In with the New Baby

I walk up to Rexie and he jumps up, places his paws on my shoulders, and just looks at me.

“What’s wrong, bud?” I ask him.

He pants, wags his tail, and whines.

“OK,” I say. “You wanna go for a walk?”

Instantly he drops to the ground and wags his tail so violently that his butt shakes back and forth. It’s snowing and I’m freezing cold in my boxers but I didn’t give a shit. Now that Rexie wants a walk, though, I know I’d better go change.

I go into the bedroom and put on a pair of sweatpants and my snow boots, and I wrap myself up in a big hoodie I only wear in the winter.

Maybe a walk with my rescue dog is exactly what I need.

I put Rexie’s harness on him. He squirms away from me as I do so.

“I don’t get it,” I say and look at him. “You want to go for a walk but are being a bitch about it.”

He whines and cries and lets me harness him.

“Come on.”

I lead him out the gate and down the drive and walk at a fast clip.

As we walk away, I hear Mrs. Fordham’s screen door bang on her back porch.

She mutters something unintelligible and I just laugh.

Why be so miserable when life has so much to offer?

I guess she’s never found her passion.

It’s early, but the sun is bright, the sky blue with puffy clouds. The air smells crisp. It’s cold out, like it always is this time of year in New York.

It’s a good thing Rexie got me up. Somehow, he knows that I need to get up and out.

I’ve been discouraged because I can’t run, and that bothers me. My agility is hampered to such an extent that I worry I won’t ever be able to fight again.

But one step at a time.

Quite literally.

When we come back, I feed Rexie, get changed again, and head to the gym to work out.

The usual gang is there, chatting and gossiping. I want none of it. I’m a beast and I keep to myself.

And I begin to think seriously about fighting again.

It would take some time, but I could do it.

I know Amanda wouldn’t approve, even though she also wouldn’t say anything. She’s sweet like that and doesn’t try to meddle.

I shower at the gym and get dressed and get into the car. I know I’ve been putting off the inevitable but it’s time to try to talk to her. I’m afraid of being shot down but I also don’t want to miss my chance to stay in her life.

I text Amanda and ask if I could take her out tonight.

She immediately texts me back.

“No, but u can come to my place.”

“OK,” I text back.

I drive back home and smile. Life is good all of a sudden, even though I’m kind of annoyed at my wild mood swings. At least there’s a clear reason for this one, though.

I’m going to see my girl tonight. If she’s my girl. If she’s still my girl.

I don’t know what we were or are. But I like the fact that she agreed to see me – that means we still have the potential to be something and I want to stop wasting that potential.

Chapter 17

Lincoln

I drive over to Amanda’s place, and I start thinking about how serious I am about this girl.

I mean, I like her a lot, but what message does it send that I’m going to Odessa with her? I don’t even want to see my own mother, so I really need to pull back, or else she might think I’m a huge softie. Still, I don’t want her to think I don’t care.

I stop at Hung’s Chinese Kitchen. They have the best food around. I order a big bowl of wanton soup with extra water chestnuts, eggrolls, pork strips, chicken Chop Suey, and some white rice.

I make sure I order enough since Amanda mentioned that her roommate Margie is home and I want to have enough for her as well. She’s Anne’s sister so I want to make sure she’s happy, because Anne is really cool and I’m glad she talked to Damien for me or else maybe I wouldn’t be able to see Amanda again right now.

I pull up and take the big brown bag of Chinese food out and ring the doorbell. I hear muffled voices behind the door arguing.

The door opens.

“Hi,” Amanda says.

“Hi,” I say.

Margie pushes her way from behind the door and pauses. She gives me one big look-over, adjusts her glasses, and turns to Amanda.

“I guess he’ll keep,” she says and darts down the stairs.

I watch her walk away.

“What was that all about?” I ask.

“Nothing,” Amanda says.

She grabs my arm and pulls me into the house.

“Geez,” I say aloud and run my hand through my hair.

I’ve had serious opponents, but none as tough as her.