“I did say that, yes.”
“Is that true? After you fight Kennedy once more, you’ll hang up your gloves? No more fighting?”
“It’s true, I’ll stop. He’ll be my last fight.”
“Win or lose?”
“Win or lose.”
Robert
I wake up and use the gym at the hotel. They don’t have punching bags, so I use the treadmill. The local news channel is on. When I see Kennedy’s and Greene’s faces on the screen, I shut down the treadmill. I remove the earbuds from my ear and walk towards the television. Headlines reads, “Greene Dead after Fight with Pro Boxer Kennedy. The Fight is Being Investigated.” I listen to the details, and Greene’s family is asking for an autopsy. Possible head trauma. I quickly leave the gym and I try to make it to the hotel room before Leah sees it. My plan is to keep her busy until we leave for home. I don’t want her to see this.
Leah, Dove, and Bethany are sitting on the bed watching the news. I’m too late. Leah is crying as she listens to the gory details of the fight. “They bribed you to fight with a limo ride and tickets to a musical.” She looks away from the television to me. Her eyes are red and swollen and her nose is red.
“Thanks for staying with her,” I say, dismissing Bethany and Dove. When the door shuts, I finally answer her. “No, the limo and the tickets were just a gift. I wanted to fight Kennedy, and I was offered a chance to do that last night. Both Kennedy and we will make a considerable amount of money.”
“Did you see this? Did you see the news? Greene is dead, Robert!” I walk towards Leah and she stops me. “What was that he said to you? ‘I’m coming for you’?” Leah cries into a tissue as she sobs, “You’re next, Robert. Did you know Greene was dead last night? Did those goons tell you he was dead before we left the hotel?”
“I didn’t know, Leah. I swear.”
I sit down with Leah and hold her. Thankfully, she lets me. I hold her tightly and kiss the top of her head. I gently rock her back and forth. When her crying slows, I hold her by the arm and back slightly away from her. “Leah, look at me.”
She does and her lip quivers. Tears are cascading down her cheeks. “Baby, we have almost a whole year. I’m in great shape and in a year, I’ll be in even better shape. I need you to believe in me. I need you to trust that I can beat him.” I search her eyes. “I can’t do it if you don’t support me. Can you please be there for me?”
She thinks about it before she nods her answer, I hold her close and whisper, “Thank you.”
Kennedy
I’m exhausted but once I see Grether sitting ringside, I soon get my second wind. I warn Grether that he’s next, just before I knock Greene out. I watch as the medics, and Greene’s manager and coach attend to him in the ring. I know that when I hit him I didn’t hold back. I never do, and my opponents never do. The referee separates us and they finally announce me as the winner, hand me the championship belt, and my manager, Tony; my coach, Mack; and I are escorted out of the ring. The crowd is going crazy.
I can hear the crowd and the excitement on the other side of the door. The crowd is excited and the adrenaline is prevalent all around. Tony and Mack, my coach and trainer, are smiling and happy. They just won a ton of money. My gloves are still on my hands, but I try to flex my right hand. When I hit Greene, I hit him with everything I had in me. Grether! My heart is still pounding at the thought of him and his entourage sitting ringside. What do I pay Tony and Mack for? They should have given me forewarning that he would be here tonight.
“Great fight, Kennedy,” Mack says, smacking me on my back. “If I didn’t know better, I would say you were holding back out there.”
Tony adds, “Seeing Grether was just the push you needed to get the win.”
Now I’m pissed. I should just fire the bastard now. Don’t ever insinuate I can’t win. “I would have won even if I didn’t see Grether. Don’t fucking forget it!”
Tony says, “Calm down, Kennedy.”
The C.E.O. of the hotel and Greene’s manager comes in. They speak with Tony and Mack before they remove my boxing gloves. I watch as the gloves are handed over to Greene’s manager, who inspects them. I imagine Greene is hurt badly. I have never had my gloves inspected after a fight before.
After a hot shower, I get a private massage in my room, compliments of the hotel and room service with enough food to feed a starving family of ten. This is the usual treatment after a fight, and something I look forward to.
Later that night Tony and Mack come back into my room and inform me that Greene has succumbed to his injuries.
Robert
When Leah stops crying, and after several missed calls and text messages, she slowly stands up.
I ask, “Do you want to go home, now?”
“No. I just need a minute. I’m getting my shower.”
I watch as she walks into the restroom. Leah was always so strong, but now I look at her and she is so fragile. I’m afraid of saying or doing a wrong thing that will send her into a deep depression. Just one more fight and I swear I’ll be done boxing forever. She won’t understand why I want to fight Kennedy so I won’t tell her. I return the missed calls and the text messages while Leah showers. I also get a call to have dinner with the C.E.O. and G.M. of the Bellagio Hotel. I know the hotel stands to make a ton of money from the fight with me and Kennedy. Hell, we all stand to win a large sum of money from this fight. But money is the least reason for this fight.
Gus calls me and tells me there is a press conference set up this evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Bellagio. “Why so soon?”
“They want to get the hype started early. It’s a big fight, against the two top fighters. ”
“No way around not going?”
“If you don’t go, you don’t fight.”
“I’ll be there. Leah won’t be happy.”
“Remind her that it’ll be your last fight. That should make her happy. They’ll send a limo for everyone at 6:00.”
The girls went shopping for new dresses while the guys discussed what will be said at the press conference. I shower and dress in a suit and tie. We all wait for the limo in the lobby and it arrives precisely at 6:00.
Leah
Robert holds my hand the entire way to the Bellagio. The promoting starts now for the fight for next year. May 1st will be here quickly. I am surprised they want to hold a press conference so soon.
I did overhear the guys saying that the hotel stands to gain a ton of money from this fight. I know the fighters do as well. I guess that explains the rush to promote. We walk into the vast hotel, and once again I am in aww. The cathedral ceilings, chandeliers, and the black marble floor are very impressive. We are escorted into a room, not the same place the fight was in, but one much smaller.
Cameras, microphones and portable/ temporary lighting are everywhere. Several tables are set up, including a small table with food and drinks.
I man walks over and says, “Mr. Pelayo would like to speak to you and your team.”
Robert says, “Thank you, I’ll be right with you.”
“Please help yourselves to drinks and food; we’re still waiting on Kennedy,” a deep male voice says. “There’s a table set up over here for your family if you would like to sit down.”
Robert kisses me and says, “I’ll be right over there. If it gets to be too much for you, let me know.”
“I’m fine,” I lie with a smile. I must be getting good at this lying stuff. I watch as Gus, Robert, his dad, and my dad walk over to a table of men. I recognize one as the CEO of the hotel, but I don’t know the others.
“Come on, Leah, let’s get you something to eat.” I look up and Bethany and Dove are standing there.
Once we get some shrimp cocktail and cheese and crackers, we take our seat. I am surprised that they have arranged a table large enough to accommodate everyone with Robert. These people really did their homework.
The door opens and in walks a very tall and broad man. He is also with an entourage of p
eople. I know right away who it is. I look to see if Kennedy has a wife or a family with him, and he doesn’t. He is very handsome and well built. I can’t tell if he’s Hispanic or African American. He smiles before following his team to the table Robert is at. Robert sees him and stands, immediately. I watch to see what happens between him and Robert.
Robert and Kennedy shake hands before Kennedy sits to join the meeting already in progress. I’m surprised that I think Kennedy is handsome. He’s not the monster I keep envisioning.
“I would kill to have my recorder,” Dove whispers. I shiver just thinking about Greene’s death. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.”
I nod. I wish she had not said it, too. I’m straining to try to hear the conversation that is too far away from hearing distance. Robert and Kennedy are cordial. Kennedy is blinking fast, almost too fast, and I wonder if that’s a nervous habit for him.
Soon the guys stand from the table and Robert downs a bottle of water, before walking over to us. I stand and he says, “This shouldn’t take long, but Leah, if you don’t want to stay…”
“Robert, I’m staying.”
Robert looks over at Mom and I know there are unspoken words between them. I kiss him and take my seat.
I watch as he walks up to the head table and takes the seat almost dead center. Gus is to his left and his dad in on Gus’ left. The CEO of the hotel is sitting in between Robert and Kennedy, separating them. Kennedy’s manager and coach are on his right.
The room suddenly becomes quiet. The lights from the cameras come on as does the spotlight. Other than family and news personnel, the only other people in the room are, I assume, upper hotel management and security.
The man separating Kennedy and Robert speaks first. He gives very specific instructions on what to ask and what will be answered. “Anyone who strays from this will be escorted out.” He looks at the large double doors and my eyes follow his. In the doorway, with their arms crossed, are four of the biggest men I have ever seen. I have to wonder if they are there in case something happens between Robert and Kennedy.
Dove gets out her cell phone and records the press conference. With the microphones, it will be loud enough that she will be able to record every word. I sit very still in my seat as they ask a series of questions about the soon-to-be fight. The fight is months away, I’m not sure why they consider it soon to be.
Robert answers loudly, clearly, and precisely and it makes me proud of him. Kennedy sits still with his fingers interlaced on top of the table. Robert and Kennedy are both dressed in suits and ties. Both men look at the reporter asking the questions and answer the reporter professionally.
When I can’t take it any longer, and the baby won’t move away from my bladder, I stand to go pee. “I’ll be right back,” I say, walking away.
Robert sees me and I can see the concern in his eyes. I smile and pat my belly; he relaxes. I walk quietly through the room and explain to the bodyguards or bouncers that it can’t wait. They let me through when I hear my mom rushing in behind me.
Together we walk to the restroom. I know Robert sent her. It’s that non-verbal communication they have. “It looks like everything’s going well,” Mom says.
I wonder if she means because Kennedy and Robert haven’t started fighting during the press conference.
“Yes, very well,” I agree.
We talk a few minutes in the Ladies room before heading back. When we turn the corner, we see Kennedy walking down the hall. It must already be over. I watch as he gets further away from me before I notice his limp. Mom starts to say something before I hush her. I turn on the camera on my phone to video and start recording him. I didn’t notice the limp when he walked into the room.
“What are you doing?”
When Kennedy is out of sight, I turn off my recorder and smile. “Nothing. I just think he’s extremely good looking,” I lie, again.
Robert
During the next two days, Leah tries to put on a happy face. No one speaks about the fight and we focus only on the itinerary the girls made up. We visit Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is over a four-hour drive, but we may get only one chance to see it. The next day we gamble and when Leah wins, she’s done playing. The girls want to see the musical Annie, so we do. Leah loved that show as a child, and she loves it as an adult.
When we get back to the room, Leah shows me the video she took of Kennedy. She points out his limp and I play it and replay it. “I didn’t notice him limping during the press conference,” I say.
“I didn’t either. He didn’t know we were behind him when he left. I think he hides it from people.”
“Good job, Leah. Thank you.”
“Anytime, Ace.”
Leah sleeps most of the flight home and everyone else is quiet. I know what the guys are thinking. This year will go by quickly and tomorrow it’s time to hustle. Gus is writing in his notebook and I’m sure it’s menu changes and different forms of exercise. He’s planning on riding me hard, but I have news for him: he won’t need to. I know what needs to be done and I’ll do it. We’ll need more ring time at Upper Cut and someone different to fight with each day. To fight the same person over is repetitive and a sure way to guarantee a loss. You soon learn that person’s moves and tactics. Everyone fights differently, so it’s best to fight different people. It keeps you more alert and ready.
Leah soaks in a hot bubble bath, and I shower in the separate shower in the master bath. Thank God for the endless hot water tank. It’s the best thing I ever bought. Leah and I go to bed and we read from Jamie’s bedtime story book. When Leah is still awake at the end of the story, I know something is on her mind.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Lots of things,” she says, cuddled into me.
“May I ask like what?”
“Like the fight, our baby, and Jamie.”
“That’s a lot of things. Is there anything I can do to ease your thoughts?”
“No, I’ll be fine. Some things I have to work out on my own.”
“I can appreciate that. Have you decided if you want to know the baby’s gender this week?”
Leah lightly rubs her belly and smiles. “I think you’re right about us not knowing. The gender isn’t important, as long as our baby is healthy.”
“So we’ll be surprised then?” I ask hopefully.
“Yes, Robert, I think a surprise will be nice.”
The next morning I’m awake before Leah; actually, I’m always awake before Leah. I decide to have a cup of caffeinated coffee and read the morning paper before doing anything this morning. I bypass the front page and go straight to the sports section. I read an article about the fight with Kennedy where Greene lost his life. An anonymous person set up an account on Go Fund Me in Greene’s name to help with medical expenses for his severely handicapped son. I fold the paper, set it aside, and finish my coffee. When my coffee’s gone and I have had time to think, I open up my laptop, go to the website, and make a monetary contribution to the cause. I don’t use my name; instead, I write, “In loving memory of my beloved, Jamie.”
Leah
This week Robert and I went to my doctor’s appointment. Things are going as they should and my belly measures at 29 weeks. I am over the halfway mark. They told us they know the gender of the baby, but Robert and I decided we didn’t need to know, although I was having second thoughts at the last minute. Robert is right: As long as he or she is healthy, that’s all that matters. We’ll just buy yellow and green sleepers and receiving blankets until I deliver.
It’s Sunday and Robert is with the guys golfing. My mom, Margie, and I are cleaning Jamie’s room. I have neglected it long enough. We go through her dresser drawers and look at her clothes before I refold them and put them back. I should pack them away, but I don’t have the heart to. We dust, sweep, clean the carpets, and wash the walls, windows, and her bedding. I also toss her stuffed animal collection into the dryer. It’ll help reduce the dust from
them. I don’t say it, but I wonder if I’ll ever get to the point where I can pack away Jamie’s things. After a few hours and when her room is finally clean, we go through Jamie’s baby pictures and mementos.
“This was her first Easter dress,” my mom says as she holds the small purple dress.
“She was just a baby then,” I say sadly.
Margie picks ups another dress and touches it softly. “We bought this one for her birthday.”
I don’t say anything. I just nod. When I remove everything from under Jamie’s bed, I see a drawing she made for Robert. It says, “Daddy, I love you.” I set it on the bed to give to Robert when he gets home. I remember the day Jamie made this. It was the day of the accident. I wrote the words and Jamie traced them with her crayon. She was so excited.
We look at her hospital records of her birth, her newborn baby photos, and other photo albums from the three short years she was with us.
Mom and Margie stay until Robert comes home. They don’t say it, but I know they worry that I’ll sink into my black hole called depression.
Robert comes home and showers while I finish dinner. We have dinner and eat outside on the deck that overlooks the pool. The sun is setting on a warm summer evening.
“While golfing today I saw the doctors: Alec and Mason,” he says.
“Did you get a chance to talk to them?”
“Just briefly. They were leaving when we got there.”
I look over at Robert and say, “I should call Emma. I haven’t spoken to her since the book signing.”
“She would like that. Alec said she isn’t working outside the house anymore. I’m sure she could use some adult conversation.” He drinks the rest of his water and add, “She’s a full-time mother of three; I’m sure she has her hands full.”
“I’m sure she does. I should invite her to bring the kids to story time at the bookstore this week.”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
Robert and I finish dinner and we both clean up together. I pick up the picture I found under Jamie’s bed.
“While cleaning Jamie’s room today, I found this tucked under her bed.”
A Life Worth Fighting Page 14
