“As a heart attack. I last two rounds with you, and I’ve got a new job. Let’s get started, huh? We’ve all got work to do. Luke, make sure you keep time.”
“This is bullshit,” Greyson mumbled.
“Giving orders already,” Luke grumbled. “Just like a fucking woman.”
I shook my head, turning to my opponent. He didn’t look too happy to be going up against me. “Let’s get this started.”
“Your call. The sooner we get this over with the better.”
“If you want to keep your job, don’t go easy on her, either,” Luke insisted.
“Please, don’t go easy on me,” I repeated.
“And… fight,” Luke called at the same time the buzzer on his phone went off, signaling the beginning of a round.
With a focused gaze, Greyson moved in quickly with a side kick. I easily avoided the strike but caught his leg and brought him to the ground. “Ah,” he yelped and grunted, trying to get out of my hold.
Lucky for him, I was in a forgiving mood and let him up without pinning him. Once he rose, I nodded and watched his midsection to see what direction he would move in. When he shifted right, I went left, and vice versa.
Moving in closer, I pushed at Greyson to throw him off his center of balance. That worked and he quickly came back at me with a move of his own, which was exactly what I wanted. When he lifted his leg in an attempt at a leg sweep. I shifted my body, hooked my leg under his and grabbed one of his arms, pulling him forward until he hit the ground.
Again, I let him up. A mask of anger blanketed his face. The looks of it told me he hadn’t anticipated this beatdown. I smirked and tossed him a wink.
Moving with greater purpose this time, Greyson went in for a punch. Again, I used his body’s leverage to throw him off balance, and soon enough he went crashing to the ground. With that, I landed a jab to his stomach. Not a hard one, just something to let him know it wasn’t all fun and games.
Before I knew it, the buzzer signaling the end of the five-minute round went off.
“You fucking took it easy on her,” Luke bemoaned.
I laughed in the face of his frustration. “You obviously didn’t read the resumé I left with you yesterday. I’ve done more than read a few articles and watched a couple of fights. Fifth dan black belt in Judo with over fifteen years of mixed martial arts training. I talk a lot of shit because I can back it up, Luke.” I winked again. “I’m not new to this. Hey, Greyson, ready for that second round?” I called, still laughing.
Greyson didn’t respond as he stood at the center of the mat looking pissed. I laughed some more. Most men had a rough time being bested by a woman.
“If I’d known I was going to end up fighting this morning, I would’ve worn something a little different,” I commented, laughter still in my voice as I turned to Luke. He didn’t say anything as he moved from the mat to his office. I followed and leaned against his office doorway. I watched him for a minute before I said, “Guess that means I’ll be seeing a lot of you. We’ll get started tomorrow since you’re obviously in shock over it all. Bright and early tomorrow at seven a.m.”
“I don’t get here until eight thirty most days.”
“Well now, it’s seven since we have to train before I go into work.”
He frowned, his forehead wrinkling in confusion. “Work? Ain’t that what this is? Your new job?”
I shrugged. “This, yes, but I also own my own business. Anyway, see ya’ in the morning. Wear comfortable clothing,” I told him, eyeing the dark T-shirt and jeans he wore.
I grinned again when his response was an irritated grunt.
“Oh hey?”
“What?”
“What’s your favorite fight? I told you mine.”
“Thrilla in Manila, ’75,” he answered, not even looking in my direction.
I nodded and pushed away from the door. “It is a classic. See ya’ later, Greyson,” I called as I padded across the gym floor on my bare feet to get the heels I’d stepped out of earlier. Strolling out of the gym, I felt like I was ten feet tall, having gotten the position I wanted so badly. But now, the real work began. I needed to follow through on all my bravado.
Luke
“Hey, was that that Syd woman from yesterday, I saw pulling out of the parking lot as I came in?” Lenny questioned as he stood in the doorway of my office.
