One Last Fight

by Brenda Kennedy

  Gus walks into the gym waving a large manila envelope. “I didn’t think we would ever get this.”

  “What? A paycheck?” I joke.

  He laughs, “Yes, that, too.”

  I watch as he opens the envelope from the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. He removes the items from the envelope and says, “It’s the itinerary for the fight and some extra tickets. He looks at the tickets and smiles. “I’m impressed, they’re pretty good seats, too.” I walk over and take the tickets from him while he reads over the letter and looks at the itinerary. They are actually great seats.

  He looks up at me and says, “They want us out there on the 26th of April.”

  “Press conference?”

  “Yep, and a meet and greet with some high rollers, with a little gambling time.” Gus hands me the itinerary and asks, “You sure you want to hang up your gloves after this fight?”

  I’ll miss it, that’s for sure, but I made a promise to Leah and I plan to keep it. Win or lose, it’ll be my last fight. “I’m sure. We’ll be busy training future champions. We are all booked up, aren’t we?”

  “We are. We have fifteen kids enrolled. You only wanted twelve.”

  I look up from the paper. “How many?

  “Fifteen.”

  “If I said twelve, why do we have fifteen signed up?”

  “Ask your wife,” Gus says, nodding towards the front door.

  I turn around and Leah is walking into the gym while pinching her nose closed. “Leah?”

  “Ace?” She smiles.

  “Why do we have fifteen kids enrolled when I thought we decided twelve was enough?”

  “We didn’t decide, you did. If you have twelve children, you’ll get bored and possibly have time to miss boxing. If you have fifteen, it’ll keep you busy and you won’t have time to think about anything else.”

  Leah’s cell phone rings and my favorite ringtone, “Eye of the Tiger,” plays. “I’d love to stay and argue, but I have to get this.” She answers the call and walks out of the gym.

  “I thought that was your ringtone,” Gus says. “I thought it was reserved for you.”

  “I thought it was, too. It must be an impostor,” I joke. I am concerned about who could be calling.

  Leah stands on the sidewalk in front of the gym with her cell phone to her ear. I watch as she smiles and laughs into the phone and I get a jealous streak that runs through my body. I rationalize with myself to stay in and wait patiently for her to return although I want to storm out there and demand to know who she was talking to. My inner jealousy wins and I take a step towards the front door.

  Leah disconnects the call and walks back inside. She is smiling and it pisses me off. “Going somewhere, Ace?”

  “No. Who was that?”

  “It was just business,” she says but doesn’t look at me. “Dove told me you got a certified letter in the mail. Is it from the hotel?” she asks Gus.

  I want to ask her again who was on the phone, but I hand her the tickets and the itinerary instead.

  “Ooh, tickets.” She reads over the itinerary and says, “It looks like I’ll need to close up the shop for an entire week.”

  “Are you going for the whole week?” I ask. I had assumed that she and Gracie would go out the last few days before the fight.

  “Yes, Gracie and I are flying out with you. Can you please make sure the hotel knows that we’ll need a baby bed in our room?”

  I nod. “I’ll do that today.”

  Gus says, “I’ll need to take out a loan and then enroll Dove in some Gambling Anonymous meetings before we leave.”

  Leah laughs and says, “Dove does like her slot machines.”

  “And poker tables,” Gus adds.

  “Are you guys going to use all of the tickets or may I take a few?” Leah asks, sweetly.

  I try to maintain my calm. I want to ask her about the phone call, but I don’t want her to think that I don’t trust her.

  “Why do you need them?”

  “I have a few friends who might like to go. Bethany and Kyle, Jo and Carl. I was also thinking of trying to auction two of them off and donating the money to cancer.”

  “That is a good idea. Let me know if you need help with setting that up. Just leave me two and take the rest. I’m going to offer them to Valerie and Rick. I know he’s a fan and may want to go.”

  She hands me the itinerary and two tickets. “Thank you, Ace. Mom would love to have Valerie there. Gus, I’ll chat with Dove about her gambling problem.”

  Gus laughs. “Don’t bother. She said it doesn’t bother her, so there is no problem.”

  Leah stands on her tiptoes to kiss me. “I’ll see you in a few hours. Be nice to the punching bags.”

  Dad and Tim show up with a sparring partner and his manager. I don’t recognize him from Upper Cut.

  “Robert, this is Aaron. He fights his first professional fight next week. We thought he would be more compatible for you,” Dad says.

  We shake hands and I welcome him.

  He nods, says, “Thank you,” and then heads straight for the ring.

  Tim blasts “Eye of the Tiger” through the surround sound and we go at it. The song now reminds me of Leah’s business friend. I want to fight like I’m about to beat Kennedy in the championship fight, but I don’t. Sparring partners don’t fight full force, it’s an unspoken agreement.

  At the end of the 12 rounds, Aaron is in worse shape than he thought he would be and his ego is definitely bruised.

  The rest of the day I work out with the weights and speed bag. I shower and Gus, Dad, Tim, and I go over the itinerary and the letter from the hotel. I tell a few friends we have extra tickets to the fight if they want to come. I also tell them Leah’s plan to auction a couple off and donate the money for cancer research.

  I think Tim wants to say something, but he just smiles. Leah will do anything for anyone and her wanting to raise money to fight cancer in the midst of this championship fight doesn’t surprise me.

  We talk about when we want to leave for Vegas and when we should return home from the fight. We all agree that we’ll plan to stay a few extra days. I want to kick Kennedy’s ass quickly, but I’m sure this is a win I’ll have to earn. You don’t get the championship belt for nothing. Gus assures us he’ll take care of booking the flights. I’m also glad Leah changed the grand opening for later.

  When everyone leaves, I walk over and help Leah close up her shop. We stop by and pick up Madison so she can stay over. I soon forget all about Leah’s mystery call.

  This month, I spend all of my time working out and training for my one last fight. I have only one more chance to get it right. Leah helps me and picks up the slack at home. I run early and stay late at my gym every day.

  Valerie and Rick graciously accepted the tickets for the fight. Drake said that Chelsea and the kids are flying out for the fight with him. He is a sponsor, and I knew he would be there. I tell him that I don’t think it’s a good idea for Madison to be present for the fight. He agrees and assures me that she won’t be anywhere near it.

  Leah

  We are all in Vegas, and the fight is tomorrow night. Robert spent all his time this week in the fitness center. All of our family and friends are here to support Robert. We offered the extra tickets to Mason, Angel, Alec, Emma, Molly, Adam, Brooke, and Brice. They all accepted. Robert and I came out a week early, as did Mom, Dad, Margie, Walter, Gus, and Dove. Bethany, Kyle, Carl, and Josephine all arrived later in the week.

  Before we left for Vegas, we stopped by the cemetery and had lunch with Jamie. I miss her and I feel like I don’t visit the cemetery as much as I used to. I know life gets in the way, but I make a promise I will never get too busy for Jamie. After Robert’s fight with Kennedy, we should have a lot of free time.

  Madison has been spending a lot of time with us this week at the hotel. Chelsea and Drake’s room is just right down the hall from ours. Everyone we invited was all housed on the same floor in rooms not too far apart.
I’m not sure who arranged for Madison to be so close, but I’m grateful. It’s nice having her near.

  The Bellagio had a few things that were mandatory for Robert to attend, but he also had a lot of down time. We walk into the elegant restaurant inside the hotel and casino to have dinner with our friends and family. The hotel offered to accommodate all of us in a private dining room. Due to Gracie spitting up on her beautiful dress, we are the last to arrive. When Madison, Gracie, Robert, and I walk into the room, everyone stands up and applauds. Gracie does what Gracie does; she kicks and squeals when she sees everyone.

  Gus and Dove arranged for the dinner, and I’m thrilled to see it’s a buffet-style meal. This will make the evening so much more enjoyable for everyone. We are able to visit with everyone and not have to worry about being seated to be served our food. No other children are in the room other than ours and Caden, and they are getting and loving all of the attention. Mason and Angel and Alec and Emma left their children home with their grandparents.

  We have a loud and active dinner with Gracie being passed around the room as Robert and I visit with everyone. When I look at Robert, I see him looking around the room. I know he is trying to keep track of the whereabouts of Gracie, Madison, and Caden. Madison’s abduction will never be far from our thoughts. We are very fortunate that things ended as well as they did.

  After Robert and I eat, we actually are able to visit with our friends together. Mom and Margie walk Valerie and Rick around and introduce them. Valerie smiles and laughs, and her happiness is contagious; everyone else smiles and laughs. She really does have a happy personality; she must have been born with a happy gene, or perhaps she has simply decided to be happy. The guests are also carefree and happy. No one is focusing on or talking about the fight, although it’s all I can think about. I continue the night and try to put it in the back of my head.

  At the end of the evening, Robert and I decide to turn in early. The fight isn’t until tomorrow evening, but Robert and I want to spend some quality quiet time together. I know the fight is weighing heavy on him as well. Mom and Dad offer to take Gracie for the night, but Robert insists that she stay with us.

  We are the first to leave after dinner. Some of our quests are planning on seeing a show while others are planning on hitting the casino. Dad, Walter, and Gus are planning on calling it a night as well. I think those personally involved in the fight can feel the pressure and the fear.

  Gracie falls asleep on the way to the room. Robert and I take a bubble bath and soak in the Jacuzzi tub. We make love like Robert and I always do: tonight it’s slowly and passionately. It’s one sure way for us to feel as one.

  I love my Robert and fear for his life. I know he has been training and working out like a warrior. He is in great shape and has never been more ready. But, I also know Kennedy has already killed a man in the ring once.

  “Sweets, don’t lose your faith in me now.”

  I fake a smile and say, “Never.”

  Robert takes his hand and cups my face. “I hope not. Because you have nothing to worry about,” he says as he runs his thumb over my lips.

  “I know that and I’m not worrying,” I lie. I don’t doubt Robert’s ability. I’m just scared for him.

  “Would you mind if Gracie sleeps in the room with us tonight?” Robert ask.

  “Nope, I like being close to her and to you.”

  Robert gets up and carefully carries the baby bed with Gracie in it to our bedroom.

  We fall asleep and I dream of his last fight with Kennedy, I dream of Jamie’s death and the months that followed when Robert left, and I also dream of Mom’s cancer. I have a restless sleep. Every time I wake up, Robert is lying there, looking at me. He never says a word; he just holds me closer.

  The next morning he orders room service for breakfast and places the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. We stay in the room all day and lounge on the couch. Madison and Caden come over and we all watch Rocky on television.

  Caden jumps up and down on the couch and starts punching his small fists in the air. “This is going to be Bobby.” Robert raises a brow and smiles. “Daddy said you’re going to fight just like this tonight.”

  “You’re going to win, right?” Madison asks.

  Robert picks up Madison and sets her on his lap. “Madison, I’m going to do everything in my power to win this fight tonight.”

  “You won’t get hurt, will you?”

  Robert looks at me and then he looks at Madison. “I hope not.”

  Madison looks frightened and says, “Sometimes Rocky gets hurt and bleeds. Will you bleed?”

  I want to say no. I want to tell her I’ll be all right. I won’t get hurt, and I won’t bleed, but I can’t. I smile and say as honestly as I can. “Madison, sometimes I bleed. Sometimes I get hurt. But I’m going to try really hard and not get hurt tonight.”

  “All you have to do is hit him first, then he can’t hit you.”

  “Thank you, Madison. I’ll have to remember that.”

  At 5:00 Robert showers and I remove the sign from the door. I know he’ll need to be in his dressing room by 6:00 for the fight that is due to start precisely at 8:00 p.m. My stomach does a flip, and I suddenly feel nauseous. Hold it together, Leah.

  Drake and Chelsea come over to pick up Madison and Caden. Robert kisses and hugs them tightly.

  “Remember what I said, you have to hit him first,” Madison says, looking in Robert’s eyes as he kneels down to kiss her.

  “I’ll remember. You know I love you, right?” he says to her.

  “I know and I love you, too,” she says. I watch them as tears well up in my eyes. I hear Chelsea sniffle as she watches the interaction between Robert and Madison. Madison has never said those words to Robert before.

  Robert hugs her again before he stands. He wipes his own eyes, and I know they are misty.

  “We’ll see you at the fight,” Drake says as he extends his hands to Robert.

  “I’ll be the one in red,” Robert jokes as he shakes Drake’s hand.

  Chelsea hugs him and says, “Bobby, you take Madison’s advice. You hit him first and hard.”

  “Thank you, Chelsea. That’s my plan.”

  “The hotel is sending up child care services at 7:00. Are you sure you want them to babysit here?” Chelsea asks Leah.

  “Gracie has her baby bed here. I think it’ll be easier.”

  “I forgot about the baby bed, sorry.”

  “That’s okay.”

  They leave and during the next hour our friends come and go. They wish Robert well and give him words of encouragement. Everyone is wearing red and white. The show of support is amazing. I love seeing that everyone is wearing Robert’s boxing colors.

  I go into the bedroom and dress Gracie in her special sleeper I had made for her. I hold her to my chest and enter the room for Robert to see.

  “Well, look at that.” Robert stands and smiles.

  Gracie is wearing a red sleeper with the word “CHAMP” written in bold black letters across the butt. He takes her from me and laughs.

  “She wanted to show her support for her Daddy.”

  “God, I love her,” he says to me as he kisses her.

  Dad, Mom, Margie, Walter, Gus, and Dove all show up at once. I know it’s time for Robert to leave. I can feel the blood drain from my face. Have faith, Leah.

  I hand my dad Robert’s iPod and earbuds. “If you need to, use this during his times of rest.”

  Dad nods. “I will.”

  “Take care of him and don’t let anything happen to him,” I say to Dad, Walter, and Gus. “Throw in the towel if you need to,” I whisper. “I don’t want him hurt.”

  They nod without saying a word.

  I kiss Robert and I also offer my own words of advice. I cup his face in both of my hands. “Ace, don’t play. You hit him first and hard and then you keep hitting him. Do you hear me?”

  “Sweets, I always hear you. I got this.”

  “Good. I love
you so much. Please, be careful. Remember to hit first, hard, and fast. “

  He kisses my forehead, my nose, and the corners of my mouth before he kisses me full force on my lips. “I love you more than life, Leah.” He searches my eyes and says, “I will do everything I can to return to you, tonight. You have to believe that.”

  I blink away the tears and say, “I do. I believe you.”

  “Good. There isn’t anything that will keep me from you, Gracie, or Madison.”

  Robert

  I kiss Mom, Sue, and Dove before leaving. I walk back into the room and kiss Leah and Gracie one more time. The hotel security walks us to the dressing room using the back hallways of the hotel. We don’t pass by anyone on the way to the arena.

  I ask security if I can see the arena. As security stands by the entrance, I look the arena over. The room is empty and vast in size. A large American flag is hanging as the backdrop behind the temporary boxing ring. I am honored to be a part of this country.

  I look around and see where the seats are for Leah and our friends. I say a silent prayer of thanks that I live in an amazing country with unlimited opportunities, and I pray for a good outcome for me and for Kennedy. I want to win this fight, but I also want both of us to walk out of here.

  “Robert, we need to get ready,” Gus says.

  “It looks incredible, doesn’t it?”

  “That it does. In a few hours you’ll walk out of here a champion.”

  I look over at him and ask, “Do you really believe that?”

  “Bobby, between me and you, I believe that so much that I bet everything I have on this fight tonight.”

  “Please tell me you didn’t.”

  “I did, and everybody else did, too.”

  I look at Dad and Tim and they both nod. I wish they hadn’t done that. But it does build my self-confidence.

  “Thank you.”

  I’m in the dressing room, and food and drinks are lined against one wall of the room. I down a bottle of water and place my earbuds in my ears. “Eye of the Tiger” is on repeat. I close my eyes and let the music build my adrenaline. Someone nudges me and it irritates me. I remove my earbuds before opening my eyes.