by M. L. Young
“I’m so, so sorry, Liam. I never should’ve asked you to get me anything. I should’ve gone myself,” I said, sobbing.
“Jess, no, it’s not your fault,” he said, pulling me closer to him. “If you’d gone it would’ve been you getting attacked, and the way those guys were it could’ve been a lot worse.”
“I know, I know it would’ve been, but you have your fight tomorrow and now you can’t do it and it’s all my fault,” I said, wiping away the tears.
“Oh, I’m still fighting,” he said.
“What? You can’t,” I said.
“Yeah, I don’t care what the doctors say. My hand-eye coordination came back soon after I got into the ambulance and although my side is a little sore, I’m good to go,” he said.
“Tino will never let you do it,” I said.
“Tino won’t know what happened until after the fight. Okay? I mean that,” he said, as if scolding me.
“I have your phone, but I didn’t tell him or anyone else anything,” I said, handing it to him.
“Good. I promise I’ll be fine, Jess. I wouldn’t put myself into a fight I didn’t think I could win. I’m not letting those jackasses take this moment away from me. If I walk away I might never get the chance again,” he said.
“God, you’re so stubborn. I hate it,” I said, laughing a little while I sniffled.
“Just promise me lots of cuddles tonight and tomorrow morning,” he said, wiping away the tears.
“Anything,” I said, nodding.
“Ma’am, you can’t be in here,” a nurse said as she came into the room.
“She’s staying,” Liam said.
“But sir—”
“If she has to leave, then so will I. If you need to do any more tests, then do them, but I’m jumping ship here soon. I just want to go back to my hotel, eat a bag of chips, and get some rest,” he said.
“I’ll get the doctor,” the nurse said before leaving.
•••
“Okay, easy does it,” I said as we walked into the room.
“Jess, I’m fine,” he said, laughing. “You act like I broke my legs or something.”
“Hey, I’m just making sure you’re okay. The X-rays might’ve come back negative for broken bones, but you’re in my care now and I take it seriously,” I said.
“Sounds hot,” he joked.
“Now get in bed and I’ll get you some chips and water,” I said.
“What about you? You were just sick,” he said.
“Yeah, that passed when I threw up after getting that phone call from the man who found you. Speaking of that, I should probably clean that up,” I said, peering into the puke-filled trashcan.
I got Liam his snacks, we turned on the TV, and he put on some sports news show while I snuggled up to him and kept him close. I looked up at him, but he didn’t notice, so I just gazed at his face while I wondered if he was really fine with what happened. Did he resent me for asking him to go out? I guess he did insist, but still, I should’ve just bucked up and gone without the medicine. Whatever the case, I knew I was going to make it up to him, though I didn’t quite know how just yet. He deserved it.
•••
“How are you feeling?” I asked after getting out of my shower.
Liam had decided to sleep in and rest a bit more considering this was the day of his fight. He hadn’t told anybody what had happened last night, at least not that I knew of, and I was hoping nobody would blame me for it once they found out. It would be easy to blame the new girl.
“I’m better. My back is still a little sore, but nothing bad at all. Just feels like I had an intense sparring session or something yesterday,” he said, stretching.
I leaned down and gave him a kiss on the forehead before petting back his hair and telling him I was sorry and that I still had all the faith in the world in him. “Oh, I’m still winning, don’t worry,” he said, smiling.
“That’s the spirit. I’m going to go finish getting ready and then go downstairs to get breakfast,” I said.
“How about I just get room service? The promotion will pay for it,” he said.
“That sounds much better. Just get me whatever, you know I’m not all that picky,” I said.
Twenty minutes later there was a knock on the door and a man with a cart came in before pulling the round metal lids off the plates of food. Liam ordered pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee for the two of us. “Is there anything else I can get you?” the man asked.
“No, thank you,” Liam said, handing him a ten-dollar bill for a tip.
“Thank you so much, please let us know if we can get you anything else,” he said before leaving.
“Damn, you went all out,” I said.
“Hey, when somebody else is footing the bill you always go all out. That’s why I gave him such a big tip, since I didn’t have to pay the like forty bucks for this stuff,” he said.
Liam’s phone buzzed and he grabbed it while biting off a piece of crispy bacon. “Tino is in town, and he wants to see me. Not looking forward to telling him,” he said.
“Is he coming up here? Do you want me to leave while you talk to him?” I asked.
“I’ll just meet him in the lobby. If you want to stay here I understand, or you can come down as well. It’s up to your comfort level,” he said.
“I think I’ll just stay here, to be safe. I think my presence might make him more stressed, since I caused this,” I said, my head down.
“I’m not mentioning you, or that I went out for you,” he said.
“Why not? It’s the truth,” I said.
“Why I went out doesn’t matter. If he asks, I’ll just say I wanted something from the store and went to go get it. That way he won’t get mad at you and everything will be fine,” he said.
“But what if he then gets mad at you?” I asked.
“He would’ve anyway,” he said, smiling. “I went out, and he’ll scold me and tell me that I never should’ve left the hotel room alone. It’s just him being a good manager and saying what he thinks he needs to say.”
“Okay, well, I’ll still stay here if you need me at all,” I said.
He finished his breakfast and took a quick shower before telling me that Tino was waiting downstairs and he had to get down there.
“He texted saying he wants me to check out the arena before showing up there tonight. It’s right around the corner, so I won’t be gone too long,” he said.
“Okay, I’ll be here, and if I go out I’ll text you,” I said, and he gave me a peck on the lips.
Liam left and I sat there and continued eating a maple syrup-drenched pancake that had been melting in my mouth. Now I just needed to occupy myself until tonight’s fight.
Chapter Thirteen
Liam
“There’s my boy, there he is! How are you feeling, future champ?” Tino asked, smiling harder than I’d ever seen before.
“Before we go anywhere, I need to tell you something,” I said, walking up to him.
“Oh my god, you didn’t get that girl pregnant, did you?” he asked, with a look and tone as serious as could be.
“What? No! I didn’t do that,” I said, in shock.
“Then what’s so important it can’t wait?” he asked.
“I went to the hospital last night,” I said.
“You what!” he yelled, making everyone in the lobby look at us.
“It’s nothing serious, I was just going to the store and got jumped by three drunk losers. I’m fine, trust me,” I said.
“What did the doctors say? Why were you out? What were you thinking?” he asked.
And just like that, I knew I was right that he was blaming me instead of the lowlifes who attacked me. It was always the victim’s fault, right?
“My stomach was feeling funny so I went to go get some ginger ale and crackers to settle it. I thought that would be smart so I didn’t have problems during the fight. When I came back, some drunk guys surrounded me
and started beating me up. One hit me in the base of the neck with something and then kicked me down to the ground. I blacked out for a second, but people were there and came to help me. I’m fine,” I said.
“God, Liam, why did this have to happen? Are you not fighting?” he asked.
“No, I still am,” I said.
“So the doctors cleared you?” he asked.
“I don’t know, I didn’t tell the PFC or anything like that. I cleared myself once they said I didn’t have anything broken and had no real damage done. They wanted me to stay the night, but—”
“They wanted you to stay the night? Oh god, that’s even worse!” he said, his hand to his forehead.
“Relax, Tino, they have to say that so you can’t sue them later if you have problems. I feel fine, I’ve eaten and am strong, and I’m just a tiny bit sore. I’ve been sorer from training and sparring than this, and I’ll be fine in the match tonight. I’ve worked too damn hard to just toss it all away now. I’m not letting those jackasses who jumped me win. It’s not happening,” I said, with probably the most stern tone and expression I’d ever used.
“Fine, I won’t tell anybody, and you won’t either. Where’s that girl of yours?” he asked, looking around.
“She’s staying in the room. I figured we’d go check out the venue and then I’d get back to her. She took care of me really well last night and came rushing to the hospital. She was good to me,” I said.
“You don’t let go of a woman like that, kid. Trust me on that. Okay, well, let’s get over there and then you can spend a few hours with her before coming back for prep,” he said.
“Sounds good,” I said before we walked out.
•••
I was in amazement as I walked into the venue and saw the octagon in the middle of the stage. It was surrounded on all sides with padded chairs and stands. “This is amazing,” I said, looking around.
The mat was pure white, like snow, and as pristine as could be. The cage was painted black, and the foam toppers around the perimeter were brand new and covered with logos. This was definitely the big times. The cages I normally fought in were dirty and probably soaked in bacteria and blood.
“This is your stage tonight,” Tino said, his arms extended. “You’ve worked so hard, and now you’ll not only be attending this event tonight, but fighting in it.”
I took out my phone and snapped a few pictures to send to my family and to Jessica. My parents and brothers replied almost instantly, saying how excited they were and that they were all watching tonight. Cash had even sent out the picture to his social media and told them to blow up a hashtag with my name in it so the PFC could see how big of an asset I was. Maybe I should appreciate his stardom more.
There were plenty of workers all around, setting up chairs, satellite and audio devices, and even finishing up work on the octagon. I sat in one of those seats, about five rows up, and leaned forward with my elbows on my knees while I just soaked it all in. Tino stayed close by, not even saying a word. I thought he knew I was taking in a moment that I’d never forget.
I felt a little nervous, the butterflies in my stomach like the first time I ever set foot in a cage, and I wasn’t even close to getting inside. “Here’s the card for the night. I got it off the table,” Tino said, handing me the paper.
I was the first fight, the opener, which was typical for these sorts of things. They didn’t want to give me a top spot or even something in the middle, mainly because I was a nobody and they weren’t even sure if they’d keep me or sign me. I was fine with that, though I knew that someday I was going to be the final showcase fight, and people would buy the program just to see me demolish some poor soul.
“The next time you come here you’ll be stepping foot in there, tonight, and I’ll be right down there at ringside cheering you on. I just want you to know how proud you make me, and boy am I glad you stepped foot in my gym that day. I don’t care about the money you make, or the commission I get, but I want you to know you’re like a son to me, and I’ll always be there to root you on, whether you knock some guy out or it’s you lying on that mat knocked out. I’m proud of you, kid,” Tino said, patting my back.
“Thank you, coach. In a city with eight million different faces, I’m glad I settled on your ugly mug to be my agent and coach. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I said, looking up at him.
“Come on, let’s get you out of here before we start getting all wishy-washy,” he said.
Chapter Fourteen
Jenna
“How was it?” I asked as Liam got back to the room.
“To keep it simple, it was amazing. Did you get the picture I sent?” he asked.
“Yeah, I was going to reply but figured I’d see you in a few. It looks so brand new and sparkly compared to that last place you fought in,” I said.
“Yeah, and I’ll be the first fight, so any bloodstains on that mat will be caused by me,” he said, smiling.
“Oh boy, just as long as it’s not yours,” I said.
“It won’t be. Do you want to go out, maybe walk around and get some lunch later?” he asked.
“Yeah, that’d be nice. What time do you have to be back there?” I asked.
“I think around five. The fights start at eight, so they want me to be there for promotional stuff and to get ready. I think the doors open at seven for spectators,” he said.
•••
The lines for the venue were packed shoulder to shoulder as I was dropped off and walked inside. Liam had told me to go to the will-call booth, and that I was given specialty seats because of my relationship with him and because I was the only person who was here for him.
“Name?” the girl behind the glass asked.
“Jessica Altman,” I said, and she looked at her computer.
“We have VIP tickets for you tonight, Ms. Altman. These will allow you backstage access, and will grant you seats in the third row middle,” she said, sliding the badge underneath the divider. “Wear this around your neck at all times for backstage access as well as usher service to your seat.”
I put it around my neck and she told me to go to a special line off to the side where all VIP ticketholders entered. I walked over and the bouncer scanned my badge and let me enter the long, dark narrow hallway. I walked down slowly before coming out into the light, where another person scanned my badge, I guess in an attempt to make sure people couldn’t sneak past the first guard.
“We have refreshments and ten-minute massage stations set up, as well as an open bar,” she said. “Enjoy yourself.”
“I’m actually also here to see a fighter,” I said, unsure if she was the person I should tell.
“Oh, and who might that be?” she asked.
“Liam Hawthorne, he’s fighting in the first match tonight. I’m not sure where I go to see him,” I said.
“Frank, can you come over here please?” she asked, motioning for a man.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“She’s here to see a Liam Hawthorne,” she said.
“What’s your name?” he asked, with a clipboard in front of him.
“Jessica Altman. I’m his guest tonight,” I said.
“Oh, yes, Ms. Altman, I’ll show you to his room straight away. Please follow me,” he said, guiding me through the crowds of VIPs.
We passed a bevy of doors, all of them with a sign that said the name of the fighter. Some of them were big names, even ones I recognized. When we got to Liam’s room, Frank knocked on the door.
“A Ms. Altman here to see Mr. Hawthorne,” he said as the door opened.
“I remember you,” a man said, smiling.
“It’s good to see you again,” I said, recognizing Tino a mile away.
“Liam is just in the bathroom, but come in and make yourself comfy,” he said, taking me off Frank’s hands.
“Thank you for having me tonight, it means a lot that I get to come,” I said.
“Don’t even worry about it, doll. I know
Liam really wanted you here, and that you’re good to him,” he said.
“Well, he’s pretty good to me, too,” I said, before a door opened.
“You made it,” Liam said, smiling, as he walked out.
With his hands and feet wrapped up and his trunks on, he looked somewhat menacing, even though his smile melted me a little bit. “Of course I did,” I said, giving him a hug.
“How packed is it?” he asked.
“It’s getting there. Luckily I didn’t have to wait in line with all those people. This thing got me in a different line, like a celebrity,” I said, holding up my badge and laughing.
There was a knock on the door and Tino opened it before a guy with a headset on ducked his head inside. “We’re going to need you up front in about fifteen, Liam,” he said.
“Okay, no problem,” Tino said.
“Well, I guess I better get my boots on and say a few quick prayers before I go out there. You’re going to be okay?” he asked.
“Stop worrying about me, you’re so sweet. I’ll be fine, you just go out there and crack a head open and win that fight. I’ll be waiting for you afterwards,” I said, putting my hand on his chest and giving his a soft, long kiss.
“Thank you, I needed that,” he said, putting his forehead against mine.
I felt my stomach crumble under the weight of my butterflies before I said goodbye and walked out the door and off to find my seat. “He’s just about to go out,” I texted Emily and Taylor.
“We’re at the bar watching. Is he okay?” Taylor replied in the group text.
“He’s a little nervous, but otherwise good. I just hope it goes okay,” I said.
“He’ll be fine, he has to be. He’s too good to get kicked out this soon,” Emily said.
An usher guided me to my seat and I sat there, twiddling my thumbs, while everybody around me seemed energized, talking amongst themselves. Left with my thoughts, I felt a serious set of nerves, like a wave washing over me, and I almost wished I wasn’t here and that he wasn’t either. I knew this was his big moment to shine, and this could open so many doors for him, but I couldn’t help but worry that things wouldn’t work out after what happened last night.