She put the papers down, folding her hands on her desk as she thought about Benoit.  A small smile spread across her face at the thought of the man.  She'd gotten to know him quite well over the last couple of days, and knowing how sensitive and compassionate he truly was - Stephanie had been so touched by the manner with which he'd handled his half-sister's situation - warmed her heart.

The brunette twirled a lock of her long hair around one finger while she thought of how the man was the type with whom she'd always wanted to end up.  Despite being rough around the edges, Chris Benoit was very sweet - and, as she'd discovered in the few times they'd spent time together alone, he was such a gentleman.

While Stephanie continued to daydream, a soft smile on her face as she rested her cheek against her hand, a knock sounded at her door, bringing her back from her reverie.

"Come in!"  She shook her head, straightening her blouse and blazer as she sat up straighter in her chair.

The door opened, and Amy Dumas tentatively stuck her head into the doorway.

"Amy, hi..." the brunette said, offering the other woman a gentle smile.  "Come in."

The redhead did as Stephanie instructed, and she bit her lip nervously as she stood in front of her boss' desk, her hands folded before her.  She met the other woman's eyes, a sense of unease going through her as she thought about how to proceed.  If this wouldn't be easy, what she would have to do later would be tenfold more difficult.

"What can I do for you, Amy?"

The former Women's champion sighed, running a hand through her long hair.  "I...need some time on RAW tonight, Stephanie," she said, and when the brunette arched an eyebrow, she continued.  "I have to go out there and...explain my actions from last night."

Stephanie's face transformed to a look of shock.  Shaking her head, she rose from her chair.  "Amy, you don't-"

"Yes, I do...I have to do this," Amy said firmly.  "I...I owe it to the rest of the roster, and I especially owe it to the fans.  A lot of people paid money to see me defend the Women's championship last night at WrestleMania, and I..."  The redhead bit her lip and lowered her gaze to the floor for a beat.  "I feel I have to do this.  It's the fair thing to do."

The brunette nodded, her blue eyes serious as she regarded the other woman.  "All right," she said calmly.  "I understand...and you will get your time to appeal to the roster and the fans."

"Thank you, Stephanie...Thank you."

After a moment of silence, the brunette moved around her desk to sit on the edge of it as she continued to eye Amy.

"Is Adam going to be out there with you when you make your announcement?"

"No...why?"

"Well, I just thought it would make it easier for you," Stephanie explained.  "What you are going to do tonight is probably going to be one of the most difficult things you'll ever have to do.  Maybe you should consider asking him to be there by your side..."

"I haven't told him I'm going to be speaking tonight," the redhead suddenly blurted.

"What?  Amy, why not?" Stephanie asked, surprised.

Amy ran her hand through her hair again.  "He...He would just be so nervous about it," she answered.  "I don't want to upset him unnecessarily while he has a match to prepare for tonight."

"Okay..."  The tall brunette nodded.  "I understand your reasoning.  Just remember, if you have any second thoughts - or even if you decide you want someone out there with you - just let me or Chris know."

The diva blinked, holding her breath for a second as she absorbed her boss' kind words of advice.  "I will...Thanks again, Stephanie."

"You're welcome..."  Then, the brunette calmly watched as Amy left her office.