Page 6 of Champion

I don't know why those two have to go at each other like wild cats. But after growing up with three older brothers, I understand fragile male egos and how men hate backing down. The need to be right is programmed into their genetic code.

Champ has a huge amount of pride. I've heard about the fight between Doyle and Champ from my brother, and to hear him tell it, he beat Champ fair and square. But my brother is also a braggart, so who knows? What I do know is that there are always two sides to a story, and nothing is ever black and white. I also know it was years ago. Why they’re still in a twist over this is stupid. Win or lose, it's something they should have gotten past by now.

I only hope Champ can forgive me for keeping this from him. I like the job and want to keep working at his gym. If he throws me out of the job, he'll probably never willingly see me again, and that hurts my heart in a whole different way. I can't bear to lose my shot with Champ.

CHAPTER 4

Monday mornings are never good mornings, especially today.

Everything was fine until I remembered Friday night and what happened with Opal and her brother. I’ve been stewing over it all weekend. Finding out that her brother is Doyle Malone was a sucker punch. I never even thought about that when I learned that they shared the last name because Malone's not uncommon around here. But fuck, she's related to that cheating son of a bitch. That asshole cheated in a fight, and it was my only loss in the ring.

Heading to the gym usually makes me happy, but today? My emotions are a mix of anger, frustration, and disappointment. I need to talk to Opal, but I’m apprehensive about how it will go. But we need to talk and I need to figure out the lay of the land and whether or not I can keep trusting her.

“Goddammit,” I yell, pounding the heel of my hand against the wheel of my truck.

It hasn't stopped vibrating since I hit the freeway to head to Jefferson. Opal’s there with Luann, who’s training her on some fancy new software for the computer she made me buy. I don’t know what’s wrong with the hardcover account books I’ve been using for years, but Luann pitched a fit and said it was necessary.

I signal and pull over to the side of the road and call Rebel Autos. I know that whatever's happening, the truck isn’t getting any better on its own. The last thing I need is it crapping out on me while I’m doing 70 on the freeway.

“Hey man,” I say when Mack answers the phone.

“Champ, my man, how's it going?”

“Well, not so good, Mack. My truck is about to break down, and I'm stuck on the freeway. I'm on the road to Jefferson and my new gym. Can you send someone to tow me? I don't want my truck to stop in the middle of the road and cause a massive accident.”

“Champ, man, we got you covered,” Mack says. “I'll send one of the guys out right now. Should be about forty-five minutes.”

“Got it. I'm on the freeway between markers thirty-five and thirty-six.”

“Okay. You hang tight, and we'll get you.”

I turn on my hazards and sit in the cab of my truck, trying and failing not to keep looping Friday night in my mind. It’s been a long time since I felt an inkling of an attraction to a woman, and longer still since a woman asked me out, even though a chili cook-off isn’t what most people would call a date. Every fiber of my being needs to see and talk to her, butI have to do it in person. There are conversations you should not have on the phone, and this is one of them.

Finally, a tow truck pulls up in front of me, and I recognize Roman getting out. I check the traffic and then step out of my truck to meet him. “Roman, man. It's been a while, hasn't it? They got you driving the tow truck now?”

“Yeah, it's been too long, man. I go where I’m needed.” He laughs. “Truth is, our regular guy is out with the flu, and I’m the only one with experience driving a tow truck.” Roman hitches up my truck in short order, and we get on our way.

“You don't seem to come around Jefferson much anymore,” Roman says as we head to Jefferson.

“Well, I've been coming around, but it's mostly to deal with the new gym. My hands have been full. Between that and helping Harley lately, I haven't had time for anything else. I’ll be around more once the new gym is open, and I’ll have more time to relax and see you guys.”

“I've heard Harley's busy these days. It's a shame. It's always better when things are quiet for him because that means the world is a little bit safer.”

“Yeah, Harley's the one keeping it safe. I think I'm going to be making a trip up to King Mountain soon with some supplies. I know he's stashed a couple of women up there for protection, and he had me pick up a load of supplies last week.”

“Glad you’re able to help him out, Champ. I know he appreciates how much he can rely on you.”

“Thanks, man. I just do what I can. If someone’s in need, you know I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Roman nods. “Yeah, you’ve always been like that. You’re a good man.”

“Thanks,” I say, ready to change the conversation. Roman’s right that I like helping people, but I don’t necessarily want to talk about it. I don’t need people thanking me for what any decent human being should also be doing. “What's new with you, Roman? How's that girl of yours, Tessa?”

“Man,” Roman says, rubbing a hand through his hair. “She's a handful. Fourteen years old and thinks she knows better than me about what she wants to do with her life.”

“Uh oh,” I chuckle. “What's been going on?”

“She's got it into her pretty little head that she wants to be a writer.” Roman looks at me and arches his eyebrow like this is the most outlandish thing in the world.

---