I hoist my bag up and stow it in a locker. “Depends. What is it?”
Dad scowls. “What difference does it make? If he has an opportunity, you should say ‘yes, coach.’”
Biting my tongue, I manage not to reply. Dad means well, and I shouldn’t let him get to me. He’s used to me prioritizing MMA over everything else, so it will take a while for him to adjust to me carving out a bigger place for Sydney in my life. Also, it’s not as though he knows I’ve been struggling. I haven’t mentioned the trip to the doctor because I didn’t want to worry him.
I nod to Dad and ask Seth, “What is it?”
“Ricky DeSilva’s opponent pulled out of his fight tomorrow night,” he says. “They’re looking for a replacement. You’ll pick up an easy three grand for competing, and an extra twenty if you win.”
My eyebrows knit together. “You want me to fight on a day’s notice?”
He shrugs. “It’s a short timeframe, hence the big win bonus.” One of his hands falls on my shoulder, and he looks me straight in the eye, getting way too close into my personal space. “Come on, Gabe. You’ve been training hard, and you need a clean win after what happened during your last fight. Less than forty-eight hours and it’ll be over.”
He’s swaying me, and he knows it.
“Do it,mijo,” Dad urges. “It’ll put you in a good headspace for the Ruby Knuckles. We’ve been working toward it for so long.”
We.
That word choice is intentional. He wants me to remember how much sweat and tears he’s put into getting me where I am. I owe it to him to win. Iwantto win for him.
“How long do I have to think on it?” I ask Seth.
“The promoter needs an answer by the end of today. Otherwise, they’ll cancel. You’re the only one who’s available and ready. Seriously, I think you should do this.”
He leaves me to prepare for training.
“There’s no downside,” Dad says, moving closer. “It’s win-win. A short commitment from you to get you back on track to where you want to be.” He nods, and gives me a slight smile. “I know you can see that, so I’ll let you get to it. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
Once he leaves the gym, I sigh. It’s no surprise that both Dad and Seth think I should do it. A couple of weeks ago, I’d have thought the same. But that’s before I committed to Sydney.
Hell.Sydney.
The wedding is tomorrow night. If I accept this fight, I’ll miss the ceremony, and probably the dinner too. I can’t let her down when I promised I’d go with her.
As I wrap my hands, I mull it over. Leaving her hanging would be a dick move, especially when I know what her family is like, but much as I hate to admit it, Seth is right. Even though I came away with the win, my last fight was disastrous, and this matchup with Ricky would be a great way to prove to myself—and everyone else—that my head is in the game. Perhaps I can ask for the fight to happen early in the show, and then join her at the wedding after. Instantly, my mind rebels. I’ve been trying to take it easier since last weekend and don’t want to wear myself out, but I can’t really see another option. I send Sydney a text.
Gabe:Been offered a fight tomorrow night.
Half an hour later, after I’ve warmed up, I check my phone. No response. But she’s on an evening shift, so maybe she’s busy. Seth summons me for pad rounds and drills me through my best combos and counters until I’m bathed in sweat and it’s literally dripping from the tips of my hair. When we finish, I guzzle water and check again. There’s a response, and I click on it immediately.
Sydney:With who?
Gabe:Ricky DeSilva.
Sydney:As if he’d have any chance against you. You’re so out of his league. Besides, you’ve already beaten him before.
This makes me smile. I love her faith in my ability. But is she encouraging me to do it? I can’t tell. Perhaps she hasn’t made the connection with the wedding yet.
Gabe:Don’t know what I should say. We’ve got Christina’s wedding…
Sydney:I’m sure you’ll do the right thing. You know Seth has always got your back, no matter what.
Rolling my head from side to side, I stretch my neck and try to read the subtext. She isn’t being helpful. I need a yes or no answer. I get her not wanting to tell me what to do, but surely she could offer an opinion, especially about something that affects both of us. Or maybe she’s trying to, with that reference to Seth. He’s the one who mentioned the fight, and she’s not wrong when she says he’s always got my back. But is she saying I should go for it? Who knows? I need more certainty.
Devon pulls up beside me. “Problems in paradise?”
