Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

Paige: Surprisingly, yes. He was very good with her. I think something finally clicked in his head, Mom. He even gave me a back child support check.

Mom: Maybe he has changed. We’ll talk more later. Love you, baby girl.

“Well,” I say looking up at Nora. “Darla spilled the beans. Mom texted saying Darla told them she met her daddy.”

“You knew she’d tell! I’m so happy for her, though. Every little girl needs her daddy.” Nora smiles.

I smile back, knowing she’s right. I’m ready for the rest of my shift to fly by so I can go and explain everything a little better to Mom. I know she just looks out for us. She always has, and I love her for that more than I could ever explain.

Chapter 30

Austin

My mind is focused on one thing and one thing only. Getting back into that ring is my top priority. Ever since yesterday when Howard told me I can fight despite my disability I’ve been so damn pumped. Adrenaline is flowing through my veins like never before. I will make my mark on this city. I will not be quiet any longer. I won’t be held back by what I thought was a disability. I stayed up after I told Paige goodnight last night to watch YouTube videos of a few one-armed fighters. Hell if they can do it, so can I.

I walk into the gym with my head held high. For so long I’ve walked in here not feeling quite like myself. After all, they all have both arms and I only have one, but I’m no less of a man than they are. Garrett is standing beside his locker putting his gloves on. He nods at me as I open my locker to grab my glove.

“Hey, Austin, I heard the good news. You excited?” he asks me.

“Hell yeah I am. I never thought I’d be fighting again,” I admit to him.

“Lance worked you pretty good yesterday?” He raises his eyebrow.

“Yeah, he did.” I chuckle as I remember how sore I was. I’m still a little sore today but not that bad.

“Ready for round two?”

I nod as we walk towards the mat. I love sparring with these guys. We can leave our jokes outside the mat and get down to business in a matter of seconds. Garrett is fast and so damn good. I want to be as good as him, with lots of practice, of course. I’d hate to be against him in the ring. He’s ruthless, not sparing me at all.

My feet shuffle beneath me as I search for the right angle to get in. He’s moving as quickly as I am, if not quicker. My first attempt to throw a punch is successful. Garrett stumbles back slightly but not enough to be knocked off of his feet. He grins at me as he regains his stance. “You’re getting back to where you were, Austin.”

I nod, trying not to grin, but my facial muscles fail me. I’m grinning like a damn kid. “You think so?”

Garrett throws a

punch and I block it. “Yeah, I do think so. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t have blocked that hit just now.”

He’s right. He would have just knocked the hell out of me if I hadn’t blocked his hit. We go a few more rounds.

I had no clue Lance was standing off to the side until he begins clapping. “Look at my man Austin getting back in action!”

“Yeah, he’s getting there,” Howard chimes in, stepping out of his office. “Speaking of, I have an announcement.”

Everyone faces Howard, waiting to hear just what he’s going to say. I have a feeling this is going to be news about the next fight, and I can’t wait.

“You gonna tell us or am I going to turn gray first?” Lance jokes.

“Okay, smart ass.” Howard zones in on him with a glare. “Anyways, I talked to Blaize and in a week we’re up. Austin, more importantly you’re up. Will you be ready?”

All eyes turn to me and I don’t even have to think twice about answering him. “I’ll be ready.”

“He will be,” Garrett pipes up. “He’s doing really well with everything. We’ll just step it up a notch with him.”

“Sounds great. Let’s get back to work. I’m going to spar with Austin for a few and work with him.”

Garrett steps back from the mat and Howard walks up. Howard is fun to spar with. I thought Lance and Garrett pushed me to my limit, but Howard pushes further. As I get back into stance, Howard begins giving me pointers while I throw and block punches. I’m almost able to drag him down to the mat but I keep second guessing myself and in return, I’m the one down on the squishy mat. I’m a little disappointed but I don’t let it get to me. I know I’ll get him down to the mat. I won’t stop until I do. After a few more rounds and what seems like a few buckets of sweat, I finally achieve my goal. I drag Howard down and cheers erupt throughout the gym.

Howard chuckles as he stretches out on the mat. “Do it just like that during your fight and you just may pull it off, son. Good job.”