“Gabriel, settle down. I’ll see what we can do to get him into a treatment center,” Judge Ferriter offers.
After hearing his words, I calm down a little, even though I’m still frustrated. “Can I see him now?”
The judge looks to Sergeant Delaney, who nods his head. “I’ll bring you to him,” he stands and walks to the door, holding it open for me. “We’re going to take a left and then a right at the end of the hall.”
I hear a loud buzz as we approach the door at the end of the hallway and stay back as it slowly opens. “Can you bring him in to see Jason Vega?” the sergeant requests from the guard standing just beyond the door.
I follow the guard halfway down the hallway. Pulling out his keys, he unlocks the heavy metal door and slides it to the side. I step inside and see Jase, balled up on the small cot in the corner of the room. His arms are covering his face and his body shudders every few seconds. “Jase,” I tap his shoulder cautiously, trying not to scare him. He jumps a mile at my touch anyway, “Stay away from me!” he yells.
“Jase, it’s me,” I whisper.
“Gabe?” his eyes are glossy and red. “I tried Gabe. I tried so hard,” he throws his arms around me, his grip much stronger than I would’ve expected it to be.
“I know, Jase,” I gently rub the back of his head like you would a child. “I should’ve stayed with you today,” my voice is full of regret.
He pulls away from me. “It wouldn’t have mattered, Gabe. I can’t help it!” his eyes say it all. “This fuckin’ junk owns me,” he cries as he punches himself in the arm. I wince at his self-destructive behavior; all his hurt and pain is right there, staring at me. I wish I could take it all away to make him whole again.
“We’re gonna get you better, Jase. You can stay with me for as long you need. You can have my room, and I’ll sleep on the couch.” I’m desperate, I’ll say anything to get him not to take off again.
“I… I… I’m not sure I can get better, Gabe,” he weeps.
“Gabriel. Jason.” We look up at Judge Ferriter. “I’m sorry to interrupt,” he looks at us with compassion in his eyes. It’s the same look he’d given me all those years ago. “You’re free to go, Jason,” he informs with a small smile.
“Really?” Jase’s eyes are wide in amazement.
“There are some conditions you’ll need to follow.” I can tell by the tone of his voice that he’s very serious, and there’s definitely no messing around with him. I’ll do everything I can to make sure that every condition he outlines will be followed to a “T.” “You’re being released into your brother’s custody,” Jase’s eyes dart to me, and I see a little glimmer of happiness. “In addition, you’re going to be required to wear an ankle bracelet and will have a curfew,” the judge continues. “We’re trying to get you into a program, but until that time, you’ll need to report to the methadone clinic down on Albert Street. It’ll help you curb your urges to use.”
We stare at the judge, speechless, neither of us knowing what to say or how to thank him.
“You’re going to have to see a probation officer and take periodic drug tests, as well. If you don’t follow all of these rules, you’ll find yourself in jail, and you won’t get another chance from me. Do you understand me, Jason? I’m willing to help you, but only if you’re willing to help yourself too.”
Jase nods his head, but he’s suspicious about Judge Ferriter’s motives. “Why are you doing this?”
“Jase, please just take his help. He helped me when I needed it,” I plead with him. “He’s the one who made it possible for us to see each other when we were separated.”
“He is?”
“Yes, you can trust him.”
He squeezes his eyes closed, and tears run down his cheeks. He sighs heavily and says, “Okay,” still sounding a bit unsure.
“Make it happen,” the judge says to Sergeant Delaney, who is now standing in the doorway.
“I’ll begin the process,” he responds then disappears down the hallway.
“Why don’t you boys go sit in the conference room? We’ll come get you when you can leave,” Judge Ferriter says.
Jase and I walk down the hall side by side; my arm is around him, and his head is resting on my shoulder. The loud buzz of the door unlocking makes him jump. “It’s alright, that’s the sound of them letting us out,” I squeeze him. “You’re not coming back here ever again.”
Frankie is sitting in the room alone. “Everything okay, Gabriel?” he asks as I enter the room.
“It’s getting there, Frankie,” I smile as Jase follows right behind me. “Frankie, this is my little brother, Jase. Jase, this is my trainer and mentor, Frankie.”
“Jase, it’s great to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you over the years,” Frankie greets him warmly.
“Thank you for taking such great care of my brother,” Jase responds.
“He’s taken care of me too,” Frankie looks over at me. It’s not like him to get all soft and warm. “The two of us have made a good team together these past years. I’m very proud of everything Gabriel has accomplished.”
“This thing fucking sucks.” Jase is fidgeting with the ankle bracelet that was secured on his leg just fifteen minutes ago.
“You better get used to it, kid. You’re going to be wearing it for a while,” Frankie smiles at him in the rearview mirror.
“Don’t remind me,” he moans.
“Hey, it’s better than sitting in a cell,” I add.
“Most def,” he smiles.
“Where are we going?” I look out the window.
“We have an appointment with Blaine, remember?” Frankie reminds me.
“We’re still going to that?”
“Yes, Gabriel. We have details to iron out.”
“Where are we going?” Jase asks.
“Gabriel has an appointment with his sponsor.”
“Sponsor? Like an AA sponsor?”
“No,” I smile at him, “a sponsor for my fighting.”
“Oh, never heard of that kind of sponsor before.”
“Gabriel will be promoting Blaine’s gym, that’s his sponsor. He’s also training there. Well, who knows now,” Frankie looks down at my hands, “we still need to see what damage he’s done to his hands.”
“Yeah, what the hell happened to your hands? They were fine this morning.”
“Yes, Gabriel, what did happen to your hands?” Frankie mocks.
“Oh, for Christ’s sake,” I groan, “I hit a heavy bag one too many times without my gloves on.”
“Not thinking about the damage you could do to your hands.” Frankie just can’t help himself but to take another dig at me.
“So, he’s gonna pay you to promote his gym and train there?” Jase asks.
“Pretty much.”
“Wow, that’s a good deal.”
“I guess.”
“Well that doesn’t sound very convincing.”
Frankie jumps in, “That’s what I keep telling him, Jase. But, of course, he doesn’t wanna listen to me.”
“Oh great, now the two of you are going to gang up on me? This is just what I need,” I joke.
“A champion shows who he is by what he does when he’s tested. When a person gets up and says, ‘I can still do it,’ he’s a champion.”
—Evander Holyfield
Blaine greets us at the door as we walk into TKO. “How are your hands? Did you go to the hospital? What did they say?” he’s spewing out questions too quickly to answer, even if I wanted to, which I don’t.
“Nah, we got a little sidetracked,” Frankie answers for me. “Blaine, meet Gabriel’s little brother, Jason.”
Blaine sizes Jase up, “I didn’t know you have a brother.”
“I’m the black sheep of the family,” Jase responds sarcastically.
Trying to make light of the situation, I interject, “Please, if anyone is the black sheep of our family, it’s Papi.”
“So…” Blaine claps his
hands together, “what do you want to discuss first?”
“That’s totally up to you, it’s your meeting,” Frankie gives Blaine the reins.
“Let’s go into my office then,” he starts walking. “I’ve got tons of great ideas!” he’s absolutely beaming with happiness.
Frankie and I start to follow him. I turn back to make sure Jase is following, but he’s just standing there. “Jase? Come on, we’re going into his office.”
“I’ll just wait here. This is business stuff; I don’t belong in there.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I walk towards him, nudging him along. “Of course you belong in there.”
He finally starts moving, and we walk into Blaine’s office. It’s nothing like Frankie’s little hole in the wall. Blaine has a huge desk, with a top of the line computer, and the largest monitor I’ve ever seen. There are two large bookcases with all sorts of sports and fitness books lining the shelves. On the wall right behind Blaine’s chair is a large framed degree; nothing like bragging about some fancy piece of paper.
Blaine sits down and motions us to the other seats in the room. “Okay, first order of business, we need to get your hands checked out. How are you going to start training for your next fight with broken knuckles?”
“My next fight?” I look at him, confused; then my head swivels to look at Frankie. “I just fought two nights ago.”
“Saint, relax. It won’t be for at least six months. I was talking to some people at the fight on Saturday to network a bit. I met a promoter there who represents Marcus ‘The Maniac’ Johnson. Have you heard of him?”
“Nah,” I look over at Frankie, “you, Frankie?”
Frankie has the same perplexed look on his face as I do. “Yeah, I’ve heard of him. But, I’m not sure Gabriel’s gonna be ready to fight in six months. His body needs time to regroup from this last fight, not to mention his hands.”
“For the last time, my hands are fine,” I growl in frustration. I look down at them and notice that the bleeding has finally stopped, but the bandages need to be changed.
“So, is ‘The Maniac’ a big deal?” Jase asks.
“Yes, he’s an up-and-coming fighter,” Blaine’s excited.
“He’s from the Midwest, isn’t he?” Frankie asks.
“Yes, Nebraska.”
I’m studying Frankie’s face, wondering what’s going on in that head of his. “I’ll have to look at his stats before we make any decisions,” Frankie looks over at Blaine. “We are not going to wear him out or overtrain him.”
“Of course, Frankie. I just thought he eventually wanted a title shot.”
“He’ll get a title shot,” Frankie counters harshly, “and we can do it without burning him out.”
“I get it Frankie, I only want what’s best for him too,” Blaine’s tone has gone from cocky to deflated in a matter of seconds.
“Okay, onto the next point,” Frankie dismisses.
“Yes, I was thinking of setting up a photo shoot as soon as possible for the print ads I mentioned before. I wanted to check both of your schedules to find out when you’re free.”
“Any evening is fine with me,” I reply.
“Yeah, that’s something you and Gabriel can work out. I certainly don’t need to see him getting his hair and makeup done,” Frankie laughs.
“Okay, I’ll contact my photographer and see when he’s available. I’d also like to ask you one more thing, Saint.”
“Shoot.”
“Would you be interested in teaching a women’s kickboxing class a couple of nights a week and Saturday mornings? The instructor I had lined up fell through.”
“It depends on what time. I have the after school program until six, Monday through Friday.”
“I was thinking around six-thirty or seven. It would only be an hour class.”
“Just think of all the hot pieces of ass that are gonna to take your class, Gabe!” Jase chimes in.
Frankie snickers and shakes his head at Jase’s comment. “He’s definitely your brother.”
“So, what do you say?” Blaine asks eagerly.
“Sure, why not.”
He nearly jumps out of his seat with excitement. “Awesome! I’ll start telling everyone about it.”
Just then, we hear a light knock on the door. “Come in,” Blaine calls out.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you’re in a meeting.” It’s Salem, looking beautiful as usual. She’s wearing a white blouse, black skirt, and black high heels. Her hair is pulled back, and she has light makeup around her eyes, which makes them stand out that much more. It only takes her a second to realize who’s in Blaine’s office, and when she does, her expression turns to panic. She startles, then turns to leave.
“You don’t have to leave, sweetheart. We’re just finishing up and I have great news!” he’s smiling from ear to ear. “Saint’s going to take Michael’s place as the kickboxing instructor.”
“Oh…” she glances at me and I can see the confusion in her face. She obviously knew we’d see each other again, but maybe just not this soon.
“Isn’t that great?” Blaine coaxes.
“Yes, it’s great,” she doesn’t sound very convincing as she plasters a fake smile on her face. “When are you going to start teaching?” she inquires curiously.
“I’m not sure yet. We haven’t ironed out all the details. Are you planning on taking my class?” I give her a little smile.
Suddenly, Jase clues in. “Oh, hey! You’re the girl…” I elbow him in the ribs, shooting him a “shut the fuck up” look. When he catches on, his eyes skip from Blaine to Salem, then he quietly sits back in his chair without another word.
“Do we still have dinner plans tonight?” Salem asks Blaine.
“Oh shoot, I completely forgot. I have another meeting after this.”
“Okay,” the sadness in her voice is apparent.
My heart breaks for her as the disappointment flashes across her face. I wonder if he actually has a meeting or if he’s going to be “meeting” with Sydney.
“We can have a late dinner, but I probably won’t be done until close to ten o’clock.”
“Don’t worry about it. I have a lot of reading to do for my class tomorrow, anyway. Call me later.”
Blaine jumps up from his seat. “Let me walk you to your car,” he puts his hand on her lower back as they walk out of his office.
“Holy shit! You didn’t tell me that the girl you’re in love with is Blaine’s girl,” Jase blurts out.
I close my eyes and shake my head at his words. I can’t believe he just said that out loud.
“Gabriel, what the hell have you done?”
“I haven’t done a thing, Frankie, I swear to God. And for Christ’s sake, I’m not in love with her,” my eyes dart over to Jase with a look of death.
“Coulda fooled me,” he shrugs.
“This conversation is not over. Do you understand me, Gabriel?” Frankie’s fuming.
“Thanks a lot,” I mouth to Jase.
He gives me a sympathetic look. “Sorry,” he mouths back.
“Sorry about that, guys,” Blaine reenters the room. “I had to extinguish a small fire with my girl. Where did we leave off?” The air in the room is now full of tension. Frankie’s pissed at me, and I’m annoyed at Jase for opening his big fucking mouth. “Whoa… what happened while I was gone?”
“Nothin’, just a small misunderstanding,” I speak up. “We’ll handle it.”
“Nothing I did?” Blaine looks concerned.
“No, nothing you did at all,” Frankie glances in my direction.
“Alright, I have to head out to my next meeting. Saint, I’ll be in touch in the next few days regarding the photo shoot and when you want to start up the classes.”
“Sounds good, just let me know,” I rise to my feet to leave.
“Frankie, Saint, it was great to see you again. And Jase, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
“Yeah, same here,
” Jase shakes Blaine’s hand.
Frankie’s mumbling to himself the entire way out to the car. “I’m really sorry about what happened in there,” Jase says remorsefully.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll deal with Frankie like I always do.”
“He seems pretty pissed off.”
“He’s always pissed off,” I laugh.
Jase opens the car door for me and slides into the back seat. I take a seat next to Frankie in the front and look at him, “Just fuckin’ spit it out.”
“For Christ’s sake, Gabriel, you’re fucking his girlfriend?! You have legions of women who throw themselves at you and you have to go after her of all broads?”
I can’t help but smile; his reaction is classic. “Frankie, I’m not fucking her.”
“You look me square in the face and tell me you didn’t have sex with her.”
I stare him dead in the eyes, “I didn’t have sex with her.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I can’t win with you!” I throw my hands into the air. “You want me to tell you the truth and when I do, you still don’t fuckin’ believe me!”
“You better start explaining to me how your brother,” he points at Jase, “knows Blaine’s girlfriend!”
I explain all the events that occurred, from after the fight, straight through until I showed up at the gym and the cops were waiting for me. Of course, I omitted a few parts of the story so he wouldn’t get even more pissed.
“That’s the entire story. You happy now?” my eyes scan his face trying to read if he believes me or not.
“So, you’re telling me that she slept at your apartment, in your bed, and you didn’t sleep with her?” his voice is full of doubt.
“Yes,” I laugh, “that’s exactly what I’m telling you. You can even ask Jase,” I motion with my head to Jase, who’s back there minding his own business. “Did you hear any screaming or moaning coming from my room last night?”
“What? Why do you gotta involve me in this?”
“Because you’re the reason he knows in the first place.”
“Well, how was I supposed to know you didn’t want Frankie to know?” Jase sounds exasperated. “And no, I didn’t hear any moaning or screaming coming from your room.”
On the Ropes Page 22