Fearless

by Maya Rossi

  “You’ll just get another dog if that’s what you want.”

  Ava drew back to study his ruddy features in disbelief. “What?”

  “But I hate dogs,” he admitted with a grimace, “so you might want to rethink Dami.”

  A red haze came over her eyes then and her anger threatened to choke her. “You can’t be serious and it’s Jami.”

  He caught her face between his hands. “You’re in a relationship. You don’t make a decision like getting a dog without telling me first. How long have you had him?”

  “Three weeks.”

  “For God’s sake. And you said nothing?”

  Worse was how easy it had been to hide Jami from Eddy without even meaning to, a man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. “I love that dog. And we aren’t exactly living together and--”

  “What did you just say?” Eddy looked ready to throw down. “And whose fault is that? Fucking say that to my fucking face--”

  “Ava?” Ujin called, eyes dancing from Eddy to her. His lean body hard and coiled to strike. “Everything all right?”

  “We’ll discuss this later,” Eddy said.

  “I’m keeping him.”

  “Ava,” Eddy said in a warning growl.

  “What? I said I’m keeping him, just work your way around it.”

  “This isn’t over,” Eddy snapped.

  The hall went silent after he was gone. Ava’s shoulders dropped. She was so exhausted she could sleep for a week. Covering her face with both hands, she counted to ten to get her emotions under control. She lowered her arms to find Ujin watching her expressionlessly.

  “I need to go,” he said.

  Ava nodded absently. Then a thought occurred to her. “Brayden called you, didn’t he?”

  Ujin gave her a steady look. “What? You thought he knows the vet in town?”

  Two days later, Ava was still working herself up to the apology. Unable to get Ujin’s words out of her mind, Ava wrote her apology, wording it in different ways before giving up. When another weekend rolled around, she bemoaned the fruitless week at the office.

  “I spent my week shadowing Gary, Jesus,” she told Jami.

  At least, she dodged another fight with Eddy, enjoying a date with him at a local restaurant. They jumped the dog fight somehow and never mentioned Jami. Ava got the feeling Eddy expected Jami to disappear when they got married. Even though he had a point, she wasn’t willing to give up yet.

  On Saturday, she got out of bed and stared at the dark stain on the ceiling trying to decide if she was going to read up on the unfinished books on her kindle or clean out her flat. Jami pushed his nose against her chin to get her moving.

  Ava had just served Jami his food when she got the call that Brayden would be at a school in her parent’s hometown. Stumped, she stared at the address, trying to decide whether to risk it. If she didn’t know better, she would take this as an act of revenge from Brayden. No way it was a coincidence his next charity case was in a school in her parents’ hometown.

  An hour later, Ava stood on the sidelines watching Brayden interact with a group of kids. He was a natural. Trading light jabs, giving high fives, adjusting their stance, he did it all. Parents, teachers and children, and Brayden all seemed to be having a great time.

  Later, Ava was adjusting her camera when her father stopped her side. “Hi, Ava.”

  She shoved her camera and notes into her bag and zipped it up. Forcing a smile, she nodded at her father, Rick and his wife, Sophie.

  “It’s nice to see you again,” Sophie smiled, “how are you doing?”

  Her twelve-year-old stepbrother, Rick Jr. ran over. “Dad, dad, did you see? Brayden Marshall hugged me, he wanted to know if I was doing well in class and--”

  “Hey, hey, slow down,” Rick pointed at Ava, “your sister’s here.”

  “Hi,” Rick Jr. called carelessly and in the same breath turned to his parents and resumed his breathless narration.

  Ava didn’t know whether to be flattered he still recognized her or insulted by his easy dismissal. It was her fault anyway. She made no attempt to be a part of his life. Sophie took her aside with an apologetic smile. “He’s just crazy about this visit and Brayden Marshall, please don’t take it personally.”

  With her soft bob and flowery dress, Sophie looked like the typical school mom. Her warm smile sought to put Ava at ease while her eyes pleaded with her to give Rick a chance. Ava looked away.

  “Ava,” Brayden’s gravelly voice demanded her attention.

  One look into his brown-gold eyes and guilt threatened to swamp her. Was he angry? Had he really forgotten about it and wouldn’t hold her actions against her? Did she still have to apologize? But Ujin had implied Brayden would take the blame even if it wasn’t his and besides she was wrong.

  Resolved to grovel, Ava stepped forward. “Hi.”

  “Oh, my God, Dad, there he is, there he is,” Rick Jr. exclaimed repeatedly.

  To his credit, Brayden took it all in stride. He gave maximum attention to her stepbrother before turning to her father. “Hello sir, I’m Brayden. Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  They chatted for a bit. Ava clasped her hands together praying that the meeting come to an end soon. Brayden took one look at her face and denied Rick Jr. another autograph. Before they left, Rick’s eyes roved over her features. His eyes asked a question, pleading just like Sophie’s earlier. Ava gave a tiny shake of her head in response.

  They watched her family go. She felt Brayden’s eyes on her but refused to turn around. How she hated hurting them so. Someone normal would organize a brunch or something, invite them over and have a great time. But she couldn’t.

  “Is it so difficult?” Brayden’s question jolted through her.

  Ava gritted her teeth to hold back the angry words on her tongue. “Yes. He wasn’t there when I needed him, I can’t take the risk again.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  She glared at him, his image blurry through her tears. “Are you serious right now? You’re questioning me? You have a stepsister you aren’t close to, you use causes to build up your already super sterling reputation and you dare to question why-why- why--”

  Brayden tugged her into his arms as she burst into tears. She buried her face into the folds of his shirt. She felt them moving, heard the slam of a car door, the scratch of a car seat against her ankle and his hard thighs against her ass. Pulling her head from his wet shirt, Ava glared herfury. She beat at his chest with her fists.

  “You did this on purpose!”

  “No.”

  But his answer only infuriated her further. “You think you would have done better? Is that it?”

  “No, never.” He swallowed, the powerful muscles of his throat cording with that movement. “The ugliest and the best man I’ve ever known,” he repeated her words back to her. “If I had a father like yours--”

  “Where’s yours?”

  “Dead.” He rubbed a spot on his temple. “If I had a father like yours, I will worship him--”

  “Your stepsister and--”

  “Ava?” He cupped her chin, those beautiful eyes dark with terror and something else. “Our circumstances are not the same. Please, believe that.”

  With a loud cry, she shoved her face into the warm of his neck and burrowed in, seeking comfort. “He wasn’t there, he wasn’t there,” she wailed repeatedly.

  Brayden rubbed her back. “I know, I know, love. But he’s here now.”

  Round three

  Chapter eight

  U did dat on purpose.

  I read the future now? I thought you didn’t buy into my godlike persona.

  Tel me it’s a coincidence then. I was thinking of a way to apologize and U took revenge.

  Is that what you really think happened, that I orchestrated the meeting with your parents? Sorry to disappoint but that event was planned months before.

  No, I’m srry.

  Where are you?

  Frank
had pity on me, gave me something to do.

  Where’s Jami while you’re doing this person?

  Home with neighbor and I’m not doing him.

  Who?

  Brooks.

  He’s had a rough year, great kid.

  Puleese, your attempt to sound like a grandpa is awful, dude is twenty-six to your thirty.

  Dude, try trading punches for twenty years and you’ll feel like Methuselah.

  Lol. Your knowledge of D bible is impressive.

  That was my mom.I can think up a couple of questions you can ask him.

  Hell, no. That wud be like insider, insider info.

  You really think texting the word twice adds emphasis? Dude, try capital letters.

  It’s my own unique style. I plan to ask abt his sis who overdosed in college.

  “You’ve been on that phone an awful lot,” Randall their photographer said, lazily pushing back his long blonde locks. “I would have asked if that’s a new boyfriend but you’re all set on marrying that homophobic twat.”

  “Hey,” Ava hit his shoulder playfully, “that’s my fiance you’re name calling.”

  But Randall simply shrugged and turned to speak to another reporter at his other side. Why did not one of her friends like Eddy? She wasn’t even close to Randall, they were more colleagues than friends but he hated Eddy. What was it Robin used to say, be wary of boyfriends your girlfriends hate.

  Ava glanced at her phone, surprised and alarmed when she saw Brayden hadn’t texted back. She clenched her fists around the phone and forced herself to join in a conversation. This connection with Brayden Marshall was madness. It defiled explanation and the sad part of the whole thing was she couldn’t confide in anyone about it.

  Nance would go crazy fangirling if Ava told her . She had already lied to Eddy. Maybe she could talk to Robin.

  Hey.

  My former best friend from the big city texting me? What did I do right today?

  Puleese, we’re both guilty. Maybe I am a bit more guilty but we both r.

  You better type in full or this conversation would be like pulling teeth. Are you alright?

  Who says I’m not?

  Come on.

  How’s the baby and the brood and Steve?

  I’m ready to drop any minute but we’re good, so tell mama bear what has you panicking.

  Even though she got no notifications, Ava still pulled up her chat with Brayden to see if he had replied. What had she said wrong this time? They chatted almost everyday on and off about everything and nothing. By now, Ava knew they were invisible boundaries in Brayden’s life she couldn’t cross.

  You remember face cap guy from the Morgan fight?

  The gentleman. I still have his mobile hand fan. Man, that thing is the best. I feel like a thief not giving it back.

  Smiling, Ava shook her head. Robin wouldn’t know how almost right she was calling Brayden a gentleman. He wouldn’t mind.

  You’ve been in touch?

  That’s why I’m texting you, I chat with the guy every freaking day. It’s as if we’ve known each other for years. He’s like a brother--

  Sista don’t give me that, that man cannot be like a brother to me and we aren’t even close.

  Like there’s nothing sexual but its not exactly innocent, you know?

  How does he feel about this?

  He’s also surprised but really cool about it. He always says life’s too short to take your happiness where you can. He asked for my freaking number first.

  Maybe that’s his pickup line? Like going through the side door?

  I mentioned Eddy, and he asked if I wanted him to ask permission. On his part, it’s completely innocent!

  But not on yours?

  Ava bit her lip, bracing her hand over the driver’s seat as the car rocked over a pothole. I don’t know, I guess?

  Which means yes.

  I’m honest enough to know that if I let myself, he’s someone I could easily fall in love with.

  You really believe nothing’s gonna happen between you two?

  Yeah. He’s too handsome, too rich, too…perfect. He’ll probably dump me within two minutes after, but Eddy is stability.

  Okay.

  Just OK?

  Ava, the last time I spoke about Eddy we didn’t speak for six months, so whatever makes you happy, I’m cool with it.

  Tnx. Just tell me. Please.

  Ava--

  Please.

  Here goes, you’ve dated three guys before Eddy and left them the second they press for more. As for Eddy--

  I’m serious about him!

  You have been engaged forever yet you refuse to move in with him.

  It’s, it’s personal.

  Whatever your reason, it’s fine. I’m here. But I like face cap guy.

  Hell, I love him already.

  Whoa.

  Not sexually, but he’s someone I really like. As a friend.

  Then be friends, what’s the big deal? Of course, I might be biased because I’m not a fan of Eddy. But we can’t have too many friends, Ava.

  Finally, she got a notification indicating a message from Brayden. Thanks girl, I gotta go.

  Seriously? Don’t be a stranger.

  Will do.

  Heart racing with anticipation and feeling a little guilty about it, Ava checked Randall, gratified to see him still speaking with their other reporter, Gary.

  What does his personal life have to do with boxing? With all due respect to you, this is why I don’t like reporters or give interviews. The man lost his sister, give him space and time to heal. If he wants to take forever, that’s his prerogative. It has nothing to do with you or your career. Well, this has become a rant.

  It was a full on rant, lol. But you can tell me anything. As for Brooks, I know how difficult this can b, but can u look at it from a journalist’s perspective?

  Yup, very difficult.

  Ava laughed out loud, drawing curious glances from Randall and Gary. “Sorry.”

  “We’re here.”

  She got out of the car, taking a moment to study the old gym that had produced great champions. The place was old and the paint peeling in several places. Yet, boxers from far and near preferred to come here to soak up the atmosphere and walked through halls the great once walked to feel close to them.

  “Coming?” Randall asked.

  “Give me a minute.”

  Without journalists u won’t know many of the things u know. You use this info for your charity, the war veterans you host yearly? Journalists let the citizens know exactly how they’re doing when possible.

  When you put it like that, it’s different.

  Not really, it’s exactly the same. Brooks has fans who would literally die for him. It might be illogical of them but they bet their money and houses and even girlfriends just to see him win. Won’t they feel better knowing why he might not be up to par? The guy hasn’t been the same since.

  You win. When you ask, do it gently all right? Now, look up.

  Instinctively, Ava glanced up. There was Brayden looking casual in board shorts and a body hugging t-shirt. There in front of the gym with people coming and going, she watched the six foot three, hard edged, lean welterweight champion and realized he was beautiful. In and out. With the city a perfect backdrop for his tightly muscled frame, the day light set off the brown in his dark hair, complimenting the gold in his eye.

  Ava’s breath whistled out in a hiss.

  Brayden slammed the passenger door closed and strode over. With tight, controlled movements, he seemed to command the surrounding space, like he did in the ring. Those dark brownish gold eyes snagged hers and held. Suddenly, Ava needed space. Without thinking, she turned and ran into the building to join her colleagues.

  Later, during the press conference, Ava couldn’t help recalling Brayden’s words as she posed her question as carefully as she could. It didn’t help that Brooks already fought off another reporter for asking the same question.

  What w
as obvious was the grief in his blue eyes. Added to the shadows under his eye and unshaven chin, he looked worse for wear. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to,” Ava tacked on hurriedly, “but some of your fans are worried about you.”

  Brooks deflated, the aggression in the set of his shoulders lessening. “It isn’t easy you know. I know the stats about drug users. But it remains a stat until you’re affected. I’m not gonna lie, I’m down. But I’m a fighter, I will be fine. Peace and love to my fans.”

  Ava used the opening to ask more related questions and got full, friendly replies in return. The press conference ended on a high note and Ava couldn’t help but feel proud of herself.

  “You handled that really well and--” Randall broke off and sort of gurgled.

  “You all right?” Ava asked, zipping up her bag.

  “Brayden Marshall,” he breathed.

  Ava turned and nearly lost it. “What are you doing?” she hissed.

  Brayden flicked a dismissive look in her direction and turned to the mystified Randall. “I’m Brayden-- whoa, is that your hair?”

  “Huh, yeah?”

  “Man, you’ve got great hair.”

  “Thank you?” Randall replied, seemingly at a loss for words. “I want to tell you I’m a huge fan but I don’t know where to start and…” he trailed off, looking dazed.