Sucker Punch (TKO #4) (5 page)

Chapter 8

Austin

“Hey man, what are you up to tonight?” Garrett asks me as we finish sparring for the second day in a row. Normally we don’t go to the gym on a Sunday, but Garrett asked if I felt up for more practice. I’m taken aback by how kind he’s being to me. My problems aren’t his, but here he is out of the kindness of his heart, making sure I’m back where I was before the accident changed it all.

“Nothing really, probably just gonna take a shower and relax,” I tell him as I fix a plastic cup of water.

“Raegan cooked a big roast if you want to come eat. I’d bring you to my house, then back home after,” he offers. My mouth waters and my stomach growls a little. That sounds downright amazing. “Lance and Hilary are coming too.”

“You don’t mind? I don’t want to put you out.”

He crosses his arms over his chest and stares at me. “If I minded, I wouldn’t have offered. It’s either ride with me or put up with Lance singing Taylor Swift.”

“Looks like you’re my ride. I can’t take him singing this evening.”

“I feel your pain.” Garrett laughs as we walk out of the gym. As he locks the door behind him as I text Ruston to let him know my plans. He’s not home anyway, he’s with Tamilyn, so I wouldn’t have interrupted their time.

I climb into Garrett’s truck and buckle my seatbelt as he pulls away from the gym. “I really appreciate this, man. You know, everything you’re doing.”

“Don’t sweat it. I believe in you and so does everyone else in Lou’s. We’ve got your back.”

Those few words mean more to me than he could ever imagine.

When he pulls up into their apartment complex I notice Lance and Hilary’s car is already here.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I struggle to pull it out. The struggle is worth it because Paige’s name pops up. It’s amazing how happy she makes me feel by just these few simple text messages. There’s no pressure involved in any of this, and I like that.

I had texted her earlier just to see how her day was going so far. I open her message and my heart falls for a moment as it breaks for her.

Paige: Hey! It started really rough. I lost my first patient today, but the day did get better. How was yours?

Austin: It was okay. One of my friends from the gym invited me over for dinner. His girlfriend cooked so I’m there now.

Paige: Oh, well I won’t keep you. I’ll talk to you later.

I want to tell her she isn’t bothering me, but I just say I’ll talk to her later. The last thing I want to do is seem like a clinger. I climb out of the truck and follow Garrett inside. My ears immediately begin bleeding when I hear Lance serenading the kids with all of his favorite Taylor Swift songs. Garrett and I just look at each other and start laughing. Lance stops and grins at us.

“How’d the practice go?”

“It went good,” Garrett tells him. “He’s really getting better. A few more practices and I think he’ll have it,” he says as if I’m not right beside him.

I notice Raegan in the kitchen putting a few finishing touches on the meal. Hilary is beside her holding Tyler. He looks just like Lance, but I’ll never give him a big head by telling him that. “Do you need help with anything?”

“Hey Austin, I’m glad you could make it.” She stops what she’s doing and comes to give me a hug. Hilary files in line right behind her to do the same. They both begin asking how I’m doing and insist I don’t need to help with anything.

“So Austin, who is this girl you ran into the other night?” Hilary is trying to bring up Paige, except she doesn’t know her name, and I laugh as I tell her the story. Lance must have been pretty damn excited for me that night to go home and tell her about it.

Raegan gets this look on her face like she wants to make it her life’s mission to give me a happily ever after. “What is it, Raegan?” I chuckle.

“Oh nothing,” she grumbles. “I’m not allowed to meddle in other people’s lives.”

“Meddle?”

“Yeah, ask Garrett. Apparently I’ve overstepped my boundaries. I just want people to be happy, though,” she tells me.

“Nothing wrong with that.”

Hilary begins to laugh. “Austin, have you ever heard the story about how Lance and I got together?”

“Kinda sorta,” I say, and I listen to her story about how Raegan did her so-called meddling.

“Are y’all turning my man Austin here into a housewife?” Lance yells as he walks into the kitchen. “Want a beer?” he offers me.

“Sure, thanks,” I reply as he hands me a can. I stare at the can, wondering if I can set it on the counter and open it without it falling over.

“Do you need some help?” Raegan asks me sweetly. I get her concern and I appreciate it but I need to prove to myself I can do this.

“No thanks, I can do it,” I assure her as I set the can on the counter and pray while I pull the tab. The can stays still and opens perfectly. I let out a sigh of relief as I bring it to my lips.

Raegan announces we will be eating soon and grabs a set of plates out of the cabinet. “Whoa, look at Raegan breaking out the fine china. We eating good tonight!” Lance says as he skips back into the kitchen.

“Babe, give him a paper plate,” Garrett tells her. I almost spit out my sip of beer from laughing. These guys are hilarious.

One by one we begin to fix our plates. I have to set my plate down each time I dip a spoon into a dish, but I refuse any help offered. I’ve got to learn for myself and I’m not doing too bad. I manage to fix my plate without dropping it or any food. I’m damn proud of myself.

We all sit around the kitchen table and eat. Garrett says Howard and Whitney were supposed to come but she had been sick all day.

It’s been so long since I’ve had such a good home-cooked meal. Ruston can cook and I can do a little but this roast, my gosh, it’s melting in my mouth.

I clean my plate and sit back, letting my stomach settle. I’m full and if I try to move, I may just fall out of the chair. We all sit around the table talking after everyone finishes eating and I insist Raegan let me help load her dishwasher. When I hear Lance start singing to the kids again, I refuse to take no for an answer. Even Garrett jumps in on the action.

“I know Lance asked about the training, but I’m jumping into that conversation late,” Raegan begins. “Garrett says you’re doing well. I miss the ring. I’ve thought about starting up again.”

Garrett stops and looks at her. I have a feeling she just struck a nerve. “Raegan, we’ve talked about this.”

“I know.” She rolls her eyes. “You don’t want me back in the ring.”

“Make me the bad guy, why don’t you?” he mutters.

“Easy, guys,” I chuckle. They both look at me and the tension eases. “Raegan, it’s really going well. Howard says with more practice I may be able to fight again.”

“That’s awesome! You’re such an inspiration,” she tells me.

“I don’t know about an inspiration, but I just am out to prove I can do it. I refuse to let having lost my arm in the accident hold me back. I finally found something I love and I’m not ready to give it up.”

“You should see him, Rae, you need to come by Lou’s tomorrow and check him out.”

“For sure. I haven’t been in a while. I understand what it’s like to be inside there. It’s the best feeling in the world.” She smiles. I can really tell she misses it. I heard before she was pretty badass. I wish I could have seen her fight.

“It really is.” I grin just thinking about it.

Lucas cries and Raegan sets the plate in her hand down. “Mommy’s coming, baby. Did Uncle Lance scare you with his singing again?”

“I did no such thing. Tyler loves my singing.” Lance frowns. “Lucas just needs a better appreciation for music. What are you teaching this kid?”

Raegan rolls her eyes and laughs. “We’re teaching Lucas all about anything but what you sing.”

Hilary laughs and asks Lance to take Tyler so she can go to the restroom. The way Lance holds his son is adorable. Who would have ever thought he would reproduce?

Raegan looks over at them, smiling. Lance gets started on the Disney trip he’s been dreaming of and Garrett glares at him. I stifle a laugh, knowing all is right in the world.

If Paige and I ever really hit it off, I’d love for her to meet everyone here. She would love them.

When Lance and Hilary decide to leave, they offer me a ride and I accept. I know Garrett told me he’d take me home but he’s already home, I don’t want to make him have to leave again. I hug Raegan and thank her for the delicious meal. I’ll be sleeping well tonight. I can’t wait to climb into my bed now. Good food and good friends, that’s all a man needs nowadays.

Chapter 9

Paige

After a long day, what I would call one of the toughest I’ve had since becoming a nurse, I was relieved to have my parents insist Darla and I eat dinner at their home. Darla pulled their legs and got them to make spaghetti and meatballs. Even as a grownup, I love my parents’ spaghetti and meatballs.

They ask about my day and I sadly inform them what happened. It’s nice having someone to talk to that understands. It’s not like I could sit down with Darla and explain my day; she’d never be able to comprehend. I have no friends except for Nora. Being with Brendan pretty much severed all of my friendships. They sensed his toxicity before I ever did and left me high and dry because I couldn’t see it at the time. Even after he was gone, they kept their distance. They say you find out who your friends are when shit gets tough. Well, I found out I had zero friends. Lucky me.

I help Mom clean up the mess and notice Darla beginning to yawn. I love my job, but sometimes it makes me sad when I think about the little moments I’m missing. There are some days where I barely get to spend any sort of time with her because she’s already falling asleep. This is one of those times. I can already guess how the rest of the evening will go. I’ll drive us home, somehow manage to wiggle her out of her clothes and put her jammies on her, and then I’ll tuck her into bed and kiss her forehead. I’ve become a pro at this.

I kiss my parents bye and tell them we’ll be back in the morning. Just as I suspected, Darla is beginning to fall asleep in my arms. Juggling her and the small suitcase of toys is not easy. I load her into her car seat and toss the suitcase haphazardly onto the floor.

By the time I reach my apartment complex, she’s snoring. I chuckle, thinking about how cute she is right now. I’d take a picture but I don’t want the flash to wake her. I have the thought to leave her suitcase in here, but she may want to add to it in the morning so I begin the struggle of juggling both her and it again. The handle begins slipping from my hand. I know something eventually will fall and it sure as hell won’t be Darla. She wiggles her little body and the suitcase lands with a thud on the ground.

I sigh as I hold her steady and begin to bend over to grab it.

“I can get that for you.” A voice comes from nowhere.

I look up to see a girl about my age with a lopsided bun of brown hair sitting on top of her head. “I’m Raegan, are you new in here?”

“Thank you. I’m Paige. I’ve been living here for a while now, probably almost a year. I’m a nurse so I’m rarely here, it seems sometimes,” I tell her.

“I’m always here.” She smiles as she reaches down and grabs the suitcase. “My son’s favorite toy is in my car and he can’t sleep without it. Let me guess, this is full of toys.”

“You guessed it.” I chuckle. “Darla packs about everything she can into this suitcase every morning.”

“She’s so adorable. Which apartment is yours?” Raegan asks.

I point straight ahead and she follows behind me. I unlock the door and push it open. “Thank you so much, Raegan. It was nice to meet you.”

“You’re welcome, Paige. My apartment is two doors down. Garrett is at the gym most of the day and sometimes our friends come over. You’re welcome anytime.”

“That means a lot to me,” I tell her. Little does she know, I’m being brutally honest.

“Next time you’re off or have free time, just come by.”

Raegan sets the suitcase inside for me and steps out, waving bye as she walks off. She’s the first neighbor I’ve ever met. I’m not used to letting people into my life, but it doesn’t hurt to try to have another friend around. Nora has her own life and we may talk sometimes outside of work but it’s mainly a workplace friendship. Raegan is two doors down, which could be perfect.

I lock the door behind me and carry Darla to her bed. I quickly change her into her nightclothes and cover her up. My sweet girl is tired. I yawn, realizing I’m just as exhausted. I walk straight to the shower and clean up quickly so I can lie down. I pass out the minute my head hits the pillow. I had told myself I was going to check my phone before I fell asleep but that doesn’t happen.

***

My alarm blares in the morning, reminding me I need to get up and start my day. I realize I’m alone in my bed. Darla must have slept soundly through the night. I slowly get up and walk towards her room. When I see she’s still sleeping, I go and make a small pot of coffee. While the coffee brews, I put on my scrubs for the day. My curls are all over the place and I grab a pony tail holder. Once I adjust my ponytail, it’s time to wake up Darla.

I fix her a small bowl of cereal this morning, watching as she eats it right up. She runs towards her suitcase and begins tugging at the zipper. I help her open it up and watch as she analyzes all of the toys inside. She closes it back and I zip it back up. Son of a bitch. I really could have left the suitcase in the car last night. I should have known better.

I chuckle as I set the suitcase back by the door. We finish our morning routine and soon we’re back at my parent’s house and then I’m heading back to work. My phone vibrates as I pull into the hospital, but I know better than to check it while I’m driving. Whatever it is can wait until my car is no longer moving.

My usual parking spot is already taken so I drive around until I spot something that isn’t so far away. Then I take out the phone. Austin’s name pops up and butterflies invade my stomach. I’m not used to this feeling at all.

Austin: This may be a long shot but do you have any plans this evening?

I swallow as I read his message. I can’t make plans with him. He doesn’t know about Darla and it’s not like I would have anyone to watch her anyway. My parents do more than their fair share during the work week.

Paige: I’m having dinner at my parents’ house.

It’s not like I’m lying. If I had to put money down on it, I could almost guarantee a meal will be cooked and Darla and I will be eating there.

Austin: No big deal, I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out and maybe get a bite to eat.

He’s such a damn sweetheart and it’s killing me I can’t tell him yes.

Paige: Oh, I’m sorry. Can I get a rain check?

Austin: Of course. Just let me know when works for you.

Paige: I will!

Austin: I hope you have a good day, beautiful.

My throat closes up and my heart stops beating in my chest.
Beautiful.
I almost forgot what that word even means. It’s been forever since a guy has called me beautiful. Now I really feel like shit for having to tell him no. My hands get all clammy on me as I type back to him. I’m actually kinda glad this is happening over text message because I’m not sure I could hide these rosy pink cheeks.

Paige: You are too sweet. Have a good day too!

I want to wait for him to reply but I need to get inside. I’m never late, but I’m pushing it a little today. Austin’s last message was definitely worth it, though.