The Rematch (Wrestling Diaries #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

of the night would be, but I decided to enjoy my time with Denver.
      We both changed and went to the arena. I chatted with familiar faces, asking how their holidays had been. When Denver’s body tensed next to me, I knew who approached without looking.
      “Happy New Year,” Mesquite said. He spoke to both of us, but his gaze zeroed in on me.
      His eyes had been one of the first things I’d noticed. And they still affected me, though I wished they didn’t.
      “Happy New Year.” Denver answered and shook his hand.
      Mesquite looked at me. “Jamie.”
      I nodded. “Mesquite.”
      Denver put his arm around my shoulder and said, “We were just about to grab some food. See you later, man.”
      I hated how I could feel Mesquite’s gaze on me as we walked toward the makeshift café.
      “I didn’t know he was going to be here.”
      “Neither did I,” Denver said in a low tone.
      He was still tense and it made me feel awful.
      “I’m going to go ask around and make sure the script hasn’t changed.”
      He left me standing with some of the wrestlers I’d met over the last few months. They were nice, but I also knew they’d be talking about me as soon as I was gone. Thankfully Mesquite didn’t come into the room. I ran through a few options of what I would do if he did. Run was the first choice. Ignore him. Slap him. Hmmm . Maybe it would be good if he came…
      Denver came back and touched my shoulder. “Can we talk?”
      No. No. No. I hated that phrase!
      Smiling, I stood and followed him from the room. He led me to an empty hallway, which didn’t help the sense of dread I felt.
      “What’s up?”
      “They’ve moved everything up. Mesquite is going to announce tomorrow that he’s coming for the belt.”
      “Why are they changing things?”
      The muscle in his jaw clenched. “They don’t feel I’m a good fit for the main spot. They think one of the bigger guys can carry the title better.”
      “That’s bullshit!” I glanced around to make sure we were still alone. “Denver…”
      “Thanks for having faith in me. Maybe they’re right. Who knows? All I know is I’ll have the belt for one more month and then it goes to Mesquite – probably until Richmond returns.”
      He sounded defeated, like he believed what they were saying.
      “I’m sorry.” There wasn’t really anything else I could offer to make him feel better.
      “Part of the game, I guess.”
      It always boiled down to the game, even Mesquite had said as much.
      “They’re talking about having me do some promotional work in Europe, Asia, and Australia, after I lose the belt. They say it’s because I’m good with people, but I think it’s so I won’t be on TV as much.”
      Gosh, what could I even say to that?
      He shook his head and chuckled, though there was no humor in what he was saying. “So it’s a good thing I bought the good champagne. I want to go out in style.”
      I threw my arms around his neck and held on to him. My poor, sweet Denver. He deserved better than the hand he was being dealt, including with me.
      He kissed my temple and said, “Just promise me something, Jamie.”
      “Anything.”
      “Whatever your answer was – don’t change it. I don’t want what I just told you to make you feel sorry for me. If you pick me then it’s because you want to be with me. And if you let me go, then it’s because we aren’t a good fit.”
      I nodded, unable to speak. Tonight was going to be one of the hardest of my life. But I owed it to myself to be truthful to Denver.
     
      The show started and I watched from the audience in a ringside comp seat. I kept thinking about Denver and how difficult the next few weeks would be for him. His music cued and the audience went wild. Whether he knew it or not- he was going to be a star. The fans loved him too much for him not to be.
      He strutted to the ring with the belt slung over his shoulder.
      “Happy