Page 42 of Make You Love Me

“Oh. Uhm… thank you,” I stammer, not really sure how to respond.

“Come on Trouble, let me show you around,” he says as he heads towards the main part of the gym. The inside of this place has a rustic brick look and it's in pristine condition. This is no hole-in-the-wall boxing gym, you can tell the owner definitely takes pride in it. Lights Out has an open floor concept, so I can easily spot the two sparring rings on the other side of the room. I continue to follow Corbin as he points out where things are around the space.

Walking past the guys hitting the bags, I immediately get that itch to join in. There is just something so powerful about letting out all your aggression and feelings on that big, heavy punching bag. It's become my own form of therapy.

“So, we have classes every day that are included in your membership. You will also have access to the rest of the gym equipment anytime you want it. Have you done kickboxing before?”

He stops in front of a guy going at it on the speed bag. “Yeah, I’ve been going several days a week for the last month up in New York. It's an addiction. I’m definitely interested in the classes.”

“Sweet, well I teach a class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30 and then also on Saturday mornings. I would love to see what you’ve got, plus the first three classes are free. You should come try tomorrow’s class.” Before I can answer he turns to the guy that finally took a break from hitting the speed bag. “This is Lucian, he graces us with his presence every now and again… Lottie here is thinking about joining us.”

Lucian looks to me with a friendly smile. I notice his eyes don’t linger on my body like Corbin’s did. He stretches his boxing glove-clad hand towards me, I take the hint and give him a fist bump as I say, “Nice to meet you, Lucian.”

“Same to you Lottie, are you new in town?”

I nod. “Yes, my grandmother is a local. I just moved here from New York. Do you guys go to Richmond Hills High?”

I bet they know him... and her.

Both answer “yes” in what appears to be practiced unison. I can't help but giggle at that.

Lucian speaks up with a smile on his face. “Swear that’s never happened before.”

Corbin turns to face him and asks, “Where has Em been? I haven’t seen her scrawny ass in a bit.”

Lucian laughs at that. “Scrawny or not, that girl scares the shit out of me.” He looks to me to explain. “My sister Emerson has some sort of super-human powers. She’s a tough little thing, she takes on guys in the ring that are almost double her size and weight. She’s here almost everyday training.” I can see the way his face lights up when he speaks about his sister, they must be close.

“She’s one of the best students I have, she's been training since she was thirteen.” Corbin beams in pride and a slight protectiveness.

Lucian turns his attention back to Corbin. “She actually hurt her wrist last week so she's taking it easy. The doctor insisted, otherwise you know damn well it wouldn’t have stopped her.” They both laugh at that.

“She sounds like a little badass, I can't wait to meet her.” I smile at them, feeling at ease around these two.

“She sure is, and a pain inmyass too. But I love her to death.”

“Does she go to Richmond Hills High too?” I ask.

“Yes, she's a junior,” Lucian says, the smile never slipping from his face.

“Speaking of which, I actually need to head back over there for football practice. It was nice to meet you Lottie… catch you later Snow. See ya’ tomorrow.” He leaves us standing there as he heads to the locker room.

“We both have early release since we’ve already met our senior class requirements. I’m guessing since you asked, you’re starting there?”

“Yep, I start tomorrow.”

“Well good. I’m glad you came in, you’ll know a couple of familiar faces now.”

If you only knew.

“Yes, me too. I think I’ll take you up on your offer about the classes. I’ll get my ride to drop me off here after school tomorrow.”

He smiles at me with his insanely perfect white teeth. “Actually, I can give you a ride tomorrow, if you want? I need to stay till the end of the day anyways. I have a group project meeting and then an appointment with my guidance counselor.”

“Okay if you’re sure, that would be awesome.”

“Yeah Trouble, it's my pleasure. Now let's get you some gear and start this workout. I’m excited to see you in that ring.”

A few hours later I leave Lights Out, happy I’ve found a place where I can work out my aggression.

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