Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

“I guess it was bound to happen eventually. I just wish it wasn’t tonight. I wanted to give you a good date and he ruined it,” he growls, and I’m guessing if he could, he’d punch the steering wheel right now.

“He didn’t ruin it, I promise, Austin.” He pulls into my apartment complex and parks the car. “I really did have a great time.”

I unbuckle my seatbelt and do the gutsiest thing I’ve done in a long time. I lean towards him and place my hands on each side of his face.

“What are you doing?” he asks with a sad tone to his voice. “Remember? I’m a freak.”

“Well, you’re my freak,” I tell him before I softl

y press my lips against his. He doesn’t kiss me back at first; I think he’s in shock. I move my lips before bringing them back again. This time, his lips part and I finally get to taste him. The tension in his body eases and he relaxes into the kiss. My heart is beating so rapidly in my chest, I wonder if he can hear it. I break the kiss and gaze into his eyes.

“I was supposed to do that tonight.” He chuckles.

“Well, I beat you to it. Thank you for a great night.”

“Does this mean you’ll see me again?” he asks with a hopeful tone in his voice.

“Definitely. Goodnight, Austin,” I tell him as I lean in one more time for another kiss.

I get out of his car and wave to him and walk towards my apartment and go inside while I wait for him to leave. Once he’s gone, I’ll get in my car and go pick up Darla.

I lean against the front door and bring my hand to my lips. That kiss—it made everything that happened tonight worth it.

I let about ten minutes pass before I step back outside and head to my car. Raegan is getting out of her car and smiles at me. “Hey neighbor!”

“Hey Raegan!” I greet her.

It’s simple as that. As quickly as she said hi, she is heading to her place. She has a few bags in her hands and I turn to see her apartment door opening. That must be her boyfriend Garrett that Austin told me about.

I get into my car and head to my parents’ house. I can’t wait to see my Darla.

I pull up to their house and walk straight in. Mom looks surprised to see me. I guess she was thinking I’d be late or something. “Hey Paige, how was the date?”

“It was fine. We ate burgers and then some guy picked a fight with him.”

Mom’s eyes widen and I know it’s time to explain. I tell her about how I originally met Austin and how he lost his arm. She gasps, probably feeling sorry for him, but I tell her how sweet he is and how he’s overcome what he’s been through. I tell her the remarks the guy made and how Austin didn’t back down and let this guy walk all over him. I’m waiting for her to tell me I shouldn’t see him again, but instead she applauds his actions. She’s glad he got me out of the way and stood up for himself.

“He was worried the whole night was ruined, Mom. It was so sweet.”

“If you keep seeing him, we’d love to meet him. Right, honey?” She looks at my dad.

“Of course. Darla just passed out. Do you just want her to sleep here, Paige?” he asks me. I hate I drove here to find her asleep and I hate the feeling I’m putting them out.

“Y’all watch her enough. I don’t want to burn anyone out,” I tell them.

“Paige, you’re not. Darla is our granddaughter and we love spending time with her. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

I know I shouldn’t be, and I also know they are right. “Fine, if you guys insist. I love you for everything you do for the both of us.”

“And we love you two too,” Mom tells me. “So tell me some more about this Austin fella.”

I smile and Dad just rolls his eyes and walks back into the living room. I sit at the table with Mom and tell her everything I know. She’s smiling as big as I am by the time it’s all over with. I never talked this excitedly about Brendan with her and she notices.

***

I awaken to a quiet house, remembering Darla stayed with my parents. It’s time for me to get up and get ready for yet another day of work. Nora got text confirmation about the date. All I told her was everything went great. I figure I’ll give her the full details in person.

I clock in and notice she’s not here yet. Usually we meet in the parking lot, but today I didn’t see her there. As soon as I close my locker, I hear her voice.