Post by High Octane™ Dane F'n Preston on Nov 5, 2022 18:43:29 GMT -5
I feel the mattress shifting under the weight of her hands and knees as she crawls into bed and before I knew it Allison had snuggled her way into Little Spoon position. I can smell the sweet scent of shampoo from her still damp hair as she gets comfortable in my arms. These days this is the only alone time we have together because our jobs have us on very different schedules.
Allison stepped away from wrestling to take a job as Head of Security at The Velvet Rabbit, while my work is divided between running two rod and custom shops, a wrestling school and my own wrestling obligations. I pulled Allie closer to me, savoring what little time we have before I’ve got to get up and take care of our five year old twins Luke and Layla.
It felt like I had only just closed my eyes when I heard the stampeding feet and shouts of “WEEKEND! WEEKEND! WEEKEND!” coming down the hall towards our room. The door flung open and our fraternal twins barged in and jumped onto the foot of our Alaska King sized bed, crawling their way to us. It doesn’t matter how tired Allie is, she lives for moments like this, and receives our kids with open arms. I gave them a few minutes to cuddle with Allie when our girlfriend Bella walked in and traded places with me in the bed, as I got up to get the day started. I dragged the twins kicking and screaming out of the bedroom so Allie and Bella could get some sleep.
The rest of the morning was filled with French Toast sticks, Paw Patrol and the twins teaming up to wrestle with me when the elevator doors opened and Damon and Jenna Riggs, my in-laws, walked in with their bags. It was at that moment that I became chopped liver now that nana and pop-pop had arrived. Jenna sat down on the couch and was immediately attacked by my crotch goblins. Damon clasped his massive hand onto my shoulder and nodded to the kitchen, even during family time he was one of the shrewdest businessmen in our industry.
“So, talks are ongoing, but Rich and I have been working with PWE’s lawyers, looking to appeal this apparent banishment that Pinkston implemented.” He paused as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “Their lawyers have assured us that, while it is ironclad, it is only temporary and to just ride it out.”
I scratched at my beard and nodded as I took in that information. “It’s killing me Damon, that those clowns can invoke my name, going so far as to stage a funeral for me, but at the same time, I can’t return the favor and get my hands on them…”
“Kid, you put Pinkston through a table at FIGHT NYC’s Christmas party, you won the year long war against Joe Montuori and you interrupted the funeral proceedings and put the boots to both Pinkston and J-Mont. I’d say that you’ve been doing a pretty good job of ‘returning the favor’,” Damon responded before turning his attention back to his coffee.
“C’mon Old Man, you know damn well that this business is all about current affairs. ‘What have you done for me lately’ and all that jazz,” Damon nodded as he took in my words. “I really just want to put this little rivalry to bed so I can get back on track…”
I spent the entire of this past Summer taking on as many shows and appearances as I could, not passing on a single opportunity that came across my desk. I coined it “Summer of Dane”, and while it didn’t go exactly the way I wanted it to, I turned some heads. But the ultimate goal has been to win that which has eluded me these past fifteen years.
The World Heavyweight Championship.
My father in law, who discovered me and trained me, is a 23 time World Heavyweight Champion. Xavier Black and Brandon Moore, two of my best friends and sometimes enemies, are former World Champions. Anicka Swan, our ex-girlfriend and dear friend, is a former World Champion. I’ve been surrounded by World Champions ever since I broke into the business, but have never been able to grasp that proverbial brass ring with my own two hands.
“I know Kid, I know, you want to win the World title. I get that and I’m trying to help you get there. For right now, focus on the World Series of Wrestling.”
Right, the reality tv show for which Golden Tickets were handed out to invite the contestants to compete on, where we showcase our skills and aptitude for every aspect of the business…without actually climbing into the ring to showcase the most important skill set of them all. Our ring IQ.
“I know. I’m glad to have this opportunity, it’s keeping me sane until this ban in PWE is lifted.”
“Y’know kid, it’s been a while since we’ve heard from your…darker half. Any issues upstairs?”
I shook my wrists creating the sound of several crystals clattering together beautifully in response. My father in law was asking about Fix, my other personality, who had been riding shotgun in my brain since I experienced repeated head trauma. The earliest injury was sustained in Action Wrestling, when I was jumped by Johnny Stylez, Alan Envy and Ryan Elias. The second happened in Outlaw Pro Wrestling when I was attacked by Brandon Moore and Paul Montuori. Fix would take over during Fight or Flight response as a defense mechanism.
I think he was present in my mind all the way back to my prison stint. But Fix didn’t become a real issue until after I lost a Deathmatch in a Cage to Dickie Watson and FIGHT Tower’s roof collapsed on top of me when the building began exploding. We’ve still never found those responsible for the explosions, but that’s a story for another time. I wound up in a coma for a number of weeks. When I finally woke up, Fix had become a full on sentient personality inside my mind and has been vying for control of our shared body ever since.
I’d taken a number of precautions to protect myself and to keep Fix at bay until Druscilla White and her coven could help heal my mind, joining Fix with the rest of my mind once again. The bracelets and a plethora of other spiritual wardings were all courtesy of Dru and co.
“Yeah, he’s been kinda quiet as of late, but he’s still in here brooding.” I said as I pointed to my temple, “He knows it’s just a matter of time before he’s reassimilated back into the greater whole.”
Damon’s eyebrows were raised as he stared at me thoughtfully over his mug. We have this conversation every few weeks. It’s exhausting, but I know Damon means well. One of those ‘he wouldn’t ask if he didn’t care’ situations. And who could really blame him? Multiple personalities in people tend to result in catastrophic tragedies, not always, but enough that it’s reasonable for anyone to be concerned.
“Don’t worry Pop-pop, I’ll get a handle on him eventually,” I assured him. But Fix also set fire to Disney World during the Blood Money 2 event, so there’s really no telling what the guy is capable of and that truly scares the shit out of me. “Thank you for coming over for the weekend. We really appreciate it. Between Allie and Bella flying back and forth to the Vegas Rabbit to help Voo get it ready for daily operations and me commuting between Parts Unknown, New York City and New Jersey, we don’t get many opportunities to have some quality time with just the three of us these days.”
“Hey, you’re preaching to the choir kid. Why do you think my first two marriages didn’t work out? I didn’t make time like this for my ex-wives like you do for Allison and Bella. What are you guys up to for tonight anyway?”
“An early movie, a nice dinner, drinks at the Empire Room, maybe see some friends at Club Le’x. Nothing too outrageous, just some of our usual low-key haunts.” Damon nods approvingly.
A few hours later we were joined by Allison and Bella, refreshed after a good amount of sleep. Bella went to work making us some espressos before we had to start getting ready for our night out on the town. When the girls had finished getting dressed my jaw was on the floor, they were dressed in matching leather outfits, Bella dripping in blood red leather halter and full length pants, Allison in all black, Damon shook his head and turned his attention to Luke and Layla. Jenna let out a low whistle and grabbed her phone to snap some shots with the girls, no doubt to post on her instagram.
After watching Ticket to Paradise with Julia Roberts and George Clooney, we were excited to go for drinks at the Empire Room. I see a tall bouncer with his long hair pulled back into a tight man bun. I don’t know him, but I know he and Allison have a connection that she has assured me is nothing for me to worry about. I’ve heard rumors that he makes a few key people uncomfortable, but somehow Allison refuses to fire him and keeps telling Voo to trust in her decision. So I just focus on the glass of Macallan Scotch Whiskey in front of me.
“So what are we ordering for dinner tonight ladies? I’ve got my heart on the Tomahawk and Yukon Gold spuds. Either of you fancy sharing a Caesar or Hearts of Romaine with me?”
Allison looked at me, “Good lord babe, are you eating for all three of us?” Bella chuckled.
I looked back and forth at them, “Loves, the last thing I ate before the movie was left over French Toast sticks that the twins didn’t finish. Oh and Bella’s espresso, but there’s a good reason the only thing I had at the movie was popcorn and a Coke. I have been looking forward to that damned Tomahawk all day. Don’t you dare judge me,” I said with an exaggerated frown and my brows furrowed.
Shaking her head, Allison slugged me in the arm. “I’ll get the twin lobster tails and we can split the salad, and I’ll steal some of your beef, the Gods know you’ll have more than enough to share…”
“That’s what she said!” Bella fired back quickly and the two of them started laughing and poking at me playfully.
I just shook my head before sipping my drink. “I can’t take you two anywhere can I?”
Allie and Bella went to high school together, she was Allie's first girlfriend. We bumped into Bella on a beach when we were on vacation and watched her knock out her punk ass boyfriend who tried to boss her around. She came back to our beach house and never left our lives. Not being our first polyamorous relationship, we just went with the flow and took things a day at a time. Allie and I couldn’t imagine life without Bella being part of it.
While we enjoyed our dinner, sharing memories, talking about future plans, Bella hid a sadness behind her eyes. Allison and I were married and we had children together, Bella was our girlfriend. She never complained and she knew that Allison and I loved her no less than we did each other. But that sadness was still there, and whenever either Allison or I would see it, we always showered Bella with love and affection. To reassure her of her place in our lives.
One day we’ll change this dynamic, and things will be even better.
One day we’ll change this dynamic, and things will be even better.
Until then, we continue to live this fairy tale life of ours, treasuring these moments, while we endured the grind of our professional lives.