Page 95 of Chosen Road

Her body slowly relaxed against mine, and eventually she eased into sleep. I stayed with her as long as I dared, then crept back to my cold, empty bed to sift though her words and what I’d learned about my wife.

Resentment at doing what she didn’t want to do.

Going along with the status quo to avoid confrontation.

Fear of me leaving.

I pulled out her letter and compared what she’d written to what she said, and I swore if she decided to trust me, I’d never give her another reason to doubt.

Chapter 30: Boxxx

Gus

Saturday morning, I met Vander at BOXXX, the boxing gym run by his buddy, Dean. I needed this. Amber had accepted my invitation to go out on a date tonight, and my nerves were shot.

I spotted Vander right away, chatting with a big guy who held the heavy bag still for him. I wandered over and Vander saw me out of the corner of his eye.

“Hey, Gus,” he grunted between punches. He finished his set and stepped back, swiping his forearm across his forehead.

“Gus, this is Zale. It’s his brother who runs this place.”

I smiled easily at the tall, taciturn, man and recognition sparked. “Zale, I know that name.”

He held out a hand and shook mine. “You sold me my house a lifetime ago.”

My brain lit up with the memory. “Right! Your wife was pregnant at the time if I’m remembering correctly.”

He nodded, the ghost of a smile on his face. “Good memory.”

“Did you have a boy or a girl? That I can’t remember,” I chuckled.

His face softened, and he smiled. “A girl.”

“And you call me a fucking pussy,” Vander goaded. “You going to exchange birth stories now?”

“Maybe we should take today’s session into the ring,” I suggested.

Zale laughed. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve thought about getting into the ring with this guy.”

Just then a bulldog of a man, with short steel grey hair, and arms the size of mine though I had at least four inches on him, walked over to our little group.

“What is this? A fucking tea party?”

“You would know. Doesn’t Sophie have you drinking a different concoction every night?” Zale answered.

“You want to step into the ring, little brother?”

“Do I look like I have a death wish?” He responded drily.

Vander laughed and made the introductions. “Dean, this is my brother-in-law, Gus. He’s married to Ruby’s sister.”

We shook hands. “Thanks for accepting my membership. I’m loving this place. It’s a welcome change from the gym I was at.”

Dean grinned. “I bet. Fucking meat markets.” He lay a big, meaty hand on my shoulder. “The only women who hang out here could kick even your giant ass. You ever boxed? You’ve got a massive reach.”

We chatted a bit, and Dean went over some of the classes that were open to casual members before taking off with Zale. They even had them for kids, and I wondered if it would be good for Alex, or if Amber would ever go for that. I’d have to think it through.

I worked out with Vander for an hour before throwing in the towel. After the first ten minutes, I ditched my shirt and by the end of the hour, sweat dripped down my torso, soaking my shorts.

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