toss them aside. Is that what you really want in your life?"

"You’re unbelievable," Shelly fumed. "For your information Matt’s soon to be ex-wife was the one who tossed him aside. Can you imagine how hurt he must have been?"

"Shell…"

"I don’t want to hear it," Shelly cut him off. "I don’t tell you how to run your personal life and I’ll thank you to stay the HELL out of mine." By this time he had pulled into a parking space at the arena. "I’ll find a ride home. Don’t bother waiting for me." With that she got out of the car, slamming the door so hard the window rattled and stalked off into the arena.

~}i{~

"Just the person I wanted to see," Lauren said stopping Shelly when she entered the building. She had Angelina Love and Velvet Sky with her. Abyss trailed behind the women.

"What do you want, Lauren," Shelly sighed. She was in no mood to talk to anyone at the moment.

"We need to talk to you," Lauren replied.

"It’s about Matt," Velvet said.

"Not you guys too," Shelly sighed. "I’m not really in the mood for this."

"I think you’ll want to hear what they have to say, Shell," Abyss interjected. "It’s very important. Please?" He motioned toward an empty room for them to go into for privacy.

"Fine," Shelly sighed, not really wanted to hear what they had to say.

~}i{~

"Thanks for the ride, guys," Traci said as she entered the building with Greg and Taylor.

The ride had been tense. Taylor wanted to grill Traci on what she had been thinking setting Shelly up with Morgan. Greg had sensed this and kept the conversation light and sprinkled with jokes. The last thing he wanted was to be in a small car with two bickering women.

"Babe, let it go," Greg sighed, taking Taylor’s hand. "Shell’s a big girl. She’ll come to her senses eventually about Morgan. Besides Chris is the one who blew it."

Just then Alex and Sabin walked by. Alex was trying to engage Sabin in conversation, but he ignored his friend. Cindy trailed behind the two, a frown permanently planted on her face.

"He’s getting worse isn’t he," Taylor asked Cindy when she stopped by the former Knockouts champion. Cindy just sighed and nodded.

It was no secret that Cindy and Taylor frowned upon the whole Morgan thing, wishing that their friend hadn’t been so quick to give up on Sabin. They watched him go from a happy go lucky jokester to a very quiet, withdrawn man.

"It’s like Alex said," Cindy replied. "He’s dying inside."

"I have to go find Petey," Greg said rolling his eyes. "I’ll see you later." He gave Taylor a quick kiss and headed down the hall.

"I can’t take it," Taylor sighed. "He’s so miserable."

"I know, but what can we do," Cindy replied. "Shell spends all her time with Morgan when she’s here. Outside of here she’s busy with Traci or rehabbing her knee."

It was then that they heard Morgan’s laughing from the catering area. Surprised that Shelly wasn’t with him the women creeped closer to hear what was being said. What they heard made them furious.

"I’m tellin’ ya, boys," Morgan smiled at James Storm and Robert Roode as he grabbed a cup of coffee. It was the last Impact taping before Valentine’s Day weekend. "I’ve got things all planned out with Shelly. Yup, Valentine’s Day is going to be one hell of a night for that lucky young lady."

"You mean to tell me you guys haven’t done the deed yet," Roode chuckled. Storm snickered, taking a swig from his ever present beer bottle.

Morgan frowned. "Of course we have," he replied. "Plenty of times. She’s a little hellcat in the sack. The things she can do with her tongue…" He snickered and shook his head as if remembering something that had happened recently. "I’m just sayin’ this weekend is going to be extra special for her."

"YOU FUCKING LIAR!" Taylor and Cindy gasped, shocked to hear Sabin yelling. They had no idea that he had even come back their way. Alex stood there stunned by the outburst. Morgan spun around, nearly dropping his cup of coffee. "You take that shit back," Sabin demanded.

Morgan looked down at Sabin and began to chuckle. "What’s the matter, little man, couldn’t get into her pants so you think no one can?"

"You take it back," Sabin growled, shoving Morgan. "Shell has standards! She wouldn’t lower herself to sleep with scum like you!"

"No one said we did any sleeping," Morgan chuckled.

"That’s what I’m talkin’ about," Storm chuckled. Roode nodded, giggling.

Sabin glared at the two men. "Leave now," he growled. Something in the younger man’s eyes caught them off guard and they rushed away. "Stop telling lies," he growled glaring up at Morgan. His hands balled into fists. He was more than prepared to fight the larger man to protect Shelly’s honor.

"Kid," Morgan snickered. "I ain’t lyin’. I’ve seen that woman from every angle possible and let me tell you…she looks even better with her clothes off."

Before Morgan could say more Sabin’s fist connected with his jaw sending the larger man stumbling backwards. Cindy, Taylor and Alex stood there stunned by Sabin’s actions. Morgan held his aching jaw and chuckled.

"You got one hell of a right hook, kid," he said. "Still doesn’t change the fact that I’ve made that bitch scream my name on so many nights I’m nearly deaf."

"You son of a bitch," Sabin growled and attempted to lunge at the larger man. Alex held him back. "LET ME GO! LET ME AT THAT BASTARD!"

"THAT’S ENOUGH," came Shelly’s voice from behind them. Lauren, Angelina and Velvet were with her all looking appalled at Morgan’s words.

"Shell," Morgan smiled. "Hey, baby."

"Don’t you baby me," Shelly replied. "Chris calm down!" Sabin was still struggling to get at Morgan. Hearing her voice he settled down. "I’ll take care of this."

"Baby, the kid is mental," Morgan said eyeing the three women there suspiciously. "He just attacked me out of the blue." Lauren scoffed. Alex was once again forced to restrain Sabin as a string of expletives flowed from his mouth. "Do you mind? I’m trying to have a conversation with my lady."

He wrapped an arm around Shelly’s shoulders. She glared up at him and shoved it off. "I’m NOT your lady," she replied.

"What’s going on," he asked.

"Don’t play dumb, Matt. I heard you. I heard every word you said," she replied. "And let’s get one thing straight, the only action you’ve seen since we got together has been from your own damn hand."

"Oh shit," Alex snickered. Sabin relaxed hearing Shelly’s words and began to snicker with Alex.

"It’s over, Matt. Stay the fuck away from me if you don’t want to be castrated," Shelly said, glaring up at him.

Morgan sighed, scrubbing a hand down his face. He winced feeling the ache in his jaw from Sabin’s punch. "Fine," he said eyeing everyone in the hall before turning his cold glare on Shelly. "You’re not worth it anyway. Fucking ice princess." With that he stalked off.

Chapter 23

Shelly watched Morgan walk off, feeling the tears burning in her eyes. She fought them back, but Cindy and Taylor could tell she was going to breakdown. They stepped forward to console her, but she waved them off.

"I just need to be alone," Shelly said softly, her voice breaking on the last word. She headed down the hall.

"Shell, wait," Cindy called, but Sabin stopped her.

"I think I should handle this," he said softly when Cindy turned her questioning gaze on him. She nodded allowing him to go catch up with their friend.

Shelly had made it down the hall and ducked into the first locker room she could find. The tears had already started slipping down her cheeks. It had been luck that the room was totally empty. Sinking to the bench she leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she buried her face in her hands.

She didn’t hear Sabin enter the locker room at all. It wasn’t until she felt a hand on her shoulder and someone sitting next to her that she lifted her gaze. "Don’t cry over him," Sabin said softly, locking eyes with her.

"I’m not," she sniffled, looking down at her feet. "It’s just…I wanted so badly to…I don’t know…distract myself from…"

"The wedding," Sabin sighed. His heart sank. She was still hung up on Frankie even now that the wedding loomed just three months away.

She nodded, wiping the tears away. "To make matters worse…I was humiliated by that asshole."

"Actually after that hand comment I think he’s the one humiliated," Sabin chuckled. That made her smile a little, but she groaned.

"He’s probably going around telling anyone who will listen that I was horrible in bed and that’s why he dropped me," she sighed, shaking her head. "Men like him are just insecure jerks!"

"So what? You know the truth, I know the truth and your real friends know the truth," Sabin consoled. "Let him pull the macho bullshit. It only makes him look bad."

She cast a sidelong glance at him. He was watching her as they sat side by side. "I seem to recall you hating me," she finally said.

"I was upset with you," Sabin corrected. "I told you already I could never hate you. What you said in the hospital really hurt."

"I told you it was the drugs," Shelly sighed.

"I’m not talking about the jerk comment," Sabin confessed. "I’ve been called worse by my own mother."

She eyed him. "You can’t possibly mean the kitty stuff," she said chuckling nervously. He didn’t laugh.

"I heard you pouring your heart out to Frankie and the dumb son of a bitch didn’t even notice," Sabin sighed. "Why, Shell? Why after all this time can’t you let those feelings go?"

"I’m trying," she groaned. "It’s just hard to let that go. He’s been such a huge part of my life for so long."

There was a knock on the open door then. Turning to see who it was they spotted Frankie standing there. "I just heard about what happened with Morgan," he said, his eyes blazing at the mention the larger man’s name.

"Shell handled him, Frankie," Sabin said.

"Still," Frankie replied, shaking his head. They could see his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. "That bastard is lucky that I didn’t…" He looked at Shelly then, remembering the spat they had on the way in. "Sorry, I’ll butt out."

"It’s all right, Frankie," Shelly sighed. "You were right. I should have listened to you."

"You were right too," Frankie replied. "I shouldn’t stick my nose into your personal life. It’s none of my business."

Shelly stood and went to him, giving him a hug. "You’re just doing what any good big brother does," she smiled up at him.

Frankie hugged her back and then noticed the look on Sabin’s face. He pulled away from her, a smile curling his lips. "I think you were in the middle of something when I interrupted."

"Yeah, we kinda were," Sabin replied, though there was no sign of annoyance in his voice. He kept it neutral.

"Go on back to whatever it was. I’ll leave you two alone," he said, looking at Sabin and giving him a little wink. With that he left, closing the door behind him.

"What was that about," Shelly asked noticing the exchange between the two men.

Sabin shrugged. "Frankie’s kinda sweet on me," he replied with a smirk. "Don’t tell Traci. It would kill her."

Shelly laughed. "You’ve got a few screws loose. Has anyone ever told you that," she asked still chuckling.

Sabin groaned. "Man! I just had them tightened just yesterday!" She burst out laughing. "It’s good to hear you laugh." He was quiet for an awkward moment as Shelly composed herself. "Shell, I’m sorry I was such an ass."

Shelly sighed and shook her head. "You really were an ass," she replied.

"Hey, I’m trying to apologize here!"

"Oh I know. I’m just busting your chops," Shelly smiled. Sabin groaned. "You’re forgiven." He smiled wide. "This time. It happens again and I may not be so forgiving."

"Then I better make sure it doesn’t happen again," he smiled.

"Friends," she asked holding out her hand.

"Of course," he replied taking her hand and pulling her into a tight embrace. "I’d rather be friends than nothing at all."

Shelly pulled away just enough to look up into his eyes. "And will just being friends be enough for you?"

"Let’s not worry about that right now," he replied. "Let’s take things one day at a time and see where that takes us. Deal?"

"Deal," Shelly smiled. She hugged him again.

"Hey, do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day," Sabin asked as he led her to the door and out into the hall. He had his arm around her shoulders.

"You know I don’t," Shelly replied.

"Good. I’ll be over around noon with some movies and all the junk food you can imagine," Sabin smiled.

"Actually, I’d prefer to go out to dinner and a movie," Shelly replied.

"You mean like a date," Sabin smirked.

"Yes, I suppose I do," Shelly smirked. "You up for that?"

"Pick you up around six?"

"You got it," Shelly said. "Oh there’s Cindy and Taylor. I should go let them know I’m all right."

"Shell! There you are," Traci said rushing over to her and enveloping her in a tight hug before she could even say a word to her friends. "I am SO sorry! I had no idea that Matt would pull that shit on you."

"It’s all right, Traci," Shelly replied.

"I had been hoping we could double date for Valentine’s Day," Traci frowned.

"Somehow I don’t think Matt would have liked that," Shelly replied. Sabin snickered.

"But you’ll be all alone on Valentine’s Day now," Traci sighed.

"Actually Shell and I made plans," Sabin chimed in.

"You did," Cindy asked with a wide smile.

"Yeah," Shelly nodded. "Dinner and a movie."

"Great! How about you guys double with Frankie and I," Traci asked, her eyes hopeful.

"Well…I mean…it’s up to Chris," Shelly said.

Traci turned her gaze on Sabin. "Yeah, sure," Sabin sighed. He had hoped for some alone time with Shelly, but he couldn’t say no when Traci looked at him that way.

"Great! I’ll tell Frankie. I’m sure he’ll be just as excited as I am," Traci exclaimed. With that she rushed off to find her fiance.

"You should have said no," Taylor chuckled seeing Sabin’s face.

"Who could say no to Traci when she’s like that," he whined.

"It’s all right," Shelly smiled. "I can always fake being tired from rehab and so we can leave."

"Have I mentioned how much I love your injured knee," Sabin chuckled.

"See? There go those loose screws again," she giggled and Sabin laughed. Cindy and Taylor shared a conspiratorial smile as the two continued to joke and laugh.

Chapter 24

About six on Valentine’s Day Shelly’s doorbell rang. She had been getting ready for the night’s activities. Knowing it was Sabin she went to answer the door a wide smile on her face. They had spent a lot of time together just hanging out over the days leading up to that night.

"Happy Valentine’s Day," he said presenting a long stem crimson rose to her and a heart shaped box of chocolates.

"Oh aren’t you sweet," she said accepting the rose and inhaling its sweet scent before taking the box of chocolates from him and inviting him inside.

"You look beautiful," he said watching her walk into the kitchen to put the rose in water. "Didn’t think you owned any dresses besides that one you wore at the New Year’s party."

"I borrowed it from Taylor," Shelly admitted as she placed the rose on the kitchen counter in a small vase. "I figured I’d go girly for tonight. Traci will be happy." She twirled around, the skirt of the black floral print dress billowing out. "She says I don’t dress girly enough. You really like it?" She smoothed the silky material, fixing the spaghetti straps back in place.

"She’s too picky," Sabin replied. "You look beautiful no matter what you wear. I like it very much."

Shelly could feel the blush creeping up her chest into her face. "I wish I didn’t have to wear this stupid brace," she grumbled. "And I’m sure heels would look better with it."

"You look fine," Sabin said grasping her by the shoulder gently and eyeing her up and down. "You look absolutely perfect." He locked eyes with her and held her gaze for a long while. There was nothing he wanted more than to pull her into his arms and crush her lips with his, but he knew that patience would pay off in the end.

The doorbell rang then making the separate. Shelly cleared her throat. "Could you get that," she asked. "I need to grab my purse and a wrap."

He nodded and headed to the door while she disappeared into her bedroom. When he opened the door Frankie and Traci were bickering. "Happy Valentine’s Day," he said hoping to stop them.

"I’m just saying you should have asked me first before you went and made plans for today," Frankie grumbled.

"I didn’t think you had any objection to going out with Shell and Chris," Traci replied. She heard Sabin’s greeting and turned her gaze to him, smiling wide. "Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, honey." She gave him a quick hug.

"We ready to go," Shelly asked coming out of the bedroom. Traci gasped seeing her. "What? Too much?"

"You look so beautiful," Traci beamed.

"It’s Taylor’s," Shelly smirked. She looked at Frankie and could see he was pouting. "What’s wrong?"

Traci rolled her eyes. "Don’t mind Frankie the Grouch," she sighed. "He’s just upset that his plans have been changed."

"At the last minute," Frankie added. "And I am NOT a grouch."

"Well, we can take a rain check on the double," Shelly offered.

"No, it’s fine," Frankie sighed and then smirked. "At least part of my night will still go on as planned."

"Ew! Dude, TMI," Sabin groaned and slapped Frankie’s arm.

"Do I need to wear a damn sign on this arm," Frankie groaned. "I’m still healing you know!"

"Let’s go, you big baby," Shelly chuckled. "The movie starts in twenty minutes."

~}i{~

"That was AWESOME," Sabin exclaimed as the four exited the theater. "That explosion at the end was just…AWESOME!"

"Seriously, that was just a great movie," Frankie agreed.

"I’m surprised you and Traci saw any of it," Shelly teased. "Actually I’m surprised neither one of you are blue from all the face sucking."

"Do I need to slap you in a headlock and give you noogies," Frankie teased.

Shelly just chuckled, looping her arm through Sabin’s. He smiled at her, happy that she was having a good time. At the very least she was putting on a good act.

"I am starving," Frankie said picking up the menu once they had all slid into a booth at the diner down the block from the movie theater.

"You’re always starving," Traci snickered. "You’re the bottomless pit."

"That must make this one bottomless pit junior," Shelly laughed hooking her thumb at Sabin. "For such a small guy he eats like there’s no tomorrow."

"I’m a growing boy," Sabin pouted. "What’s Frankie’s excuse?"

"He’s a glutton," Traci laughed.

"What is this pick on Frankie day?"

"Yes, now shut up and deal with it," Shelly replied making the others laugh.

"You’re so lucky you’re family," he grumbled going back to scanning his menu.

They placed their orders and talked about the movie and joked around until their dinners arrived. Sabin watched Shelly out of the corner of his eye. He was surprise with how well she was dealing with Frankie and Traci sharing their food and feeding each other.

"I’m stuffed," Traci groaned pushing aside her plate.

"Could I get you any dessert," the waiter asked collecting the plates. "We have a special red velvet cake for Valentine’s Day."

"That sounds delicious," Traci smiled.

"I thought you said you were stuffed," Shelly chuckled.

"There’s always room for cake," Sabin smiled. "We’ll take two slices, my good man. Two forks per plate please." The waiter nodded and headed off to get their dessert.

"You know I hate it when the guy orders for me," Shelly said elbowing him in the ribs lightly.

"It’s Valentine’s Day," he replied. "You have to have some kind of special sweets today."

"The kid’s got a point," Frankie smiled, wrapping an arm around Traci, who snuggled into him. "And what better way to celebrate than with the one you love." He gave a little wink to Sabin again.

"Dude, seriously, quit flirting with me," Sabin huffed. "I dig chicks."

Shelly chuckled at the expression on Frankie’s face. He was totally puzzled by Sabin’s words. "That noise you hear, Frankie, is the loose screws jingling around in Chris’ head."

Frankie laughed then, shaking his head. "You’re perfect for each other," he laughed as the waiter set the two plates of cake in front of them. "You’re both nuttier than a fruitcake." He groaned when Shelly’s foot connected with his shin. "Ah yes, pick on Frankie day continues."

~}i{~

"Bye guys," Shelly called as Frankie and Traci dropped her and Sabin off. "Thank GOD! I thought we’d never get rid of them." She pulled her keys out and opened up her door.

"You seemed to be having a good time," Sabin commented, hesitating in the doorway. He didn’t want to push his luck and assume he was welcome inside after spending the evening with her.

"You coming in," she asked, waving him in. He nodded and came in closing the door behind him. "I did have a good time, but…it was a little rough seeing them so…" She shook her head. "He has a right to be happy. I just have to keep telling myself that."

"So do you," Sabin said taking a seat on the couch. She came into the living room with the box of chocolates in her hand and took a seat next to him, kicking off her shoes and curling her feet under her.

"I’m trying," she sighed. "So, you can be my tester."

"What?"

"There’s always something in here I don’t like," Shelly replied removing the cellophane and opening the box. "You can test it and tell me what it is."

"Aren’t you worried about getting cooties from me," he smirked.

"I was vaccinated recently," she chuckled. "Kay, first one." She held up a small square of dark chocolate up to him and he took a small bite.

"Caramel," he said once he had swallowed. "You know they have what they are on the lid."

"I know," Shelly shrugged. "Just thought this would be more fun." She popped the chocolate into her mouth, licking some that had melted off her finger.

"Let me see that a minute," Sabin said taking the box. He examined the little chart in the lid and smiled. He plucked a round one from the middle and held it up for her. "Open up."

"What is that," she asked eyeing it suspiciously.

"You’ll like it, trust me," he said.

Realizing he wasn’t going to tell her she leaned forward and took a bite. Cherry syrup dribbled down her chin and she chuckled, wiping it away. "How’d you know that’s my favorite," she asked.

Sabin shrugged popping the remainder of the chocolate shell into his mouth. "You got a little…" He motioned toward her lip. "Hang on. Let me get it."

He leaned forward and Shelly’s breath caught in her throat when she felt him gently take her bottom lip into his mouth, sucking off the drop of syrup. She dropped the box of chocolates and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. He released her bottom lip, now and pressed his lips to hers. She didn’t resist him at all as he assaulted her mouth with his.

She closed her eyes tightly and savored the feel of his warm mouth as he trailed down her neck to her collarbone. He shifted so that he was lying on top of her, her legs wrapped around his waist. His hands began to travel, sliding up her leg and pushing her dress up. She felt the electricity as his fingers trailed up her thigh and groaned.

"Chris," she panted, stopping him. "We have to stop."

He pulled away from her, allowing her to sit up. "Sorry. Got a little carried away. I’ll just leave."

"No, don’t," Shelly said stopping him from getting up. "It just felt like things were going too fast," she admitted shyly. "You could stay tonight…if you want. I don’t mind."

Sabin smiled, kissing her nose. "There’s no place I’d rather be." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she rested her head on his chest. They sat there in silence, listening to the sound of each others thudding hearts coming back down to normal.

Chapter 25

Sabin and Shelly had sat for so long in a comfortable silence that they had both dozed off. He woke, feeling Shelly in his arms and smiled. Carefully he got up and lifted her into his arms, carrying her into the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed, covering her and kicked off his shoes before crawling into bed next to her.

He’d worry about the consequences in the morning. For right now he wanted to lie next to her and hold her in his arms. He smiled wide when she snuggled into his side not resisting the warmth of his arms. Closing his eyes he inhaled the sweet scent of her perfume and allowed her even breathing to lull him back to sleep.

The doorbell ringing the next morning woke them both. Sabin pretended to not hear the bell, feigning sleep. He listened as Shelly sat up in bed and could feel her eyes on him. His eyes almost popped open when he felt her hand caress his cheek and a content sigh escape her lips.

The doorbell rang again. "Yeah, I’m coming," she muttered climbing out of bed. "Frankie," she gasped when she opened the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Didn’t you wear that last night," he replied eyeing the now wrinkled dress she wore. "You have a rehab session this morning and so do I. Did you forget?"

Shelly glanced at the clock and groaned. "Damn it! I overslept."

Yawning could be heard from the bedroom. Frankie turned a questioning gaze on Shelly, who blushed. Moments later Sabin walked out of the bedroom, his hair was a mess and he had a wide smile on his face.

"Did I…interrupt something," Frankie asked with a smirk.

"Morning, Frankie," Sabin said, wrapping an arm around Shelly’s shoulders. He placed a kiss on her cheek and smirked up at the older man. He knew he was probably pressing his luck, but he didn’t care.

"Just give me five minutes to change," Shelly said to Frankie. He nodded, looking from Sabin smiling like the cat that ate the canary to Shelly. He shook his head and went to wait on the couch.

"Going somewhere," Sabin asked when Shelly turned to face him. He still had one arm wrapped around her and she gently pulled it away.

"I have a rehab session," she said apologetically. "But if you don’t mind waiting until later I’d love to do something. I don’t care what."

Sabin couldn’t hide the smile. "I’d love that. I’ll think of something and pick you up later. Around two good?"

"Perfect. That’ll give me time to shower and change," she replied. She glanced into the living room and saw that Frankie was flipping through channels. "Thank you for last night. I’ll see you later." With that she pressed a soft kiss to his lips before going into her room to change.

Sabin headed into the living room and took a seat on the couch to pull on his shoes, which Shelly had set outside the bedroom door. The younger man had a smile on his face that he doubted could ever be removed. Frankie watched him a moment before he spoke up.

"So, you and Shell," he asked.

"Looks that way," Sabin said remembering the night before and the feeling of waking up with her in his arms.

"Well, you’re definitely a step up from Morgan," Frankie chuckled.

"Gee, thanks," Sabin replied in mock hurt. "I think she’s finally realizing that I’m not such a bad choice after all."

"You never were," Frankie said patting Sabin on the back. Both men stood as Shelly emerged from the bedroom in cut off sweats, a tank top and sneakers. "Be good to her, man. She deserves to be happy." Sabin nodded as Shelly walked him to the door. Frankie hung back allowing them to say their goodbyes in private.

"See you later," Sabin said leaning forward and kissing Shelly on the cheek. He had already gotten one kiss on the lips that morning and he didn’t want to push his luck any more than he already had.

Once Sabin had left Shelly turned her attention toward Frankie. She took in the smile on his face and groaned. "Don’t start," she grumbled. "Come on we’re late."

"I wasn’t going to say a word," he replied following her out of the apartment.

Later that day Sabin showed up at two as promised. He knew she would be tired and probably sore from the rehab session so he opted to rent a couple of movies and picked up some ice cream for them to share.

She scooped the ice cream into two bowls and hobbled into the living room as Sabin put the first movie in. The menu screen for Shaun of the Dead soon came on the screen. Sabin accepted the bowl of ice cream and set it aside pulling her bad knee onto his lap. Without a word he started the movie and removed her brace, massaging the ache away.

Shelly couldn’t believe how good Sabin was at massaging her sore joint. She didn’t object to the massage, not even when his hands strayed a little farther up then they should have. She stopped his hand from traveling and laced her fingers with his.

He looked at her surprised a moment by the gesture, but then he smiled sheepishly at her. "Got a little carried away," he sighed.

She chuckled and shook her head. "You have a problem with that, don’t you," she asked.

"When it comes to you…yes," he replied.

Shelly pulled her leg off his lap and readjusted herself on the couch so that she was resting her head on his shoulder. "As long as you stop when I tell you to there shouldn’t be a problem," she said softly. He nodded and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, going back to watching the movie.

~}i{~

At the next Impact taping Shelly accompanied Sabin to the arena. Cindy was ecstatic to have another woman to hang out in the locker room while the Machineguns got ready for their matches. Taylor was happy to have Shelly to hang out with as well.

Shelly was talking with Taylor and Cindy in the locker room when Sabin came in, kicking over a nearby chair. It clattered against the wall and fell to the floor. Sabin grumbled something under his breath, taking deep breaths to try to calm himself down.

"Chris, what’s wrong," Shelly asked going to his side.

"Fucking Morgan," Sabin growled. Shelly looked at him confused. She hadn’t given the man much thought since the blow up. "I’ll be facing him tonight. Morgan’s request."

Cindy and Taylor gasped. "But…he can’t possibly…I mean…what he did to Petey was…Oh Chris," Shelly stammered, throwing herself into his arms.

"I’ll be all right," Sabin consoled, wrapping his arms around her and stroking her back.

"This is my fault," she shuddered.

Sabin held her at arm’s length and made her meet his gaze. "This is not your fault. This is Morgan trying to stroke his wounded ego. I’ll have Alex for back up. Try not to worry. All right?"

Alex was at his partner’s side then. "It’ll be all right, Shell." He turned to Cindy. "I don’t want you at ringside tonight, baby. It’s too dangerous."

Shelly nodded, though the worry was written all over her face. "Come on, Shell," Cindy said taking her hand and making her sit down. "Chris knows what he’s doing."

The men left the locker room and the three women settled in to watch the match. Morgan made his way down to the ring, a cocky grin on his face. The match started out fast with Sabin delivering a flurry of moves to bring the big man to his knees. Inevitably the referee was bumped and Morgan took this opportunity to grab a chair.

Alex slid into the ring, shoving his friend out of the way as Morgan raised the chair and brought it down across his back. Cindy cringed as her boyfriend rolled out of the ring writhing in pain. The referee came to in time to see Morgan with the chair and signaled to ring the bell.

That didn’t stop Morgan. He dropped the chair and grabbed Sabin by his hair, pulling him up. He began to toy with the smaller man, unaware that Sabin had recovered slightly from the previous beating. He began to fight back as best he could, but his attack was cut short when he climbed the ropes to deliver a drop kick. Morgan caught him with ease and slammed him down to the mat.

Cindy had gone to check on Alex’s condition. Shelly could see things escalating despite the referee pleading with Morgan to stop. She got to her feet leaving the locker room before Taylor could stop her. She didn’t care if she’d get in trouble. Her only thought was keeping Sabin from being hurt worse than he already was.

She made it out to the ring in record time despite her knee screaming in agony. The fans went insane seeing her coming to Sabin’s aid. She slid into the ring and delivered a low blow to Morgan from behind. He dropped Sabin as he was just about to Chokeslam him and crumbled to his knees.

"Chris! Are you all right," she asked helping him to sit up.

"You shouldn’t be out here," Sabin groaned. His eyes grew wide when he saw a livid Morgan get to his feet. He bounced off the ropes behind Shelly, prepared to deliver a devastating Carbon Footprint to her.

"Look out," Sabin yelled and shoved her out of the way. Morgan’s foot connected with his jaw. He fell to the mat, his head bouncing off of it. Blackness enveloped him.

"Chris," Shelly yelled, crawling to his side. Pain shot through her scalp when Morgan grabbed her by the hair and hoisted her into the air.

"Ready to join the Mile High Club, baby," he snickered to her as she kicked, trying in vain to get free. "It’s time you took a ride on the Hellavator."

Before Morgan could slam her to the mat Abyss’ music filled the arena and the large masked man lumbered to the ring. Morgan dropped Shelly as Abyss entered the ring and chased him off. When Morgan was gone he dropped to his knees to check on Shelly and Sabin.

"Are you all right," he asked her.

"Yes," she replied. "Help Chris please, Abyss."

Sabin was knocked out cold and he lay motionless in the ring. Carefully Abyss got Sabin out of the ring and carried him to the back. Shelly walked beside the large man, worried about the state of her friend.

When they got to the back Abyss handed Sabin off to the EMTs waiting for him. Alex was in pain, but had suffered no long term injury. Cindy, Taylor, Greg and Frankie were there to check on their friends.

As they stood around an irate Cornette shoved his way through the crowd. He glared at Shelly a moment before he turned his gaze to Sabin, who was now being loaded into an ambulance. He was still out and would need a scan on his head.

"What the hell were you thinking running out there," Cornette demanded of Shelly, but his voice was not angry. It conveyed concern instead. "You could have re-injured your knee."

"I couldn’t let Morgan just manhandle Chris like that, Jim," Shelly replied. She motioned for the EMTs to wait a moment. "Look, fine me. Suspend me. Do whatever you feel is right. I’m going with Chris to the hospital." With that she climbed into the back of the ambulance.

~}i{~

Several hours later Shelly sat by Sabin’s bedside holding his hand. He had woken briefly, but the injury to his head made him sleepy. The doctor’s decided to keep him overnight for observation.

Sabin stirred in the bed, squeezing Shelly’s hand. She had been dozing off, but was wide away when she felt Sabin move and heard him groan. "Chris?"

"Kitty," Sabin said smirking sleepily up at her. Shelly couldn’t help giggling. "What? Two can play that game. I took a pretty good knock to my head, huh?"

Shelly nodded. "It’s not too serious, but serious enough for the doctor to want you observed for a while."

Sabin frowned and tried to sit up in bed, fighting the dizziness that overwhelmed him. "Did Morgan hurt you?"

"Abyss made the save," Shelly replied shaking her head. "While you were out I had my knee looked at. I shouldn’t have sprinted down to the ring, but when I saw that you were in trouble…"

Sabin smiled, lacing his fingers with hers. "You came to save me?" She nodded. "So, what’s the verdict on your knee?"

"Perfectly fine," Shelly smiled. "The rehab is doing wonders."

"That’s great," Sabin yawned.

"Get some rest, Chris. You had a few more screws knocked loose tonight." He smiled and settled back on the pillows. He didn’t let go of Shelly’s hand and she didn’t object. With her fingers still laced with his she settled back on her chair to rest herself.

Chapter 26

The very next week on Impact Abyss had a match against Morgan. The large masked man took great pleasure in abusing his former tag partner. He battered the large man up and down the ring, bloodying him for everything he had put Shelly and Sabin through.

After the beating and resulting pinfall Abyss grabbed a chair, intent on putting more of a hurting on Morgan. At the very least he would learn to leave Shelly and Sabin alone now. Alex appeared in the ring and demanded the chair. Abyss gladly handed it over and watched as Alex brought he chair down over Morgan’s back.

"That's your receipt," Alex growled glaring down at the fallen giant. With that task done both Alex and Abyss exited the ring.

~}i{~

Later that evening after Greg had his match against Consequences Creed he was walking past the medic station and spotted Morgan being treated. He headed over, a smirk curling his lips. Morgan saw Greg standing there and grumbled something under his breath.

"The fuck do you want," Morgan growled as his forehead was stitched up.

"Matt," Greg said going over to the larger man and taking a seat next to him. "You got your ass handed to you tonight."

"Tell me something I don’t know," Morgan replied, not at all in the mood for the gloating. The medic stitching him up finished and applied a bandage to his head.

Greg slipped an arm around Morgan’s shoulders. "Something you don’t know? Shell’s got PLENTY of back up around here. You ever dare lay a hand on her or Chris Sabin again and you’ll be a world of hurt like you’ve never experienced. Do I make myself clear?" He gave Morgan’s shoulders a squeeze and the larger man cringed, pain shooting down his back.

"Crystal," Morgan groaned.

"Good man," Greg smiled, slapping Morgan on the back as he stood. He couldn’t help smiling as Morgan let out a string of curses, hissing at the pain that rocketed up and down his back.

~}i{~

Sabin was not medically cleared to wrestle for a couple of weeks due to his concussion. That didn’t stop him from going to the Impact tapings to hang out with his friends. He brought Shelly with him and they spent much of their time together.

Cindy and Taylor exchanged smiles whenever they spotted Shelly and Sabin holding hands or talking quietly amongst themselves. The two would often disappear for a while to spend some time alone. The women knew that their friend had finally made the right choice and would finally be happy.

One evening in late March Cindy and Alex entered the Machineguns locker room to find Sabin and Shelly pulling apart. Their faces were flushed and Sabin’s hair was messed. Alex snickered and Cindy couldn’t hide the smile on her face.

"Don’t you two know how to knock," Sabin grumbled.

"This is my locker room too, buddy," Alex chuckled. "Relax. It’s not like we caught you guys screwing around in here. I think you already know to lock the door if you’re gonna do that."

Cindy chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, Shell, before I forget Cornette just informed Alex and I that there will be a new member to the Machineguns."

Sabin quirked a brow at the two as they smiled wider than Cheshire cats. "Who?"

"Me," Shelly smiled. Sabin looked from Alex and Cindy to Shelly and then back to Alex. "Jim told me earlier tonight."

"This is great," Sabin smiled. "What made him make that decision?"

"Wow, that concussion really did give you brain damage," Alex chuckled. "Shell ran out to save your ass from Morgan."

"Yeah, but…I mean…what does this mean for us as a team," Sabin asked frowning. He had been enjoying tagging with Alex for the past couple of years and he feared that adding Shelly to the mix would mean the Machineguns’ official break up.

"Well, Shell and I get into the whole jealousy thing and that leads to you and Alex breaking up," Cindy sighed. "But look at it this way, you two will have some kick ass macthes and once Shell is one hundred percent she and I will get a chance to mix it up."

"Chris," Alex said placing a hand on Sabin’s shoulder and giving it a little squeeze. "You’ll have a beautiful woman to back you up from now on. That’s gotta be better than seeing my ugly mug at ringside."

Sabin smiled wide, snaking his arm around Shelly’s waist. "I think I can get used to that," he said nuzzling Shelly’s neck. She giggled, snuggling into his side. Cindy and Alex could only smile at how far the two had come since Christmas.

~}i{~

"I need a break," Taylor sighed, flexing her fingers. Shelly had enlisted her help as well as Cindy’s in making up the gift bundles for the bridal shower while Traci supervised.

"I could take over for a bit," Traci offered.

"Trace, you just sit back and relax. You’ve done enough with planning the wedding," Shelly said taking over as Taylor rested.

"You know, I can’t help noticing the change in your attitude," Traci smiled. "You’ve been smiling a lot more these days and I swear I caught you humming the other day. What gives?"

Cindy snickered. "That would be Chris," she giggled.

"Honey, that’s great," Traci exclaimed.

"He’s part of it," Shelly admitted. "I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the past few months without him there. There’s also the fact that I’ll be getting back to doing what I love soon." The women looked at her surprised. "My rehab has put my return ahead of schedule. I’m psyched to get back in that ring."

"Just don’t go injuring yourself so close to the wedding," Traci warned.

Shelly chuckled. "Don’t worry. I make my return AFTER the wedding."

"Really? When," Cindy asked.

"First week of June," Shelly replied smiling. "I can’t wait. I’ve been busting my ass in the gym to prepare."

"You think you’ll be challenging Kong for the title then," Taylor asked.

"Probably not right away. I’ll have to work my way back up, but that’s all right. I look forward to it."

"That’s great. Can we get back to work now, ladies," Traci asked in mock frustration. "We only have two weeks until the wedding and I’d like for these to be done before then."

"Slave driver," Shelly mumbled, tossing some ribbon at Traci.

~}i{~

Later that night Sabin showed up at Shelly’s place. He looked way too serious, his usual smile nowhere in sight. Shelly felt a knot in her stomach, unsure of what was bothering him.

"Chris," she asked as they sat on the couch. "What’s wrong?"

Sabin sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "It’s just that…we’ve gotten really close over the past couple of months," he said, playing with a loose thread on his shirt. "And when you ran out to save me from Morgan…well…" He sighed and finally met her gaze. "Where do we stand, Shell? I said that we’d take things one day at a time, but that gets harder to do with each passing day."

"Chris…" She hesitated, unsure of what to say to him.

"I can’t deny the fact that I love you, Shell," he confessed. "I’m in love with you."

"I know that," she said softly.

"But you don’t feel the same," he frowned.

"I didn’t say that," she said sighing and closing her eyes, her heart was thudding in her chest and she couldn’t calm it down. When she opened her eyes he was staring at her expectantly. "Chris, I’m feeling so many things, especially when it comes to you."

"What does that mean?"

She leaned forward and cupped his face. "It means that I don’t know if it’s love, but I definitely care about you." He smiled for the first time since he arrived that night. "You’ve been there for me through some rough times the past few months."

"You don’t have to say anything else," he said, taking her hands and wrapping them around his neck. "Caring for someone is definitely the first step in falling in love. If it takes the rest of my life I’ll make you fall in love with me yet." He smirked at her, his blue eyes twinkling.

"How could I resist that kind of charm," she giggled, leaning forward to place a feather light kiss on his lips.

She was pulling away when his fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her face back to his for a heart stopping kiss. She gave into his will, melting into his chest as he pulled her closer to his warm body. He shifted on the couch so that he was on top of her, kissing and nibbling her neck down to her collarbone.

"Chris," she sighed, her fingers running through his sandy locks.

"I know," he panted pulling away from her. "We have to stop. I need to learn how to control myself."

Without a word Shelly stood and took his hand pulling him to his feet. He gave her a puzzled look, praying she wasn’t kicking him out. She smiled up at him, kissing him lightly.

"Tonight you don’t have to control yourself," she whispered in his ear, nibbling it a little.

It was all the invitation he needed as he allowed her to lead him into the bedroom. Sabin savored every moment, delighting in the feel of her skin against his skin. They explored each other’s bodies well into the night before snuggling under the covers fully satiated. He held her close to him as he gave into his exhaustion, a content smile on his face.

Chapter 27

It wasn’t long before the night of the bachelor and bachelorette parties rolled around. Shelly had managed to rent out a hotel suite for Traci’s party, happy that she had help in decorating things from the other Knockouts. Gail Kim had even shown up to help out. Traci had made her one of her bridesmaids along with Christy, Cindy and Taylor.

She had been more at ease with the party planning and last minute plans leading up to the wedding thanks to her relationship with Sabin. He had definitely taken her mind of what she had once been dreading. That feeling was now replaced by happiness for her friends. She knew they were in love and hoped they would have a long life together.

The party was in full swing and all the women there were having a blast drinking and dancing to the thumping music. It was a miracle that Shelly even heard the knocking at the door. She looked to Cindy and Taylor, who shrugged, as she headed to answer it.

There was a police officer standing there when she opened the door. "Girls, turn down the music," Shelly yelled. The music was cut off. "What can I do for you officer?"

"There’s been some complaints about the noise," the officer said entering the room and closing the door behind him. "I’m afraid I’ll have to take a Miss Traci Brooks in."

"But it’s my bachelorette party," Traci frowned.

Shelly put two and two together and groaned, glaring at Christy, who wore a wide grin on her face. "Christy, you didn’t!"

"Didn’t what," Traci asked as the officer handcuffed her.

Gail headed over to the stereo and put the music back on. The officer smiled down at Traci leading her over to a nearby chair and made her sit. Once she was sitting he began to gyrate to the beat. Traci’s mouth formed an ‘O’ when she realized what was happening.

Shelly just watched, shaking her head. This had been one request that Frankie had made for the party. He didn’t want his future bride to have a stripper at her party. He had agreed to her same condition.

As the ‘officer’ began to strip off his clothes Shelly’s cell phone began to vibrate in her pocket. Pulling it out she saw Frankie’s number on the caller ID. She stepped out of the room to answer the call.

"Shouldn’t you be enjoying your last night of freedom," Shelly teased answering the phone.

"I would, but getting lap dances isn’t my idea of fun," he sighed.

Shelly arched a brow. "So, I see Christy’s not the only one who doesn’t understand rules."

"There’s a stripper there," Frankie asked sounding annoyed now.

"Just one," Shelly admitted.

"Where’s Traci?" Shelly bit her lip, debating whether she should tell him the truth. "Shell?"

"Handcuffed," Shelly replied. "If it makes you feel any better she’s probably not enjoying it…much."

"Thanks, that makes me feel oh so much better," Frankie replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Frankie, what’s with you tonight? It’s not like you to let this get to you. You usually let crap like this roll right off your back."

Frankie let out a sigh and she could practically feel the tension he was feeling coming through the phone. "Could…could you meet me somewhere? I just…I need to talk."

"Sure. Meet me at that diner around the block from my place. I just want to let Cindy know I’m leaving."

"See you there," he replied and hung up.

Shelly headed back into the suite, worry written across her face. She went over to Cindy and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and motioned for Shelly to go, letting her know that she would make an excuse for her absence.

~}i{~

Sabin had gone to find where Frankie had gone. He caught the conversation with Shelly and could feel the jealousy rising making his blood boil. When he realized that Shelly had agreed to meet with Frankie he felt a little hurt. He knew that she would never betray him, but a part of him feared what she would do if Frankie confessed to feeling the same way she did. With a sad sigh he headed back into the party, grabbing some beer.

~}i{~

Fifteen minutes after the phone call Shelly headed into the diner and found Frankie sitting in a booth in the back. She slid in across from him, still unsure what was going on with her friend. He had ordered them coffee and as she waited for him to speak she grabbed the creamer and sugar and stirred it into her cup.

"I think I’m making a mistake," he finally said frowning.

Shelly met his gaze to see if he was joking. "Frankie," she said evenly when she saw he was completely serious. "This is not the right time to get cold feet. You guys have put so much money into this wedding. Not to mention the fact that Traci would be heartbroken if you didn’t show up to your own wedding."

"I just…it feels like it’s so rushed," he sighed picking up his cup and sipping it. "We have the rest of our lives. Why does it have to be so soon?"

"Because you’re in love," Shelly replied. "Look, Frankie, you can make a million and one excuses for not getting married, but the fact still remains that you two are in love. It’s written all over both of your faces whenever you look at each other. What brought this on?"

He shrugged, draining his cup and signaling for the waitress for more. "Everything just hit me tonight, I guess," he replied. "I do love Traci."

"I know," Shelly replied, surprised that hearing his words didn’t hurt like they once had. "And Traci loves you. In the end that’s all that matters. I know it’s a scary transition to make, but you’ll be spending the rest of your life with the woman you love. Isn’t that worth it?"

He smiled and nodded. "I never thought of it that way." He leaned forward and placed a hand over hers. "I can always count on you to make me feel better."

"Isn’t that part of the little sister resume," she asked with a smile. "Now, how about you stop drinking this slop," she said motioning toward the coffee as she stood and pulled him to his feet. "And go home to get some sleep. You have a wedding in the morning."

Frankie tossed some bills down on the table and pulled her into a hug. "Thanks, Shell. Need me to drive you home?"

"I can walk," she replied. "It’s only around the corner." He nodded and walked her out. She watched him get into his car and drive away before heading to her place.

She was just a few houses down when she spotted someone sitting on the porch, a beer bottle in hand. As she got closer she realized it was Sabin. He saw her coming and got unsteadily to his feet.

"Chris? What are you doing here," she asked, realizing he was drunk.

"You met with him," he replied. It wasn’t a question or a statement. It was an accusation.

"Frankie was having a crisis," Shelly replied, pulling out her keys. "I had to talk him down. No big deal." She tried to get by him, but he reached out and grabbed her, pulling her to him. She could smell the alcohol on his breath and it turned her stomach. "Chris, you’re drunk. You need to go sleep it off."

"Tell me you love me," he said.

"Chris, please. Go sleep it off and we’ll talk before the wedding."

He sneered at her and threw the beer bottle at the building. It smashed, splashing them with the remaining beer. Shelly cringed at the sound. "TELL ME YOU LOVE ME," he demanded, his arms like vice grips around her.

"Chris," Shelly pleaded. "Don’t do this. Not tonight."

He released her, leaning against the railing on the steps and glaring at her. "You can’t, can you? You can’t tell me you fucking love me," he slurred. "After all I’ve done for you! You still love that motherfucker!"

Tears were slipping down Shelly’s cheeks as she listened to his drunken tirade. "I love you," she said weakly, though she wasn’t sure she believed the words herself.

He stopped his ranting and glared at her. "Nice try," he replied scoffing. He made his way unsteadily down the steps. "I don’t believe you. You’re so damn hung up on Frankie that you can't see a good man standing right in front of you!"

"FINE! Don’t believe me," she yelled. "Get the hell out of here! You’re drunk and not making sense. If this is how you really feel then just stay away from me!" With that she headed inside, slamming the door behind her. She watched through the glass as he shuffled away muttering to himself.

Shelly made her way to her apartment. She closed the door behind her unable to shake Sabin’s drunken words. As the tears slid down her cheeks she slipped down the door, hugging her knees to her chest and burying her face in them. All Sabin had wanted was an affirmation of love and she couldn’t even give him that. What was wrong with her?

Chapter 28

The next morning when Cindy showed up to pick Shelly up she noticed that her friend looked like she had been crying. Her eyes were red rimmed and puffy. Cindy knew now why Alex had been so pissed with Sabin that morning. Something had definitely happened between the two.

"I don’t want to talk about it," Shelly said softly getting into the passenger seat. "I just want to get through this day." Cindy nodded, knowing better than to push her friend.

~}i{~

"I have royally fucked things up," Sabin frowned as he got ready for the wedding.

"You think," Alex growled.

"Look, I feel shitty enough, Alex. I probably lost the best thing to ever happen to me. So, could you back off with the fucking commentary. I am such a moron. Of course he would call her if he was having cold feet. Shell is the one who brought Frankie and Traci together in the first damn place."

Alex kept his mouth shut. He knew that Sabin was feeling enough remorse and didn’t need to know that Cindy had called and let him know that Shelly had most likely cried herself to sleep. He needed to focus on getting his friend through the ceremony.

~}i{~

"Anyone care for a little bubbly," Shelly asked spotting the bottle chilling.

She had already changed into her gown; a deep purple satin strapless gown that went straight down to the floor. On her feet were matching strappy heels. Her hair had been pulled up into a bun of curls with some curls framing her face. Her make up was light, concealing the evidence of her crying jag the night before. She hoped that the champagne would take her mind off things.

"It’s a little early for that isn’t it," Christy giggled.

"You only get married once," Shelly said popping the cork and pouring herself a glass.

"Hopefully," Gail snickered as Traci smacked her arm.

"I’ll take a glass, sweetie," Traci said. "Maybe it’ll settle my nerves."

"You have nothing to be worried about," Taylor consoled as Shelly handed off the glass of champagne.

Shelly took a seat with a glass of champagne in one hand and the bottle in the other. As she listened to Traci and the others she knew she’d need more of the bubbly alcohol to get through the day. Cindy watched her, frowning. She knew this could potentially lead to something nearly catastrophic for their friends’ wedding. She made a mental note to enlist Taylor’s help in reigning Shelly in.

~}i{~

"Almost time," Traci practically sang as she checked the clock. She was now wearing her gown; an A-line off the shoulder off white satin gown. Her raven locks were curled and pulled up into a twist with her veil and flowers woven through them. She looked radiant as she sat at the vanity checking over her make up.

Cindy and Taylor had taken the bottle of champagne away from Shelly long ago. She had gotten tipsy off of just two glasses and was slightly slurring her words. They knew it was because she had skipped breakfast that morning.

At Traci’s words Shelly stood. "Where are you going, honey," Taylor asked. Traci was busy talking to Gail and Christy.

"I need some air," Shelly lied. Both women fixed her with knowing gazes. "Fine. I need to speak to Frankie."

"Why," Cindy demanded.

"I just need to…" She stopped, cursing herself for drinking. The alcohol was clouding her mind and making her thoughts muddled. "I can’t let him get married without letting him know how I feel."

"Let it go, Shell," Taylor warned. "This is not something he needs on his wedding day."

"Please," Shelly pleaded. "I won’t be long. I promise. I just…I have to tell him."

"No, now sit," Cindy said forcing her back down into her chair.

"Cinder," Traci whined. "My hair is coming out. Can you fix it?"

"Coming," Cindy called. She left Taylor in charge of watching their friend.

"Taylor," Shelly said weakly. "I think I’m going to be sick."

"Need me to come with you," Taylor asked as she helped Shelly to the door.

"No, I’ll be all right," Shelly replied.

"Don’t be long," Taylor warned.

She nodded as she faked being sick. When Taylor had closed the door to the bridal suite she hurried down the hall toward the groom’s suite. Shelly knew that she had a limited amount of time to do what she needed to do.

Without knocking she tested the knob and found it unlocked. She opened the door and entered the suite, finding Frankie just pulling up his tuxedo pants. He spotted her and quickly zipped them up.

"Shell, what are you doing," he asked, flushing.

"I need to talk to you," she replied, closing the door behind her.

"Is something wrong," he asked, concerned that something had happened to his future bride.

"I just need to tell you something very important and I couldn’t let you get married without telling you what I’ve been dying to say to you for so long," she rambled as she paced.

"Shell," he said grabbing her by her shoulders and making her stand still. "You’re not making sense, honey. What’s going on?"

"Frankie, I love you," she confessed.

"I love you too," he smiled. "You didn’t have to barge in on me getting dressed just to say that. You’re my little sister, remember? You know I love you like family."

"No," Shelly groaned, knocking his hands off her shoulders. "I’m in love with you. I have been since…well…since 2005."

~}i{~

"Alex, have you seen Shelly," Cindy asked finding her boyfriend wandering the hall.

"No," Alex replied. Sabin was with him. "She’s missing?"

"Oh no," Taylor groaned. "This is my fault. She was drinking champagne this morning and Cindy and I stopped her after a couple of glasses."

"She suddenly needed to speak to Frankie," Cindy sighed. "And we were supposed to be keeping an eye on her." She glared at Taylor.

"She said she was sick," Taylor defended. "Did you want me to take the chance that she’d puke all over herself?"

"Ladies, stop bickering," Sabin said. "I’ll go find her. You guys just worry about keeping Traci occupied." He knew exactly where she’d be and what she was doing right at this moment.

~}i{~

"Um…wow," was all Frankie could reply to Shelly’s confession. "You are aware that it’s my wedding day, right?"

Shelly sighed and nodded. "I know. I’m sorry. I just…I had to tell you. You had to know how I feel."

At that moment Sabin opened the door to the suite and realized he was too late. Shelly had already made her confession. He was now waiting to hear what Frankie would say, prepared to be there for her if she needed him.

"Shell, I meant what I said about you being family," Frankie said gently. "I do love you, but not like that. I hope you understand."

Shelly let the words sink in. "I do," she sighed. "I…I’m sorry for ruining your day." Surprisingly his words didn’t break her heart.

"Hey," Frankie said pulling her into a hug. "You didn’t. It took a lot of guts for you to make that confession. I’m sorry I don’t feel differently, but I…"

"I know," Shelly replied pulling away. "You’ve found your soul mate, Frankie. I’m happy for you and Traci. I really am."

"I thought there’d be tears or something," he smirked.

"There probably would have been a few months ago," she admitted. "I realized something after my big confession."

"What’s that," Frankie asked. Sabin was curious to hear what she would say.

"I don’t feel that way about you anymore," she smiled. "I thought I did, but…" She shook her head.

"Could it be that you’re actually in love with someone else," Frankie asked spotting Sabin in the doorway.

"Could be," she replied, realizing he had hit the nail on the head.

"Would that someone happen to be an annoying pain in the ass from the X Division," Frankie asked, smirking when Sabin glared at him.

"I think so, yes," Shelly chuckled.

Frankie nodded and turned her around to face Sabin. She gasped realizing that he had probably heard most of their conversation. He nudged her forward and she took a hesitant step in Sabin’s direction.

Sabin held out his hand to her, his face unreadable. "I think we need to talk," he said softly. She nodded accepting his hand and letting him lead her out of the room.

They walked out into the garden where the wedding ceremony would be held. The guests were murmuring amongst themselves as they waited. Sabin led her over to where they could talk in private.

"So, you’re not in love with Frankie anymore, huh?" She nodded. "Why’s that?"

"A certain cute kitty with a couple of screws loose changed my mind," she replied. He couldn’t help smiling at her words.

"You did mean it last night, didn’t you," he asked softly, meaning when she had told him she loved him.

"Yes," she replied looking at the ground. "I guess I didn’t really realize it last night though."

Sabin tucked a finger under her chin and made her meet his gaze. "That’s all I needed to hear," he smiled, kissing her softly. "Come on. You’re a part of this wedding and I think Traci will have a heart attack if you’re missing for much longer."

The wedding went off without a hitch. Traci was none the wiser about Shelly’s little talk with Frankie. Shelly took her place in the wedding party and watched as her friends professed their love for each other. She was truly happy for them as they exchanged their vows.

At the reception Shelly and Sabin were inseparable. Cindy and Taylor smiled as they danced with their boyfriends. As the bride and groom slipped away to enjoy their first night as husband and wife Shelly smiled. She turned to Sabin and met his eyes. The love she saw in them was reflected in her own as he cupped her face and brought his lips down to hers.