17. Theo Fairview
Ipuked twice.
By the time Jerry let me stop, my head was swimming, and my legs were shaking so hard they couldn’t carry my weight anymore.
I collapsed on the floor of the ring, my chest heaving and my body slick with sweat.
My mouth tasted like a sewer, and even I could smell the alcohol seeping through my pores now.
The blaring lights of the gym flickered as Jerry’s salt-and-pepper stubbled face appeared in my line of sight as he leaned over my prone form.
“Here.” He dropped a bottle of water on me, and I grunted, doing my best to grab it with my violently shaking hand so I could take a much-needed sip.
“When you can stand again, hit the showers,” he grumbled.
“Gotta… clean… the… puke…” I panted, but he just waved an uninterested hand at me.
“I’ve got it, kid. I’ve punished you enough. Go home. Eat something. Get some sleep. I’ll meet you at the usual spot tomorrow. Don’t be late. Or hungover.”
I groaned as I rolled onto my side and shakily pushed myself up into a sitting position.
“Thanks, Coach,” I rasped, cracking open the water and taking a deep, life-altering gulp.
Fuck. Water was so good.
So much better than vodka.
After what nearly felt like an hour, I was feeling well enough to stand, and I teetered back to Jerry’s now-empty office to grab my bag.
Dumping the rest of the water over my head to cool my flaming face, I tossed the empty bottle in my bag and fished out my phone.
I flicked open the lock screen, intending on getting a playlist or something to hopefully keep my mind clear while I showered, but I paused when I saw a text from Cass waiting for me.
My heart rate sped up, and I clicked it open, wondering what she could possibly be texting me for.
Cass:
I need a favor.
I frowned, cocking my head to the side. Cass needed a favor? Cass never asked for help with anything, especially not from me. Curiosity and anticipation flooded me as my fingers flew across the screen, and I quickly typed a reply.
Theo:
Anything for you, baby girl. How can I be of service? *smirking emoji*
To my surprise, she started typing back immediately, almost as if she’d been waiting for me to respond, even though the time stamp said she’d sent that message nearly an hour ago.
Cass:
Can you stop flirting for two seconds? This is serious.
I frowned, the excited flutter in my chest turning to concern.
Theo:
What is it? Is everything okay? Is Naomi okay?
Cass:
What? Yes. Naomi is fine. This isn’t about her.
Theo:
What’s it about, then?
There was a long pause, and my frown deepened.
Theo:
Spit it the fuck out, Cassandra. You’re stressing me out.
Cass:
God, you’re impatient. Fuck. Fine… okay, so… I know this sounds weird, but…
Another long pause. I gritted my teeth in frustration as I waited for her to finally tell me what the hell she needed.
Cass:
I need you to marry me.