“We’re not going to be working together.”
“Are you sure about that?”
I lifted my eyes to stare at Lenny over her head, sure this still had to be some kind of a joke, even though Lenny was the least funny person I knew. He gave me a blank stare, telling me he was as clueless as I was as to what was happening right then.
“Look, Luke. Can I call you Luke since I allowed you to call me by my first name? Thanks. Anyway, I’m sure those trainers you mentioned are great and all, but they don’t have what it takes to train you, which is why their resumés were left sitting on your desk, idle. You haven’t called any of them even with their stellar credentials. You know why?”
I parted my lips to ask why, but apparently this chick didn’t need my permission to keep going.
“I’ll tell you why, because none of them will tell you what your real problem is.”
“And what the hell is my real problem?” I folded my arms across my chest.
“You’re unfocused. The last eighteen months have been hard on you, I’m sure. It’s spilled over into the cage. Your footwork could use some serious work, your grapplingdefinitelyneeds improvement, you try to choke out sports reporters because you’re bitter and it shows and…” She paused, looking over her shoulder to Lenny before turning back to me. “You’re sort of an asshole. For some fighters the asshole vibe works in their favor. Not so much for you. Not if you’re trying to get where you want.”
“And where’s that?” I asked with folded arms.
“To the top. The belt. You want the number one spot. You’re holding yourself back.”
I opened my mouth to give her a scathing response before I tossed her out of my gym on her ass, but nothing came out. Words failed me, even as I heard the smothered laughter coming from across the room. I glared at Lenny who covered his mouth with his fist, but the wrinkling around his eyes told me he found that shit funny.
“Get the hell out,” I ordered.
Syd shrugged. “You still need some time to think about it. Not a problem. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Don’t fucking bother.”
“The day after tomorrow, I guess. That’s not a problem, either. Besides, you probably haven’t done any sort of ice bath or massage down after last night’s fight, considering that minor encounter with the reporter after the fight. You’ll need a day or two of rest. I’ll be back, but I’ll leave this with you.”
I watched silently as she lowered the paper in her hand to the floor of the boxing ring she’d stepped in after me and then turned on her heels and headed out the door she entered through. I fought my base self not to let my gaze fall to watch the sway of her hips as she exited.
What the fuck was that?
“I think I like her,” Lenny finally stated after nearly sixty seconds of pure silence.
I didn’t say anything as my eyes remain locked on the now closed door, watching for what, I had no clue.
“Yeah? Well, let her train you,” I finally responded to my long-time friend before heading into my office, slamming the door shut behind me. I could still hear Lenny’s laughter as he picked up his belongings to head out.
Syd
“Good morning, Vince,” I sing-songed, pushing through the glass doors of my office, feeling chipper with my extra-large black coffee in my hand.
Vince raised his head from his computer and a smile crossed his lips. “Good morning, Syd. How’s your morning going so far?”
“I can’t complain, but I still have that important call in about thirty minutes. Ask me again later.”
Vince gave me a playful frown. “The NFA contract is going to go through seamlessly. I can feel it,” he stated proudly.
“Let’s hope,” I responded a little more pessimistic than he was. While I knew my company, ParaSquad could deliver on everything we’d promised the National Fighting Association over the months of back and forth negotiations, I didn’t trust anything until the documents were signed and the money had been exchanged.
“Did you have breakfast this morning? Tanisha brought in some scones and pastries from that place across the street you both love.”
My eyes widened. “I was in a rush and forgot to get breakfast when I ordered my coffee this morning. Thanks for letting me know. Do I have any messages?”
“A few.” Vince handed me the phone messages and I proceeded down the hallway toward the small kitchen and staff area.
The delicious smell of freshly baked pastries hit my nose as soon as I entered the room. I headed straight for the counter where Tanisha, my best friend and business partner had placed them. Opening one of the cupboards, I pulled out a small plate we kept on hand specifically for occasions such as this. Having skipped my breakfast and missed dinner due to the fact that I worked late the night before, I decided to go with the cherry, cheese-filled turnover. It was my favorite, but I only allowed myself to have it once or twice a month, otherwise I’d eat it daily.
