by Jayne Blue
The lights were out on this guy. Zane’s left hook was impossible to withstand. It was a show stopper.
The crowd erupted, and Zane saw Meyer nod, but he looked beyond The Boss, to that blonde. She was still there. She saw too. Zane didn’t know why he wanted her to see what he could do, but he did. Whoever she was, he’d see her again, he knew it.
Adrenaline coursed through his blood. He saw Sam, his agent, whisper something to Meyer. This was all good. Vinnie and Knox rushed over to him in the center of the ring.
“Holy shit,” Vinnie said.
Zane had unleashed his most powerful weapon at the right time in front of the right man. Just as he’d planned. His left hook was his calling card, and it had just done its job. His boys knew it too.
“Perfect man, The Boss got an eyeful!” Knox said as he put a towel around Zane’s shoulders.
They both stepped back as the ref grabbed Zane’s arm. His opponent staggered back to his corner. There was a melee in the ring all around him. But he made a point to seek out that beautiful face. Something about the way she looked at him had him wanting to connect with her again. He did.
Through the melee of the ring, he locked eyes with her. They were gray. Her eyes were gray. He smiled at her for a brief second, and she looked down. Who the hell was she? He’d find out. He had to meet her.
The action in the ring pulled him back as the announcer’s voice filled the arena.
“The Welter Weight Winner, by knock out, ZANE DIGGS!” There was applause, it felt thunderous. Zane was used to fighting in church rec centers and school gyms. To him this was epic, but he knew it was just the beginning.
The ref had him by the wrist and then swung his arm up in victory. As his left arm extended over his head, Zane felt white hot pain in front of both of his eyes. He struggled not to stagger back at the intensity of it. He ground his molars together as he clenched his jaw against the feeling in his arm.
He stayed conscious and forced the sick feeling in his stomach back down. The ref released his arm and instinct took over.
He couldn’t let anyone see. Zane repeated that in his head again and again. No one was going to see this pain.
Zane knew he was hurt again, but he would not let on, to anyone. He was getting that contract. Meyer Thompson was going to sign him. Zane wasn’t going to show the slightest weakness.
Vinnie and Knox took him back to the locker room, he showered, changed, and was very careful with his arm. It was his shoulder, that’s what hurt. Knox came over.
“Hey man, what’s up with your shoulder?” Knox didn’t miss anything. But Zane wasn’t new at this either.
“Little tender, no big deal.”
“Let’s got to the trainer.”
“It’s nothing. I want that contract. I just tweaked it. Let’s go.”
Zane blew off Knox. Knox was closer to him than anyone. He trusted Knox and knew that his friend understood. Knox was a fighter too. He wasn’t at Zane’s level, but soon he would be. He needed a few more quality wins.
Zane was carving out a path for both of them. If he got this contract, it would help get Knox in the right place too. It would help Knox get seen by the right people.
Vinnie came over and hugged him. Vinnie was the third part of their trio. They all came up in the same hometown. Vinnie was a hype man, a corner man, and the beer run guy. He wasn’t a fighter, but he made things good for Knox and Zane even when they were fighting for zero money.
“You know I can get it.” Vinnie started to whisper in his ear. Vinnie was always trying to help. Zane loved him for it.
“No, just help me keep this from the 21C bigwigs. I’m okay.”
“Sure. I got it. Your agent – man she’s fucking gorgeous – anyway, she’s outside. She says hurry up!”
“Yeah, she’s pretty, and her boyfriend’s a cop or some shit so I’d keep your comments about her to yourself.” Zane was doing all he could to play like everything was fine. Everything was fine.
He walked out, and there was his gorgeous agent Sam Bosque waiting in the hallway.
“Good job Zane. I just finished talking to Meyer Thompson. He liked that hook.”
“Yeah?” Sam was all business and focused in on him with the sentence that could change his life.
“So, here’s the deal. He wants you in the 21C League.” The 21C was the place to be. There were other MMA leagues, but this one had the most American champions, paid the best, had the best venues, and made the biggest names of the fighters. The 21C was the only way in Zane’s mind to get where he wanted to go. To the top.
“This is what we wanted.” Zane was nodding yes before Sam could even get the offer out.
“Yes. It’s a start. Meyer Thompson’s goal is to get the best fighters fighting in his league. That’s important. But he’s also got to make money doing that. You’d be best to remember that too.”
“So, what do we do now?”
“You’re going to be training at his place here in Grand City. You’re going to be on the ladder for a few high-profile fights, and if you do well, down the road, I’ll be sure you’re in the discussion for title shots.” Zane wanted to kiss Sam he was so happy.
“Shit! That’s awesome.”
“You’re not going to get rich with his deal. But he’s going to pay enough for you to set yourself up with a place in Grand City. You’ll be trained by his team and have access to the best of the best.”
“Thanks, Sam. Knox, too right?”
“You’re welcome. I’m going to defer my ten-percent. Live on it that until I get you the first endorsement. And yeah, I got Knox in to spar and be on your staff.”
“Jesus, thank you.”
“Don’t be too excited. Thompson is giving you 50K to start. You’ll get purses for the bigger fights. But all of this is contingent on one thing.”
“Winning,” Zane knew. He was there to win.
“Yep, with that face and a belt or two, stay out of trouble, and we’ll get you where you want to be.” She smiled at him, but she was serious. His agent was tough, and he knew she was right. He needed to win. Zane rubbed his shoulder, trying to diffuse the pain he felt. It was a tear, something inside, deep in the soft part under the bone. Zane would have to ignore it.
He’d be staying in Grand City. This would be the place where he made his dreams real.
He stood for a moment in the tunnel. The lights of the big arena were now focused on the Main Event. The applause he’d heard for his fight were hushed compared to how loud it was for the big names about to fight.
The sound fueled him. He would be there soon. He knew it.
He felt an arm around his shoulders, and he winced. It brought him back to reality. He needed to be healthy and strong. It was Vinnie giving him a squeeze.
Zane would figure out how to manage. He felt better already. The business of rising up could now take center stage. He could leave the bad stuff behind him.
And if he was lucky maybe he’d also have time for that blonde bit of business he’d seen ringside. He wondered how to find her.
Zane Diggs had a lot to do. And he damn well wasn’t going to let that stupid tweak he felt in his shoulder stand in his way. MMA was about pain: doling it out, withstanding it, and pushing through it.
No. Nothing was going to stand in his way. Pain was his business.
Chapter Three
Valerie
* * *
Aunt Susan was underselling it. As she pulled into the drive-way, Valerie had a hard time keeping her jaw from dropping open. Aunt Susan was living a very different life than Valerie, and her family lived. Five of their houses could fit into one of Aunt Susan’s.
Meyer and Susan Thompson lived on the Grand City River. Valerie and her parents lived in a working-class neighborhood with little three-bedroom houses. She had never even imagined going inside one of these River Road homes much less living here. However temporarily.
“Wow.”
“I know. Meyer was raised with a lot of
money. Then he made a lot of money. Not like your Dad and me. It’s a little ridiculous.” Susan explained, she didn’t seem embarrassed though, she just laid out how this epic living situation came to be.
“I’m sorry about my gaping mouth.” Aunt Susan laughed.
They entered the place, and a short round woman emerged from the kitchen.
“Hi Jan, this is my niece, Valerie.”
“You’re the most beautiful! She looks like a young you. No offense.” Jan said to Susan and took their coats.
“Stop. I wish. Jan does everything around here. I’m am always in and out with a billion things Meyer and I do. If it weren’t for Jan this place would still be a dilapidated eyesore.”
“Yep, decorator, house manager, wine consumer. I’m all those.”
“Hi.” Valerie liked Jan immediately. From the minute Aunt Susan swept into the lawyer’s office, she felt a little weight lift off her shoulders. Aunt Susan and now Jan made Valerie feel like there was a light at the end of this sad tunnel she’d been in since the fire.
“Can you get her situated in Mom’s place?” Aunt Susan asked Jan. It wasn’t an order; it was a request. Though it was clear Jan worked for Aunt Susan, they shared a warm bond. That was obvious.
“Sure, got your text. We’ve got it all ready.”
“Great, I’ve got to check in with Meyer. Valerie, you’re in good hands with Jan. And really. Our home is yours. Rest, explore, grab food in the fridge here or in your apartment. I just want you to be able to heal from what you’ve been through.”
Aunt Susan gave her another hug and looked at Jan.
“Where’s the Beast?” She asked Jan.
“Media room last I heard.”
Aunt Susan walked down a hall, and Valerie wondered what the hell was in the media room.
“Uncle Meyer is a big deal, business-wise?” She asked Jan.
“Oh yeah. No question. Okay, let me show you around.”
Jan gave her the tour and then they went to the five-car garage attached fo the main house on the side. Valerie guessed at five cars anyway.
“The nice thing is the door to your place is back here. You don’t have to go through the house to get to your apartment. Meyer’s Mom loved that because she was so independent. She said she didn’t want Meyer in her business. The steps though were tough for her as she got on. Oh, and the damn weather here. Michigan winters will kill us all.”
“I see.” Jan used a key and then handed it to her.
“If you need me to get someone in to clean just leave the key in the main kitchen.”
“I really don’t…” Jan gave her a look.
“Okay, will do.” Best not to argue, though she couldn’t imagine a scenario that she’d ask for a maid for just her. She didn’t have more than one duffel bag of stuff with her. Everything she’d owned or ever cherished was scattered in the ash.
“So here you go, you’ve got a kitchenette, a sitting room and a master bed and bath.” It was gorgeous. Valerie felt like it was nicer than any hotel she’d ever seen much less stayed in. Everything was a creamy white, from the walls to the carpet, to the window frames. Where the main house was a bit intimidating this apartment was airy and petite and felt like a cozy cloud.
“Your aunt texted me and said all your stuff, clothes and all, burned in the fire.” Valerie looked at her outfit and for the first time felt self-conscious. She was wearing jeans and a t-shirt from the Red Cross. Shit. She must look ridiculous.
Her college friends had lent her a dress for the funeral services, but she’d been so busy she hadn’t really thought to even the basics.
“Yes. I’m in borrowed underwear.” She made light of it. Valerie decided she was lucky as heck to have this family swoop in to help her and she wasn’t going to make her problems theirs.
“Well, I have a friend who owns Stella’s Shop. You know it? In downtown off Second?” Valerie knew it was a chic boutique and she knew she couldn’t afford a damn thing in the place, cute as the stuff was.
“Yes.” Was the only answer she could muster for Jan.
“Great. I have no idea what you like, and I had to guesstimate your size. I went with four, but I think you’re even littler. The dresses will be okay. Picking jeans out for anyone is a nightmare, but I did my best.”
Jan opened a closet door off the master bedroom and walked in. Valerie followed her.
“So, you’ve got a few pairs of jeans, a sweater or two, basic and then a couple of Stella’s cutest dresses. It’s not a full wardrobe. Your Aunt wants to shop with you. She’d kill me if there were nothing left to buy.” Jan gave her a wink and Valerie walked further into the closet.
She was overwhelmed by the expensive clothes, the shoes, there were even two handbags. Everything was in a muted tan or black. It was class, no other way to describe what was in this closet.
“I can’t.” She said and pleaded with Jan.
“You can. Listen I don’t know if you realize this, but your aunt isn’t rich.”
“What. It seems like she’s pretty rich, but I’m not a charity. I just have to get a place and…”
“Shhh. No I mean rich is an understatement. Your Aunt and Uncle Thompson are billionaires. With a B. Way beyond rich, kid.”
“Holy shit.”
“I know right? Buying you a few pair of jeans is something that makes your aunt super happy to do and not like a charity thing. No one has their kind of money, and they can’t ever spend it all. We all just forgive them for how ridiculously wealthy they are and move on. Part of their joy is spending on people they love. Trust me on this.” Jan was reassuring, so Valerie walked further into the space and marveled at the clothes, neatly arranged, and seemingly perfect for her.
“They’re all lovely.”
“I heard you are a recent college graduate. I put a few interview type outfits in there too.”
“Yeah, I have a construction management degree, but my actual diploma was burnt to a crisp with everything else.” The memory put a dark shadow on the lovely gesture her aunt and Jan had done to make her feel welcome.
“The piece of paper isn’t the degree, dear.” Jan put a hand on her shoulder.
“True.” She pushed back the images of her parents and the fire and concentrated on how lucky she was to have a family, one she’d hardly ever seen before this, swoop in and help her get back on her feet.
“Now, your aunt wanted you me to invite you to their event tonight.” Jan did some futzing with her room, almost a final inspection, as she talked.
“What kind of event?”
“Your uncle’s business. He owns a sports league. Have you ever been to an MMA fight?”
“No, my dad was into football, not MMA, so I’ve been to a couple of Lions games in Detroit.”
“My condolences. Anyway, your aunt and uncle will be attending tonight’s Main Event Friday Night Fight, and you’re their guest if you’re up to it. I’d go if I were you, it will be a great distraction from all the bullshit you’ve had to deal with the last week.” Jan was matter of fact. It was easy to connect with her, just like it was easy to love Aunt Susan’s warmth. Valerie admired Jan’s short red wedge haircut. It moved and flitted around as she did the same in the apartment.
“Oh, okay.” Valerie was curious, and she didn’t want to seem ungrateful. She was going to an MMA fight tonight if Aunt Susan wanted her to. This was not on her bucket list of life events, but the prospect of seeing something new, of thinking about something other than the strange turn her life had taken was appealing. And in all honesty, she realized that wearing one of the pretty things Jan had picked out gave her a little jolt of excitement.
“So, my recommendation for tonight, just pick anything in this row. Your uncle and aunt dress up for these things.”
“Gotcha.”
“I’ll let you be. The fridge is stocked, and so is the bathroom. Relax, snack, nap, get ready, whatever you need. Do you remember how to get to the front of the house? It’s a monster I realized.”
“I think I can manage.”
“They’ll be ready to drive over to the arena at 6:30 p.m. you’ve got a few hours to just be.”
“Jan, thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. You’ve been through a lot. Your aunt told me. We’re all happy to be able to help you get back on your feet. Susan loves filling this house.” Jan and Aunt Susan were masters at making her feel less alone, and reassuring her that she wasn’t an imposition.
Valerie nodded, and Jan left her alone.
She didn’t have a lawyer, or a funeral director, or firefighter, or Trent, hovering over her. She was alone. Her heart had felt bereft and yet she’d been surrounded by people since the fire. She hadn’t had a moment to be alone, like this, with her own thoughts and emotions.
She felt a few fat tears roll down her cheeks and she rubbed them away. She focused on her luck, instead of the incredible loss, even curse, the last few days seemed to be.
Somehow she’d landed with the sweetest people. She’d gone from nothing to everything. And she was so grateful for it. Valerie decided to try out the luxurious bathroom and get ready for the fight they were attending.
The worst moments of the last few days receded a bit, if only for a few hours, and it was a relief.
She took a bath, perused the kitchenette, and then chose a simple black dress from the closet. She didn’t have a clue what an MMA fight was really like so it seemed a safe selection.
Valerie had thick blonde hair. If she were going out with friends, she’d typically leave it wavy and loose. But for tonight she decided on pulling it back in a tight ponytail. She didn’t want it flying around. She still felt a deep sadness. Her life had been ripped apart, and the frilly things she’d once enjoyed such as getting ready for dances in high school or shopping with her Mom, were gone.
She also wanted to be respectful of how much Aunt Susan and Uncle Meyer were doing for her, so she did make an effort to look nice. Hopefully, it was enough.
Valerie made her way to the front of the house and tried not to gawk at the architectural details of the place. It was an old Victorian mansion brought back to life. She would love to have seen the process of restoring this place. That was her college degree after all.
