My fury that had been building all day about Donte and Brandi was taken out on the poor sap who thought he could actually take me in the ring. He’s done by the end of the first round, and I win by knock out at the beginning of round two. This was just what I needed; I have broken my horrendous losing streak –and I did so without getting my ass handed to me.

As I am leaving the locker room, I spot Laurel and the guys all waiting on me. “Man, that was awesome!” Bobby is practically giddy when I step out of the locker room to greet them.

I smile, “Thanks, man.”

Laurel comes and wraps her arms around my neck, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Not bad for a washed up boxer,” she says with a wink.

“Guys, check this out!” Tyler says, whipping out his phone for us to see. “They’re already doing a story about you on the news, man! Jonathan Trial –making a comeback! This is just what you needed!”

I hear clapping behind me and turn to see my new manager trotting up to us. “Man was I glad to see this version of Jonathan Trial again,” he says and clasps my shoulder. He points a finger at Laurel and winks at her, “She must be your lucky charm.” He shakes her hand and introduces himself. “I’ve seen you before?” he questions, and she tells him about her career as an MMA star, and nods. “Yeah, I thought so. I’ve seen your stuff, nice.” He points at Marty, “And I know you too. Marty, right? Nice, man,” Caleb shakes his hand. He looks at Tyler for a moment. “Tyler, right?” he questions, and Tyler about loses his shit.

“You know me?” he asks.

“Yeah, you box, right?” Caleb asks, “I think I went to one of your matches. Yeah, against that skinny jackass from Detroit. Nice job, man.” Caleb has no idea how much he has just rocked Tyler’s world. He looks at his phone, “I’m getting a call. I’m sure you all are heading out to celebrate, so I’ll catch you later,” he disappears.

“Well I’ll be damned,” Marty says, “Someone has actually seen you box, Tyler.”

“Shut up, man, let me enjoy the moment,” Tyler says, and we all laugh at his expense.

We all head out to a local bar to celebrate –not that Laurel and I will be having anything to drink, but the atmosphere is enough for now. We order some hot wings and talk about the match and what this will mean for my career. We’re about ten minutes into our dinner when I spot Damion hanging out by the bar. “Damion!” I shout, and the old man spins around and laughs.

I don’t notice right away, but he’s got a woman with him. He’s got his arm around her waist, and she seems reluctant to come over. Suddenly, I realize why. “Alex?” I hear Laurel say.

“Hey,” she grumbles.

She’s got to be twenty years younger than him –that, or she’s seriously aged gracefully. “Um…” I say, “What’s up, Alex?”

“Nothing much,” she says and twirls her hair awkwardly.

“You look good all dressed up, Alexis,” Laurel teases, “I hardly recognized you.”

Alex flicks her off. “So I heard you won your match tonight?” Damion asks.

“Sure did,” I say and can’t help but to smile.

“Won? Are you kidding? He dominated!” Bobby exclaims. “He knocked the guy out in the second round, and he had him running the whole time.”

“Good job, kid,” Damion says.

“You going to let me back into your gym?” I ask.

He laughs. “Sure, kid, but you know I can’t train you right now. I’m booked.”

“He don’t need you anyways, old man,” Marty teases, “he’s got a whole gym full of ladies who’ve got him sparring every time he’s on break.”

“So I’ve heard,” Damion says and smiles at Alex for a moment. “All right, I’ll let you guys celebrate. Had to tell you congratulations, though, Jonathan.”

“Thank, Damion,” I say as the man is walking off with Alex; I see the old pervert pinch her ass, and she jumps and glances back. We’re all grinning at her, and she looks really embarrassed.

“Who knew Damion was a sugar daddy?” Tyler jokes.

We all laugh at Alex’s expense. We leave it alone, though, because my victory match is still the main topic of conversation, and I’m glad. I’m excited, and I’m ready to celebrate. Before I have a chance to say much, my phone starts going off. “Shit, it’s Brandi,” I say.

“Who’s Brandi?” Bobby asks; I really need to fill him in on some things.

“Answer it,” Laurel says, “Guarantee you that she and Donte had a little talk today.”

I nod and step out of the booth; I walk outside of the bar before answering the phone. “Hey, Brandi,” I say.

“Hey,” she says, and she is especially soft spoken.

“What’s up?” I ask.

“Listen,” she says, “I know you spoke with Donte today.”

“Yeah, thanks for the heads up about that, by the way,” I snarl. “I can’t believe you, Brandi. I mean, Donte?”

“Shut the hell up,” she warns, “that’s not what I’m calling you about, and you know it.”

“Yeah, you’re pregnant,” I say, “did you call to find out if Donte told me that or did he tell you he told me?”

“He didn’t tell me,” she says, “so, yeah, I was going to see if you said anything.”

“How dare you?” I say, “You’ve been keeping this from me for months! I can’t believe you would-”

“Really, Jonathan?” she snaps, “really? You can’t believe that I wouldn’t want you to know? Can you even blame me? I mean, honestly?”

I grit my teeth. I’m tired of trying to be the nice guy with her. I’ve been trying so hard to show her that I’m turning my life around, but she just won’t give me any elbow room. “You know what? No, I don’t get it. You don’t have a right to-”

“Oh, shut up,” she says. “I don’t want you anywhere near me or my child.”

“Our child,” I say, “and if you want to make this difficult, it’s going to be difficult.”

“Are you threatening me?” she asks.

“Yeah, I am!” I shout into the phone. “Brandi, I love you. I really do, but I’m done listening to you insult me every time we talk. I’m tired of trying to prove myself to you. I’ve got a job, I’m sober, and I’m even getting my boxing career back on track now. And if you think I won’t fight for my kid, then you’re out of your damn mind!”

“Fight then,” she says, “because that’s obviously all you know how to do.” She hangs up the phone.

I shake my head and then head back inside the bar to try to salvage the evening.