Love You Always

“She’s my girl and you don’t need to worry about her.” I drop my wraps to the floor.

“Your girl.” He shakes his head, smiling at me. The wrinkles around his eyes grow deeper. Clyde is like a father to me. I need to stop being a dick, but I am on edge. I haven't felt this unsettled since I was a wild teen, fighting in the streets.

“Sorry,” I apologize. I rub a hand down my face. I wasn't even supposed to be here today. I should be off for a few weeks. If I was a normal fighter I’d be out in Vegas partying my ass off. That isn't my scene. I’d only been out last night because it was requested. Right now I only want to be in one place. Hell, it isn’t even a place, it’s a person. That’s all I want. I’d give up every belt I’ve ever won to have her address right now. I’d settle for a phone number, that’s how desperate I am.

“Get out of here.” Clyde slaps my back. “I don’t want to see you for a few weeks.” I grab my shit and head out the door. I pull my phone out, checking to see if I have any messages. I don’t see anything from the guy I hired this morning to track down my girl. I do, however, see a text from my mom.

Mom: Dinner

“Shit,” I mumble, picking up my speed when I see the reminder from her. If I’m late my mom will have my ass. I hop in my car, heading for her place. I get there in record time considering she lives right outside of the city. She likes her space. I don’t blame her after how we once lived.

I don’t even make it up the steps of the front porch before she’s already opening the door.

“I’m on time,” I rush to say, making her laugh. She holds her arms out, wanting a hug. I wrap my arms around her tightly, kissing the top of her head. “What did you make?”

“Steak of course.” She pats my chest, looking up at me. No one can make steak like her and I’ve been to some of the nicest restaurants in the world. “Come sit down. I’ll plate the food and you tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing-”

She cuts me off. “You about to lie to me?”

“Sorry, Mom.” I let out a sigh as I follow her into the house. I seem to be handing out a lot of apologies today. I should have known that she’d be able to tell I was in a shit mood. I’m not sure I can even call it that, to be honest. I am happy I found my little pixie but also pissed she slipped away from me.

I take a seat at the giant kitchen island. I’d gone all out when I built this place for my mom. I knew a big kitchen was what she wanted more than anything. I was determined to give her anything she wanted. There had been too many nights that she had to cook our dinner on a single hot plate in our tiny apartment. Still, everything she cooked, even back then, was wonderful. She’d even managed to teach me how to cook.

“Why the grumpy face?” She starts plating my food for me.

“Everyone says I always look grumpy.” I shrug. That is the truth.

She rolls her eyes at me. “I know the difference between your normal face and your pissed face. I’m your mama.” My lips twitch for the first time since I woke up this morning alone in bed. “This time there is something different mixed in there that I can’t place. You look a little sad too.” She slides the plate in front of me before she starts to fix her own.

“I met someone.” Mom drops her fork, staring at me.

“You met someone,” she repeats. I nod my head yes. I knew she’d be excited about this. I wasn't going to tell her until after I found my little pixie again, but here we are. “Why didn't you bring her!” she half shouts at me.

“I gotta find her again.” I shove a piece of steak into my mouth, trying to get a few more bites before my mom wants me to divulge every little detail she can suck out of me. I give in to her curiosity, telling her almost all of the details. I leave some of the more private moments out.

“There is so much to be done. A wedding. Grandbabies.” She claps her hands together.

“I’ve got to find her first.”

She waves me off with her hand. “Tomas, you fight for anything you want and you always win. I have no doubt you will find this girl.” She takes a bite of her steak, smiling big. She is right. I will win this fight. It's the one that really matters. “A spring wedding. I think that’s perfect.” Mom adds in, making it clear I better find her sooner rather than later. As if there were any other option.