Page 21 of Chasing Sarah

After refilling the glass, I head to the living room. Plopping myself down on our faded couch that Paige and I found at the thrift store, I settle into the cushions.

Instead of turning on the tv and searching for a trashy reality show to fill the quiet apartment, I stare blankly at a faded stain on the carpet.

I chew on the inside of my lip until the coppery tang of my blood seeps from the wound. Absentmindedly, I toss back the second glass of whiskey and wince when the alcohol burns my lips.

“Oh, fuck this,” I grumble then stand from the couch and head toward my room.

Rather than changing my clothes, I simply slip on a pair of sneakers. “I gotta find something to do,” I say to myself and swipe my keys off the nightstand.

* * *

I have no place in mind of where to go so I walk down the sidewalk until I pause in front of a gym.

I hum as I stare up at the sign. The name is missing letters. Stepping forward, I cup my hands and peer inside the large glass window.

Inside are punching bags, mats, and a variety of other gym equipment throughout the small space.

Pursing my lips, I repeatedly tap my foot against the sidewalk before shrugging my shoulders and opening the door. The smell of sweat and gym mats fill my nose and I struggle to hold in my grimace.

Movement to my right catches my attention and I stand in awe as I watch two gigantic men throw blow for blow at each other in the center of a square ring. A smile spreads over my face with each hit that lands.

I think I’m going to like this place.

“What can I do for you?” a stocky man with a peppered beard asks as he steps up to my side.

I struggle to pull my gaze away from the men in the ring. “I, uh-” I turn to face him fully and my mind runs blank.

What exactly do I want?

He raises his brow while I stare at him stupidly, trying to decide what to say.

“Would you mind if I just stayed and watched for a little while?” I ask, gesturing to the ring. He glances over then returns his eyes to me. “Sure. Are you interested in training?”

I’m going to blame the alcohol I drank for my actions.

“What kind of training do you offer? I grew up with four older brothers, so I don’t have any experience other than rough housing with them.” I think for a moment. “And I guess a handful of school fights,” I say with a shrug.

He chuckles and shakes his head softly. “We offer a few different options here. Basic boxing, kickboxing, self-defense, Muay Tai, Brazilian Jujitsu.” Amusement fills his eyes the higher my brows rise on my face.

“How much?”

Paige is going to kill me for being so impulsive.

He tips his head over his shoulder. “Follow me to the office and we can discuss everything. I’m Hank.”

“Sarah.” I smile, scanning every inch of the space as I follow him down the hallway.

“I know it might not look like much, but this gym has been in my family for three generations. Right here in this neighborhood.” I smile softly as I listen to him. “I don’t ever plan to move from this location.”

He opens the office door and holds out his arm, motioning for me to step inside.

“I love that,” I say, stepping inside and taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

Twenty minutes later, I’m walking out of the gym with my head held high and a hopeful mind and heart that I might be able to find the peace I’ve been searching for.

I chuckle under my breath as Colson, Ronny, and I creep along Mr. James’ fence.

“Shh!” Colson spits over his shoulder.

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