Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

“I don’t know,” I tell him honestly. He just continues to look at me, waiting for me to crack and tell him what’s wrong. “Last night I went over to Garrett and Raegan’s for dinner and Paige was there. I found out she has a four year old daughter, but that’s not a big deal.”

“What’s the problem, then?” he asks.

“The father has never been in the picture, but she’s taking her to meet him today. I’m a little bothered although I know I probably shouldn’t be. She said he’s getting ready to move anyway.”

“So you feel threatened?”

“I guess so. Am I overreacting?”

“I wouldn’t say you are. Are you okay with possibly seeing a woman with a kid? That’s a huge responsibility,” Howard tells me.

“Surprisingly, I am okay with it. At first, all I could think was this is huge. I’ve never imagined having kids, but I know a lot of women have them nowadays. I guess I wish she would have told me sooner.”

“Just go with the flow, Austin, that’s all I know to tell you to do. Get to know her, of course, but also get to know her daughter. If she’s never had a father figure, you could end up having to step up into that role one day if things progress in your relationship.”

“But I guess that’s the thing, we aren’t in a relationship. Not yet anyways,” I tell him.

“Maybe it’s time to change that if you both feel the same way about each other.”

“Maybe you’re right,” I agree. Now all I can do is hope and pray she honestly does feel the same way about me that I feel about her. I can’t go through what I went through with Tamilyn again.

Lance walks in and pats my shoulder. “Hey, man.”

“Hey.”

“Want to be my sparring partner today?”

“Sure.”

“Oh, Austin, I did want to run something by you really quickly. How would you feel about stepping back into the ring again?” Howard asks.

My eyes suddenly dart back to him as they widen. “It’s possible in my condition?”

“Yes, it is. If you want back in, I’d be honored to have you fighting.” He grins.

“Holy fuck, I mean, yes! Yes, I definitely want to fight again.” Tears well up in my eyes. After I found out I lost my arm, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to do what I loved again. It was like that night was a giant sucker punch to my gut.

“Then get out there with Lance and you two get busy. I’ll talk to Blaize and see if we can get you on the next docket.”

I jump out of the chair, suddenly full of energy. My morning just got better, all because of the words, How would you feel about stepping back into the ring?

I grab my glove out of my locker and get it on. I feel maybe Lance and Garrett have been taking it easy on me while I’ve sparred with them, but I want that to change. I look at Lance, who can see the excitement all over my face.

“You excited, man?” He laughs.

“Hell yes. This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time. Hey, don’t go easy on me.”

“You think I’ve been going easy on you?” He raises his eyebrow. “I can step it up if you need me to.”

“Do it. I’m ready,” I tell him.

“So what’s going on with you and Paige? I didn’t realize you didn’t know about the kid until last night.”

“I’m going to ask her to be mine today, I know that for sure. I didn’t know about the kid, though, but I’m okay with it.”

“Hilary was pregnant when she and I got together. I’ve raised Laney since she was born and although she isn’t mine, I love her as if she were,” Lance tells me.

“Well, Paige is taking her to meet her real dad today. She’s never met him because he wanted nothing to do with her, but apparently he’s had a change of heart.”