Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

“Maybe you should break down and tell him about Darla. She does need a manly figure in her life.”

Damn Nora and her actual wise wisdom. I won’t tell her she’s right, though. Not at all. “I will tell him one day, Nor, I promise. I want to be face to face with him, though. I need to be able to read his body language when I tell him.”

“Did Brendan get the papers?” she asks.

“Oh my hell, I didn’t tell you. He’s pissed, Nor. Legit pissed. And the asshole said he wants to sign his rights over to me. He wants nothing to do with her,” I whisper. I don’t want Darla overhearing any of this.

“He’s a piece of shit anyway, Paige. Are you going to let him do it?”

I nod my head and take a big sip of my drink. “Yeah, I am. I don’t know how to do that, though. I need to look into it. She deserves so much better than him, Nora. She’s done nothing wrong to him.”

I finish my cup and walk towards the pitcher.

“Austin could be that guy, Paige. Just tell him and give him a chance. He may be more than understanding. Most people nowadays have kids anyway. It’s like some sort of package deal.”

I’m getting all into my feelings and I grab my phone. I go straight to Austin’s name and open the messages. I decide I want to text him.

Paige: I miss you.

Chapter 16

Austin

Paige: I miss you.

Those words shine out from my phone for me to read. I smile knowing she’s thinking about me. Ruston and Tamilyn are at her parents’ house for dinner so I’m alone in the apartment. It’s nice to have someone to talk to.

Austin: I miss you too.

Paige: What are you up to?

Austin: Just lying in bed. You?

Paige: Having some margaritas with Nora at my house.

Austin: Well, that sounds fun. Drink one for me.

Paige: I will.

Austin: I’m up for a while if you want to talk later.

She doesn’t text back right away. I set my phone back down and turn on the new TV I got for my room. I found it for a bargain at a local pawn shop up the road. This way I can lie in bed and watch whatever I want and if I fall asleep, it’s no big deal. I don’t have to get up and move anywhere.

My eyes grow heavy and before I finally fall asleep, I remember tomorrow is fight day. Lance and Garrett both are on the docket and I’ll just be there for support. That’s all I can do until Howard really feels I am capable of stepping back inside the ring. I only got to fight once but I miss it a lot. Fighting gave me a peace, a sense of belonging and it was great.

***

As the sun begins to peer through the blinds in my room, my alarm decides to go off. Talk about perfect timing. I had just literally opened my eyes and I was hoping for a little extra sleep but it’s time to get moving. It’s fight day.

My mind

races back to my first fight months ago and how excited I was to finally put my training to use. It really pisses me off I can’t think about that day without thinking about the betrayal that came along with it and the accident that took away my right arm. I push all that far back behind me and focus on better things, like getting to cheer on my fellow teammates.

I’m more confident in driving now. It took just a little push and some faith but I have overcome my fear. Paige had a lot to do with this transition also. Having her see me doing well means a lot to me. I change my clothes and slip a pair of flip flops on my feet. I’m not planning on sparring today, I just want to be there. Besides, I’m not sure I can handle another meltdown with my tennis shoes. I’m getting better but it’s still a struggle and it’s not one I care to deal with more than I have to.

I grab an apple off the counter along with my wallet and keys. I’m ready to get going. The adrenaline is pumping through my veins and I’m not even the one fighting tonight.

The drive to Lou’s is smooth. I walk inside the gym and glance at the clock on the wall. I’m a little early but Garrett and Lance are already here. Lance’s singing fills my ears and I turn to face him. “Really man? Already?”