“Me too. Let’s get out of here. I have what I need.” She turned and headed for the checkout line.
ooooooooo
By the time we made it back to Hadleigh’s new place, the sun was setting, and the scene out her windows would take anyone’s breath away. The sky was a mix of pinks, purples, and oranges with the masts of the boats in the harbor dotting the sky. “Sure is a pretty night,” I mused as we unpacked the groceries. Being here like this should scare the crap outta me. We were acting like a married couple. It was so domestic, but part of me felt as if this was what I should be doing. They say that there’s someone out there for everyone, a perfect match. Some people are lucky enough to find it, while others don’t. I don’t know if Hadleigh is my match, but it sure seems likely by the way she makes me feel.
“I hope you’re hungry,” she called from the kitchen as the clanging of pots and pans echoed through the small space.
“I’m starving,” I called back. I was trying to put an entertainment center together that she’d bought earlier that day.
“I think I’ve got enough pizza to feed the entire building.” She laughed and it was the sweetest sound. Within a few minutes the oven door closed and I could hear her setting a timer. She rounded the corner, and was wiping her hands on a towel.
“What do you think?” I pointed to the furniture. I’d attempted to arrange it while she made the pizza. We’d just randomly placed everything in the room when we’d brought it up earlier in the day.
“I think…” She walked through the room, appraising everything. I could tell by the expression on her face that there was something that she didn’t really like, and I was waiting to see if she would tell me.
“Be honest.” I pointed at her.
She placed her hands on her hips as her face scrunched up. “I don’t like the couch here.” She bit her lip after she said it as if she was waiting for me to get upset.
“Okay.” I moved over to the end of the couch. “Where do you think it will work better?”
She stared at me for a few moments as if she was in disbelief at how easy it was for me to accept her answer. “I like it over there better.”
“Done.” I dragged and pushed until the couch was in the spot she’d selected. “Better?”
“Yes.” She sat down on it and nodded. “I like this better.” It was in that moment that the timer beeped, signaling that the pizza was ready. “Let’s eat in here tonight. It’s such a pretty view.”
“Sure.” I went to grab some plates while she removed the pizza from the oven and cut it. “You do know that you get to do things however you want here, right?” I asked as I set plates out on the counter. “This is your place. My opinion is just that, my opinion. It doesn’t mean that you have to do things my way.”
Hadleigh stiffened as she turned in my direction. “I know. This is new for me. I mean, I used to make my own decisions, but Josh made me do things his way for so long that I kinda forgot that it wasn’t my way. Having an opinion didn’t really matter anymore, and I lost myself for a while. I’m getting there, but it takes time.” She placed the pizza on the plates and picked one up. We’re going to eat on the couch tonight because I want to. I don’t care that I have a dining table.” She laughed as I followed her into the living room.
“See how easy that was?” I sat down beside her.
“This may seem like nothing for you, but it’s a huge deal for me. I would have been hit for doing this.” Her voice was somber as the humor from a few minutes ago drained from the room.
“That’s crazy. It was your apartment, and your furniture,” I growled.
“It wasn’t my life. I didn’t have a voice.” She lifted the slice to her mouth and took a bite. The cheese stretched as a few toppings fell onto the plate. “Mmm, so good. Try it.” She motioned to my plate.
I’d been in a bit of a trance just letting her words sink in, and didn’t realize I was frozen in place. I smiled as I lifted the slice to my lips. It smelled delicious. I took a giant bite and sighed. I was starving and it tasted as good as it smelled. “That’s it. I’m coming over for dinner every night. You’ve ruined me.”
“Your mom might miss you at dinner.” She laughed.
“My mom would be happy I was out of the house. Didn’t you hear her when I brought you home? She was about to turn my room into storage,” I scoffed.
“You can always crash here.” The words fell from her lips before she could stop them, and she slapped her palm over her mouth. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry unless you didn’t mean it.” I leaned over and knocked against her shoulder.
“I did mean it. I just… I don’t want to send the wrong message. I mean… I like having you here. I just… I don’t know what to say here. I’m sorry.” She was flustered and it was so cute.
“Relax. I know,” I murmured. “I know what you mean, and I feel the same way. We can figure it out one day at a time.” I turned and placed a quick kiss to her temple. She visibly relaxed, and we spent the rest of the evening talking about unimportant topics like the weather. I’d like to say that Hadleigh felt safe enough to stay alone that night, but I spent another night with her. This time, I slept on the couch. I knew we were both vulnerable, and I didn’t want to take the chance of doing something stupid. I really liked her, and I wanted to do this right. I wanted a chance of building something real here.
Chapter 23
Easton
Ever had one of those days you wish would just end? The kinda day that you thought you were ready for, but you quickly find out that you’re not? Today was that day for me. It’s been a hard week, but I thought I’d be ready for the fight by the time it was here. I’ve got two more days, and if I had it my way, I’d be staying at home and using Dad’s gym. According to my father, I need to take all of this head on, so here I am in front of McKay’s trying to answer questions and escape the press at the same time.
“Hey, Easton!” A woman in a blue jacket waved her hand at me. “How does it feel getting back in the ring?”
“It feels great!” I smiled and attempted to answer with as much excitement as I could muster. I nodded to a guy in a red hat.
“Have you given up drinking to better prepare yourself?” He had a look on his face that said he’d followed the gossip from my earlier days and was trying to call me out on an easy one.
“I’ve been preparing to be the best. I plan to win, and I’ll do whatever it takes for that to happen.” I lifted my chin and made eye contact with another as I mentally told myself that I’d answer one more, then escape through the glass doors.
“How’s fatherhood?” A blonde called out. There it was, the question I was hoping to avoid. I hadn’t heard from Amanda in months. Nothing; she knew I’d gone home, she had too. It was all that TMZ was showing for weeks after my arrest. Videos and photos of Riley bailing me out, and me shielding my face from the press as I left court.
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t have any children.” I waved the microphones off as I pushed the doors to the gym open. After escaping inside, Caleb went out and told them to leave. I decided in that moment that I was leaving out the back if they were still circling later in the day.
“You okay?” Dad stared at me as if I might crack.
“I don’t know how you did it,” I grumbled as I started stretching. “They are relentless, and nosy.”
“It’s only going to get worse. Once they see you aren’t letting them get to you, they’ll push harder. Just keep your composure. Falling apart is what they want to see.” He patted my shoulder, and then walked over to talk to a small group who had gathered by the sparring ring.
Great, I thought as I grabbed a jump rope. I spent the next several minutes getting loose, and then made my way to the sparring ring. There were three guys suited up in gear, and Dad was giving them instructions. “This is practice and a chance to help. You’re not here to cause injury.” He tapped the clipboard in his hand. “Ready?” He pointed at me. I nodded. “Grab so
me head gear.” He flicked his hand toward the equipment box.
“Floor work.” He pointed at me and my opponent. “Try to pin him.” He smiled at the first guy. “Try to escape, E.” He grinned at me. This felt a lot like a set up, but I just shook my head.
We got into position and Dad blew the whistle. I bucked and kicked, rolling out of the hold before standing up and bouncing on my toes. “Again,” Dad commanded.
We got back into position and same results. After the fifth escape, Dad changed it up with a new partner. His smile grew as a guy twice my size climbed in. “Pin him,” Dad ordered.
“Wait.” I held up my hand and removed my mouth guard. “Are you trying to break me? This is supposed to help me get ready.”
“If you don’t get your weight down a few pounds, you’ll be up a weight class. You’ll face opponents his size. I’m trying to prepare you for reality. Now, shut up and listen.” He pointed to the center of the ring. “Adam, don’t break him.” He chuckled and Adam nodded.
I blew out a deep breath before getting down on the mat. I let Adam wrap his body around mine, and then Dad blew the whistle again. I twisted onto my stomach, but Adam held tight. He knew what he was doing, and he had a few inches in height on me too. I maneuvered an arm and leg free, gripping Adam’s shoulder and escaping his hold. “That all you got?” I hooted as I bounced once again, this time clapping my hands in the air.
“Don’t be cocky. This is the goal, E.” Dad tried to keep a straight face but was failing.
“Are you laughing at me, old man?” I cocked my head to the side and did the ‘come here’ motion with my hand. I saw his eyes flash, but he tried to hide it. The last time I really sparred with Dad, he put me in my place and I ended up walking out of here.
“You don’t want to go there, E. Trust me.” He shook his head, but moved over to one of the chairs sitting on the floor. The gleam in his eyes was hard to miss as he yanked his shirt over his head. I couldn’t tell what he was saying, but he muttered something the entire time he got ready. “Your mother is going to kill me if I let you hurt me. I hope you understand that.”
“Understand what? I’m here to win.” I chuckled before shoving my mouth guard back in place. “See what you got,” came out garbled as Dad slipped through the ropes. He wasn’t wearing gear, but that didn’t surprise me. He’s been doing this for so long that he knows his limits.
“S’ go.” He tapped knuckles with mine before wrapping his arms around my middle and taking me down. I went easy on him, letting him get me in a submission hold, before fighting to escape. I mean, that’s what this was about… learning to escape.
He looped one arm under my knee as the other covered my chest. He pulled, causing me to curl on my shoulders. “Fight!” came out muffled as he tightened his hold. “Fucking fight me!” he growled. I grinned as he figured out I was letting him do this before kicking, and rolling out of his grip.
“What else you got?” I shrugged as I escaped.
“A lot.” He shook me off before charging and taking me down again. This time I didn’t give in. I held my position as he moved around, attempting to command the mat. Dad was good, but I’ve honed my skills. When I left here I was winning, but after training in NY and Miami, I’ve set the stage to be a championship.
“Let’s go,” he barked again as he bounced before swinging in my direction. I saw it the moment it happened. It was like a spotlight turned on and he glowed in it. This wasn’t Wes McKay the trainer in the ring with me right now. This was Weston, the Hammer, McKay— the fighter. I’d flipped his switch and he was rising to the occasion.
“I don’t want to hurt you. Get some gear.” I pointed to the chest on the floor.
“You won’t.” He smiled before cracking his neck.
“Shit,” I hissed as he bent his knees and motioned me over.
I’d like to say that it didn’t take all afternoon for that fight to end, but I’d be wrong. I think the only reason Dad gave in was exhaustion. He was still in great shape, but his endurance wasn’t what it was when he was fighting full time.
“Killer finishing move, E. Where ‘d you master that?” He grabbed a water as I was removing my gear.
“A friend in Miami. It was his, but he never won with it.” I wiped my face down with a towel.
“You’re ready for the weekend. Welcome back, son.” He smiled and I could see it. He was proud of me, and it felt good. I’ve always known that he loved me, but seeing the pride in his eyes as he told me I was ready, meant the world to me.
“Thanks. Now to get out of here unnoticed.” I glanced at the door where paparazzi were still camped out. There were two vans and several guys with film crews.
“They’ll get bored. Just give it time, and keep your head up. You let on just a little that they’re getting to you, and they’ll stay longer.” Dad patted my shoulder.
“I’m gonna hit the showers here, and then take off.” I motioned to the back. I was supposed to be hanging out with Hadleigh tonight, and I did not want these jokers finding her place. She had enough in her life, and didn’t need to deal with my crap.
“Same time tomorrow.” Dad waved as he headed toward his office. I’m sure he was making sure he looked presentable before going home. Mom would have his ass if she knew he’d pushed himself this hard today. She was the one who pushed for retirement after his last injury. He’d insisted on going out after his championship fight. His words, “You’re only as good as your last fight.”
“I’ll be here.” I laughed as I grabbed the rest of my stuff and headed for the showers. I stunk, and I did not want to show up at Hadleigh’s like this.
ooooooooo
Hadleigh
When I heard the knock at the door, I knew exactly who it was. I ripped the door open to see Easton leaning against the jamb, looking exhausted. His hair was still wet from his shower, and the gray tee he was wearing clung to his arms and chest.
“Hey.” He smiled.
“Hey yourself.” I smiled back as I motioned for him to come in. “Good workout?”
“Yeah, pretty good.” He stepped inside, tossing his bag to the side before turning and wrapping me in a hug. He sighed as I relaxed into him, and buried my nose in his chest. He smelled of soap, and just this simple moment brought me peace. It was so normal and something I’d been craving for so long I almost forgot what it felt like. “I could stay this way all night,” I murmured.
“Me too, but I need to eat.” His stomach growled just as the words came out.
“I’ve got chicken in the oven. Just a few more minutes.” I pulled back.
“Sounds great.” He released me and we walked over to the couch. “I’m training tomorrow, but it will be an early day. I don’t like to wear myself out the day before a fight.” He sat down and patted the cushion next to him. “You’re coming, right?” I nodded. “I got you a ticket to sit with my mom. Dad will be ringside.” He leaned back and closed his eyes. “I think I could sleep right now if I wasn’t starving.”
It was that moment that the timer in the kitchen went off. “Hold that thought.” I jumped up to check the food. “Have a seat at the table, and I’ll bring you a plate,” I called out. After serving the chicken, broccoli, and potatoes, I brought over two plates.
Easton devoured his, and had seconds. “This was delicious.” He patted his stomach as he leaned back.
“Go relax. I’m cleaning tonight.” I motioned to the couch. He glanced from me to the kitchen, to the couch with what seemed to be confusion. “You’ve done so much for me. Let me take care of you today.” I smiled as I carried our empty plates into the kitchen.
“Okay.” It came out as a whisper. He stood and shuffled over to the couch, lying down with a big sigh. I knew he was exhausted. It was written all over him. He’s been practically killing himself at the gym these last few days.
When I rounded the corner to join him, he was softly snoring. His shoes were neatly set on the floor, and he was stretched out on the couch. I grab
bed a blanket and covered him up. I sat down on a chair and watched him for a few moments before deciding to go bed myself. This was the normal life I’d been craving. This was what Easton had said he’d try to give me. I wasn’t sure how I’d ever thank him, but I was going to try. I was going to try and be for him what he was for me. A safe place. A place to be myself with no judgement. A place to let the walls down and feel.
Chapter 24
Easton
Today was the day. I paced the locker room as I waited for Dad. We’d driven separately. He and Mom were picking up Hadleigh, and then coming straight here. I’ve managed to bypass the press today, but I’m still all over the sports channels. I guess when they can’t get an interview, they just make one up.
“E?” Dad’s voice boomed when the door opened and the quiet space was momentarily filled with the noise of the arena.
“I’m here,” I called out as I continued my self-induced torture.
“Why aren’t you ready?” Dad scratched his head as he stared at me. I was still in my street clothes, my robe and shorts draped over one of the benches.
“Do you think I can do this?” It was the first time I’d let doubt creep in. I’ve been telling myself for weeks that I could do this, earn my way back. I saved and scrimped for months to have the entry fee. Now, here I am and I wonder if it was a waste.
“Why would you ask me that?” Dad sat down on the bench by my clothes. “You already know the answer.” I sighed as I lowered myself beside him and placed my elbows on my knees. “You were born for this, Easton. It’s in your blood. Every fiber of you craves this just like me.”
“But all that stuff you said about me not being a champ…” I let the words trail off as many of our past arguments floated through my head.
“Was true at the time. You weren’t a champion back then. You aren’t that person anymore, Easton. This man here,” he pointed at me, “this man is a champion. You can do this.”
Broken Shadows (The Broken Series Second Generation Book 2) Page 15