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I didn't know what to say. There was nothing more I wanted then to go out with this guy, but I had to think about what that would mean for the paper if we didn't have a good time. The whole premise behind Zach coming here and doing this public speaking and human interest piece was so he could inspire people. Little did he know that he was inspiring me so I could get into the college of my dreams and be a reporter. He asking me out on a date was something I didn't need to deal with right now.
"Zach, that sounds like a really good idea but..."
"But you're totally not interested in a guy like me. Hey that's alright. Don't worry about it. Some other time I'm sure."
When he stood up from the seat slowly, getting his balance my heart was breaking. I didn't want him to think that because he had one leg I wasn't going out with him. It had nothing to do with that and I didn't need him thinking otherwise and realizing I might be superficial. But was I really sure his one leg wasn't the real reason I was saying now. Was I embarrassed to be around someone like him? Or was I really just more interested in getting this article done and him flying away?
"No Zach wait, you're getting the wrong idea here!"
"I think I get the idea crystal clear. Look can we call this a day right now? I think I need to get back to the hotel and rest up a little bit before I have to go rehearse some matches. We can finish this whole thing up tomorrow so I can be on my way. I'm sorry for making this whole thing hard on you Hayley."
"Zach wait!"
Even though he had the cane, he was walking slowly, and I know that if I really wanted to run after him and make him stop, I had a ton of time to do it, but for some reason, him not stopping made me not want to stop him. Maybe it was really better this way and he walking out would be the best thing for them both. I didn't want to lead him on and I was sure that even though he looked hurt right now, he wasn't going to push me into anything either. So as I sat there, I just walked him walk away and out of the diner and possibly out of my life all together.
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"You did what?"
"I turned him down Ariel why does that seem like such a shock?"
"Because he's cute and he likes you. Are you mentally deficient or something today?"
"No, and I would appreciate it if you stopped talking to me like I'm 5. I did the right thing for all of us."
"How is that good for all of us? Brock thinks that you would be great with him and that he genuinely seemed to like you, and now you go and do this?"
"He's better off remember?"
"I never said that and you know it Hayley. I think you need to get over your past and move on to someone that might know what its like to be where you've been. Zach could totally be that person for you and deep down you know it."
"Deep down I know that he's not here for long, and I am not allowing myself to get more attached and have him leave. I can see that happening with Zach, cant you see it with Brock or are you just playing him?"
"I know what you mean, but should we sit here and be pissed off for a week when we have these cute guys, who have I mentioned make more then my parents combined?"
I knew she had a point, but I had to shake my head to realize I didn't want to focus on how much money they made. This wasn't a motivation for me. Money never mattered before and because Zach had some, it wasn't going to matter now.
"Money means nothing, and you're not going to make me feel bad about this Ariel."
"There is no talking to you, you're a mess. Call me when you finally get your shit together Hayley, because right now you don't see the forest from the trees."
"Oh not you too! Ariel, don't you dare hang up on me."
"Give a reason to stay on the line?"
"Because you're my best friend that's why, and you're going to throw away years of friendship because I can't double date with you and your wrestler of the week? Never mind that thought I've got another call. I will be right back."
Clicking over the line quickly, trying to block out what Ariel had been telling her about Zach, the mistake and the money, she heard the strange voice on the other end of the line.
"Hello?"
"Can I talk to Hayley please?"
"This is her, who is this?"
"Randy."
"Who?"
"Oh so quickly she forgets! I must not have made a big enough impression on you earlier. I'm Randy Orton remember now?"
"Oh Randy yes I'm sorry! What can I do for you?"
"Actually I was wondering about the offer I made you earlier, if you would like to meet up and make use of a good story."
"You want me to interview you?"
"Among other things. What do you say?"
I had to think about this long and hard. I mean I had just gotten the same request from Zach and turned him down. My thoughts were leading back to what Ariel had been saying on the other line, and that I did need to move on. The best part was that if I did it with Randy, I didn't like him so there was no way I could get hurt. It seemed full proof.
"Hayley, what do you say?"
"I say yes Randy; I will see you at the hotel in an hour."
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(Hotel Later that night before the Date)
"Hey Brock can I use some of your cologne?"
"You got a hot date or something?" Brock said rolling his eyes.
"Actually I do, and she's pretty hot alright. Oh and if its possible I might be bringing her back here later, so if you could, could you get lost for the night?"
"Where the hell am I going to go?"
"Well you picked yourself up a nice piece of ass earlier I thought too, I'm sure she would take a lost puppy like you in."
Brock couldn't listen to his arrogance anymore, especially where Ariel was concerned. It was true she might be a little spitfire, but she was his little spitfire now and there was no going back. Grabbing Randy by the neck, he pushed him against the wall.
"Drop this topic right now, Ariel is off limits. Now who the hell are you going on a date with?"
"You know that girl that was here earlier talking to Zach?"
"Oh no! Randy don't even think about it. You know about the brotherhood we agreed on."
"Screw the brotherhood, she's young and I want her, and it's not like I see Zach making any moves in her direction."
"Did you even think to ask?"
"No, and besides she said yes, so she's as good as mine."
"Randy, don't do this to Hayley, she's a nice young girl."
"And what the hell am I? I'm not going to hurt her, just show her a good time, Orton style."
With those as his last words, Randy patted some cologne on his neck and walked out the door to meet up with Hayley. When he was safely out of the room, Brock grabbed the phone and immediately dialed his friend.
"You're going to want to know about this buddy. Hayley might be in trouble tonight."
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