The Hardest Hit

by Jennifer Fusco

  It had been months since his accident. His prognosis should’ve been brighter, but to her, his chances of getting back in the ring still seemed months and months away. One wrong hit at this point and Trevor’s boxing career could be over. With scans like his, the Nevada Boxing Commission wouldn’t approve him to fight anytime soon.

  Fuck me, she thought. What was she going to do? If he were her patient she’d have to tell him what she knew. Because she wasn’t his doctor of record, however, she had no obligation to tell him what she knew.

  But was that right? The internal debate weighed on her mind. On one hand, if news of a career setback came from her, he’d know he had an advocate for his healing. She wouldn’t stop searching for new treatments and uncovering new research. Studies in head trauma were simply too new to rule anything out, no matter how strange the theory.

  On the other hand, if she delivered the news that he would spend more and more time out of the ring instead of inside it, she didn’t know if she could bear the look on his face, and the injury she’d mark on his soul. He simply meant too much to her for him to end up hating her like that.

  She hoped with more time his condition would start to improve again, even if it was at a snail’s pace. She’d prayed for a new physician who could bring new treatment ideas. One person answered the call, jumping at the chance to take Trevor’s case on. Dr. Foster, a friend of her mother’s, and an accomplished physician.

  Dr. Foster was good, strict, and usually booked for months on end. The good doctor didn’t take chances, and Chelsea knew she’d take excellent care of Trevor.

  However, today wasn’t the day to think about Trevor’s bad scan. Being a patient of Dr. Foster’s meant it was a new day and he was once again in excellent hands. Besides, today was for his new love, training other boxers. That’s where she found him standing in the middle of Stamina, gloved up and ready to work out with Domenic. Since he’d been taken out of the gym, Trevor had turned into one heck of a boxing coach. His instructions rang out as if he and Domenic were the only two guys in the place.

  “Throw from your shoulder,” Trevor told his sparring partner. “It brings the full force of the punch to your opponent. If you throw from the elbow, you’re putting too much stress on the muscles in your forearm. They’ll tire and let you down.”

  At the first sight of him, a smile bloomed across her face. She loved seeing him like this. When he helped others, his actions reminded her of how much they had in common. His eyes sparkled whenever he trained Domenic. He wore the look of a man who had a passion. His face glowed. Like her, he enjoyed helping people and training new boxers seemed like a perfect fit for him..

  With a quick glance, he caught her staring at them and lifted his glove, indicating he’d be with her in a minute. As she waited, Daniella walked up beside her. “It’s good to see you, Chelsea.”

  “Hi!” Chelsea greeted Daniella with a hug.

  Daniella released her after a beat. “Trevor has been filling me in on everything you two are doing across the street. Please plan on a big donation from Stamina when you’re ready.”

  She felt her eyebrows hike up. “Wow, that’s really generous. Thank you.”

  “You deserve it. I’m not sure what you’ve done where Trevor is concerned, but whatever it is, it’s really working.”

  “I appreciate your kindness, Daniella.” She felt her smile growing.

  Daniella pointed to the area where Trevor and Domenic worked out. “I could never get him over there before.”

  Chelsea felt her cheeks relax. “Why? What’s the problem?”

  “He’s with Domenic in the reserved for partner training. After his accident, his sulking and attitude around here caused the guys to pull away from him. Then Domenic reached out to him, and while Trevor was nice to him, and they ran together occasionally, he didn’t seem to want to fully engage in Domenic’s training. Now something has changed in him. Not only has he started taking an active interest in Domenic’s development, but he’s taken a special interest in the safety measures here at the gym. He even had me order brand-new headgear for all the guys.”

  Chelsea pursed her lips. “I’m happy to hear he’s so concerned, considering what he’s been through.”

  Daniella squinted. “Me too, but it begs the question. Why?”

  Chelsea placed a hand on her hip. “I’m not sure I’m following you.”

  “Look. I know Trevor’s injuries came from the parking lot attack. But what I’m asking is, did they start there?”

  Naturally Daniella would wonder, but Chelsea hated it when people asked questions she was prohibited from answering. It got her too close to a line she couldn’t cross. “I’m afraid I can’t say.”

  What Chelsea had learned about Trevor’s past, his rough childhood was all protected information. She couldn’t divulge anything to Daniella or anyone else.

  “He’s not going to fight again, is he?” Daniella asked.

  She didn’t answer. Instead, Chelsea allowed the silence to stretch between them as both women watched Trevor and Domenic move to the strike bag. After a few moments of instruction, Trevor observed Domenic as he threw a few punches.

  “Trevor could do well here even if he didn’t come back as a fighter,” Daniella said after watching them for a few moments. “Shakes isn’t getting any younger, and I’m going to need someone in the background waiting to take his place.”

  Chelsea took a step back. She needed to avoid this entire conversation. If Daniella thought Trevor might make a good trainer, she’d have to speak to him personally.

  “Have you talked to Trevor about it? I know his love for Shakes runs deep.” If she kept Daniella talking, she’d protect herself from saying too much.

  Daniella shook her head. “No. I’m leaving it up to Shakes to tell me when he’s ready to retire, but I’ve noticed lately how the long hours are beginning to wear on him. He’s not up for travel like he used to be, and while I’m certain he’ll never quit the gym, if I have fighters on the road, I need someone to accompany them. It’s obvious I can’t do it anymore.” Daniella rubbed her hand over her ever-growing baby belly.

  “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” Chelsea asked.

  “It’s a boy. We’re naming him Robert, after R. L., my father.”

  Chelsea smiled. “A boy, huh? Jack will have him training in no time.”

  Daniella laughed. “I told my husband he has to wait until the baby is potty-trained first.”

  Chelsea didn’t miss the wistful look in Daniella’s eye, and she also acknowledged the small twinge deep in her own gut. Of course she was jealous. Who wouldn’t? She could only hope to one day have what Daniella shared with Jack. And she could see herself starting that phase of her life with Trevor.

  Another one of her dreams that since meeting Trevor looked more and more like it, too, could become a reality.

  After a few rounds with the strike bag, Trevor and Domenic took a break. The handsome boxer made his way over to her and Daniella.

  He pressed a kiss to Chelsea’s cheek, then addressed his trainer, “What’s up, boss? Do you need me to get you something to eat?”

  “That’s the problem with being pregnant,” Daniella addressed Chelsea. “Everyone is always trying to feed you.” She smiled. “I wanted to make sure that when it comes to Domenic’s right hand—”

  “That he’s snapping the jab,” Trevor interrupted. “I’m on it. I noticed the lag time when we switched from partner sparring to the strike bag. His level of intensity dropped, probably because he was hitting foam instead of my gloves.”

  His trainer nodded as he continued. “That’s indicative of a loss of mental focus. He’s holding back on the power shots because he knows he’s basically hitting air.”

  “So what are you going to do about that?” Daniella challenged.

  “Up the weight on the gloves,” he answer
ed with full confidence in his voice. “That will give the impression he’s hitting something besides a foam-covered stick. Anything else, boss?”

  Daniella’s smile widened. “My work here is done.” She outstretched her arms and gave Chelsea a squeeze. “I know the clinic sits right across the street, so don’t be a stranger. He’s always better when you’re around.”

  Heat rose in her cheeks. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Leaving them, Daniella made her way back toward her office.

  Trevor greeted Chelsea with another light, but loving kiss. “What brings you by, gorgeous?”

  God, she loved it when he called her names like baby and gorgeous.

  “I have a new doctor for you.”

  He took a step back. “Really? That’s great. Wait. It’s not another one of your exes, is it?”

  She playfully slugged him in the arm. “No. Dr. Foster is a friend of my mom. She’s excited to take your case. But, I’ll warn you, she’s tough. There’s no charming her. She doesn’t usually take new patients, but for me she said she’d bend the rules.”

  Trevor smiled, “Oh, I know I’d bend some rules for you, baby.”

  Chelsea choked out a laugh. “You never quit.”

  He shook his head. “Not where you’re concerned. So, when do we see this new big, tough doctor?”

  “Two weeks from today. Until then she told me to tell you to keep doing what you’re doing.”

  He leaned in close and whispered, “You mean like fucking you every chance I get.”

  “Yep.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Doctor’s orders.”

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Two weeks later, the phones at the Central Las Vegas clinic were ringing off the hook. Patients sat in the waiting room, and Chelsea’s group of volunteer nurses was working their butts off. No way in the world did she expect the massive need on this side of Vegas to be so great, not to mention a nasty strain of the flu had people waiting outside. In line. For hours.

  She triaged one patient after the next and dispensed medicine as fast as she could form the diagnoses. Thankfully Trevor’s doctor appointment wasn’t until the afternoon, giving her time to catch up, and finally support him for once.

  After three knocks, she opened the door to exam room one. “Mrs. West. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Doctor Fox. What brings you in today?”

  Although Mrs. West ran through the details like a checklist, after one quick glance Chelsea knew Mrs. West didn’t need to say a word. She looked like a half dozen of all her other patients. Feverish. Pale. They moved as if they were in slow motion, and complained of nausea and vomiting.

  After hearing her symptoms, Chelsea said, “I’m going to test you for the flu, Mrs. West. Since it’s only been a day since you started feeling bad, I think we’re still in the window for the anti-viral drugs to work.” Chelsea held a swab. “Okay, open your mouth.”

  The patient did as she was told and Chelsea rubbed the cotton along the back of Mrs. West’s throat. “There,” she said. “All done.”

  The woman took both of Chelsea’s gloved hands in hers. “Thank you. This community has been waiting on people like you to show up and help us.”

  Chelsea’s heart melted. “We’re glad to be here.”

  “This place is outstanding,” Mrs. West continued, “Whoever got this place up and running so fast is a godsend.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. The outpouring of emotion from Mrs. West overwhelmed Chelsea. “Well, his name is Trevor, and I’ll be sure to tell him.”

  “You do that right away,” the sick lady instructed.

  It was true. He was a godsend, or a downright miracle. Trevor had been such a huge help from the moment she got the idea for the clinic, to opening day, to right this second. He’d even readily forgiven her when she had to postpone dinner plans and cancel date nights because patients at the clinic came in long after closing hours.

  What would she do without him? She hadn’t a clue. And she never wanted to find out.

  She exited the room and found her knight in shining armor headed straight for her.

  “Chels . . .” Trevor said as she walked up to the reception area. “Your dad is in exam room three.”

  She let his words settle upon her as a pang of hesitation wound through her core. Her father was here. What did that mean? Obviously he wasn’t sick. Her dad would never come and see her for care. He must need to talk. She steeled her nerves and winked at Trevor. “Thanks, babe.”

  She took another moment before pushing her way past the reception area. She came to the door of exam room three and knocked.

  “It’s me, Chelsea.” She recognized her father’s voice in an instant. Pulling the door open, she walked into the small room.

  “I didn’t expect to see you here, Dad.” Her voice didn’t hide her shock.

  Edward Fox gave a chuckle from someplace deep in his throat. Tall and commanding, the revered eye surgeon looked as if he not only owned the place, but had purchased the entire block. With his white hair expertly combed, Chelsea’s father, wore sand-colored silk trousers, a white dress shirt, and a navy blue blazer. He looked as if he had stepped straight out of a magazine ad for Ralph Lauren.

  Even though Chelsea was a full-grown woman, her father still seemed like the biggest man in the world to her. Sometimes she hated how small she felt underneath his stern glare.

  Her father straightened his jacket. “I never would’ve come down here to interrupt this hobby of yours, but I’ve sent you three texts this week, none of which you’ve responded to.”

  Chelsea swallowed hard. She’d been blowing her dad off for weeks, and, as she suspected, his patience had started to run thin. “Sorry, Dad. I’ve been so busy with the . . .”

  He put up his hand, stopping her midsentence. “There’s no need for excuses, Chelsea. I know you don’t want to participate on the board of MediPharma.”

  A sense of relief ran through her. “Oh good. Dad, I’m so happy you understand.”

  He shook his head. “Not so fast. I’ve already committed you for this, and MediPharma doesn’t have all day to wait around and see if you’ll show up or not. The first meeting is at three o’clock this afternoon. I’ve told them you’ll be there.”

  She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Okay.”

  “This is good experience for you, honey.” Dr. Fox shoved his hands in his pockets as if he were afraid of catching something from her clinic.

  She looked around the tiny room. “With all due respect, Dad, this is good experience for me. Did you see the place for yourself? Can I give you a tour?”

  His face contorted. “No need. I took a look around.”

  A weight pressed down on her heart. “What do you mean? Do you not like the place? Did you see how many people are out front? It’s a huge success.”

  He let out a loud breath. “Chelsea, anything free is successful. I’m guessing about half the people sitting in the waiting room could pay for these services you’re so intent on giving away. You’ll be bankrupt in a year if you keep going like this. You need this board position to replenish the funds you’re actively depleting. In today’s healthcare environment, it isn’t about success, it’s about survival.”

  Her mouth hung agape. “I thought you’d be proud of me.”

  His eyes, which were the same color as hers, narrowed. “I am proud of you, sweetie, and MediPharma is going to be a great opportunity to make me even more proud.”

  So that was it. His pride was attached to her doing what he wanted. As her lips slowly closed, she bit her lip to keep from saying anything she might later regret.

  “I’ll make the meeting. I won’t make you look bad.” Her shoulders slumped, and her voice took on a sheepish tone.

  “Great.” He rose up on his toes. “Now, would you care to show me out?”

  Sh
e didn’t, but she was raised to respect her elders and show manners at all times. “Sure, right this way.”

  She led him out of the room and down the tiny hallway. Along the way, she forced him to take a good look at the clinic. She gave him a guided tour of the place herself. He walked through the makeshift X-ray room, and closet-sized laboratory. “We like to call it full-service, lite,” Chelsea joked.

  Her father looked amused. She wouldn’t call how his face blanched a look of pride or even one of appeasement. When his eyebrows weren’t hiked halfway up his forehead in surprise, he pulled them down in a bona fide scowl. The man simply couldn’t be pleased.

  “And this is our reception area.” Chelsea guided her father closer and closer to the front door. Then she stopped at Trevor, who was sitting at the front desk. “Dad, I’d like you to meet Trevor, my boyfriend. He’s been integral to getting this place set up.”

  Her father stuck out his hand to shake Trevor’s.

  Trevor stood. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

  Chelsea held her breath. She knew introducing Trevor to her father at the clinic was either a good idea or the worst timing in the world.

  “Nice to meet you too, son,” Her father examined Trevor’s T-shirt. “Stamina? The boxing place?”

  “Yes, sir, I’m training to take on Dion Nash.” Trevor’s voice lined with pride.

  Dr. Fox looked over at his daughter. “Brilliant idea, hon. You rolled your receptionist and your security guard into one. Now that’s what I call cost savings.”

  No one laughed except Chelsea’s father.

  Trevor’s hand closed in a fist. Chelsea knew he wouldn’t punch her father, but balling his hand told her he was under stress. Big time. She reacted with the only thing she knew . . . avoidance.

  “Okay, Dad, well, thanks for dropping by, and checking out the place. Pleasure seeing you, as always.” She ushered him toward the door.

  Her father nodded, taking the hint. “Three o’clock. Don’t be late.”

  She stopped at the door and opened it wide for him. “Nope. Wouldn’t miss it.”