Page 92 of Hits Different

“I’ve kept a pretty big secret from him”.

“For a long time, he kept a pretty big one from you too”.

“I’ve been training in MMA”. I say in a rush, “And he’s not the biggest fan of my involvement in that world. But it’s part of me. Part of my history and part of my future too. Just like him. I want both. Him, and it”.

Nobody, and I repeat nobody, can make a silence work for him as effectively as Brandon Carter, “Is there a reason why you haven’t shared this with him?”

“I just got him back. Can’t risk losing him again”.

“Give him a chance. Maybe he’ll surprise you. Maybe he’s scared by how much he likes you too. And maybe that’ll mean he’s willing to be…flexible. About things”.

“What makes you so sure?”

“Speaking from experience”, he says softly. “You’re worth bending for”.

“I’ll let you know how it goes. If he ever comes back from the bathroom”. He giggles. “Bran? Thanks. I needed that”. He dials off, and I take a sip of my drink, feeling infinitely better.

“Di Rossi! I didn’t have you down as the candlelit dinner type”.Zara pulls up a chair, balancing a glass of wine and her purse in the same hand. Oh fuck.How much did she hear?

“Just checking the place out”, I explain, noting her eyes landing on the second drink. “With my buddy Brandon”. I allow myself the white lie. “What are you doing here?”

“Date night”.

“I didn’t know you were seeing anyone”, I say in surprise.

“The way things are going, in about an hour, I won’t be”. Zara rolls her eyes. “What can I say? He’s not what you kids would call endgame”.

“We absolutely do not say endgame”.

“We’re heading out to Fighter Fest after dinner. Chase is competing. I’m not cornering him”, she gestures to her wine, “Obviously. But it’d be good for you to see a match in person. Maybe meet some people”.

“I’d love to”, I hesitate. It’s not like I can say I’m on a date.

“Not your buddy’s scene?”

“What’s Fighter Fest?” Brandon reappears, looks from Zara to me and back again.

Zara offers her hand to Brandon. “Good to meet you. I’m Parker’s MMA coach. You’re the soccer star, right?” Brandon nods, “I was just telling Parker about a fight that’s on tonight. You fellas would enjoy it. Chance for Parker to network. Plenty of hot girls”.

Oh, God. “Sounds great”,Brandon says.

“It does?” I blink.

“It does”, Brandon says lightly. “We’re in”.

“I’ll put your names on the list”. Zara disappears. Brandon retakes his seat, with an expectant look on his face.

“I swear to you”, I lean forward, “I did not plan that”.

Brandon signals for the bill. “Guess now’s as good a time as any to see what all the fuss is about”.

“Really?” My heart leaps. “I know it’s not exactly your scene”.

“If it’s your scene, then it’s my scene”, Brandon replies. He casts a quick glance around to check that nobody’s watching and gives me a light kiss. “Besides. It’s only fair. You stepped out of your comfort zone. I can step out of mine”.

Chapter 36

Caged

---