Jon was never too excited to be at one of these, but he knew he had to at least make an appearance, since he was going to be in the damned show and all. Fiddling with the collar of his button front, his wild blue eyes scanned the room. Corporate hot shots, co-workers and their loved ones, and a few celebrities who would be making a splash at the event filled the floor, mindless chatter being heard all around. It was a party to celebrate the upcoming "Money In the Bank" Pay Per View. Like Vince needed a reason to throw a party. But here they were, hobnobbing with everyone, even the few "super fans" they'd allowed access to the event.
"You look fine, but you're about to rip your collar off." his buddy Joe appeared out of nowhere, which was always weird, considering his size. He was taller than Jon by a few inches, the Samoan a light walker defying his build.
"I just can't stand being all done up."
"Done up? Jonny boy, you threw a plaid over what you usually wear to the ring." Joe chuckled, taking in his friend's appearance. Jon's hair never behaved when it was dry; dirty blonde curls flopping across his face and around his ears. Jon would usually find some way to retort, but something else had his attention. Someone, to be exact. Five foot two, bright auburn hair that just brushed her chin, and a sparkly black dress, paired with bright red kitten heels, showing off her pale skin in the best way possible.
"Dude, that's Whitney. Her band new single is the theme for the show." Jon had heard of them, how could he not? They were the newest up and coming thing, perfect for a summer kickoff Pay Per View.
"Been here what, ten minutes, and Jon's already got a target to hook up with tonight?" Colby completed their trio, the former members of the Shield stable stood, checking out the singer at the bar.
"I ain't just some dog, dry humpin' the air, Lopez. Not that she wouldn't fit the bill, though."
"Go talk to her then, hot shot, before someone steals her away. I saw Taylor Rotunda chatting her up earlier." Joe instigated, already watching his brother get himself worked up over her.
"Like hell I'm going to let fuckin' Bo Dallas get a girl before me. I'll talk to you two later on. Or better yet, we will." Jon quipped, shoving his hands in his pockets, making his way up to the bar, just as the bartender was taking notice of Whitney. Even in her heels, she barely brushed his shoulder, which oddly gave him butterflies. From this view, he could see her face, already getting lost in her brown eyes.
"Jack and Coke please." Her voice had a slight Southern drawl, her lips pulled into a nervous smile.
"A girl after my own heart." Jon piped up, causing her to turn and notice him while he took the opportunity to order another beer from the barkeep.
"Hey, I've seen you on some of the posters. Dean, right?" he rocked on his heels, smiling a bit, not sure if he was glad she wasn't one of those 'super fan' types.
"Yeah. Well, Dean is my stage name. Hi, I'm Jon. Jon Good." Offering his hand, she shook it, her small palm warm within his own.
"Whitney. Whitney Ryan. Real and stage name." she teased back, blushing at how Jon quickly caressed her hand before letting go.
"Let's go find a spot and talk. Unless you're already with someone?" Please say no, please say no, he thought to himself.
"Nope. Not with anyone. Except my band mates, they're basically my big brothers. They're prolly around here fangirling. We grew up watching wrestling, we just haven't had the time to keep up, trying to get the band off the ground and all."
"Well then, looks like you found yourself with the right person then! C'mon, I'll introduce you to my friends. Jon wrapped his arm around her shoulders, turning them back towards his table.
"I dunno, Jon. You guys are all so intimidating. A little scary, y'know?" Her nervous smile grew into a wicked grin, looking up to give Jon her best doe eyes. Jon just smiled, liking where this flirting game was leading.
Leaning down, his nose pressed into her hair, Jon spoke lowly enough so only she could hear.
"Don't you worry, darlin'. I ain't about to let nothing happen to you."
Reaching the table, Jon grinned at his best friends, proud of himself for getting her attention.
"Joe, Colby, this is Whitney Ryan. Whitney, this is Joe Anoa'i, and Colby Lopez. You might know them better as Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins." She shook their hands politely, nodding quietly in appreciation when Jon pulled her chair out for her.
"Since when are you a gentleman?" Colby teased, mumbling lowly to avoid Whitney's ears.
"Fuck off." Jon retorted, straightening the cuffs on his shirt, looking at the menu they'd set out for the night.
"So, how's the rock star life?" Colby turned his attention to Whitney, Jon scrunching his nose, wondering if his friend was up to something.
"Oh, far from rock star. In fact, I think this is our biggest venue yet." she blushed, being overly humble.
"Wait, you're performing tonight?" Joe asked, his grey eyes widening at the news.
"Yep. Oh fuck! That reminds me, I should be getting everyone together if we're gonna get any kind of practice in." She was up in a hurry, Jon was caught off guard in his chair, barely able to catch her wrist before she got away.
"Hey wait! You uh, you wanna come hang with us after the show?" he paused, blue eyes wide and full of hope.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Jon." she whispered, leaning down a bit to kiss his cheek.