Page 17 of Champion

“I appreciate that, man,” Dirk says, wrapping his arm around Beth and holding her tightly.

He looks at Beth with such fierce love and devotion I can’t help but sigh. It’s exactly the way I feel when Champ looks at me.

“I guess this is as good a time as any,” Champ says. “Dirk, I'm going to be spending a lot more time at the Jefferson Gym, which I know is no surprise to you. I want to invite you to take the lead at the Raytown gym while I’m here. I want you to look after all of the boys, lead the classes, and manage the place. Do you think you're up for that?”

“Are you serious?” Dirk says. “I would love that, Champ. Thank you for putting your trust in me.”

“You're welcome, Dirk. You've earned it. I know I can trust you and that you won't let me down.”

“I thought I'd find you here,” Roman says, coming up behind Champ.

“Roman, hey, glad you made it. You want to sign up for some classes?” Champ jokes and slaps him on the shoulder.

“Nah, you know me. I'm not a boxer. I'm happy with my job at Rebel Autos and raising Tessa here,” he says, looking at his daughter.

“Hey, Tessa, how are you?” I ask. I've only met her a couple of times, but she's a bright girl for her age.

“I'm doing okay, thanks,” she says, though I can see that something is troubling her.

When Roman, Dirk, and Champ go off to talk among themselves, and Beth goes to talk to another friend, I pull Tessa aside.

“Is everything okay?” I ask. “Are you having problems with school?”

“No, it's not school,” she says, still sulking. “Dad's just being a hardass.”

I raise my eyebrow at her cursing.

“Sorry,” she says. “Dad's being…he's being mean.”

“What's going on?”

“I want to study writing, but he keeps on telling me that I have to take all of these other academic classes. And that anything that I want to study has to be extracurricular. That wanting to do something creative isn't something he thinks I can be successful at. He's trying to block me from even trying.”

Tessa’s words come out in a hot rush and it’s obvious this has been eating at her. I know better than to try and parent another person's child, but I also know that kids need encouragement.

“Tessa, I know he has your best interest at heart,” I say. “I've only met him a few times. But I know he's very protective and devoted to you.

“I know,” she says, barely concealing how she rolls her eyes. “I just wish that he would be more supportive of what I want.”

“Give it time,” I say. “He might come around and surprise you. But don't give up your dreams. Even if you have to take other classes, still keep practicing writing and doing what makes you happy. If writing is what you really want to do, you'll find a way to make it work. You're a smart girl. I'm confident about that.”

“Thanks, Opal,” she says. “Maybe you could talk to him.” Her eyes light up with hope, but I shake my head.

“No, sweetie. This isn't something that I can get involved in. But feel free to contact me if you need some moral support.”

“Thanks, Opal.” She smiles, resigned.

“Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some more people to talk to. It was really good to see you, and thank you so much for coming today.”

“Of course. Dad said it was important.”

“Man,I'm glad that we got the new location open today. But I'm happier to be here with you, Opal, on our way up to the mountain.”

“Me too, sweetheart,” I say, reaching over and putting my hand on his arm while he drives up King Mountain. We drive in comfortable silence. Usually, we talk the entire drive, but I know we’re both talked out after the opening celebration today.

Ever since our first visit to King Mountain, we've been taking Waylon up on his offer to use one of the cabins for weekends. He said that unless it’s the height of summer, there’s always at least one available. We've come up for a weekend twice before, and we had such a good time that I convinced Champ that we needed to come up more often. It's wonderful to get away from everything and have it be just the two of us. The time we spend on the mountain has become so precious to me already. I still haven't met a lot of Waylon's guys who live on the mountain. But I know I will eventually.

“Here we are,” Champ says, pulling into the driveway of one of the cabins.

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