Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

Austin

“Just call me Big Daddy, yo.” Lance grins as I walk inside Joe’s. I swear he has some constant source of caffeine streaming through his veins.

“And why would he do that?” Garrett asks.

“Um, maybe because I helped him get the number of some hottie nurse he met in the hospital.”

“Dude, shut up,” I tell him as I walk to my locker to set my keys down.

“There’s a new lady in your life?” Garrett asks.

I shrug. “Maybe. I guess we’ll see.”

“Did you call her yet?” Lance interjects.

“Get off my nuts.” I laugh as I struggle to get my hand inside my glove.

“Austin, I’m like a squirrel. I’m all over your nuts.”

“You’re stupid, Lance, that doesn’t even make sense. You need help.” Garrett scrunches his nose.

“Okay, Grandpa.” Lance laughs.

Garrett glares before shooting him the middle finger. “I had a wonderful night, thank you.”

“Did Raegan read you a bedtime story?” Lance begins laughing so hard he doesn’t even notice Garrett is getting ready to kick his feet from underneath him. I chuckle as Lance’s body meets the cushiony mat.

“Why do I get the feeling everyone is horsing around?” Howard asks as he steps out of the office.

“That’s because we are.” Lance grins from the mat. “Howie, my man. Tell them I’m Big Daddy.”

“I plead the fifth. Get to work, guys. Garrett, you’re up this week and Lance, so are you,” He reminds them before stepping back into the office.

My face falls as I realize he didn’t say my name. I know I probably need a hell of a lot of training to start fighting again, and I realize I never got any sort of confirmation on whether or not I can fight with one arm. I hate this so much. I should be getting ready with them. At least I can help them practice.

“Austin, want to help me spar?” Garrett asks. “Howard can help Big Daddy.”

“Haters.” Lance sticks his tongue out as he walks towards the office.

“Yeah, I can try,” I tell Garrett. I’ve hit on the punching bag a few times since I’ve been back but I’ve yet to attempt to spar again. I guess we’ll see if I can or not because I know Garrett doesn’t hold anything back, plus he has an advantage over me—an extra arm.

I stand on the mat in position and wait for him to get ready. He throws the first punch but I’m able to block it. Hell, I’m proud I could even do that. I swing back, but his quick reflexes land me on the ground. I groan as I pull myself up.

“You can do this man, just concentrate,” he tells me. Suddenly I realize what he’s doing. This isn’t for him, he’s trying to help me. He’s pushing me to my limit, helping me overcome what’s holding me back.

I nod as I get back into position and throw another punch. He blocks it but I keep myself steady so I don’t repeat what just happened. We go round for round right there on the mat, each only getting one hit on the other.

I’m sweating. This is the most I’ve moved around since the accident. Garrett isn’t holding back—which is good, because I wouldn’t want him to treat me any differently than anyone else in this gym.

The sound of hands clapping together breaks our concentration and I turn to see Howard grinning from ear to ear.

“This is what I like to see.” He beams as he walks closer. “You keep training like this, Austin, and you could very well have another chance at stepping back into the ring.”

“You mean that?” I ask in a hoarse voice. I sure as hell could use some water right now.

“I do. Keep working and I’ll make a few phone calls in the next few days. I’ve never seen any rule stating you can’t fight if you’re missing an arm. That would be discrimination.”

The smile that spreads across my face can’t be hidden. I forget about the water I thought I needed and I’m filled with nothing but sweet fucking adrenaline.