________________________________________________
Ric Flair was extremely proud of himself as he entered In The Raw.
The man smiled confidently as he walked past club workers and patrons alike.
He'd done a good job... Very good. His scouting trip to Boston had been a huge success, in his opinion.
"Ric! Welcome back!"
The older man turned to see his business partner, Stephanie McMahon, heading his way. The young woman's face wore a bright, cheery smile, and he sensed something good had happened to her while he'd been away.
"Hello, Stephanie! Thanks for the warm greeting." Ric enveloped the young woman in a hug. He'd come to think of her as a daughter of sorts.
"How was the excursion?"
The man's smile widened into a full-fledged grin.
"I'm glad you asked...It was a complete success, and, my dear lady, I know you won't be disappointed..."
"Fantastic!" Stephanie exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling as she clapped her hands together in delight. "So, who have you got for us?"
"A terrific, hot band called Evolution..." the man replied.
"What...?" The brunette's face suddenly fell.
"Evolution..." Ric repeated.
"Oh, no...oh, no...Ric, that's terrible!" Stephanie pressed both hands against her temples, her facial expression beyond worried.
"Why? Steph, I don't understand..."
The brunette sat down on the edge of the stage as she began to explain.
"While you were away, Sweet Misery hired a new guitar player..."
"Rally? That's terrific - who is he?"
"She," Stephanie corrected. "And just wait till I tell you who she is..."
Ric eyed his business partner expectantly.
"She's a former member of Evolution!" the brunette revealed. She knew all the details, thanks to Chris. The blond man had told her all about the conversation he'd had with Lita after the redhead had rushed backstage after seeing Torrie Wilson in the small crowd.
"Not only that, but she had her reasons for quitting that band...Ric," Stephanie continued, "she left Evolution because her boyfriend - who was her bandmate - was screwing some slut!"
Flair's expression darkened as he suddenly realized the seriousness of the situation.
"Oh, no...I see what you're saying...And you're afraid this girl might quit because her former band - her former boyfriend - will be playing here..."
"Yes!" the brunette cried, her voice and face alike full of dismay. "Chris, Christian and Edge searched long and hard for the perfect replacement for Test, and Lita is it..." She shook her head. "It would be a horrible shame if she left, especially so soon after being hired..."
"Let's not panic, Steph..." Flair said, putting his hands up in a placating gesture. "Let me think...I'm sure I can figure something out..."
"You'd better..." the young woman said, her blue eyes flashing in a cross between despair and annoyance...