Melina tried her best to ignore the uneasy sensation in the pit of her stomach. It wasn't a simple task, however, given the circumstances.
In vast contrast, Jillian seemed happy as a clam. And why shouldn't she be? It was the yearly draft, and she was getting the chance to see her new beau, Curt Hawkins, all night.
"Can I get you ladies another water?"
A combination of the young man's question and Jillian nudging her with an elbow brought Melina back to reality.
"Hmm? Oh, no... Thank you, Curt."
The blonde flashed a winning bright smile.
"I'll take another one," she said.
"Anything for you, beautiful," Curt said with a wink. He squeezed her hand before leaving.
"Hey, what's the matter with you, Mel?"
The brunette met her best friend's concerned blue eyes. She shrugged.
"You're acting all sorts of distracted," Jillian observed.
Melina bit her lip, her nerves definitely frazzled.
"Well, that's because I am." She closed her eyes as a sigh was released. "I'm sorry, Jill... I'm just worried about tonight's show."
The blonde suddenly realized why her friend would be feeling that way. It wasn't because of her match later, it was due to the fact that Batista was there. Considering how erratic the muscular man had been behaving as of late, it was possible he was capable of anything.
Jillian reached across the table for the other woman's hand. Brown eyes met sympathetic blue.
"Don't worry... Just make sure to surround yourself with friends," she said. "And your man. Where is he again?"
"He has a meeting, along with a couple of other guys, with Vince," she replied. This had come up just before she'd met up with Jillian and Curt, and she'd been so worried over Dave that she hadn't said a word.
"Well, that shouldn't take too long." The busty blonde's face brightened as Hawkins returned. He'd taken a few minutes extra because his friend and tag partner, Zack Ryder, had entered catering. "Thanks, babe." Jillian took the bottle of Poland Spring from him and smiled at the other young man beside her new guy. "Hi, Zack."
"Hey, Jillian... Melina." He frowned slightly upon getting a look at the Latina diva. She appeared as though she had something on her mind, and nervous. "Everything all right?"
"Yeah." Melina's reply was too quick, and she forced a smile for both men's benefit. She really wasn't up to explaining her situation with anyone, though she was certain Jillian had already mentioned it to Curt.
Suddenly, she rose from the table.
"Excuse me."
Jillian gazed after her best friend with concern as the two young men sat down.
"Was it something I said?" Ryder questioned with confusion.
Melina turned back, having overheard that. She didn't want the blond man to take her demeanor the wrong way because he seemed quite nice.
"No, not at all," she said as she lingered in the doorway. "It's just... I have to talk to Mickie, you know... We've got a match later."
Zack nodded and gave her a smile.
*
Dave had a slight grin on his face as he stood just outside the women's locker room. He was certain the divas within would be salivating when they got a gander at him. He was freshly showered and already in his ring gear. How could they all resist him?
He knocked, full of sweet anticipation at seeing the one women for whom he'd hoped to encounter. He knew that, deep down, she lusted for him. And frankly, he couldn't blame her.
Lilian Garcia, the RAW ring announcer, answered. She gave him a quick once-over and didn't smile.
"Yes? What can I do for you, Dave?"
Batista smirked at her. He knew the blonde didn't like him, though he'd never given her reason not to.
"You can tell her-" The large man pointed toward a diva who had her back toward the door at the moment as she seemed busy rummaging through her locker. "- that I'd like to speak to her." He flashed Lilian a smile.
"Oh. Sure." The blonde left the doorway, letting the door close as she complied.
A moment later, the object of his attention appeared.
"Dave, hi."
"Hello, Kara," he replied. "I was wondering if you were not too busy at the moment... Would you care to join me at catering?"
The shy blonde smiled.
"All right."
"Great," Batista replied, offering her his arm. She took it, and the two walked down the hallway.
Batista prevented the smirk he felt from crossing his features. Not too much earlier, he'd spotted Melina on her way to catering.
He sincerely hoped she was still there to see him with Kara Drew.