“I still want a second opinion,” I grumble.
“Asher, don’t be fucking ridiculous,” Adam snaps.
“Fuck off, you can’t tell me what to do.”
“I’m going to give you a minute.” The doctor rushes out of the room. I hardly notice because I’m glaring at Adam.
“I’m your coach, so I can tell you if you can or can’t train.”
“Whatever, Caine doesn’t give a fuck and will still train me,” I scoff.
“No, he won’t.”
“I’ll go to another gym, then.”
Adam shrugs. “Fine. No decent coach will continue to train you with an injury like that, and you’ll completely ruin your career in the process anyway.”
I grind my teeth, wanting to argue. I refuse to admit he’s right. The thought of being out of the cage for that long physically pains me.
“So what am I supposed to do? Sit around and watch everyone else train while I recover?” The thought only pisses me off even more.
“You’ll have physical therapy and when you’re ready you can slowly get back into training.”
I clench my jaw, the words flying out of my mouth because I don’t know what else to say. “Then what’s even the point of staying here?”
I came to Seaside, Oregon to train at Uncaged, the best MMA gym on the west coast. It had world renowned trainers, and was far away from Denver. Too many terrible childhood memories plague me when it comes to that city. I like the small town, chill vibe that Seaside has. A little dark and gloomy, but there’s no snow, and no talk of hockey. It’s perfect.
“I guess you’re right.” Adam nods. “If you wanted to recover back at home, we would still be here when you’re ready.”
I scoff. “That’s what it really is, isn’t it? I’m useless to you now if I can’t fight so you toss me to the side.”
“That’s not at all what I said. Look at Drew, he had an injury so bad his professional career was over, and I never once kicked him out.”
“Well we all know why that is,” I snark.
“Oh yeah?” He folds his arms over his chest. “Why?”
I roll my eyes and bite my tongue because I know I’m about to go too far if I bring up his relationship with Drew, Caine, and Max. They have nothing to do with this. I’m just pissed and don’t want to be told I can’t fight.
“Maybe you should go back home for a while,” he states firmly.
“Fuck that,” I mumble.
“Might be good to see your family.”
“What fucking family?”
“The one you don’t talk about.”
“That’s because they don’t exist.” I shake my head. He knows I have a half-sister, but that’s about it. I don’t talk about the shit with my parents. I really don’t talk about life with my grandma. Then she died and I moved in with Audrey. The only person that knows how shitty she was, is Audrey. Even then, we never talked about it.
“Think about it. Uncaged will still be here for you, but only when you’re recovered and ready.” He turns to leave, and I keep my eyes locked on my hands in front of me.
“If I even want to come back,” I murmur.
Another sharp pain shoots down my arm, and I groan, just wanting this all to go away. When I close my eyes, hoping it’ll magically make me better, I entertain the thought of Denver just for a second. The only appealing thing that comes to mind is the woman I ran into in Vegas.
Rae will be there. Maybe passing the time with her could help. Though, the pain in my shoulder reminds me how useless I may be and I shake my head at the thought. Like she’d want anything to do with me. A washed up, injured MMA fighter with a shitty past. She’s got everything she’s ever wanted. Including her puppy dog Wheeler kid. The one positive thought I had about going back to Denver fades away and I’m left alone as always.
