Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

Paige

“Don’t you have some luck? First you see asshole Brendan and then you meet a smoking hot guy. Who was he?” Nora grins from ear to ear.

I was kinda sad to leave Joe’s. I never thought I’d see Austin again, and I was glad when his friend said his name. As soon as he said it, I remembered. How I forgot it, I have no clue.

“Yeah, at least it turned the evening around. He was a patient in the hospital not long ago. He lost his arm in a car accident.” I remember walking into that room, my jaw on the floor. I’m used to seeing terrible things happen to people but I found myself feeling sorry for him and the fact he didn’t even know it had happened.

“Poor guy. Well, regardless, he’s hot. Please tell me you got a number or something and can finally move on from Brendan.” Nora smirks. She has some nerve but I love her.

I let Nora drag me to another bar and finally we’re leaving. As we inch closer to the cars, all I can think about is going to bed and sleeping in tomorrow.

I turn to face Nora and scrunch my nose. “Nor, I haven’t been involved with Brendan in four years.”

Nora unlocks her car and laughs. “Paige, you know if he up and said he wanted to be in your and Darla’s life, you would take him back.”

“See, that’s where you’re very wrong. There will never be anything between us again. He’s out blowing money at the bar and he’s yet to ever give any kind of support to his daughter. He’s a joke.”

“It’s his loss. I had a blast, I’m glad you finally decided to come out.”

“I know.” I laugh as I open my car door. “You told me that a few times tonight. I believe you.”

“Enjoy your day off tomorrow. I know I’ll enjoy mine by the pool doing nothing. See you later.”

“Bye Nora.” I check my phone before tossing it onto my passenger seat. I don’t know why I thought I would have a text from Austin just yet.

I drive carefully home, knowing good and well I probably should have just taken a cab to the bar. Luckily my apartment is right around the corner, so in no time I pull in and park, letting out a sigh of relief.

I walk into my apartment and toss my keys onto the counter. It’s so quiet in here without Darla. I walk to her room out of habit and turn the light on. Baby dolls and ponies are all over the floor from her playing earlier today. I smile as I turn the light back off and I go take a shower to wash the bar scent off of me.

After my shower, I walk to the kitchen and drink a glass of water. Since I saw Austin again, I can’t get him off of my mind. This is weird, considering I once really liked Brendan and I don’t think even he stayed embedded like this. It’s after midnight and I almost go sit on the couch but I’d rather lie in bed.

I grab my phone and set it on my nightstand. I climb under my covers and think about the night’s events. I can’t believe I saw Brendan and he had the damn nerve to talk to me. I didn’t let him go without giving him a piece of my mind and I didn’t give a damn who inside that bar heard me. I’ve raised our daughter all by myself without a cent from him while he’s been obviously enjoying his time at the bar. What an asshole. My phone dings and I glance over at my nightstand.

A number I don’t know lights up the screen. My heart flutters because I know deep down who it is. I wasn’t sure I would be hearing from him. I tap the number and go ahead and save it.

Austin: Sorry about it being awkward tonight. I wasn’t sure you’d remember me.

I laugh a little as I reply. It did seem awkward but it was so damn cute.

Paige: Not a worry, and of course I remembered you. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.

Way to sound lame, I think as I hit send.

Austin: I know it’s late, I won’t keep you.

Paige: You aren’t. I just got home and I’m lying down.

Austin: Can I call you?

Paige: Sure.

Not even a minute later, the phone rings. My heart races as I answer. “Hello?”

“Hey, I’m sorry. I just figured this would be easier.” The sound of his voice is so smooth and calming. I could almost fall asleep just listening to it.

“Probably. I’m glad you texted.”

“You can thank Lance for having the guts to do what I was afraid of,” he tells me.