Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

“Let us keep her overnight. You just make some phone calls and see what you can do, and your dad and I can help you if you need.”

“Okay, Mom. Thank you. It just all happened so fast. I was getting ready to fix her lunch and I dropped it all over the floor.”

“Everything will be all right, Paige. It’s just going to take time. Keep your head up. We’ll see you when you get here.”

I hang up the phone and stick it in my back pocket. I splash a little cold water on my face and flush the toilet as if I were using it. When step out of the bathroom, Darla is playing with her dolls. I walk into her room and sit beside her.

“Hey, Mommy,” she says as she hands me a baby doll.

“Hey, sweetie. What do you say we go to McDonalds and get some of their chicken nuggets then you go have a sleepover with Grammy and Papa?”

Her eyes light up and she jumps up to hug me tightly. I grab her overnight bag and begin packing a set of jammies and some clothes for tomorrow. She grabs a few toys and throws them inside and begins ushering me out of her room.

When I drop her off, my parents and I talk about everything I need to do to take care of this. I’m guessing Brendan doesn’t realize we’ll be going to court, but then he probably doesn’t care. I visit for a little, then kiss Darla bye. I hug my parents and thank them for everything. As I drive off, the tears cascade down my cheeks. I guess we’re about to find out just how strong I am.

I pull back up at the apartment and see Raegan getting Lucas out of the car. She sees me and grins. “Hey, Paige. Where’s Darla?”

“Hey. I just brought her to my parents for the afternoon and evening.”

“Yeah, Lucas is going to my dad’s a little later. Garrett has a fight this evening and I haven’t seen him fight since I was pregnant. What are you doing this evening?”

I almost blurt out I need to find a family lawyer, but I stop before revealing all my issues. “Nothing at all. I’ll probably just relax at home.”

“Nonsense. Why don’t you come to the fights with me? They’re fun to watch. Hilary will be there too, so us girls can stick together while the guys do their thing.”

“I, uh, I guess so. I’ve never been to anything like that.” It also could help me get my mind off of everything that’s just so fucked up right now.

“Really? Oh, awesome! We’ll probably head out about five-ish if you want to ride with us. I can knock on your door.”

“Yeah, that sounds good. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome!” She smiles. “Let me get him inside and fed. I’ll see you after a bit!”

“Okay,” I tell her as I walk towards my apartment. Maybe going with her is what I need for the night. I can deal with this Brendan shit tomorrow.

Chapter 18

Austin

I find it almost insane I just parked in the same spot I did the night of my fight. I see Lance’s truck and Garrett’s are already here, so I walk inside. I’m waiting for people to begin their gawking but I’m surprised when a few of them recognize me from my fight. Even my opponent from that night comes up to me and starts a conversation. This isn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

I spot Lance and he’s grinning from ear to ear. I roll my eyes, wondering what the hell he’s up to already.

“I know something you don’t know,” he says in a singsong voice.

“More Taylor Swift lyrics? Good for you,” I retort.

“You are funny. But seriously, I do know something you don’t know.”

“And what is that?”

“Your nurse friend is here.” He smirks.

“And how do you know this?”

“Because Raegan asked her to come and she rode with them. Garrett texted me to see if I remembered her name but I couldn’t. When I saw her, though, I instantly knew it was her.”

“Where is she?” I begin looking all over, trying to find her.