Hooked (TKO 2)

I may be able to lie to Howard, but I can’t lie to my best friend. “No.”

“I can’t imagine what you’re getting ready to go through, but I know you, and you can do this.”

“I am worried about myself, but it’s mainly her. What about her, Garrett? Why the fuck did I say I wanted to fight this evening?”

Garrett squats down in front of me and sighs. “Because it’s in your blood. That’s why you said you wanted to fight this evening. If you’re that concerned, forfeit. No one will look down on you.”

“I’m not a quitter. I’m not forfeiting.”

“I know you’re not, but I just wanted to say it.”

“Raegan is with her, and I know she will keep her safe.”

“She will, and I’ll be out there too. You don’t need to worry. Just try to clear your head so you can be on top of your game. Don’t let that asshole win. Beat him, and show him you’re the best.”

“Thanks, man.” I stand and stretch. My body is tense because of who is awaiting me in the ring. “Which one of us fights first? I forgot to ask Howard after he dropped this fucking bomb on me.”

“Me, then a ladies’ match, and then you. See, I’ll be out there by Raegan and Hilary, and if anything happens, we’ll leave.”

I smile, trying to raise my spirits. At least I have a little more time to clear my head. My nerves shoot back up when Blaize peeks in, and tells Garrett he’s about to announce him. I’m not ready. Garrett pats my shoulder and tells me it’s time to focus. I couldn’t agree more.

Usually, I step out and watch Garrett in his matches, but right now I am still sitting in the dressing room. Seeing Travis beforehand could be career ending for me. I don’t want to see him until I step into the ring. I keep reminding myself that Hilary is safe. She’s with Howard and Raegan, and I have nothing to worry about. I just keep telling myself over and over again, in a weary attempt to ease the stress. I should have brought my headphones to listen to some music, but the cheers I’m hearing from outside these four walls are quite entertaining.

Curiosity gets the better of me and I walk to the wooden door. I open it up to see Garrett doing what he does best. The crowd is chanting his name. I stretch my neck trying to see if I can catch a glimpse of Hilary, but the crowd is so thick my attempts are worthless. Another minute later, Garrett drags his opponent to the ground, sealing his victory, and the crowd erupts in cheers. I close the door as Blaize announces the ladies’ match. Minutes pass, and my hands become clammy. I grab my gloves and pull them on. Time is moving so slowly and it’s not helping my nerves. The door opens, and I almost jump out of my skin.

“Lance, get ready, dude. You’re up,” Blaize calls out, giving me a thumbs up.

“I’m coming,” I tell him as he shuts the door.

First, I walk over to the metal trashcan and empty the contents of my stomach. I stand there continuing to dry heave until I feel I can walk away. I reach down into my bag and grab a bottle of water. I down the entire bottle, and drop it into the trashcan. It’s game time.

Chapter 22

Hilary

“Oh shit, there he is.” I squirm on my seat. Raegan somehow picks him out of the crowd just like I did.

“Don’t worry about him. Don’t even look at him, okay? Don’t let him think yo

u were looking for him,” she says sternly.

I don’t want him to know I saw him, anyway. I just happened to notice him. Seeing him makes me want to throw up. Mind over matter, Hil, I keep reminding myself. Don’t let him get to you.

“I’m good,” I tell her. “How do you think Lance is doing?”

”He’s probably shitting his pants right now.”

I burst out laughing. “Really?”

“I hope not. That would be gross, but he’s definitely stressing. Garrett told me.”

“I wish this were just a dream,” I admit.

“I know, but you and that little baby don’t need any stress so we’re going to talk about anything but this.”

“Got it. What do you want to talk about?”

Before she can answer me, the announcer calls Garrett’s name, and Raegan’s attention shifts to the ring. He makes his way up, where his opponent will be joining him shortly, and in a few minutes the fight is underway. I don’t see how Raegan watches with such confidence. She doesn’t seem to be worried about him at all, but then I see why. He’s damn good.