The black pen streaks across the bottom of the picture as I sign my autograph for the thousandth time tonight. We’re at a local mall doing an informal meet and greet with fans. The line is overwhelmingly long, stretching as far as I can see, but Russ, the CEO of WCW has security in place. Despite the unpredictability of large crowds, the event is running like a well-oiled machine.

“Here you go,” Lilah says, reaching around me to place more pictures on the long table.

Angling my head over my shoulder I smile up at her. “Thank you.” My eyes appraisingly assess her professional attire. I’ve always been a big fan of the casual look, but she makes businesslike look sexy as hell.

She moves on to replenish my sister Ronnie’s pictures before we can exchange any more words. The two of them titter with laughter, Lilah’s blonde head next to Ronnie’s darker one as they converse.

“Jesse Gunn, just the man I wanted to see.”

Facing forward, I find an attractive brunette next in line. A smile blazes across my lips as I slip into my professional wrestling persona once again. “Well, sweetheart, that’s what I like to hear,” I answer charmingly.

“Can you write, to my girl Eva - thanks for last night?”

I chuckle. This shit happens all the time. I don’t bother protesting. What good would it do to get in a back and forth with a fan? I write to Eva, thanks for being one of #JessesGirlz. It’s my standard reply and it works like a charm every time.

The signing lasts another hour before everything is boxed up for another day. Tables and chairs get taken down and folded up by members of our crew. When they’re finished it looks like we were never here.

“We goin’ out for drinks now?” Wyatt Douglas, another wrestler from WCW asks. “Signing my name so much was hard work and I’m parched. I’m feeling weak and I might be dehydrated.”

Ronnie overhears and snorts. “Like you need a reason to go out for a few.”

“Who’s in?” Wyatt ignores her.

“I’m game. I don’t have any plans. My eyes scan the area for Lilah and I find her typing furiously on her phone. She’s probably already updating social media with info and pictures from tonight.

“I’ve got nothing better to do,” Ronnie states.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s get the hell outta here.” Wyatt pulls his keys from his pocket. “I’ll grab my truck and meet you at Eastside Brewhouse,” he informs us before hurrying off.

My stare fastens on Lilah as I walk with my sister.

“Let’s go. Why are you dragging your feet?” Ronnie asks, grinning once she notices who I’m watching. “Lilah,” she calls her name. “Want to grab a drink?”

“I’d love to, but I have way too much to take care of before tomorrow. Have fun.” She avoids looking my way.

“I tried big brother,” Ronnie says, shrugging her strong shoulders. “Maybe you’re losing your touch with the ladies?”

“My problem is not with all ladies, just one stubborn blonde.”

* * *

We slide onto the vacant stools next to Wyatt at the Eastside Brewhouse.

“What’s your poison?” the bartender asks.

“Can I have a glass of white wine please?” Ronnie orders.

“I’ll take a Heineken.”

“How about you sir?” he asks Wyatt.

“Sure, another shot and beer.” He’s already got two empty shot glasses in front of him and a beer not long behind.

“What’s up with you?” I nod at his drinks.

“Nothing man. Just felt like blowing off some steam tonight.”

“Gotcha, we can do that.” If that’s what he needs, I’m game.

“Can we talk about how annoying Alex Kid Colt is?” Ronnie chimes in.

“If you’re going to hang out with us, it’s not fucking gossip time,” I state.

“Yeah, Kid is annoying as fuck,” Wyatt agrees. So much for backing me up.

“Guys do we really need to go there? We could waste hours talking about his giant ego and arrogance.” I try to put out the fire but end up adding more fuel.

“Don’t forget how he manipulates everyone into thinking he’s a nice guy, but he’s really a grade A asshole,” Wyatt mentions.

“He’s his own biggest fan. Have you seen the shit he posts on social media bragging about his accomplishments as if he’s achieving things on his own? Hello?” Ronnie throws her hands up in the air. “We have a script to follow.” She finishes.

“Let’s talk about something else. Kid isn’t worth wasting energy on,” Wyatt raises a shot to his lips, downing the amber liquid. Bang. He slams the glass down on the bar.

“I second that,” I say, tipping my beer toward Ronnie. Motioning like she’s zipping her lips, I laugh because she can’t stay silent for long.

We spend the next hours hanging out with fans of WCW, posing for an endless stream of pictures and signing more body parts than I can count.

* * *

Damn. I’m running behind schedule this morning. For the first time in a while, I’m dealing with the after effects of drinking more than I typically would. Am I getting soft or just old?

Peering into Lilah’s office, I’m disappointed she’s not there. Where could she be? Glancing at the clock on the wall, I see that I don’t have more than five or ten minutes before I need to be on the road. We have a practice at the training center and I need to get a workout in at the gym. Staying in peak physical shape is imperative for my job. Not just for appearance sake either. Working out helps me to avoid injuries.

Stepping inside Lilah’s office, I move across the floor to her desk. I place a newly released hardcover book written by her favorite author on the wooden surface and set a small bag of chocolate truffles on top. Heading back to the hallway, I meet Lilah right outside her door.

“Jesse? What are you doing here?” Her eyes alight with genuine surprise and a flash of happiness before she cools her expression.

I grin. “I left a present on your desk.”

“You don’t need to buy me gifts.” She wipes a hand over her brow. “You’re sweet to bring me things all the time, but maybe you shouldn’t anymore?”

“But I like buying you gifts.”

“Friends don’t buy each other presents.”

“When are you going to go out with me?” I ignore her words. She loves my gifts.

“Friends don’t ask each other out on dates.”

“I must’ve gotten the definition of friends wrong, but I’ll try harder next time.”

“Really?” She’s angry. “This needs to stop. We’ve played this game long enough.”

“Is that a definitive no?” I jest, fighting to hold back a smile.

“Yes, Jesse.” She’s not amused, and I find her anger extremely attractive. Maybe I should offer my body up, so she can work some of that aggression out of her system. It’s not good to hold it in.

“So, having sex would be off the table?”

She rolls her eyes. “It’s never been on the table, Jesse. Only in your delusional mind.”

“Then this is turn down two hundred ninety-one?”

“Yep.” She avoids looking at me.

“Just checking. I’ll see you soon.” Leaning over I kiss the top of her head and stroll down the hallway. Grinning widely, I step on the elevator, encouraged by her reaction. Anger means she cares, which proves I’m wearing her down.

This was the first time in three years of asking that she didn’t make up a silly reason why she couldn’t go out with me. That’s part of the game we play.

It’s only a matter of time until my persistence pays off.