Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

“I do, got a problem?”

“No sir.” Garrett doubles over. When he stops laughing he looks at me. “Ready for a real sparring partner?”

“I sure am.” We get ready to begin. I know he and Lance both have fights coming up. Hopefully all the sparring they’ve done with me is helping them.

***

I get home and go straight to the shower. Ruston wasn’t up last night and he asks about the date. Once again, I go through all the details. He’s seething when I tell him what the guy said to me, but I assure him I more than took care of it. His eyes sadden and he meets my gaze. “This is all my fault, Austin.”

“We’ve been through this before, Rus, it’s not. Unfortunately, things like this are going to happen.”

“I have a date scheduled with Tam but I can cancel if you want to hang out.”

I laugh as I tell him, “Ruston, go on your date. I’m glad you two made up. I’ll be fine, I swear. I’m just probably going to talk to Paige later and watch a movie.”

“Okay but only if you’re sure.” He stares, waiting for me to crack.

“I’m positive. Have a good time and tell Tam I said hey.”

I walk to the fridge and pull out the some ham and cheese. It’s not easy but I manage to make a decent sandwich. Ruston grabs his keys and says bye as he walks out the door. I lock it behind him and take my sandwich to the couch. I begin flipping through the TV channels as I eat. When I finish my sandwich, I text Paige.

Austin: How was your day?

Paige: It could have been better.

Austin: Want me to come by and see you for a little bit?

Paige: I wish, I’m about to go to bed. I had a tiring day.

Austin: What happened?

Paige: Just a bunch of bullshit, I’m okay though.

Austin: Okay, well I can let you rest.

Paige: You can call me if you want.

I tap her name and the phone only rings once before she picks up. “Hey, Austin.”

“Hey, beautiful. Hearing your voice just made my day.”

“I could say the same thing. Did you really get in trouble earlier?” she asks.

“Yeah, a little, but he let it slide this time. I explained everything to him. We’re not allowed to fight outside of the gym at all or we could be suspended,” I tell her.

I hear a small voice in the background and then it all sorta turns muffled. “Is everything okay?” I ask her.

“Yeah, it was just the TV. I’m watching a movie.” She yawns and I figure I better let her get some rest. I know her job isn’t easy. I couldn’t imagine doing what she does.

“Well, get some rest, Paige. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay. Do you, uh, want to maybe get some coffee in the morning before you head to your gym? I don’t have to work as early tomorrow. I switched a shift with another nurse.”

“Paige, are you asking me out?” I whisper.

“Yes, I am.”

“I’d love to. Tell me where to meet you.”