Tough Girl

by Bonita Van Gerve

I almost fell when I saw what he was driving. "Seriously? And here you are shocked with me?' I motioned to the Subaru, and not just any Subaru—a WRX STI 2015.

  "I love my Subarus," he said, opening the doors. "Now get in."

  "Yes, dad," I whined, making him smile.

  I showed him the directions to my house. He was nice enough to offer to help me inside. I warned him there was to be no picking up nonsense. Even though I loved it, it wasn't good for my heart. I unlocked the door and saw that Amy wasn't home yet.

  "Nice place," Ryder said, looking around.

  "Thanks. It is comfy," I said while going through the mail.

  My eyes landed on one envelope in particular. I turned it around. No name, nothing. I tore it open and gasped as I saw it was VIP tickets to Ryder's first fight of the season after his break. I looked up and saw him smiling.

  "You only got them now?" she asked and I rolled my eyes.

  "Wait... I just gave you directions to my home. How in heaven did these tickets arrive here?" I asked.

  He looked so guilty and cute. "I kind of found out you’re a huge fan of MMA. I went back to the wedding dress shop and asked for your details.

  I looked at him confused.

  "You said your sister was getting married, and you do have the same surname," he said.

  I rolled my eyes. "But of course." I looked back down at the tickets. "Why me?" I asked softly.

  "Why not you?"

  "To have a loud girl at your fight—do you think that’s good?"

  Chapter eight

  "No way, I am not going to look like freakin’ Barbie on your wedding!" I shrieked as I stood in front of the mirror. The dress designer was all over me, pinching here and there, smoothing out the dress.

  "Come on, Alex, it is not that bad," Lee said, winking at me.

  "Oh my god! Not that bad? I am going to hurl! I don't wear dresses and you know it! I am ‘specially doing this for you… but wearing this?" I took the dress between my hands. "I can't do it, no way. Way too pink for my liking. I do not feel comfortable."

  Lee rolled her eyes and then started to laugh. "I wish I had a camera. You looked freakin’ scared."

  I turned around to face her, glaring at her. Then the dress designer walked in with a blue bridesmaid dress and I smiled.

  "You set me up, you little cow."

  "I had to get you back for the other day, and this was so worth it!" she said between laughs.

  "Nice one, I can hand you that." I got out of the ugly pink dress and slipped on the blue one—it was perfect. I saw my sister's eyes widen.

  "Do you know how hot you look in that?" she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.

  "No?" I felt a slap at the back of my head and I winced. "What was that for?" I asked, rubbing the back of my head.

  "For not giving yourself enough credit. You look freakin’ hot in this dress. I mean, just look at those legs…" She touched my legs, which made me jump.

  "Yeah, okay, whatever." I got another slapped for that.

  "So how were the fittings?" I heard Amy ask as she walked into the kitchen. I was busy preparing food.

  "It was alright." I stirred the pasta.

  "Just… alright?" Amy sat down.

  "Yeah, how should it be? I hate dresses, so for me it was punishment."

  "Well, did you at least get one?" She leaned her head on her hand.

  "Yes and no. I am not showing you because you will want me to put it on."

  She giggled and stood up. "How far are you?"

  I raised an eyebrow.

  "With the food, dummy."

  She rolled her eyes.

  "Ten minutes, tops. Why?"

  "I’m starving. I haven't had anything to eat today."

  I started dishing up and Amy didn't wait for me as she started digging into her food. "God, Alex, why is everything you make so good?"

  I smiled. "I am a chef, Amy."

  She gave me a look of annoyance, but nodded. Then after dinner she cleaned up while I watched TV. As usual I fell asleep on the couch. Who can blame me? It is a really comfy couch. I heard the front door open and close and then heard heavy footsteps. I opened one eye and saw Juan walking in with a bunch of roses in his hand.

  I pushed myself up. "What did you do wrong now?" I asked, yawning. I wanted to laugh at his expression as he almost jumped out of his skin.

  "Why were you sleeping on the couch?" he asked, running his hand through his hair.

  "Because I was comfy."

  "I see."

  I pointed to the roses.

  "Oh, I didn't do anything wrong. I wanted to spoil her."

  I smiled and stretched my limbs. "She’s still supposed to be upstairs."

  He nodded and climbed the stairs and I went to make some coffee. I heard a squeal and I could only smile. He is really a good guy.

  After breakfast she skipped downstairs and hugged me.

  "Someone is in a good mood," I said while washing my dishes.

  "Hmm… Did you see those roses he brought for me?"

  I nodded.

  "He is really a sweet guy, Alex. I just hope he doesn't break my heart…"

  "Yeah, I really hope so too. He’s making you real happy, and I can see he is serious about you."

  "Really?" I heard her ask in an excited tone.

  I turned to her. "I may not be a love guru, but I have seen how he looks at you and what he does for you. And I think it is really sweet"

  She smiled. "Yeah, me too... Oh, anything exciting happened in your life?" She sat down.

  "No. Except hurting my foot last night at the gym." I played with my coffee cup. "And Ryder carried me to a bench and took care of my foot," I mumbled. I heard a fork drop and I looked up. Amy was staring at me with wide eyes.

  "C-carried you?" she stuttered.

  I rolled my eyes. She is always the dramatic one. "Yeah, it felt like I was going to melt in his hands. But talking about that, I need to fetch my bike." I stood up.

  "Did anything else happen? Like, maybe almost kissing? You know… him leaning in, you leaning in?" she teased.

  "No, nothing like that, and why would he? I think I would be the one leaning in."

  "Still, something is going to happen."

  I rolled my eyes. "As if… I am just a girl from a small town and he’s Ryder Cane, heavyweight champion."

  She shook her head in disappointed. "You need to be more positive."

  "Well, my positive attitude walked out of my life the day I walked out of Eddy's." I could see sympathy in her eyes.

  "Maybe Ryder is going to change that."

  "Oh, please. He’s famous, and I’m sure he has so many girls in his life he can't even count them anymore."

  She slapped me on the arm. "We are talking about Ryder here, not George Clooney."

  "Eew! Why would you even compare the two? George is ugly and old."

  "Still, every woman out there wants him, just like they want Ryder. But Ryder looks like a decent man."

  'So does Clooney." She rolled her eyes and huffed. "I give up," she said, dramatically walking out.

  I went shopping as we needed groceries. My mind was so busy going haywire thinking about Ryder and Clooney. I blame Amy... Why would she even compare the two? George was probably good looking in his time, but look at Ryder. Jet-black hair, not too long not too short, blue-green eyes—and a body to die for. I just want to lick his chest and maybe run my fingers over those sexy abs.

  Seriously, I need to stop thinking about him and his god damn chest. I sighed as I saw it was the fifth bread I’d put in my basket and I was still holding another. I replaced the bread and walked around the aisles. While I was waiting in line to pay, I noticed one couple. Maybe they’d started out new, with all their smiling and kissing.

  I could see though that he hadn't yet told her he loves her. The way he held her and smiled at her when she spoke—he wasn't paying attention to what she was sa
ying, more watching her talk and listening to the sound of her voice. I wished someone would look at me like that. But I always lose people with my first laugh or sentence. Point is: people think I am weird and I talk way too much.

  I paid for my stuff and headed to my bike. I placed the bag in my backpack and got on my bike. The way home was quite short. Once I arrived home I packed the few things away and headed to work.

  Once I arrived at work I regretted it. Eddy was waiting for me at the counter. Heaven knows how he found my place. He looked up once he noticed me.

  "Alex," he said, standing up.

  I took a deep breath, placing my helmet down and unzipping my leather jacket. "What are you doing here? And didn't I warn you I never want to see your ugly face again?" I asked, walking out to the back to put away my helmet.

  "Just give me a chance to explain, please," he begged.

  I looked at my watch. "You have fifteen minutes," I said, ordering coffee and sitting down with him.

  "So, how has it been?" he asked.

  "Get to the point, Eddy, your time is running out," I said, showing him the time.

  He cleared his throat. "Sorry... I miss you, Alex. Everything about you," he started saying.

  I crossed my arms, leaning them on the table.

  "Th-that day you found me with her… That was a mistake. And I realized I really hurt you, badly. I know now and I understand—you don't want to see me. But if I could take back that day, I would make it right. Losing you was the worst time of my life."

  I rolled my eyes at his explanation. "Years ago you took me as a fool. I am not that fool anymore, Eddy. I let you destroy me. But not this time. I appreciate the apology, but there is nothing more for us. Sorry." I stood up.

  "I got a girl pregnant," he said suddenly.

  Chapter nine

  I don't know why it made me stop, but I stopped and looked at him. He actually looked terrified.

  “An engaged woman to be exact,” he said with disappointment. He then let out a laugh. "It was bound to happen. After I was such a jerk to you, it was actually not a surprise." He looked at me with sad eyes.

  "What are you going to do?" I was unable to stop myself.

  "Honestly? No idea. If her fiancé finds out she is pregnant with my child and not his he is going to kill the both of us.” He sighed.

  "Was does she have to say?"

  He shook his head. "That we forget about it and just pretend that it is his baby and not mine. She’s even planning the baby shower, without me even knowing about it. It is still my baby. The baby is part of me."

  "I don't know what to say," I said.

  He laughed softly. "I was expecting you to jump up, point your finger at me, and yell ‘Hah, sucker!’"

  I let out a laugh. "Honestly, I want to. But this is nothing to joke about," I said.

  After Eddy left I decided to go to the gym. I had an unsettling feeling about Eddy.

  One, we were talking today as if nothing happened. Punch.

  Two, I gave him advice. Punch.

  Three, I felt kind of bad for him. Punch.

  And, honestly, I should be happy and rubbing it in his face, because he truly hurt me. But, for some reason, I just can't get it out of my heart—and it made me mad!

  Punch. Punch. Punch.

  "Ugh!" I breathed, deciding to take a break. I placed my gloved hands against my face and sighed. You hate Eddy, remember? He wanted to get married but then he cheated on you. He made you this person who can't trust men.

  "A-ah-hh!" I threw a hard punch, causing the punching bag swing out of control. I knew I shouldn’t have talked to him. The son of a bitch just knows how to confuse a person. I slipped off my gloves and threw them on the bench. My hands were shaking from adrenaline. Out of nowhere I threw a hit without thinking of my gloves being off.

  Fuck! I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. My hands curled into fists then I reopened them. I froze when I saw Ryder leaning against the wall, his gym bag hanging across his chest. He was staring at me. He pushed himself off the wall and walked towards me.

  "That was insanely stupid." He took my hand between his.

  "Its fine." I tried to pull it free.

  He raised an eyebrow as he pulled me towards him. A breath escaped my lips as he cupped my cheek.

  "I know I am not authorized to ask you what is wrong, but I am at least authorized to ask are you alright. So, are you alright?"

  I didn't know if I could throw my arms around his neck and give him a hug. I needed someone to ask me if I was alright. I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my emotions under control. Stop being so pathetic. You are stronger than this, Alexandra.

  My eyes widened as Ryder pulled me against him and folded his arms around my shoulders. My head was resting against his shoulder and I closed my eyes, a small smile stretching across my face. I was hugging Ryder Cane! No, wait. He was hugging me!

  I sighed and softly placed my hands on his hips. This was no flirty hug or whatever. It was comforting. And I didn't want him to let me go. Like, ever.

  I slowly pushed myself away from him. I looked up and found he was smiling down at me. "Thanks, I honestly needed that," I said and he laughed.

  "Anytime. Now, how is the hand, really?"

  I looked down at my hand. It wasn't swollen or anything. It was just one punch. "It is fine, really," I said.

  He nodded, picking up his bag, and he held out his hand. "Come on. I am hungry." I looked at him, confused. "I’m guessing you’re also hungry. So, come on before I change my mind."

  Without a second thought I placed my hand in his. So many tingles shot up my arm, but I kept my face forward not looking at him because I was sure I was blushing.

  Ryder took us to a place near the beach where they sold the most delicious burgers. I didn't worry what he would think of me. When I saw how huge the burgers were I had to taste one. Now, there are some girls who, on their first date with a man, will eat with a knife and fork. Not me. Come on ladies, if a guy can't accept the way you eat, screw him. He will never accept your ways. I mean, come on, eat a burger with a knife and fork? A burger is meant for your hands! That’s why it’s round and a perfect size to hold while taking a nice juicy bite.

  I heard Ryder chuckle and I looked up. He hasn't even touched his food. He was looking at me with amusement. "Nice?" he asked.

  I nodded. "Delicious. I am so coming here more often," I said, wiping off my mouth.

  He chuckled, picking up his burger and taking a bite. "Joey sells the most amazing burgers, you should try their ribs, too."

  I raised an eyebrow. "Do you come here often?"

  He smiled. "It is my hometown."

  Chapter ten

  "Cooey, Alex…" Amy was waving her hand in front of my face.

  I pushed myself up and noticed my coffee was cold. I sighed and threw my coffee down the sink.

  "What's up with you?" Amy asked, taking off her jacket and sitting down at the table.

  "Ryder is from here. He lives here and I knew it. When he told me it was as if I knew for years." I shook my head in dismay. "It sounds so damn stupid actually," I said.

  She smiled. "Seems like you had a nice day." She wiggled her eyebrows.

  "Not really," I said, walking towards the TV lounge. I heard the chair and then she was following me.

  "Why not?" She sat down on one of the couches.

  "I saw Eddy," I said with a sigh.

  "What did that bastard want?" she growled.

  "To apologize, and tell me he’s got a girl pregnant."

  She burst out laughing, but stopped as she saw I didn't find it amusing. "Wait... don't tell me you actually feel sorry for the guy?"

  "I know I should jump up and down and point my finger at him, laughing. But I can't find it in me. It feels like… I pity him."

  Her face fell. "Don't, Alex. That guy is not worth it," she said.

  I rolled my eyes. "Jeez, I know, Amy. I am not fa
lling for the guy all over again. I still hate him for what he did to me. It’s just I don't find it funny what he is going through. That is something you can't fix, Ames," I said, leaning back on the couch. "I just wish I was in Ryder's arms again," I muttered, looking up at the ceiling.

  "Wait... Hold up. In Ryder's arms?" she squawked.

  "Yeah..." I breathed. "He kind of hugged me when he saw me at the gym."

  Amy let out a squeal and tackled me.

  "Amy," I whined, pushing her off me.

  "Oh, wow. How did it feel? Were you, like, melting?" she asked excitedly, sitting with crossed legs.

  "More like safe. No Eddy. No secrets. And definitely not afraid," I explained, still feeling his arms around me as I closed my eyes.

  I heard her sigh and I smiled. "What?" I opened one eye.

  "You have like the perfect love story."

  ***

  Tonight I was super excited. It was Ryder's first match of the season and I had VIP tickets. Amy and Justin went to our seats while I headed to where he was warming up.

  Why am I doing this again? I pushed open the door. My heart wanted to jump out of my chest when I saw the view. He was standing with his back to me, rolling his shoulders. With every motion each muscle contracted and bounced. I had to keep my hands next to me as they were itching to touch him. I may have seen him half naked on TV, but to have him standing a few feet away from me in only shorts… I’m sure every girl would form a pool of drool around them.

  He turned his head and a smile stretched across his beautiful face. "Hey there, stranger!" He turned fully to me. "How are you feeling?" He rolled his wrists in circles.

  "Better than yesterday," I answered.

  He smiled. "That's good." His eyes worked their way down my body. Even though he was standing so far from me I still felt every brush across my body. He looked up, his eyes finding mine. "Like the shirt," he remarked.

  I looked down, smiling. I was wearing one of the Tapout shirts he used to wear during the week. I bought one months ago from the men’s section as the girl’s didn't have nice ones.

  "It fits, and no one knows it’s a man’s t-shirt. And if they know, it is their problem. It is not like I will see them again," I said with a shrug, making him smile.