Back Out There (O2A)

[Jennifer Drew]

Earlier.

Jennifer knew it was time for a change. With that in mind she set out toward her target a little hair salon a few blocks away from the APW Angel’s Tower. It was trendy, overpriced and within walking distance, meaning all the APW girls had probably been in there at some point during the season. She took the star treatment getting called straight back for her appointment. Her usual stylist ushered her back and put her in one of the chairs.

Jenny, it’s been way too long. Have you been hiding again? You’ve got some ‘splainin’ to do, Lucy. But, what are we doing today?

That’s the question isn’t it? Give me something I haven’t done yet. Something that’ll make people ask if it’s still me, you know get me on the brain.

Well, there is one thing I can do, brace yourself.

And with that, the devious plan unfolded.

After the cut, the full treatment, the exposing the business, the confirming all the rumors she could and all she burns up the plastic and heads home, satisfied with her new look. She was going short and it was better than she imagined. The entire exercise was a cliché, but it was a useful one. Plus it made her feel all utilitarian inside, function and form, or something. Anything she could squeeze that many levels out of was cool in her book.

Soon.

The next day it was time to fix the other problem Jennifer saw. She was out of the loop to an almost ridiculous degree. More than that she hadn’t just hung out and people watched around the tower the way she used to in, well forever. Chalk it up to embarrassment, sadness, paranoia or just plain not trying, it was still a problem.

Best course of action? Just hang out at the Tower View, have a drink and try to look interesting like she always did.

[Kasino Royale]

+After securing the first challengers for their newly acquired tag team championships, Kasino made his way into the Tower View, a bit of relaxation and heavy drinking on his mind. He glanced down at the watch on his wrist as he began to estimate just how much time he had before he was to meet up with Stacie again later on. About an hour of play time he thought. Just enough to get something intoxicating inside of that 6'10 frame of his. +

+He made his way to the bar area, taking a seat as he made eye contact with the bartender, knowing he already knew just what he was requesting. He quickly scampered away just as the big man released a long drawn out sigh before leaning back in the bar stool as much as it would allow a man of his stature before turning to his immediate left, laying his eyes on the seemingly familiar face a few feet away. An eyebrow raised as he removed the dark shades from his face, and within moments he realized just who it was. An "old friend" it seemed. He could only smile as he turned back towards the bartender momentarily, and then back to the woman he hadn't spoken to in almost a year now, back in New York...+

[glow=red,2,300]Well, well...How's it hangin' Jen? Been a minute since we last spoke right?...How's life treatin' ya girl?[/glow]

[Jennifer Drew]

This was definitely a return to form.

Kasino? Hey, yeah it has been a really long time. I’m doing fine now. Just thought I’d come out and see what’s going on around here. So, finally did the whole tag champ thing, huh?

[Kasino Royale]

+A brief smile across his face hearing of the newly acquired tag team championships. It HAD certainly been a long time coming for the duo, yet they never really concerned themselves with titles really that much. That seemed to be more Vegas' and 187's thing really...+

[glow=red,2,300]Heh...Yea...Figured why not get those things around your waist at least once ya' know? Never know when your career's gonna be over so, to hold em' even once means somethin'.
[/glow]
+He turns his attention to the bartender arriving with his drink, taking it from the bar counter as he nods his head in the man's direction before turning back to Jennifer...+

[glow=red,2,300]So, yea the tag title thing is aiight I guess. Not really my thing anymore I don't think though. I may need to toss my hat in with the big dogs in that World Title Picture before long. Show em' how to really do some damage in that squared circle. Hell I ain't gettin' any younger that's for sure. Just gotta get the timing right really. And you? What you got planned since stepping out of the tag team picture? Gonna show the APW Roses how a real champ does it? Ya' did damn good for yourself back in New York if I remember right. How's 'bout a second run?[/glow]

[Jennifer Drew]

She takes another sip from her drink while she looks over at him.

World Title, huh? Guess they can’t keep you guys away from that thing. Well good luck with that. As for me, I’d love to give it a try. I mean I already beat the champion, back when she was the number one contender. That kinda makes me champ already. Transitive property… maybe…I think. Anyway, I’m definitely doing this sometime soon. It’s just a matter of tracking the champion down.

[Kasino Royale]

[glow=red,2,300]Meh...I see it like this. If she's a REAL competitor and got any confidence and belief in her abilities? She'd come lookin' for YOU actually. That's how I'd do it anyway. Screw the mind tactics tryin' to avoid a challenger or whateva'. I'm more the type to go lookin' for a fight so...I don't get how these champions today act when they get a little gold around their waists. I say you go out and call her ass out. That title needs someone like you to hold onto it for a while. Gives it more credibility ya' know? That's what's wrong with the business today. Get these young rookies in here who don't know the meaning of being a competitor. Grab a belt and then just hide all damn day. Shit's disgusting if you think about it.[/glow]

[Jennifer Drew]

Yeah, tell me about it. It’s a very strange dynamic, but what are you going to do? Live with it, that’s what. I bet I can at least get this done after I fill out all the forms and win all my qualifying matches against the entire female population of Earth, you know to prove I'm "worthy". Guess we’ll just have to see what happens here with Ms. Skye. Anyway, I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot here, any new tidbits for me?

[Kasino Royale]

[glow=red,2,300]Missed? Not much really when ya' think about it Jen. I mean, APW's got good people here and there around here but for the most part? I see fear in these boys and girls eyes around here. That? Don't sit well with me personally. I like to know the man standing across from me has every intention of beating the living daylights out of me because I have every intention of doing the same to him. I don't see that in the ring anymore. And I'm sure you can say the same about the ladies you've been tangling with lately. If the company knows what's good they'd push the REAL talent around here. Then you won't feel like you're missin' somethin'. Because all that's been missed is some real showmanship and entertainment around this place. Thank god for the Fam eh? Heh Heh... [/glow]

[Jennifer Drew]

I should have known.

Jen just leans back and rolls her eyes.

I should have known you wouldn’t have so much as an ounce of decent gossip for me. I’ll remember this is a dry well from now on.

She giggles a little then goes on.

I don’t really know what to say about the other thing. Seems like we could use a little more of that, showmanship thing. Guess things are pretty different on our side. Yuki was pretty insistent about kicking my ass all over the ring. And I’m sure life will get more exciting

[Kasino Royale]

+He himself couldn't help but laugh at that one as he set his glass back down atop the counter in front of them. A bright smile on his face as he turns and speaks again...+

[glow=red,2,300]Alright, alright ya' got me. I don't really pay attention to the gossip part of stuff. Not too much anyway. People are always talking about something or somebody, and most of the time? It's all created off of boredom. Only piece I can even recall coming across my ears was about just who IS the father of Christina Gruber's baby. You don't even wanna know Jen, you don't wanna know.

But, yea the ladies side is a little different from what I see. The male side just has a bunch of punks in it I think man. But you ladies go out and put on show after show for the most part. Some good stuff to watch. Like Yuki for instance. She's not the biggest or the strongest but I'll be damned if she doesn't go full throttle every time. No pun intended. Maybe I should get a sex change and just join the damn Rose division eh?...[/glow]

+He brings the drink back to his lips again, taking a sip finishing it off before a almost bewildered look comes over his face. He turns back to Jennifer again and...+

[glow=red,2,300]Who the hell am I kidding? A 6'10 woman with no breasts and no ass. I'd be in that bathroom break category with the viewers eh? Nobody's gonna wanna see that at ALL...Nah...Better stick with what I got. Besides Stacie would be devastated...Ha... ;D[/glow]

[Jennifer Drew]

She breathes a big sigh of relief and laughs a little as she finishes another sip.

Yeah, let me be the first person to say thanks for thinking about Stacie and the rest of us first. Not that you wouldn’t be lovely in your own special, not particularly lovely but we’ll say so to be polite, way Kasina. But that Christina thing sounds a little Ark of the Covenanty so I won’t press you, until I’m sure I’m totally ready. Unfortunately I really don’t have anything to share, I’m mostly trying to rebuild the network.

[Kasino Royale]

+He raises an eyebrow, genuinely shocked to hear the words but...Looking at the new hairdo he should have guessed that by now...+

[glow=red,2,300]Ah yea. I see that. But hey it looks good on ya'. Really it does. Nothin' wrong with a little change here and there. Keep things fresh for the fans and all. [/glow]

+He paused for a few second sliding his now empty glass back to the bartender and pounding his palm against the counter a few times signaling he was ready for round two. +

[glow=red,2,300]Probably for the best though since you not in the tag ranks with us anymore. Change up, re-invent and re-package and then get back out there with the "product". Meh...Either way you'll be at the front of the Rose division soon anyway. You're Jenny freakin' Drew for Christ's sake. But, moving on from that. I'm gonna press my luck here and ask about the personal life. And no this ain't a come on line either. I struck out once with ya', I ain't aiming to do it twice eh? You look happy to me. Or maybe it's just the hair? Meh...I dunno...So, any luck out there with the fellas...Or...*Ahem*...The girls even?
[/glow]

[Jennifer Drew]

Glad you're liking the new look. I told everyone guys were into practicality.

Right... as Jen just smiles and shakes her head as she segues to the big question.

No, can’t really say I have any. That’s kind of the trend here. I don’t really know about too many of the guys here, and my reputation with the girls left here goes from “she’s alright” to “God I want to kill her,” which is weird. Think it had something to do with me saying I hated them all for so many months? It couldn’t right? Unless they buy that I’m cool again already.

[Kasino Royale]

[glow=red,2,300]Well...[/glow]

+Taking the newly refreshed beverage up into his hand as he let's loose a deep sigh before turning to Jennifer once again...+

[glow=red,2,300]Meh...Yea pretty much. Heh Heh...I'm sure the things you were sayin' provoking the bottom of the barrel ladies on the roster to wanna cut your brake line causing for a fiery death off of a cliff had at least...SOMETHING to do with it.

But hey that's just a wild guess Jen. What do I know right? As for the guys? They probably don't want to get involved with a woman who won't bow down to em' ya' know. Someone who's gonna stand strong and do her, instead of waiting back at the suite in the Tower ironing shirts for him and fetching his slippers when he gets back. Truthfully you probably scare em' all sad to say. Be wise and stay searching but stay closer to the female side if you can...Damn...I can't believe I'm counter campaigning for the opposite side. I may just get my player card revoked for this one. Meh. Their loss anyway so don't sweat it. I guess I got lucky meetin' Stacie then. Well actually I know I did. ;D[/glow]

[Jennifer Drew]

"Did I actually say the brake line thing? Because that definitely sounds like me. If not I’m saving it for the next time I go on a violent tear."

Jen slides her empty glass away as she makes the mental note and signals for the refill. She just stares at Kasino in awe as she waits. Yeah, she really couldn’t believe what she heard either.

Wow, I can’t believe you just said that. You better hope no one else is listening or you might be ex-Familia after breaking the party line like that. I thought you guys were like morally opposed the whole girl/girl thing, or at least that’s what all your literature says. Still, I have to say, it is sound advice. I’ll take it.

She picks up her new drink and takes a swig.

And I have to say, I really like Stacie.

Jen pauses for a moment. Clearly, she believed she had just made a faux pas.

Oh… not like what we were talking about just now, but she seems really cool. Hope I get to know her better…as a friend. How is she anyway?

[Kasino Royale]

+Initially the big man almost chocked a bit as the words from Jennifer's lips made way to his ears. Stopping the sipping of his drink his glass found it's way back to the counter top, slowly turning his head towards her as a semi-awkward moment seemed to be apparent ...+

[glow=red,2,300]Oh...She's...Good...Damn good...Wait...
[/glow]
+He stops pondering just what he was saying. Or what he was supposed to be saying maybe? He was a bit confused right now...+

[glow=red,2,300]No I don't mean she's...Well wait now don't get me wrong she IS good now but I...I mean not in a "hooker" type way good like she's doing it ALL the time or anything like...I...Well...She's doin'...Fine...Jen...
[/glow]

*Long Awkward Silence*

[glow=red,2,300]...So...How about that Barry Bonds eh?... [/glow]

[Jennifer Drew]

Thank God he made the save on that one. This would probably clear out all the Stacie thoughts that were creeping in to her head. She couldn’t think about that now… while her boyfriend was looking at her.

Barry Bonds, yes, him. That’s just a shame isn’t it. I don’t know what your take on it is, but it’s definitely a huge milestone. It’d be great if he could have made it without the gas and all, but I guess that’s pro sports now. I just hope there’s no investigation here or anything. I doubt that would end well. Plus, who wants to testify against co-workers?

[Kasino Royale]

+Thank God that went well. He nonchalantly wipes away the bead of sweat from his brow before proceeding...+

[glow=red,2,300]Um yea. That is somethin' but...Hell, if you ask me if their gonna give the man a hard time about "gas'n up"? They need to go back and dig up some of the bastards in the ground already and perform sort of resurrection interrogation to see just how many REALLY were juiced up. I bet they'd have to throw out the whole damn record book before it's over.
[/glow]
+He paused for a second, realizing he was on his third drink now. Maybe that's why he was speaking so...However you wanna classify it. Damn he almost called his girlfriend a whore...Not good. He raises the glass to eye level, glaring through it to the other side as he comments under his breath...+

_{[glow=red,2,300]Damn...What's in this stuff anyway?[/glow]}

[Jennifer Drew]

She finishes off the rest of her drink and looks over at him while she makes the important refill decision. All she knew was her baseball knowledge was going to evaporate fast at this rate.

Well, what can you do? People really didn’t seem to mind for a long time there, but it’s nice, distracting and timely now.

Nice, distracting and timely, yeah that wasn’t lost on her, even at this point in the night. After a few seconds she goes for the next round, just staring down at it for a moment. Most of the doubt melted away when she remembered she was taking an elevator home.

So, anything else fun going on?

[Kasino Royale]

+Damn...His fourth one now. Or was it his fifth? Hell he had lost count. The stuff was pretty strong. Not that watered down cheap two dollar stuff Buck kept in his suite to get the bubble head skanks drunk and take advantage of em'. No this was real alcohol. He raised the glass to his lips taking a sip or two before commenting, making eye contact with Jennifer in the mirror adjacent from their place of seating...+

[glow=red,2,300]Well...Other than coming here...Getting drunk on our days off and trying to let your body heal from the bumps? You know me Jen. Alcohol and the occasional smoke is how I have my fun.

But there's a nice little get together at a nearby club or somethin'. I think Stac wanted to swing by and see what was goin' on with that for a little bit before we headed back to the room and crashed. Welcome to tag along if ya' want? Other than that I think 187, Dice & Jason are throwing some sort of...Lingerie party or somethin' with a bunch of half naked girls up in Vegas' suite while he's in the hospital. He's gon' kill their asses when he finds out...Heh Heh...[/glow]