12-29-2021, 12:28 AM
OOC: Hopefully I didn't get any details wrong, if I did blame Josh for not being around to look this over first, lol.
1 of 2. Also my old banner disappeared so I'll be looking to replace that soon.
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The IFW was once again up and running, and their first show had been a huge success. Erica Eden couldn't have been more proud of her man, Josh Hudson. He had been so upset when he had to shut the company down on short notice. Following the suicide of his sister Josh wasn't able to focus on running a promotion. He lost every dollar he'd put into it, including money invested by Jordan Majors. Erica had never seen Josh so depressed, although she knew it had happened before. He'd told her a lot about his past – his family, his former relationships. Nothing had affected him like this. Just when it seemed to Erica like Josh was coming out of that darkness.... his father fell ill. Cancer. It really is a sonofabitch. Both Josh and Erica had expected the old man to linger for a while, but he'd passed unexpectedly one afternoon. Erica knew Josh and his father had a complicated relationship. But underneath the bad memories of Josh's childhood and bitterness as adults, Erica could tell they cared about each other, despite it all. She was proven correct when it was discovered Josh's father had a will, and had left him a sizable inheritance. That money partially funded the reopening of IFW, along with some investors. Erica didn't much care for Tonya Kesselring, but Alex was alright. The three of them got the IFW up and running, filled out a roster, and booked a show.
At the end of it, due to a man being injured and Josh needing to fill in at the last minute to make sure the crowd had a great main event.... Josh Hudson was the IFW World Champion. And that's what made Erica most proud of all. Josh was the type of man to always be harder on himself than he needed to be, than was deserved. She didn't think he really believed the things he said, he just felt them because he felt left behind by the wrestling world. His return to SCW earlier in the year hadn't gone the way he wanted, working with another veteran named Pat Evans, doing Mr. D's dirty work for him, taking care of problems. It worked for a bit, until Josh took a pipe to the head, then failed a TV Championship bout. Josh had already been down on the whole thing not going as planned.... and then his father died. It was easy to step away from SCW yet again to deal with the aftermath. Through it all, Erica did her best to support Josh, make sure he took care of himself, and didn't fall back into old bad habits. Not too hard, at least. She knew how he felt, she had a failed attempt at SCW too, looking back she knew she had tried far too soon in her training. She was in over her head and bowed out before she made herself look too bad.
All of that said... not only did Josh's IFW win make Erica proud... it also inspired her. She had over a year more of training under her belt, and the way she fell on her face had left a bad taste in her mouth. After that first show, when she ad Josh went home with him carrying the IFW belt, Erica got the feeling that maybe it was time for her to try again. Not necessarily SCW, but just in a real ring, in a real company. Yet the more he continued on, working weekly with IFW and defending that belt, the more she was sure she wanted to do it. There was one problem though. She was hesitant to bring it up to Josh. He had blamed himself for her failed run. Before they were a couple, he was her trainer – she'd walked into House of Hudson looking to learn, needing something else other than what she had been doing. He took her in, saw she had natural talent, and oversaw her training himself. Her failure was his, or so he said. Erica didn't believe that. She blamed herself for insisting on giving it a shot so soon. Josh claimed he should have known better, forced her to wait, he let his love for her cloud his judgment, he didn't want to deny her something she wanted. Erica thought about this a lot, even more so after everything with IFW kicked off, and looking back? Maybe they were both to blame.
But that was then. This was now. She had better control of her skills. She was far less nervous in the ring. The only thing really stopping her from going forward, was Josh. Not in the way that sounds, but in the way she was afraid to being it up. She wasn't sure how Josh would feel about it. If he would support her, if he would say she wasn't ready yet, or something else completely. It had been a long time since he even mentioned her getting work in a promotion. But the urge was there, she heard the crowd when Josh won the IFW belt. She was backstage, watching from gorilla. She loved seeing him succeed, but she wanted to succeed, too. For her, success would be just going out there and getting a win. Not falling on her face. Not making herself, and Josh, look foolish.
Erica was at the gym, not Josh's school's gym though. One she went to with a friend from the high school she worked at before getting deeply involved with wrestling – Nina Ellis. Erica was a coach for the wrestling team, Nina coached volleyball. They became friends only a few weeks after Erica started working at the school, and are still close even though Erica left the school. They met at this gym, which was closer to Nina's neighborhood, once a week to catch up and keep on track while doing so. Erica walked into the gym and saw Nina, a tall and thick brunette, on a treadmill fiddling with the settings. She waved at her friend, then hurried to stuff her bag into a cubbyhole before taking the treadmill next to her.
“Hey chick, you're late.”
“I know, I'm sorry. I really didn't feel like getting out of bed this morning.”
“I'll just blame that man of yours for that.”
Erica laughed, Nina wasn't wrong. It's completely Josh's fault. This time.”
“Are you sure you need to be here, sounds like you got your cardio for the day.”
“Of course I do! I need to spend time with my best friend.”
Nina put her hand over her chest. “Awww. I'm touched. You tell that man though that he needs to control himself, his lust is eating into my bestie time.”
Erica laughed as she set the controls on her machine. “You'll just get me for longer today. Lets get lunch after.”
“Deal.”
The friends caught up during their treadmill run. Erica told Nina about the recent IFW show, Nina told Erica about one of students who was injured in a recent game. After their run was over, they went to the sauna for a session. Wrapped in just towels, the women sat back and relaxed.
“Okay, you told me all about Josh and his wrestling, what about yours? I thought you would be working together.”
Erica shrugged. “I don't know. He hasn't asked me to work with them. The last time I tried didn't work out so well.”
“So, what? You don't want to?” Erica shrugged again. “Don't give me that shit, if you didn't want to do it, you wouldn't still be training five days a week. You'd have come back to work with me. Coach Harris is an idiot, the school could really use you.”
“I can't go back to school. I'd never hear the end of how I failed.”
“So you do want to try again?”
Erica let out a slow breath. She'd never said this out loud. “Yeah.... yeah, I think I do.”
“You think?”
“No. I do.”
“Talk to Josh, he'll help you.”
Erica shook her head, brushing her hair back. “I don't know. IFW doesn't even have a women's division, I'd be the only woman on the roster.”
“There are other companies you know.”
“Yeah, I know. But are any of them gonna take a chance on me after I fucked up SCW?”
“Won't know unless you try.” Nina smirked. Erica shook her head again, but couldn't hide a grin. “Talk to him. Seriously. You'll go mental just watching him and wanting to be out there, too. You don't want to start to resent him, do you?”
Erica hadn't considered that. But Nina's words made sense. “No, I don't. You're right, I should say something.”
Nina smiled big. “Good! Now let me know the good news after you talk.”
“You're quite the optimist.”
“Always!”
The friends wrapped up their sauna session, and as discussed earlier, headed out for lunch. They discussed other things, but Erica kept Nina's encouragement in the back of her mind.
Later that night, it was dinner time. Erica and Josh had discussed their days to each other over their meal, yet Erica hadn't brought the topic on her mind up yet. She decided though that it was either now or never, while she had the encouragement from Nina on her mind.
“I want to ask your opinion on something, and I want a completely honest answer.”
“Am I not always honest with you?”
“You are, but it's important.”
“Alright, I'm listening.”
“What would you think about me... getting back into the ring?”
Josh's eyes widened just a bit. “I didn't know you wanted to do that.”
“I didn't either... until I saw you do it. Watching the way you play to the crowd, hearing their reactions. I want to try again.”
“What, in SCW?” Josh seemed skeptical. Erica couldn't blame him.
“No. Not now. I meant with you. In IFW.” Josh sat back in his chair, something of a slight cringe on his face. “What? Don't want to work with me?”
“Its not that. I'd love to work with you, you know that. It's just... you know that IFW doesn't have any women on the roster. Alex and Tonya didn't want to run a women's division.”
“So don't run one. I can fight men, you know that.”
Josh nodded, the look on his face changing from pained to almost apologetic. “I know you can. But they're not interested in women wrestlers at all. No women's division, no intergender. They're very old school, you've seen that.”
“I'm sorry, I thought you were part owner, not to mention IFW Champion. Don't you get a say in things?”
“I do, to a degree. I am part owner, because IFW is my intellectual property. But they're most of the money. I have to pick my battles, and this one? Isn't one I can't win. We've discussed it, they won't budge. I'm sorry.”
Erica sighed, leaning her face into her hands. After a few seconds she looked up. “So that's it? No return for me?”
“I didn't say that. There are a dozen places you could go.”
“So you don't think it's a bad idea? Even though I totally fucked up before?”
“Not at all. And you didn't fuck up, I did. You clearly weren't ready and I didn't see that. But that was over a year ago, you've grown, improved. I think you'd do well anywhere you went.”
Erica grinned. “Really? You're not just saying that cause you love me?”
“Not this time, no. Maybe before... I wanted you to succeed as much as you wanted it, I overlooked the fact it was too soon. Now, it's not. Now? You're absolutely ready.”
Erica's smile got bigger, until she remembered that it couldn't be in IFW. “I just wish I could work with you.”
“Maybe you will, somewhere else. Who knows what the future holds. For now, I can start putting out inquiries if you want.”
“I'd love that. But... what if I talked to Alex? To convince them-”
Josh started shaking his head, and Erica stopped herself mid-sentence. “I really think that would be a waste of your time.”
“Are you telling me no, don't try?” Josh rarely told Erica no over anything.
“If you really want to try, I won't stop you. I just don't think you'll get anywhere.”
Erica got up from her chair and walked around the table behind Josh, resting her hands on his shoulders as she leaned over near his ear. “Don't act like you don't know how persuasive I can be.”
Josh turned his head to kiss her. “Oh, I'm fully aware. I'm just not sure you know how hardheaded those two are.”
“I guess I'll find out, won't I? Cause I'm gonna try. If I get nowhere, like you say, then I'll look around. Deal?” Erica punctuated her question by sliding her hands down Josh's shoulders, to his chest, then hugging him from behind.
“It's pretty hard to disagree when you're groping me...”
“That's not groping...” Erica leans forward and reaches down, rubbing her hand down his stomach and over his crotch. “This... is groping.”
Josh grabbed her and pulled her around, making her sit on his lap sideways, like a kid sits on Santa.
“You don't have to bribe me for my support you know.” He smirked. Erica kissed him before replying.
“I know. But it's still fun.”
“I'll show you fun.”
Josh stood up, picking Erica up as he did, then carried her from the dining room to their bedroom. The dishes would just have to wait.
The IFW show following Erica's talk with Josh, Alex and Tonya Kesselring weren't in attendance. Erica wasn't sure why, she didn't ask questions. It didn't matter, all that mattered to her was that she didn't have a chance to speak with Alex. She wanted to talk to him alone. She felt Tonya was a bitch, she was always condescending to Erica when she was at shows with Josh. Maybe she resented not being the only woman backstage, maybe she had a thing for Josh and was jealous of Erica... who knew. But Erica knew if she had any chance whatsoever of getting what she wanted, she had to talk to Alex instead. But she would have to wait at least another week. It was annoying, yet relieving. She wanted to get it over with, but the wait also gave her more time to work out exactly what she was going to say, to find the best words to convince the businessman that adding women, or just one woman to start, to the roster was a good business decision.
In the meantime, there was a celebration to be had, that being Erica's birthday. It's a week before Christmas, which growing up she hated. Too many adults would ask her if she wanted two small gifts or one large one. It didn't seem fair, all the other kids in the family got two large gifts for their birthday and Christmas; it wasn't her fault she was born when she was born. Why should she get cheated? Her mom though always did her best to make sure her birthday was separate from Christmas, as did her uncle. Now that she was an adult, Josh did the same. This year, Erica's birthday happened to fall on Saturday, which was the day IFW ran their shows. This weeks show would be the last before a short holiday break.
Erica was woken up by Josh kissing her forehead, and handing her a large mug of coffee. Fifteen minutes later, he brought her a small breakfast in bed. He wasn't the greatest cook, but eggs and bacon wasn't hard. After eating, Erica got up and dressed and Josh led her to the living room. A large flat box was sitting on the coffee table, gift wrapped in blue paper with silver ribbon. Decidedly non-Christmas colors, which Erica appreciated. Josh sat next to her.
“Since we'll be at the show tonight, you get your gift early. Go ahead.”
“You mean I get breakfast and a gift, too?”
“I'd threaten to take it back for that smart remark, but I can't. It's custom. Open it.”
Erica laughed at his joking, and grabbed the box. It wasn't especially heavy, but not feather-light either. She pulled the ribbon and then carefully untaped the paper on the side. Erica had never been a paper-ripper. Underneath the paper was a garment box. She gave Josh a questioning glance, he'd never bought her clothes without her trying it on before. He just nodded at her to keep going. Erica grinned, then pulled open the box. On seeing the contents, she gasped. It was a gear top, shiny blue lycra with silver sequins as the trim, her intials in a stylized logo on the chest – two E's but back to back – also in silver.
“Josh... you didn't...” He didn't reply, just grinned, as she pulled the top out, to find matching trunks underneath. Under that, were elbow and knee pads.
“Couldn't have you getting back in the ring with year-old gear. You need to have a fresh look.”
Looking up at him, Erica dropped the top back into the box, quickly tossed it back on the table, and leaned forward, throwing herself at Josh to hug him. He chuckled as he caught her.
“You are the fucking best baby, I love it! And I love you.”
“I'm glad you like it. Now please go make sure it fits. I gave them your old set to go by.”
Erica backed away, trying to remember if she had gained (or lost) any weight since she last wore real ring gear. “You know... I really should. I have no idea if my size changed.”
Erica got up and grabbed the box, then ran to the bedroom to change.
Five minutes later, she walked back out into the living room, wearing the perfectly fitting gear. Josh eyed her as she spun around, showing off.
“Definitely fits. Your ass looks fantastic.”
Erica turned to face him, laughing. “Is that the only part that matters?”
“To me? Yes.”
“Not even these?” Erica pushed her tits up, squeezing them together.
“Those look great too, but you know I'm an ass man.”
Erica smirked, then turned again, shaking her ass. Josh got up and smacked it. Erica yelped in surprise, she hadn't heard him get up.
“Babe!”
“Couldn't help myself.” He spun her around and kissed her, reaching around to grab her ass. She kissed back for a few seconds, a small moan coming from deep in her throat... but then she pulled away.
“You'd better let me get this gear off first before we ruin it.”
“Getting you out of it is kinda the idea...” He kissed her again, and she pulled away again.
“Follow me back to the bedroom and you can take it off yourself.”
In reply, Josh grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bedroom, instead of following her.
An hour later, gear off and unspoiled, the lovers lay in bed, fully satisfied.
“It's only noon and this is already the best birthday I've ever had.”
“I'll really have to step up my game next year in that case.”
Erica smiled at him as she sat up a bit and leaned on her elbow to face Josh. “You really will, especially if my plan tonight goes in mu favor.”
“Still planning to talk to Alex about hiring you, then?” Erica nodded. “I wish you the best of luck.”
“Why does that sound like sarcasm?” Erica raised an eyebrow. Josh shook his head.
“It's not. I'm completely behind you. I hope you get what you want, I truly do. I'm just skeptical it will go your way, and I really hate to see you disappointed.”
“If I get denied, fine. At least I tried. This is my first choice, because I want to be where you are. If I can't... well, I'll figure that out if I need to. Does Alex know I want to talk to him?”
“I've said nothing. Thought it was best to fully come from you.”
“Keep your hands clean, huh?” Erica smirked, letting him know it wasn't an accusation, but more of an amused observation.
“Something like that. I told you, I need to pick my battles.” He kissed her, to soften the blow of his words. Erica didn't mind.
“I understand. Thanks for not trying to talk me down from this, and being behind me. It really means a lot to me, after I wasn't sure how you'd feel about me wanting to do this. You've not said anything about me getting back in for a while.”
“I wanted the interest, the desire, to come from you. Not anything I said. I'm glad you want to. I'd love to see it.”
“Then pray I get through to Alex.”
“As I said... I wish you the best of luck.” Erica knew Josh wasn't much of a praying man, she'd take the luck.
Knowing exactly how steep of a hill she was battling, Erica could use all the luck she could get.
1 of 2. Also my old banner disappeared so I'll be looking to replace that soon.
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November 2021
The IFW was once again up and running, and their first show had been a huge success. Erica Eden couldn't have been more proud of her man, Josh Hudson. He had been so upset when he had to shut the company down on short notice. Following the suicide of his sister Josh wasn't able to focus on running a promotion. He lost every dollar he'd put into it, including money invested by Jordan Majors. Erica had never seen Josh so depressed, although she knew it had happened before. He'd told her a lot about his past – his family, his former relationships. Nothing had affected him like this. Just when it seemed to Erica like Josh was coming out of that darkness.... his father fell ill. Cancer. It really is a sonofabitch. Both Josh and Erica had expected the old man to linger for a while, but he'd passed unexpectedly one afternoon. Erica knew Josh and his father had a complicated relationship. But underneath the bad memories of Josh's childhood and bitterness as adults, Erica could tell they cared about each other, despite it all. She was proven correct when it was discovered Josh's father had a will, and had left him a sizable inheritance. That money partially funded the reopening of IFW, along with some investors. Erica didn't much care for Tonya Kesselring, but Alex was alright. The three of them got the IFW up and running, filled out a roster, and booked a show.
At the end of it, due to a man being injured and Josh needing to fill in at the last minute to make sure the crowd had a great main event.... Josh Hudson was the IFW World Champion. And that's what made Erica most proud of all. Josh was the type of man to always be harder on himself than he needed to be, than was deserved. She didn't think he really believed the things he said, he just felt them because he felt left behind by the wrestling world. His return to SCW earlier in the year hadn't gone the way he wanted, working with another veteran named Pat Evans, doing Mr. D's dirty work for him, taking care of problems. It worked for a bit, until Josh took a pipe to the head, then failed a TV Championship bout. Josh had already been down on the whole thing not going as planned.... and then his father died. It was easy to step away from SCW yet again to deal with the aftermath. Through it all, Erica did her best to support Josh, make sure he took care of himself, and didn't fall back into old bad habits. Not too hard, at least. She knew how he felt, she had a failed attempt at SCW too, looking back she knew she had tried far too soon in her training. She was in over her head and bowed out before she made herself look too bad.
All of that said... not only did Josh's IFW win make Erica proud... it also inspired her. She had over a year more of training under her belt, and the way she fell on her face had left a bad taste in her mouth. After that first show, when she ad Josh went home with him carrying the IFW belt, Erica got the feeling that maybe it was time for her to try again. Not necessarily SCW, but just in a real ring, in a real company. Yet the more he continued on, working weekly with IFW and defending that belt, the more she was sure she wanted to do it. There was one problem though. She was hesitant to bring it up to Josh. He had blamed himself for her failed run. Before they were a couple, he was her trainer – she'd walked into House of Hudson looking to learn, needing something else other than what she had been doing. He took her in, saw she had natural talent, and oversaw her training himself. Her failure was his, or so he said. Erica didn't believe that. She blamed herself for insisting on giving it a shot so soon. Josh claimed he should have known better, forced her to wait, he let his love for her cloud his judgment, he didn't want to deny her something she wanted. Erica thought about this a lot, even more so after everything with IFW kicked off, and looking back? Maybe they were both to blame.
But that was then. This was now. She had better control of her skills. She was far less nervous in the ring. The only thing really stopping her from going forward, was Josh. Not in the way that sounds, but in the way she was afraid to being it up. She wasn't sure how Josh would feel about it. If he would support her, if he would say she wasn't ready yet, or something else completely. It had been a long time since he even mentioned her getting work in a promotion. But the urge was there, she heard the crowd when Josh won the IFW belt. She was backstage, watching from gorilla. She loved seeing him succeed, but she wanted to succeed, too. For her, success would be just going out there and getting a win. Not falling on her face. Not making herself, and Josh, look foolish.
Erica was at the gym, not Josh's school's gym though. One she went to with a friend from the high school she worked at before getting deeply involved with wrestling – Nina Ellis. Erica was a coach for the wrestling team, Nina coached volleyball. They became friends only a few weeks after Erica started working at the school, and are still close even though Erica left the school. They met at this gym, which was closer to Nina's neighborhood, once a week to catch up and keep on track while doing so. Erica walked into the gym and saw Nina, a tall and thick brunette, on a treadmill fiddling with the settings. She waved at her friend, then hurried to stuff her bag into a cubbyhole before taking the treadmill next to her.
“Hey chick, you're late.”
“I know, I'm sorry. I really didn't feel like getting out of bed this morning.”
“I'll just blame that man of yours for that.”
Erica laughed, Nina wasn't wrong. It's completely Josh's fault. This time.”
“Are you sure you need to be here, sounds like you got your cardio for the day.”
“Of course I do! I need to spend time with my best friend.”
Nina put her hand over her chest. “Awww. I'm touched. You tell that man though that he needs to control himself, his lust is eating into my bestie time.”
Erica laughed as she set the controls on her machine. “You'll just get me for longer today. Lets get lunch after.”
“Deal.”
The friends caught up during their treadmill run. Erica told Nina about the recent IFW show, Nina told Erica about one of students who was injured in a recent game. After their run was over, they went to the sauna for a session. Wrapped in just towels, the women sat back and relaxed.
“Okay, you told me all about Josh and his wrestling, what about yours? I thought you would be working together.”
Erica shrugged. “I don't know. He hasn't asked me to work with them. The last time I tried didn't work out so well.”
“So, what? You don't want to?” Erica shrugged again. “Don't give me that shit, if you didn't want to do it, you wouldn't still be training five days a week. You'd have come back to work with me. Coach Harris is an idiot, the school could really use you.”
“I can't go back to school. I'd never hear the end of how I failed.”
“So you do want to try again?”
Erica let out a slow breath. She'd never said this out loud. “Yeah.... yeah, I think I do.”
“You think?”
“No. I do.”
“Talk to Josh, he'll help you.”
Erica shook her head, brushing her hair back. “I don't know. IFW doesn't even have a women's division, I'd be the only woman on the roster.”
“There are other companies you know.”
“Yeah, I know. But are any of them gonna take a chance on me after I fucked up SCW?”
“Won't know unless you try.” Nina smirked. Erica shook her head again, but couldn't hide a grin. “Talk to him. Seriously. You'll go mental just watching him and wanting to be out there, too. You don't want to start to resent him, do you?”
Erica hadn't considered that. But Nina's words made sense. “No, I don't. You're right, I should say something.”
Nina smiled big. “Good! Now let me know the good news after you talk.”
“You're quite the optimist.”
“Always!”
The friends wrapped up their sauna session, and as discussed earlier, headed out for lunch. They discussed other things, but Erica kept Nina's encouragement in the back of her mind.
* * * * *
Later that night, it was dinner time. Erica and Josh had discussed their days to each other over their meal, yet Erica hadn't brought the topic on her mind up yet. She decided though that it was either now or never, while she had the encouragement from Nina on her mind.
“I want to ask your opinion on something, and I want a completely honest answer.”
“Am I not always honest with you?”
“You are, but it's important.”
“Alright, I'm listening.”
“What would you think about me... getting back into the ring?”
Josh's eyes widened just a bit. “I didn't know you wanted to do that.”
“I didn't either... until I saw you do it. Watching the way you play to the crowd, hearing their reactions. I want to try again.”
“What, in SCW?” Josh seemed skeptical. Erica couldn't blame him.
“No. Not now. I meant with you. In IFW.” Josh sat back in his chair, something of a slight cringe on his face. “What? Don't want to work with me?”
“Its not that. I'd love to work with you, you know that. It's just... you know that IFW doesn't have any women on the roster. Alex and Tonya didn't want to run a women's division.”
“So don't run one. I can fight men, you know that.”
Josh nodded, the look on his face changing from pained to almost apologetic. “I know you can. But they're not interested in women wrestlers at all. No women's division, no intergender. They're very old school, you've seen that.”
“I'm sorry, I thought you were part owner, not to mention IFW Champion. Don't you get a say in things?”
“I do, to a degree. I am part owner, because IFW is my intellectual property. But they're most of the money. I have to pick my battles, and this one? Isn't one I can't win. We've discussed it, they won't budge. I'm sorry.”
Erica sighed, leaning her face into her hands. After a few seconds she looked up. “So that's it? No return for me?”
“I didn't say that. There are a dozen places you could go.”
“So you don't think it's a bad idea? Even though I totally fucked up before?”
“Not at all. And you didn't fuck up, I did. You clearly weren't ready and I didn't see that. But that was over a year ago, you've grown, improved. I think you'd do well anywhere you went.”
Erica grinned. “Really? You're not just saying that cause you love me?”
“Not this time, no. Maybe before... I wanted you to succeed as much as you wanted it, I overlooked the fact it was too soon. Now, it's not. Now? You're absolutely ready.”
Erica's smile got bigger, until she remembered that it couldn't be in IFW. “I just wish I could work with you.”
“Maybe you will, somewhere else. Who knows what the future holds. For now, I can start putting out inquiries if you want.”
“I'd love that. But... what if I talked to Alex? To convince them-”
Josh started shaking his head, and Erica stopped herself mid-sentence. “I really think that would be a waste of your time.”
“Are you telling me no, don't try?” Josh rarely told Erica no over anything.
“If you really want to try, I won't stop you. I just don't think you'll get anywhere.”
Erica got up from her chair and walked around the table behind Josh, resting her hands on his shoulders as she leaned over near his ear. “Don't act like you don't know how persuasive I can be.”
Josh turned his head to kiss her. “Oh, I'm fully aware. I'm just not sure you know how hardheaded those two are.”
“I guess I'll find out, won't I? Cause I'm gonna try. If I get nowhere, like you say, then I'll look around. Deal?” Erica punctuated her question by sliding her hands down Josh's shoulders, to his chest, then hugging him from behind.
“It's pretty hard to disagree when you're groping me...”
“That's not groping...” Erica leans forward and reaches down, rubbing her hand down his stomach and over his crotch. “This... is groping.”
Josh grabbed her and pulled her around, making her sit on his lap sideways, like a kid sits on Santa.
“You don't have to bribe me for my support you know.” He smirked. Erica kissed him before replying.
“I know. But it's still fun.”
“I'll show you fun.”
Josh stood up, picking Erica up as he did, then carried her from the dining room to their bedroom. The dishes would just have to wait.
* * * * *
December 18, 2021
December 18, 2021
The IFW show following Erica's talk with Josh, Alex and Tonya Kesselring weren't in attendance. Erica wasn't sure why, she didn't ask questions. It didn't matter, all that mattered to her was that she didn't have a chance to speak with Alex. She wanted to talk to him alone. She felt Tonya was a bitch, she was always condescending to Erica when she was at shows with Josh. Maybe she resented not being the only woman backstage, maybe she had a thing for Josh and was jealous of Erica... who knew. But Erica knew if she had any chance whatsoever of getting what she wanted, she had to talk to Alex instead. But she would have to wait at least another week. It was annoying, yet relieving. She wanted to get it over with, but the wait also gave her more time to work out exactly what she was going to say, to find the best words to convince the businessman that adding women, or just one woman to start, to the roster was a good business decision.
In the meantime, there was a celebration to be had, that being Erica's birthday. It's a week before Christmas, which growing up she hated. Too many adults would ask her if she wanted two small gifts or one large one. It didn't seem fair, all the other kids in the family got two large gifts for their birthday and Christmas; it wasn't her fault she was born when she was born. Why should she get cheated? Her mom though always did her best to make sure her birthday was separate from Christmas, as did her uncle. Now that she was an adult, Josh did the same. This year, Erica's birthday happened to fall on Saturday, which was the day IFW ran their shows. This weeks show would be the last before a short holiday break.
Erica was woken up by Josh kissing her forehead, and handing her a large mug of coffee. Fifteen minutes later, he brought her a small breakfast in bed. He wasn't the greatest cook, but eggs and bacon wasn't hard. After eating, Erica got up and dressed and Josh led her to the living room. A large flat box was sitting on the coffee table, gift wrapped in blue paper with silver ribbon. Decidedly non-Christmas colors, which Erica appreciated. Josh sat next to her.
“Since we'll be at the show tonight, you get your gift early. Go ahead.”
“You mean I get breakfast and a gift, too?”
“I'd threaten to take it back for that smart remark, but I can't. It's custom. Open it.”
Erica laughed at his joking, and grabbed the box. It wasn't especially heavy, but not feather-light either. She pulled the ribbon and then carefully untaped the paper on the side. Erica had never been a paper-ripper. Underneath the paper was a garment box. She gave Josh a questioning glance, he'd never bought her clothes without her trying it on before. He just nodded at her to keep going. Erica grinned, then pulled open the box. On seeing the contents, she gasped. It was a gear top, shiny blue lycra with silver sequins as the trim, her intials in a stylized logo on the chest – two E's but back to back – also in silver.
“Josh... you didn't...” He didn't reply, just grinned, as she pulled the top out, to find matching trunks underneath. Under that, were elbow and knee pads.
“Couldn't have you getting back in the ring with year-old gear. You need to have a fresh look.”
Looking up at him, Erica dropped the top back into the box, quickly tossed it back on the table, and leaned forward, throwing herself at Josh to hug him. He chuckled as he caught her.
“You are the fucking best baby, I love it! And I love you.”
“I'm glad you like it. Now please go make sure it fits. I gave them your old set to go by.”
Erica backed away, trying to remember if she had gained (or lost) any weight since she last wore real ring gear. “You know... I really should. I have no idea if my size changed.”
Erica got up and grabbed the box, then ran to the bedroom to change.
Five minutes later, she walked back out into the living room, wearing the perfectly fitting gear. Josh eyed her as she spun around, showing off.
“Definitely fits. Your ass looks fantastic.”
Erica turned to face him, laughing. “Is that the only part that matters?”
“To me? Yes.”
“Not even these?” Erica pushed her tits up, squeezing them together.
“Those look great too, but you know I'm an ass man.”
Erica smirked, then turned again, shaking her ass. Josh got up and smacked it. Erica yelped in surprise, she hadn't heard him get up.
“Babe!”
“Couldn't help myself.” He spun her around and kissed her, reaching around to grab her ass. She kissed back for a few seconds, a small moan coming from deep in her throat... but then she pulled away.
“You'd better let me get this gear off first before we ruin it.”
“Getting you out of it is kinda the idea...” He kissed her again, and she pulled away again.
“Follow me back to the bedroom and you can take it off yourself.”
In reply, Josh grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bedroom, instead of following her.
An hour later, gear off and unspoiled, the lovers lay in bed, fully satisfied.
“It's only noon and this is already the best birthday I've ever had.”
“I'll really have to step up my game next year in that case.”
Erica smiled at him as she sat up a bit and leaned on her elbow to face Josh. “You really will, especially if my plan tonight goes in mu favor.”
“Still planning to talk to Alex about hiring you, then?” Erica nodded. “I wish you the best of luck.”
“Why does that sound like sarcasm?” Erica raised an eyebrow. Josh shook his head.
“It's not. I'm completely behind you. I hope you get what you want, I truly do. I'm just skeptical it will go your way, and I really hate to see you disappointed.”
“If I get denied, fine. At least I tried. This is my first choice, because I want to be where you are. If I can't... well, I'll figure that out if I need to. Does Alex know I want to talk to him?”
“I've said nothing. Thought it was best to fully come from you.”
“Keep your hands clean, huh?” Erica smirked, letting him know it wasn't an accusation, but more of an amused observation.
“Something like that. I told you, I need to pick my battles.” He kissed her, to soften the blow of his words. Erica didn't mind.
“I understand. Thanks for not trying to talk me down from this, and being behind me. It really means a lot to me, after I wasn't sure how you'd feel about me wanting to do this. You've not said anything about me getting back in for a while.”
“I wanted the interest, the desire, to come from you. Not anything I said. I'm glad you want to. I'd love to see it.”
“Then pray I get through to Alex.”
“As I said... I wish you the best of luck.” Erica knew Josh wasn't much of a praying man, she'd take the luck.
Knowing exactly how steep of a hill she was battling, Erica could use all the luck she could get.