Fourteen
MIA
Ialmost didn’t come tonight because I’m so exhausted.
I’ve been pulling a few extra shifts at the coffee shop because the owners are on vacation and they only wanted me to have the keys to open up and do the order for the week.
I’ve been training with AJ for an hour each day and teaching the women’s class on Thursdays.
I’ve also been revamping the socials for West Haven since we launched the extra classes with the memberships from the sponsorships.
Our websites have heavy traffic since Rory won his title fight.
Oliver and AJ have been training this week.
She also trains with Rory every day, sometimes twice a day.
We both decided to do margarita Monday at her apartment this week because we wanted to couch rot.
Rory was sweet about it though. He went and got our tacos and delivered them himself.
Oliver and I haven’t crossed paths much this week.
He’s been locked in preparing for his fight tonight and I’ve been pushing myself too hard with all the projects I have allowed myself to take on.
But AJ knocked on my door earlier with my favorite snacks and told me that I could pick out her outfit. My favorite activity.
“This whole transformation is insane, Mia. I still can’t believe he’s letting you do work with him on the house.” Nobody can. When I came into the gym on Monday, Maxwell cornered me with questions about how Oliver acted Saturday.
“He was weirdly calm the whole day.” I’m going through my closest while she lays on my bed. “Did you know he can cook?” Dumb question. Of course she does. They know everything about each other.
“He cooked for you?” Her voice is more serious than before. I peek my head out of the door frame just in time to see AJ shoot up from laying down. Her eyes squinted in confusion.
“....Yeah?” I wait for her expression to change or for her to say something else but when she doesn’t I ask, “is that not okay?”
“He pretends he can’t cook.” She says suspiciously.
“Well, he can. He made breakfast tacos.”
“He made you tacos.” She repeats what I just told her like she’s still in shock and trying to figure out what I’m saying.
“Yes, Avery. He made me tacos. We stripped and sanded his cabinets and stained them. I put backsplash up. We barely talked while we worked, it was nice.” I go over the events of Saturday with Oliver.
I find the skirt I have been looking for and toss it at her.
“You’re wearing this and this new corset top I got you.
It has a snake charm that hangs between your boobs!
It’s clearly made for you.” I find the top from a chair that has my recent shopping haul on it.
It’s a dark green and sheer corset top that will look incredible on her.
She shakes her head, “I’m cornering his fight tonight. This skirt is too short.”
“It will show off your tattoo. And you’ll look hot as fuck.” I argue but she doesn’t budge. “It’ll make Rory want to leave early.” I can see that is all it takes to convince her because she smiles softly. This girl truly hates being in crowds but she loves the fighting. I love both.
“Have you talked to Melinda lately?” Her question feels a little out of pocket but I know that she’s been trying to get to know Melinda more since she’s dating her son.
“I talked to her Thursday before I taught class at the center. She seemed stressed but I didn’t ask about it.” Guilt takes over my nervous system. I should have checked on her. Normally I would have. But I’ve been so tired and running on fumes.
“She said that her partner for the center emailed and asked for an in person meeting in December to discuss changes.” There’s lingering worry in her voice. “She let me read the email and it definitely felt ominous.”
“It could be good! She doesn’t know who her partner is right? It’s a silent partnership?”
AJ lets out a huge sigh. “I don't know what that even means but yeah that’s what Rory said. Some group called Giving Grace and the assistant is always the one doing the work. So this partner doesn’t even care enough to show their face.
I think Melinda preferred that at first when the center was in desperate need of saving.
But now I think she worries about it. And Rory is concerned.
” The edge of concern pulls at my heart.
Being in a relationship with Rory is so foreign for her and she is always trying to make sure she is giving the most she can while also figuring out what that looks like for her.
Rory is an angel though and gives her all the space in the world to find where she wants to land.
“I think it isn’t as bad as she thinks. I’ve dealt with business people my whole life.” I remind her.
AJ isn’t a talker. She figures everything out on her own but shows up for everyone while doing it. If she wants to talk through her concern for Melinda then I’m here for it. She stays quiet though.
“What are you wearing?” She breaks the silence and I smile at her. I had my outfit picked out the minute I knew that Oliver would make sure I was in his corner again or die trying.
AJ is leading us to the back where I know Oliver is getting ready. “Hey Rob!” I pass by him and reach up to kiss him on the cheek. He’s such a burly man but he always gives me the kindest smiles.
“Are you in the pool with him tonight, A?” He looks over to where AJ is waiting on me in the hallway. She nods her head and Rob looks happy. “We miss seeing you down there. You’re my favorite.”
“I’ve been busy.” She grins.
“Yeah, being a total badass. Professional fighter or not, if he hurts you… I’ll be in line to kick his ass.
” Rob promises with a quick glare past AJ to where Rory is standing.
I wonder if Rory gets tired of being threatened with bodily harm over his girlfriend.
But I know there is not a chance of him ever hurting AJ, not while he’s breathing. Rory is absolutely obsessed with her.
“How’s the other guy look?” AJ asks, already locked in to the fight.
“Taller than your boy, but nowhere near as disciplined. He won’t have a problem.” Rob assures her.
We make our way into the same room the guys are always in before a fight. Oliver is sitting on a bench and Eli is wrapping his hands. Maxwell is sitting next to Eli, with the next hand wrap waiting in his hands. All three sets of their eyes lift up at the same time to look at AJ.
“Calvary is here.” Maxwell grins and stands to wrap me in the biggest hug. “He’s going to lose his mind tonight.” He whispers as he takes in my full outfit. I smirk because that’s the plan.
Should I be intentionally riling Oliver up right before his fight?
Probably not. But AJ didn’t seem to think anything was wrong with my outfit so I know it’ll be okay.
I wore docs this time because AJ is right, they are the comfiest boots I’ve ever put on.
And I’m in a black sheer dress that hangs off my shoulder and black leather bottoms and matching bralette top underneath.
And to top it off, there are cherries hanging from each ear and my signature red lips.
“You both look hot.” Maxwell goes to hug AJ.
“Thanks Maxie.” He kisses the top of her head. That’s something that both Eli and Maxwell do regularly for her and I think it’s the sweetest thing.
AJ breaks away and heads to where Oliver is. But he is staring at me. I wink at him.
“Hurry up with the second wrap. I want to run a few drills before he walks out.” She picks up the mitts on the bench behind Oliver.
There are moments when AJ still intimidates me.
This is one of them. She is in the outfit that I picked out for her and she let me fix her hair as well.
She looks ready to go dancing, not ready to sit in a hollowed out crater of cement where blood will be spilt.
Her ability to be deadly and striking all in one moment is something that I envy.
Oliver stands and takes off his hoodie leaving him in only that chain and his shorts.
He always looks a bit leaner right before he fights.
AJ explained to me that you never fight at your walking around weight.
Maybe that’s why he is so fast. I know AJ is obsessive over footwork and that is something they drill endlessly.
I’ve been working hard to learn as much as I can so when the girls in my class ask questions I don’t have to immediately seek out one of them to answer it.
Eli and Maxwell bracket me as we all watch AJ and Oliver work.
His hair is already a little wild and wavy, giving the allurement of him being chaotic but he’s focused.
They move seamlessly and it’s very apparent that they have been doing this for years.
Each one moving in sync with the other. It’s captivating to watch.
“He’s good.” AJ announces as she takes the mitts off and tosses them on the bench. Rory reaches out for her hand and they start walking out the door. Followed by Eli and Maxwell.
I turn on my heel and fall in line. A hand snakes around my waist and I’m pulled into his hard body.
The mint is heavier than the cinnamon tonight but his smell wraps around me all the same.
“Did you wear this for some dumb rich guy?” One could mistake his question for accusation but it’s really his amusement. He knows I don’t dress for men.
“Do you see a dumb rich guy?” I tilt my head back on his shoulder to look up at him.
A slow grin spreads across his face as he dips his head to the hollow of my neck.
Both our bodies move with his deep inhale.
“Thanks for coming.” The softness in his voice makes my confidence falter.
His hand flexes on my lower stomach and goosebumps dance along the back on my thighs.
“Stay still for a second.” His words are a hush plea.
I know he’s always ready for me to do the exact opposite of what he asks, but I’m at his mercy at this moment.
His touch leaves my body but he doesn’t step back.
His hands come before me and the cool metal of his chain necklace tickles the skin on my neck.
His fingers are light as they fasten the clasp.
Then I feel his lips dust over the back of my neck so softly that I question if it is even happening. “Keep this safe for me.”
He ushers us out of the room where the group is waiting patiently, and I’m thankful that my chest is somewhat covered even though it’s sheer material because I know it would be all blotchy and red from where my nerves are misfiring.
AJ clocks my disheveled expression and I can see the pleasure at my discomfort in her eyes.
“She stays,” Oliver starts to speak.
“In your corner.”
“We know.”
Eli and Maxwell finish for him.
“Protect your leg.” AJ instructs Oliver as he steps up to the front and we wait for Rob to open the door.
“I promise.” He gives her an earnest dip of his head.
Rob opens the door and the music is so loud it nearly drowns out the cheering of the crowd.
I’m always in awe of how many people manage to fit into the back half of the building.
Girls reach out and run their hands over any part of Oliver that they can touch and I feel a sharp pulse of jealousy but then my fingers find the chain around my neck.
As if sensing my unease his hand reaches behind for mine.
When he finds it, he laces our fingers together and squeezes tight causing me to be pulled forward.
We reach his side of the pool and he only lets go to go down the rickety ladder.
Rory goes next and he lifts AJ down with ease.
Eli and Maxwell stay standing and Oliver turns, motioning for me to let him lift me down as well.
Rory says something to AJ before climbing back out of the pool.
Oliver backs me as far into the corner as I can go. He leans down to eye level and thumbs my chin so I have to maintain eye contact. “Please stay here.”
I bring my hand up and salute him mockingly.
“Yes, sir.” My words hit their mark as his jaw clenches and his pleading eyes turn to glaring ones.
His hand drops just enough to rub his index finger under his chain.
“You never listen to me.” He turns around and silently communicates with AJ who is impatiently waiting for him to focus on his fight.
“Mia. Don’t move or he will lose. Men are dumb and I need him focused.” AJ snaps. I know her agitation is with him but I also know that she is in her fight mode and it's why Rory just steps back and lets her do her thing.
“I won’t move.” I turn to face her more and give her a reassuring small smile. “Promise.”
“See. She won’t move. Get your ass out there or I’ll leave.
” She motions for Oliver to step to the center.
AJ is terrifying when she is fed up. I love it.
“He’s going to throw kicks to your ribs, use his height to his advantage.
Stay tight and give him no opening.” And she’s hot when she coaches them on how to win.
Oliver goes to meet the other guy in the center.
Rob wasn’t wrong, the other guy is taller but Oliver has a broader build.
The fight starts and Oliver does the same thing he always does.
He doesn't strike first. He gives time to feel the other guy out. Just as AJ predicted, the other guy throws a hard kick right to Oliver’s left side.
Oliver frames the kick to block but he moves fast enough to also catch his leg and dump him.
Oliver stays in base as the guy gets back to his feet.
Oliver closes the distance easily and throws a hard punch to the other guy's ribs and he exhales so hard spit comes out.
Oliver follows it up with a knee to the gut and the guy's face is red from lack of oxygen.
He is still folded over at the perfect height for Oliver to throw a left hook.
“Hell yeah!” I shout and then quickly cover my mouth.
I can’t believe I just did that. Oliver’s head snaps over to where I’m standing and my eyes are wide with my outburst. He winks and then takes a punch to the face because he was looking at me.
AJ looks back at me and raises her eyebrows.
I throw my hands up in defense and mouth sorry.
“Get your hands back up!” She yells out at him and Oliver’s hands come up in reflex.
The whistle blows and each guy backs away into their corners. “I hope that hurts.” AJ nods to the reddening cheek that he took the punch with.
“I’ll end it this round.” Oliver is barely even worked up but he takes a sip of the water AJ hands him anyway.
They are waved back to the center. And Oliver does exactly what he said he would. One punch and the other guy falls. Oliver’s eyes never leave mine as the entire crowd of people erupt into cheers.