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Stacy was still burning furious as she left Eric Bischoff's office, tears burning behind her eyelids.
"Stacy!"
The leggy blonde turned at the sound of the voice, her heart nearly breaking as she caught sight of Randy. The young man was headed straight for her, a grave yet angry expression on his handsome face.
"I think I'm going to be sick..." the diva said, one hand fluttering up to her brow.
"I have to admit, I heard every word," the Intercontinental champion admitted.
"You... you did?"
Randy nodded.
"I got suspicious after Bischoff sent me away to talk to you," he explained. "I know what a snake he can be, so I snuck over to the door to listen... I knew it couldn't be anything good."
Stacy shook her head, thoroughly upset.
"Randy, I hate this! How am I going to get out of it? Bischoff sealed the deal with Playboy!"
The dark-haired man tightened his hand into a fist, his free arm going around the diva's waist as he led her down the hall.
"It can't be legal, Stace," he pointed out. "There's no way it *could* be if *you* didn't sign anything."
She raised her gaze to study his face, her eyes locking with his blue orbs as they came to a stop in front of the women's locker room.
"I guess you're right," she managed, still unable to issue a smile. She was far too worried to do that. Stacy sighed and ran a hand through her long blond hair. "I just want to get out of here and forget everything that happened tonight."
Randy eyed her with sympathy, but he knew he had to be right. Eric Bischoff had no way to legally force Stacy into posing for Playboy. She wasn't a stupid woman and hadn't signed anything, no matter what he said. He couldn't blame the blonde for her down mood.
"Why don't you get ready to go, and I'll meet you back here in a few minutes?" he suggested. "We can go out and grab a bite to eat, or get a drink or something."
"Okay," she agreed with a nod. "But I'm probably going to be a tad distracted over how to get out of this mess."
"I understand," the Evolution member said. "And if you need my help, I'm your man."
Stacy finally managed a smile. He was truly sweet, and she appreciated him. She knew she was very lucky to have a friend like him.
"Thanks..." The blonde was not much of a drinker, but after tonight's humilation, she felt she would probably take Randy up on his offer for a drink.
The moment the young man left for his own locker room, Stacy entered that of the divas.
The room was deserted...
Because she and Miss Jackie had attended that meeting with the General Manager and that Mr. Richardson character late into the show, all of the other divas had since left.
Quickly, she changed into her street clothes, relieved to get out of her extra short miniskirt, thankful for the comfy hip-hugging stretch jeans and long-sleeved T-shirt. She pulled her long hair back into a ponytail, looking up as the door suddenly opened.
Jackie strode into the room, a cross look on her face as she met the other woman's gaze.
Great... Stacy had hoped she had been long gone by the time Jackie Gayda returned to the locker room. Judging by the expression on the busty blonde's face, she was plenty angry, and Stacy was in no mood for a fight.
The Tough Enough 2 diva ignored her, instead going to her locker for her stuff. For that, the taller woman was relieved. Maybe she wouldn't have to deal with Jackie's crap after all.
Just as Stacy had gathered her bag and jacket, about to cross the room to leave, the other woman jumped up and got in her way - *and* in her face.
"Just so you know," Jackie spat, her face furious as she pointed a finger at Stacy, actually daring to poke her in the collarbone, "if you fuck up this Playboy thing for me, I'll show you the true meaning of pain..." Her eyes flashed dangerously, and the taller diva frowned angrily. "I've been waiting for an opportunity like this for years, and now is my big break. You do anything to ruin this, and I'll-"
"Save your breath..." Stacy snapped, shoving the other blonde's hand away from her. "...I couldn't care *less* about your 'big break.' Now, get out of my way!" She stepped past her, but didn't make it to the door...
...Stacy went down like a ton of bricks as Jackie slammed a fist into
her kidney region.