69
Davis was waiting in his luxury suite at the luxury 21C Hotel. He was sitting outside on the rooftop balcony waiting for his guest. Cyrus’ hotel suite was nice, but Davis had one of the fanciest spots in the city. Mia had been there a few times doing photoshoots and loved seeing each art-inspired room. It gave her so much inspiration each time she was there.
Gage was already there bugging his business partner and rushed to let Mia and Cyrus in when the knock came on the door.
Davis went to the door to greet them as they entered.
“Hey, old man. How’s the head? Rockin’ a hangover?” Cyrus spoke as he walked in.
“There you are! About time your slow ass got here. And no. I don’t have a hangover, you asshole.”
Cyrus just snickered. He loved getting Davis riled up.
“Morning, Mia. How was your date last night? About time you got back out there, Cyrus,” Davis said, patting Cyrus on the shoulder while Gage was stuffing a croissant in his mouth.
“Yep. You were bumming us all out, Cy. Old grumpy face.” Gage joked, making a grouchy face at Cyrus.
Mia giggled at the silly man. She loved meeting Gage in person; he was so funny. He had gone off the rails and was a major jerk for a while, but the old Gage was back, and he was a hoot. Following them to the balcony, there was a lounge area with light morning snacks waiting for them.
“We had a nice night. We had some food and watched a movie. Just chilled.” Cyrus motioned to Mia to sit on the outdoor couch before seating himself.
Davis smiled at the girl who was straightening her dress and covering her knees with the hem. So proper and nothing like she was on stage. This girl was a professional, and it showed. He had no time for people who were not serious about their careers and the slightest body language; he noticed. It was what made IWX the success it was.
Leaning over to grab a bundle of grapes, Davis nodded the couple’s way. “Mia, you’ve sure put a smile on this man’s face over the last few weeks. It’s nice to see him have a life again. I had a lot of respect for his ex, but they were like oil and water together near the end. He deserves to be happy. He drives me nuts, but he’s an honest man.”
Cyrus looked at Davis sternly, grunting. “Seriously?”
“Sorry, Cy, but it’s true.”
Cyrus couldn’t argue with that. “True, but I really don’t want to talk about a failed marriage in front of my new girlfriend. Another day, another conversation. I am sure it isn’t something she wants to hear about, anyway.”
“No. It’s fine. It’s part of your life. She’s always going to be part of your past. I’m fine.”
“So, Mia. We talked with Jim Waters at the Indiana training center last night. He’s livid that you didn’t sign with them. He missed out on a big payday with you and wanted that founder’s fee. It’s his loss. He couldn’t say one bad thing about you, other than you were painfully shy,” Gage noted.
“He shouldn’t have anything bad to say. I bent over backward for them, just to get overlooked. I may be quiet, but I’m not shy. Unlike him, I know to keep my mouth shut and listen. He, on the other hand, likes the sound of his voice and doesn’t give anyone a chance to speak. I don’t talk to people I have no respect for. Sorry, it’s just that foul mouth man gets on my last nerve.” She got quiet, realizing she was venting a tad too much.
Cyrus quietly laughed to himself.
Davis too chimed in, slightly laughing. “She’s feisty, Cyrus. I like this girl. Hell, speak your mind. This is just a casual conversation. You already got the job. If I said no, these two would give me hell over it. Or Cyrus will turn his mean sister on me. The girl scares the crap out of me.”
Gage gave a smug chuckle. “Who doesn’t Holly scare? She is like having the Tasmanian devil in the family.”
Cyrus grunted. “She’s not that bad.”
“She’s a maniac. So, when can you start, Mia?” Davis asked.
“I need a little time, Mr. Preston. I have a business and clients and can’t just drop them. My birthday is Friday, so I took time off for vacation. I know you will be in Philly this Monday, correct?”
“Well, tell you what, come on the road this week. Check things out. We can have you come to the show Monday and show you around. We’ll give you a few weeks to put your things in order,” Davis said.
Cyrus realized what his upcoming storyline was, and he went into panic mode. A sexy segment he had forgotten about with a group of women. He had been a bit of a player on the show lately.
“Um… Davis. I’m not sure Monday is a good idea. We have that… thing. The storyline. The segment with Gage’s celebration for his last win. Ya know?” He looked guilty. Like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
“Oh, Cyrus, it’s fine. She’s a fan she knows you two idiots do stupid stuff on the show. Everyone knows you and Gage are playing this angle of having each other’s back and goof off all the time.” Davis ignored Cyrus’s concern.
Gage realized what Cyrus was referring to and cringed while twiddling his fingers. “Um… Davis. I think if you really thought about it, Monday may not be the best show for her first time there.”
Davis got annoyed. “Hell, it’s her birthday week. It may be fun for her. Right, Mia? Besides Cyrus, she’s your girlfriend. Right? You should be with her for her birthday.”
“I’d love to go to the show and travel this week. I didn’t have plans and it would be nice to meet some other girls on the roster too.” Mia was ecstatic. The perfect chance to see IWX behind the scenes firsthand.
Cyrus covered his face, shaking his head. “This is such a bad idea. I want her there but…”
“Great! It’s all set. Have her at headquarters on Thursday and we will sign contracts.” Davis stood up and shook Mia’s hand. “Welcome to the IWX, Mia. We are going to make you a star.”
