Hooked (TKO 2)

“You need psychiatric help, boy,” he teases.

“Don’t hate on me, man, where’s the love?”

“Oh, there’s love, and there will be more of it when you win your match next week.”

I need a good payday in my life. I have more than enough in my savings. Even though I still help Dad out with bills, I am able to put some aside and I’ve continued to save it up.

Hours pass while Howard and I continue to spar. We work on everything he wanted me to, plus more. I know my body will be sore later but I don’t mind. If it means victory next week, then I’ll pay the price. I’ll never let my body become this unaccustomed to the fight again.

I glance at the old clock on the wall. It’s a quarter to five. Time flies when I’m kicking ass, and getting my ass kicked at the same time. I head out to my truck when it’s time to leave, and check my phone to find there are no messages from Hilary. My heart sinks a little. I start to panic because I’m worried about her. What if something happened? Frantic, my heart pounds in my chest as I tap on her name. The phone rings a few times and I’m beginning to freak the hell out. Without another thought, I jump into my truck and slam the keys into the ignition. I’m about to click the keys forward to start the engine when she answers.

“Are you okay?” I ask her without a proper greeting.

“Hey to you, too. Yeah, I’m fine. Mom and I went shopping today and I reenrolled in school. Dad had to pull a few strings but I will be starting at the beginning of the new semester.”

“That’s awesome news. I’m happy for you. I’m sorry, I just left the gym and I haven’t heard anything and I got worried,” I admit. I feel like such a baby. I’ve never been so concerned about a woman before.

“I didn’t mean to make you worry. I actually forgot all about him today for once. It was nice.”

“What are you doing tonight?”

“I don’t have any plans.”

“Can I take you on a date?” I cross my fingers, remembering just how our last date ended up. It started out as a great night and ended in utter disaster, but then she was still somewhat seeing Travis.

“Yeah,” she says. “I’d love that.”

“I’ll pick you up at seven, then.”

“I can’t wait.”

When I hang up, I’m a happy man. Everything seems way too good to be true right now, but I don’t mind. I’m going to soak this up and pray it never stops.

Chapter 20

Hilary

I hang up with Lance, and butterflies invade my inner being. A date. Maybe if I’d been smart enough to leave Travis alone back then, we’d be still having many dates instead of another first date. With a smile plastered on my face, I skip over to my closet and open the doors to reveal two rows of color coordinated clothes. Sadness washes over me for a brief second when I realize that in a few short months I won’t be able to fit into any of these. I search through each section before I finally settle on a pair of black skinny jeans and a pale pink blouse. My shoes are arranged according to style, and I choose a pair of sandals.

There’s a knock on the door, and Mom peeks into the room. “Hey honey, have plans tonight?”

“Yes. Lance is picking me up and taking me on a date.” I show off my outfit.

Mom nods in approval. “Good choice. I’m glad you found someone like him to love you and this baby. There are guys out there, but some are hard to find. Seems he was right under your nose all along.”

I’m taken aback by Mom’s choice of words. Love? I barely know Lance. He’s been there for me since I met him, and he made the decision to take on the massive responsibility of caring for a child that isn’t his, but I don’t know him enough to say I love him. I doubt he even loves me. This isn’t a fairytale, and life just doesn’t work that quickly.

“I don’t think he loves me, Mom. We don’t know each other that well.”

“It may not be love right now, but that doesn’t mean it can’t blossom into love in the future.”

“That future is far off. I’m just going to take one day at a time, and see what happens.”

“Definitely. But just so you know, the future isn’t really that far.” Before she leaves, she adds, “Have a great time tonight.”

“I will.”

I was excited the first time Lance and I went on a date, but now I’m a little more anxious. By the time I’m finished getting dressed, I glance at the pink clock on my wall.