Come Away With Me

Chapter Seven


Chris stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking at his watch for the hundreth time in ten minutes. "Molls! Hurry up, sweetcheeks! We've gotta get going if we wanna make it to the arena tonight!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming..."
He looked up and was amazed. After spending the last two weeks with her, every day and every night, she still took his breath away with that smile meant just for him.
"What are you smiling about?" Molly asked, suspiciously. "Do I have something on my face?" Chris smiled to himself. It was too good to pass up.
"Yeah --- me." He swooped down, capturing her in a kiss that almost melted the buttons off her jeans. Pulling away from him, she straightened her outfit --a pair of black cargo jeans, and a black fitted shirt. She looked Chris up and down, taking in his appearance. He wore softly faded blue jeans and a baby blue sweater that really brought out his eyes. Licking her lips, she said,"I think you missed a spot."
Laughing, Chris kissed the tip of her nose. "C'mon. Let's get going." They made their way outside and loaded their luggage into the Xterra. Climbing in they were on their way. Driving down the driveway, Molly turned to look, one last time, at the place that would always hold a little piece of her heart.
An hour into their 2 hour trip, Molly brought up a subject that had been bothering her for the last two days. "Chris?" she asked, cautiously.
"Yeah, babe?"
"What are we going to tell people when they ask about --well, you know-- us?" Chris turned the radio down and glanced over at Molly. He knew what she was saying. Was this just a one time thing? Neither of them had talked long-term the last two weeks and nothing was assumed on either end. But Chris was still to scared to put a name on their relationship. Trying to buy time, he stalled.
"What's there to tell? We're both consenting adults...and we were on vacation together..."
Molly eyed him with surprise. He obviously thought of this as a one time thing. A brief fling. Turning her head to watch the scenery rolling past she answered him. "It was a pretty stupid thought anyway. I mean, who would honestly believe that you and I..."
Sighing, Chris ran a hand through his hair. "Listen, Molly, it's not like that.."
Suddenly angry, Molly turned to him. "Then what is it like, Chris? All I know is that you were the last person I ever wanted to have as a housemate, and the last person I ever thought I'd..." Deathly calm, Chris stared straight ahead, his jaw clenched in fury.
"The last person you ever thought you'd what, Molly?"
Shaking her head, she turned once again to stare out the window. "Nothing. Just forget about it." Turning away from him, she pulled a discman from her duffel and put on her headsets, blocking out the sound of his voice.

At the arena that night, Molly and Chris parted ways, neither one saying a word to the other. Chris found his way to the locker room that had been assigned to him for the night. Dropping his bag on the floor, he dropped onto the couch, leaning his head back. He'd had a hellacious headache since Molly had stopped speaking to him in the car. Putting a hand to his face, he rubbed his eyes, tiredly. If he were honest with himself he could say that, yes, he had fallen in love with Molly Holly. He could say that, but that would make it official -- something Chris was terrified to do. He should go now and tell, her..but what if she didn't feel the same way? She had said that he was the last guy she'd wanted as a house mate and the last guy that she thought she'd... What? Give her virginity to? Ever make love to? Ever trust? Maybe it was better this way. After a while, someone else would come along and she'd forget about him. Chris rubbed at a spot on his chest ,very close to his heart, that was aching. She'd fall in love with him and smile that dimpled smile for him and make him breakfast and make love to him in the middle of the afternoon, in a field.....
Edge walked in to see Chris slam his fist down angrily onto the couch. "Whoa, Chris! What did it ever do to you?" The smile on Edge's face disappeared when he saw the look of anguish on his friend's face. Walking over to crouch in front of his fellow canadian, Edge patted his knee. "What's up, buddy?" Chris waved him away, standing up to cross to the makeup chair.
"Rough vacation."
Suddenly Edge remembered. "Oh, shit! I'm sorry man! I completely forgot you had to stay with Molly! Must've been horrible..."
"Yeah, horrible." Chris said unconvincingly. Edge missed his friend's sarcasm completely.
"So, what did you guys do? How many times did you have to go grocery shopping?" Feeling angry at what Edge was saying, Chris took a deep breath. Molly wasn't any of his concern anymore. She'd made that perfectly clear. He abruptly changed the subject.
"Have you seen Hunter? I need to talk to him about our match tonight." Looking at his friend quizically, Edge nodded.
"Yeah, he's in dressing room 304."
"Thanks. Listen I'll catch up with you later." Chris said, turning toward the door.
"Yeah. Me, Shane, Lita, Matt and Victoria are going out for drinks after the show. You should come along."
That's what I need...Just to drown my thoughts, my mind, my....heart for one night. Nodding at his friend, Chris said, "I'll do that. Thanks."

Molly had made it to her locker room just before the tears she had been holding back fell. Sliding down the door she had locked behind her, she sank to the floor. She knew she'd done the stupidest thing possible these last two weeks: She had fallen in love with Chris Jericho. She cried harder, knowing that she had no one to blame but herself. Chris had never said the word love, had never made plans for the future.
Finally the last of her sobs faded, leaving her with a splitting headache. She stood and walked into her bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. As she was reaching for the aspirin she always kept in her bag, she heard a knock at the door. Her heart jumping to her throat, she called out "Who is it?"
"Lita!"
Molly couldn't help but be annoyed with herself for even thinking it was Jericho, much less wishing it was him. Taking a passing glance in the mirror, she went to open the door.
"Hey! How are y--" Lita trailed off as she took in the red and puffy eyes of her friend. "Are you okay, sweetie?" Molly sniffled, taking a shuttering breath.
"Yeah. I'll be fine." Sure, I'll be fine. Just as soon as I start supergluing my heart back together. Molly pasted on a fake smile for Lita's sake. Knowing that Molly was too upset to talk about whatever it was bothering her, Lita changed the subject.
"So, how did you fare with the Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah?" Molly winced, wishing she could get away from talking about him. Walking over to her makeup chair, Molly began covering up all traces of tears. Lita followed, sitting on a stool beside her.
"Fine." Lita waited for Molly to elaborate. When she didn't Lita put two and two together. Picking up a brush and starting to brush out Molly's short, dark curls she gently brought up the subject.
"Was it really that bad?" Molly schooled her features to not betray her feelings.
"No, it was fine Lita, okay?" Lita shrugged, not wanting to push the other diva, knowing that she'd tell her when the time was right. Molly got up from the makeup chair after one last glance in the mirror. "I've got a meeting with Mr. McMahon. I'll catch up with you later, okay?" Lita was puzzled, calling out to her friend as she opened the locker room door.
"I thought you wanted to go over some moves for your match with Victoria tonight?" Molly shook her head.
"Nah, that's okay. I think I'll be fine." This time it was LIta's turn to shrug.
"Alright then. Hey, after the show me, Edge, Shane and a few others are going out for drinks. Wanna come?" Molly thought about it. Maybe a night out with some friends would help soothe her broken heart.
"Sounds good. Listen, I really gotta go. I'll catch up with you later." With that, Molly closed the door, leaving a confused Lita behind.

Molly leaned back against the seat of Amy's rental as they made their way to a popular local bar. It was official. In two weeks, she would be written into a storyline where she was teamed up with her cousin "Hardcore" Holly ---thus making her a member of the Smackdown roster. She was upset that she'd be leaving some of her friends behind. Lita had actually told her about the "comment" Chris made the first night she was in the hospital about the 'pitching in for food.' She shrugged it off, telling the redhead that she'd gotten used to it. Well, at least I won't have to worry about anybody saying something to me at Smackdown. Her cousin was known for his hair trigger temper and wouldn't hesitate to hurt anyone who messed with his family. Now all she had to do was let everyone know that next monday night would be her last Raw television appearance. She only had one house show the following week and Vince had given her a week off between jumps so that she could rest.
Lifting her head and turning towards Lita, Molly decided to tell her first. "Lita, I have some pretty important news."
Lita's ears perked up. She was always interested in important 'news'. "Oh yeah? What is it, Molls?" Molly bit her lip at the use of the nickname Chris had called her during their two weeks together. She took a deep breath.
"Next Monday night will be my final RAW television appearance."
"What?!?! When did that happen? Why?"
"That was what my meeting with Vince was about. He agreed to let me finish my contract on Smackdown." Lita was silent for a moment, taking in the news that one of her best friends was leaving.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Molly smiled sadly. "Yeah, it is."
"Well, I'm happy for you then. I'm buying you a drink!" No sooner had the words left her mouth then they pulled up at the bar. Standing outside, already waiting for them were Shane, Matt and Victoria. Getting out of the car and going over, Lita reached up and gave her boyfriend, Matt a kiss on the cheek. Just seeing them made Molly's heart ache. "Hey, babe. Is everyone here?"
Matt smiled down at Lita, sliding an arm protectively around her. "Nope. We're still waiting for Edge and --"
"Hey guys! Sorry about being late. I had a meeting with Vince..." Chris trailed off as he spotted Molly. She slid closer to Lita almost as if to hide from his gaze. They weren't listening though as everyone was making their way into the bar. Chris trailed behind, hoping to get a word in with Molly. He never got his chance, though because Molly situated herself between Lita and Shane, standing with them in line and sitting between them at the table. Of course all talk immediately turned to the two superstars weekend.
"I'm surprised you're both alive, truth be told ," Victoria said, winking at Chris. " I've spent a week up at that house of his and if we weren't arguing we were, well..." she laughed at the blush that started creeping it's way up Chris' neck. "I had to ask Mr. McMahon for another week off -- I needed a vacation from my vacation!"
Everyone except Molly laughed at that, although Chris somewhat reluctantly did so. It was common knowledge that Victoria and Chris had dated at one time. The waiter came by to take their orders soon after.
"Margarita" Victoria.
"Tom Collins" Shane.
"Tequila 1800 --2 shots" Edge.
"Bud Light" Matt.
"White wine" Chris ordered, wondering if Molly would remeber the night they had poured wine over each other, taking turns licking it off as they sat in the upstairs tub...
"Four Horsemen. Better make it 3." Molly knew what Chris was doing. He wanted to hurt her, making her remember that night. Edge shook his head in disbelief at the petite woman.
"Lady, do you know how strong those things are?" Molly smiled.
"Actually, yeah I do. I'm not worried about it." Matt grinned at something Lita whispered in his ear and nodded. He leaned back, tipping his chair on two legs.
"So, Miss Molly, I hear you have an announcement to make." Chris jerked his head up, looking at Molly intently. What could she have to announce? She hadn't mentioned anything to him these last two weeks. Taking a deep breath, Molly dropped her bombshell.
"Monday night will be my last television appearance on RAW. I'm switching rosters and moving to Smackdown."