“Are you ready to blow off some steam, dude?” I grin at Victor as we walk into the gym together.

“I’m gonna knock you out!” he shouts, getting pumped up.

“You fucking wish.” I shake my head and look at Victor, my awesome best friend with Latin roots and the flare of one to boot.

“I’m going to take you down one day,” he laughs.

We walk over to the boxing ring. We have to pay for an hour spot to use it in advance, which I did yesterday.

Victor and I like to come to the boxing ring to unwind after a stressful day at work. You may say it’s just two guys trying to be tough and macho to prove which of us is the stronger man….and you’re probably right to some extent.

I’m not afraid to fight for what I want, whether physically or emotionally, and the sooner everyone in my life realizes that fact, the easier it will be for all involved.

“So, when I went to your meeting yesterday, everything went well,” Victor says as he straps on his gloves.

“Oh, yeah?” I ask and gear up by jumping up and down.

“I think you should consider making the story from the pitch,” Victor says. “The company is receiving it well.”

“I’ll explore that option. Thanks, brother,” I say to him and take a few practice swings at the air before Victor joins me and we begin the punches.

Boxing is a great form of exercise, and it cuts into the monotony of the boring, average workouts.

Victor changes the subject. “So how did it go with the prick?”

I chuckle. “The prick?”

“You know, that health inspector guy you jizzed all over at Expose?” Victor teases.

“Right.” I roll my eyes. “It didn’t go…exactly as I planned.”

Victor throws a punch. “Are you telling me that Mr. Wolfe isn’t getting his way for once?”

“Let’s not go that far.” I punch back. “I’m still brainstorming ideas to get back into the club.”

“What did the jerk tell you?”

“He says that it’s not up to him to reinstate my membership, among other bullshit. I don’t know if I believe him or not, but apparently, according to him, his hands are tied.”

I take a break to grab my water bottle. “My day wasn’t entirely a total loss, though,” I grin.

“Yeah?” Victor raises an eyebrow and jogs in place.

“Do you know who Molly Quinn is?”

Victor shakes his head. “That name doesn’t sound familiar.”

“She’s this gorgeous girl. I’m talking super sexy, the hottest woman I’ve seen in a long time.”

I talk animatedly with my hands and gesture that her tits are huge.

“What does she have to do with getting you back in the club?” Victor asks as if he doesn’t follow.

“Her father is Richmore Quinn, the owner of Quinn Industries. They’re the ones that hire the talent for the club,” I explain, and we go back to boxing.

“So, are you trying to use her to your advantage?” Victor asks.

“Sort of…” I say because I don’t want to sound like a total dick. I think I might actually like this girl, although I’m not ready to admit that much to Victor yet.

“Did you sleep with her yet?” Victor laughs.

“Yes,” I state and throw a punch, but Victor steps back and stops for a moment to take in my response.

“Holy shit, dude, what the fuck are you thinking?”

“Nothing, really.” I shrug defensively. “My plan is to ask Molly to re-instate my membership just in time for my date with Crystal,” I say, as if it’s no big deal.

“I don’t know, man.” Victor shakes his head.

“What?” I throw a punch at him, a little harder this time.

“I just don’t want to see this plan backfire and explode in your face,” he says.

I scoff. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Chicks have a way of fucking things up, though,” Victor argues.

“That may be true, but Molly seems pretty cool,” I admit. “Not to mention, my motivation is stronger than ever to make this plan work.”

Victor laughs. “How is that?”

“I still have my eye on the prize,” I remind him. “Crystal is the trophy at the end of the finish line.”

“What about Molly?” Victor addresses the hurdle.

“Even with her around, I’m gonna hook line and sinker this one,” I say, and pretend I’m reeling in a fishing line.

“Are you going to throw a party for Lone Wolfe’s second year in business?” Victor asks and chugs his water, changing the subject again.

“I haven’t really thought about it,” I say honestly. “It makes sense, though,” I admit. “The production house is entering its third year with the Academy.”

“I know, brother, that’s huge,” Victor agrees.

“Also, my team just told me that we’re getting four nominations this year,” I gloat.

“Congratulations, dude,” Victor says.

“Yep, and we have over ten billion in profits so far,” I mention.

“You really hit the ground running when you decided to build this empire,” Victor praises me as we take another break, leaning against the sides of the ring while we try to catch our breath.

“Should we go for another round?” I say after a few seconds.

Victor chuckles and leans over. We both have sweat visibly covering every surface inch of our bodies. “I probably need to head home soon.”

I playfully slap his back. “Whatever, you pussy-whipped little bitch,” I tease him.

“Don’t knock it till you try it,” Victor winks.

“No thanks, man, your life is like my worst fucking nightmare.” I glance at him and sip my water. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Victor’s voice drips with sarcasm as he shakes his head. “You’re one blunt and abrasive motherfucker.”

“You still love me, though, right?” I ask with a smirk.

“I guess I have to.” He rolls his eyes and we pat ourselves dry with a pair of ring towels.

“Let me know how it goes with Molly,” Victor says as we head to the locker room to shower and get dressed.

“I will,” I say. “I have a lot on my plate. Sorry if I seem distracted lately.”

“Are you sure it’s not just because I placed too many poundings into your head just now and maybe you have a concussion?” Victor teases.

“No way, man.” I shake my head and laugh.

But I do have a fuck ton of things to balance in my work and personal life, that’s for fucking sure.