Sucker Punch (TKO #4) Read online

  I back away from the punching bag and sink to the floor. I was supposed to be able to keep all of this in check, but I’m only human. No one says a word, but they sink down to meet me and the biggest bear hug I’ve ever felt takes place. Garrett, Howard and Lance are surrounding me, holding tightly. I try to speak but the words fail and I figure it’s better off this way. My brothers are here for me to lean on and I need them.

  I manage to pull my arm free to dry the tears from my cheeks. “I’m sorry,” I mutter.

  “What are you sorry for, man?” Garrett asks. “I think you’re courageous for being here. You’re strong as hell.”

  “So strong I can’t tie my own damn shoes. Ruston had to tie my shoes for me this morning.”

  “So?” Lance pipes up. “I’ll tie your shoes anytime. We’re here for you. When you need to fall apart, we’re here. They were there for me when I lost my mom. This is the best support system you could ever ask for.”

  “He’s right. When Garrett and Whitney lost both of their parents, this place was their solace,” Howard tells me.

  “And Raegan,” Garrett begins. “When her dad began using her for a punching bag, she joined this gym and, well, you know the rest.”

  “I didn’t know all of that. I’ve just been trying to keep it together, especially here. It hasn’t been easy but I just want some form of normalcy back in my life.”

  “We get that and you will. It will just take some adjusting to, and then you’ll experience a whole new normal.” Howard grins. I know he’s right.

  “Let me buy you a drink tonight.” Lance pats me on the shoulder.

  I turn to face him. I haven’t been out anywhere but to Lou’s since my release. “What about Hilary?”

  “She’ll understand for a night. I’ll double check with her in a few. You can’t stay cooped up indoors all the time. Garrett, you in?”

  “I wish, but I told Raegan I’d take her to dinner tonight.”

  Lance raises his eyebrow and begins chuckling. “Dude, I knew you were whipped from the moment she stepped into the gym.”

  “Right?” Howard bellows.

  At least the focus is off of me for right now. Garrett glares at them. “Fuck you two. It’s called being in a relationship and treating her to a deserved dinner.”

  “That’s what they call it now? So Austin, you in? Don’t leave me hanging.”

  “I’m in,” I tell Lance before I can really think about what I just agreed to. He’s right, I do deserve this, and I’m going to go have a drink or two and try to forget about all the turmoil.

  Chapter 3

  Paige

  “When’s he going to give you child support or something? Darla will be five before you know it and you’ve seen a whole twenty five dollars for one of those big boxes of diapers when she was a newborn.” My mom turns to face me in the kitchen.

  I shouldn’t roll my eyes, but I do. Yeah, Brendan turned out to be a world-class asshole who walked out not long after Darla was born, but I’ve been making it. I don’t need his help. On my own, I’ve put myself through nursing school and I have a little one bedroom apartment I pay for myself. I know Mom means well. Hell, if I didn’t have her I’d be paying for daycare, and that’s an added expense I’m thankful I don’t have right now.

  “I haven’t heard from him in probably a year, Mom. He’s not coming around. Darla and I are just fine. Now can you keep your voice down? I don’t want her overhearing. She’s getting too nosy and I don’t need her asking any questions about him.”

  “I know and I’m sorry, but I just worry about you two. I’m very proud for the life you’re able to provide for her, I just wish she had that extra figure in her life. All little girls need their daddies.”

  “Well, that’s one little girl who doesn’t. Brendan made his choice and I couldn’t change his mind. If he doesn’t want us, I don’t care.”

  “Mommy, where are you going?” Darla comes running from my parents’ living room holding her favorite baby doll in her hands. The pony tail holder is slipping out of her thin blonde hair and I reach out to grab it and tuck it into my pocket.

  I kneel down to her as she jumps in my arms. “Mommy is going to let you have a sleepover with Grammy and Papa tonight, remember?”

  “Papa said I can have ice cweam!” she giggles. My mom raises her eyebrow as she glances at the clock on the wall. She always was a stickler for not giving me sweets past a certain time when I was younger.

  “Oh, he did?” Mom calls into the living room. She’s nearly forty five but you can’t tell. She keeps her hair a light brown and never lets a single gray show. She works out constantly and is probably in the best shape she could be in. Hell, I’m surprised she still keeps sweets in the house.

  Dad comes sauntering into the kitchen wearing a grin on his face. His salt and pepper beard tickles my cheeks when he gives me a kiss. “Hey, baby girl. I was going to come in here sooner but Darla found me first.”

  “Hey, Dad. Thanks again for keeping Darla tonight.”

  “We love our girl. Plus, I did say she can have ice cream.” He winks down at Darla. She squeals happily as he walks over towards the freezer and pulls out a small tub of vanilla ice cream.

  “This may be your chance to sneak out,” Mom whispers. I know she’s right. Even though Darla stays here often, it’s not always so I can go out with Nora from work. In fact, I haven’t been out to a bar since before Darla was born. When I became a mom, all my priorities changed and partying was the last thing on my mind. Normally Darla just stays because they want her for the night and I take advantage and actually get some good rest.

  “You may be right. Thank you again,” I tell her. For once, I let Nora convince me to go out tonight and it wasn’t easy. I was stubborn all week and finally caved yesterday. I never go anywhere to do anything. All I know is work and Darla, that’s all I need. Luckily, Mom and Dad were eager to take Darla.

  “You do deserve a night out. I know you don’t do anything when we have her. Go enjoy yourself. You’re only twenty three once.” She winks.

  “Tell Dad bye for me and tell Darla I’ll see her in the morning.”

  I glance over at Darla, wanting to go hug her one more time and give her a big kiss. But I take Mom’s advice and just sneak out through the front door. Darla is in heaven with her Grammy and Papa, so I doubt she’ll realize I am gone.

  I sit in my car and take in a deep breath. The thought to turn around and go home crosses my mind. But I’d never hear the end of it from Nora, and besides, I’m dressed up and I don’t dress up for nothing. I sigh and drive off, headed to some bar named Joe’s. I hope I have as much fun as Mom and Nora have been telling me I’ll have.

  ***

  Pulling into Joe’s, I park my car as far back as I can. I’m just trying to keep my car safe from the potential drunks that are going to be out. My phone dings and I see Nora’s text waiting to be opened. She was actually shocked when I said I’d come tonight. She’s only been asking me since I began working at the hospital.

  Nora: Let me know when you get here and I’ll meet you at the door.

  Paige: I just parked.

  Nora: Yay! I’ll be waiting for you.

  I toss the phone back into my purse. I’m not sure about bringing it inside. I don’t see a need for it, but I’d rather be safe and have it with me. I won’t be setting it down or anything. I get out of my car and glance down at my outfit. I decided to wear a pair of black shorts and a grey sequined sleeveless blouse with my black sandals. My curly brown hair cascades down my back, and I’m thanking God for mousse and hairspray as the humidity slams into me. My hair won’t frizz tonight.

  As I get closer to the front door of Joe’s, I see Nora standing right where she said she would be. A sigh of relief leaves me and I put on the best smile I can, trying to rival hers.

  “I’m so glad you decided to come!” Nora squeals as she throws her arms around my neck.

  “Me too,” I tell her, a little unsure of my answer. br />
  “Let’s go and get you a drink.” She breaks the hug and grabs hold of my arm, pulling me inside.

  The bright lights and loud music are enough to drown any thoughts out of my head, but I still have the urge to text my mom and check on Darla. Nora must be able to read my mind because when we get to the bar she orders two drinks and turns to face me. “Have fun tonight, okay? Darla is fine with your mom and dad. Let them have fun.”

  “Okay.” I nod as she hands me a red drink.

  “What’s this?” I ask her, puzzled.

  “It’s a cosmopolitan, just not in the fancy martini glass. Enjoy!” She clinks her glass against mine and takes a sip.

  Here goes nothing, I think as I bring the cup to my lips. The sweet liquor slides down my throat and I quickly take one smaller sip.

  “This is good,” I yell above the music. She just nods and grins as we stay beside the bar.

  I look out to see people dancing to the music, and all I can think is I am nowhere near intoxicated enough to join them. I really hope Nora isn’t planning on dragging us out there on that dance floor tonight. I sure as hell am not bringing the idea up. In fact, I move my eyes quickly away from there. Then I have to do a double take, because I swear I recognize the guy who just walked up to the bar a few people down from us. I just can’t figure out from where until he turns to the side and I see his arm. No, it can’t be—but I’m ninety nine percent positive he was that patient. He looks to have recovered well. He was handsome despite his injuries in the hospital, but now, oh my gosh, he’s beautiful. But what was his name?

  Chapter 4

  Austin

  The minute I walk into Joe’s, I begin second-guessing my decision to come. All it’s going to take is one motherfucker opening their mouth about my arm and I’ll lose my shit. I should have thought this through. The last thing Lance and I need is a fight to break out. I don’t want any trouble back at the gym if they hear about me street fighting, not when I feel that’s the only place I really belong now. I place my main focus on the bar and just walk numbly behind Lance. He was so pumped I was coming tonight. He stops at the bar and I stand beside him.

  It’s funny to think that a while back, when I had just moved to town, Ruston brought me here with Tamilyn. This is where everything basically began for me and it’s kind of bittersweet to be here again but a totally different person. I swallow back the memories and wait for the bartender to walk over.

  When he finally notices Lance and me, we’re able to order drinks. I get a beer and sigh as I take a sip.

  “See, isn’t that beer good?” Lance grins at me.

  Rolling my eyes, I take another quick sip. “Yeah, it’s all right. I could have easily had one of these at my house.”

  “Where’s your sense of adventure, man? You have a life to live, you know.”

  “My sense of adventure cost me an arm, in case you forgot,” I deadpan. I’m not trying to be all negative but it’s seeming to come out that way. “I’m sorry, man, I’m just nervous about being here.”

  “Don’t be. No one is going to say or do anything to you. We’re here to have a few drinks and a good time. I promised Hilary I was going to be on my best behavior and she promised she’d wait up for me when I got home.” He winks as he sips his drink. He’s so damn goofy, but he’s quickly become one of my best friends.

  “Lucky you. Tonight, it’s just me and my left hand.”

  “That’s the spirit!” he exclaims as he slaps me on the back. I cough, trying not to choke on the beer I’m currently trying to swallow. Afterwards, I’m able to laugh and it feels damn good.

  A song starts playing overhead and I shake my head in disbelief. I know Lance is about to hear it and make a scene around us. He has some weird fetish with Taylor Swift songs I just don’t understand.

  “Oh damn, this is my shit!” he yells. See, I knew it was coming. He begins belting out “Bad Blood” and I continue to drink my beer. “Come on Austin, I know you know the words.”

  “Sadly, I do. It’s all your fault.” This song can’t end fast enough. People are beginning to cheer him on. What the hell is wrong with these people? I laugh because at least this corny-ass moment is helping me forget everything wrong in my life.

  I glance around at the women in the bar wondering what would happen if I were to go and try to talk to any of them. The old Austin would have had no problem sauntering over to them and throwing out a few pickup lines, but I just don’t seem to have the courage to approach anyone yet. I didn’t come here for women, though, I came here with my friend to have a drink.

  When the song finally ends, I let out a sigh of relief. I could strangle the DJ for playing it. In fact, I almost want to go over and beg him not to play anything else that will make Lance go all psychotic in this place.

  I go to take a sip of my beer and realize it’s empty. I must have finished it when Lance was exploring his musical career. I order another beer and take a sip. My eyes continue to roam the place, I can’t help it.

  My gaze settles a few spots down at the bar and my jaw drops. Either I’m delusional or that’s Paige, the nurse I’ve practically dreamed about since that day I woke up in ICU. I want to walk up to her but I notice she’s talking to a guy. That’s about my fucking luck. As I watch her, though, I realize she’s yelling at him. Her finger is in his face. Despite all her rage, he’s just staring blankly at her.

  “Earth to Austin, what are you staring at?”

  “Oh shit, sorry. I, uh, nothing. I’m just looking around.”

  “You’re a fucking liar.” I look over at Lance.

  “Maybe I am. At least I don’t sing Taylor Swift.”

  “Don’t be jealous. I see you staring at that girl over there. I’d say go talk to her but she looks like she’s ripping that guy a new asshole.” His brow is scrunched and the sour look on his face is cracking me up.

  “I know her. She was the first nurse I saw when I woke up in ICU,” I explain quickly to him.

  “Lucky bastard. My luck, I would have woke up to some old wrinkly grandma. You should go say hi; that guy just walked off.”

  I look in her direction and realize he’s right. The guy is gone and Paige is walking in this direction. “I can’t talk to her,” I tell him. Geez, I sound like a fucking pussy right now.

  “Why not?”

  I point towards my arm and cringe as she nears our vicinity.

  “Hello, asshat, she’s seen your arm before. You were in ICU. Use those nuts.”

  I close my eyes and hope when I open them she’ll have already passed, but I forget Lance has a big fucking mouth. “Hey! Nurse lady, come see!”

  I open my eyes and glare at Lance. If I had my fucking right arm, I would punch him. Paige’s eyes meet mine and I swallow like I want to drink her down. Now I’m thirsty, so I hurry and take a sip of the beer in my hand.

  She’s actually really walking over here now and she has a friend with her, who gets pulled aside by some other girl, but Paige is still walking. If I’ve ever wanted to disappear, now is the time. I’ve imagined seeing her many times since I was in ICU but what the hell were the chances?

  Lance nudges me in the side and I shoot him a glare. I’m not ready for this. I was more than prepared to just admire from afar. The deal for the night was to come have a few drinks, not meet women. I haven’t quite built that confidence back up yet.

  “H-hi,” I stutter as she stops in front of me. I remember those baby blue eyes. They were so damn piercing in the hospital when we met. That and those curls that hang down her back. Good God, I’m in over my head.

  “Hey,” she says smoothly. Wow, what an epic fucking conversation. I’m definitely going to lay into Lance once this torture is over. She doesn’t seem interested at all to be standing in front of me. She still looks a little tense from whatever that was with the guy by the bar.

  “I, uh, just wanted to say hi. Sorry to bother you,” I stammer.

  Lance scoffs beside me, his jaw on the floor He can’t hel
p it at all.

  “No, you didn’t bother me. I’m sorry, it’s not you. I, uh, had a pretty intense conversation with someone who pissed me off,” she explains vaguely. That makes me feel somewhat better but not really. I was beginning to think it was a mistake to try to talk to her.

  “Paige, right?” I ask her. Her eyes widen like she can’t believe I remember her name. Now I feel like a grade A creeper.

  “Hi, Paige, I’m Austin’s best friend Lance. I’m the one who called you over.” He extends his hand and finally a smile breaks across her beautiful face.

  “It’s nice to meet you. It’s good to see you again, Austin. You look like you’re doing pretty well,” she replies, reverting her attention back to me.

  “Yeah, I guess so.” I set my now-empty beer bottle on the bar behind me and stick my hand in my pocket. Why am I so damn nervous right now?

  I turn my head to see Lance just staring at me, confused. I raise my eyebrow at him, hoping he’ll get the hint to not look so crazy, but it does no good. “Well, this conversation is going so well. Paige, how about you give my man Austin your phone number?”

  “Dude, did you really just say that?” I ask him, not caring Paige is literally in hearing range.

  “I did. You can thank me later.” He winks as he turns to the bar to order another drink. I’m going to fucking kill him.

  Paige’s cheeks turn a slight pink before she bows her head. She’s embarrassed and I don’t blame her at all.

  “I’m sorry about him,” I tell her, chuckling a little.

  “No, it’s okay. It’s not a big deal.”

  The girl who was with her a while ago grabs hold of her hand and pulls her over to talk to her. It seems like eternity passes before Paige walks back up to me. In the meantime, Lance hands me another beer and nods in their direction. I shrug because hell, I don’t know what’s going on. I just know this is potentially one of the most awkward moments of my life.