Love You Always

“You want to tell me why you’re really here?”

“To get into shape.” I lift my arm, flexing it. He only stares at me, clearly not buying what I’m selling. “Fine. I'll tell you but you can’t tell anyone.” I take a step closer to the older man. He reminds me a little of my grandpa. You can’t ever get anything past him.

“Out with it.” His lips twitch and I know he’s fighting a smile.

“I was looking for Tomas.” He lifts his gray eyebrows.

“You check his place?”

“I went by there a few nights ago but he wasn't there.” Again his eyes run over me. I try not to fidget.

“You know where he lives?”

“Yes,” I answer. I think I’ve given up too much information. What if he tells Tomas I was looking for him? Then he’ll think I’m a crazy person.

“He left thirty minutes ago. He’ll be back tomorrow.” He pulls out his phone. “I can call him for you.” Now he does smile. I snatch the phone out of his hand. I almost drop it but he catches it. He’s fast for an older guy.

“You said you wouldn't tell anyone.”

“I never said that.”

I glare at him. I notice everyone is staring at us now.

He only smiles bigger at me. “I’m putting it together now. He’ll be here tomorrow afternoon. You’re more than welcome to stop by and use the gym if you like.”

“Maybe I will.” I look at all the people openly staring at us. “Everyone is looking at us.”

The man turns, barking an order for them to get their asses moving. They all jump to, as though they are scared of him even though all of them are way bigger than him and half his age.

“Sorry about them. They can be worse than church ladies.”

I just nod because I have no idea what that means. I like the old man though. He has kind eyes and seems to want to help me out.

“Well, thanks.” I turn, heading out.

“I didn't catch your name,” he calls after me.

“I didn't give it.” His smile is the last thing I see before I dart out the door, having no plans of coming back. I don’t know if I’m busted or not. I groan, for the first time in my life actually feeling embarrassed. Still, I know I’ll be back tomorrow. Tomas is too tempting for me not to be.

7

Tomas

I run my hand down my face, trying to get myself under control. I haven't felt this on edge since I was a kid with too much anger inside of me to know what to do with. I can’t find her and it’s driving me fucking nuts. I think I’m starting to lose my mind. The little pixie sprinkled her magic dust on me and put me under her spell. It may not be that dramatic, but she did something to me.

My phone rings. I pull it out of my pocket, answering it without looking to see who it is.

“You find her yet?”

“Who?” Clyde’s voice comes through the phone.

“Never mind. What’s up?” I change the subject. I can’t believe the firm I hired still hasn't located Neily yet. They are supposed to be the best in this fucking city. I’m going to have to call in some favors if I don’t hear something in the next few hours.

“Why aren't you here?”

“I’m off.”

“Yeah, but you never take your time off even when I order you to.” True. I never did. What was I supposed to do? Sit around all day? I always went in after fights, never taking a leave. People think I’m dedicated. I think I’m bored. I've found a hobby now. If I could only track her down. Fuck that. She is more than a hobby. She is going to be my everything. My ultimate win.

“Am now.”

“Then I guess I won’t tell you about the girl that came by here looking for you.”

“Is that why you called me? You know I don’t do that shit.” I don’t look at or touch groupies. Sometimes they pop up at the gym trying to get my attention, but I never bite. I’m a little shocked Clyde would call me about one. He does a good job of keeping the gym clear of that kind of shit.

“Just thought you’d want to know that your girl stopped by.” I stop pacing. “Cute little thing with glasses and dark hair. Freckles on her nose.”

“She’s there?”

“She was yesterday.”

“Yesterday!” I shout, already heading for my door. “Why didn't you call me yesterday?” I try to get my temper under control.

“How come I can never get you this worked up before a fight?”

“They already complain my fights are too short,” I remind him.

“I don’t give a shit about that. The sooner you’re out of the ring the less likely you are to get hurt.”

“Stay on topic, old man.” I’m already out the front door of my building. I don’t bother with a car. I can jog the two miles faster than it would be to pull a car around. On foot there is no traffic. “Forget it. I’ll be there in ten.” I pick up my speed, running flat-out until I’m busting into the gym. All the time I’ve spent on a treadmill is finally paying off. I am quick for as big as I am.