EIGHTEEN YEARS LATER
East Los Angeles
Allison
Eyeballing the assortment of pastries near the coffee pot in the employee break room at 5th Street, Allison Rico chided herself for skipping breakfast. She’d been running late, but she knew better. It always resulted in her giving into temptation. Rule number one was never leave home hungry.
“No,” she whispered under her breath. “You’ll just wait until you’re done here and then go grab a healthy snack at the juice bar that’ll hold you over until lunchtime.”
She had plenty of tofu chorizo at home leftover from yesterday. Lord knew her sister Lila never touched the stuff. That morning, Allison had been too excited and had changed twice before heading down to 5th Street, the gym Lila worked at, for this interview. She’d hit Lila up weeks ago to ask her boss for this interview on the work-release program they were starting, and finally it was her chance.
“Sorry about the wait,” Gio said, yanking her out of her thoughts as he walked into the break room. He took a seat across from her at the table where she sat. “Had a few things I needed to get squared away, but I’m all yours now.”
Pushing her glasses up, she glanced down at her notebook. “That’s quite alright,” she said, attempting to sound as professional as possible.
Lila had warned her about the man’s amazing green eyes. Still, she hadn’t quite prepared for them. Clearing her throat, she glanced up at him again. “Thank you for doing this for me by the way. I’m not sure if my sister explained, but, since I’m a freshman in my college journalism class, my stories either usually don’t make the final cut or get buried in the back pages of the paper. I’m hoping this will garner enough attention to make a bigger headline.”
“I think it will,” he said with a smile. “There’s been quite a buzz about this, and as you can imagine, many do have concerns and questions about the security issues and such. So, I’m actually glad for this.”
“Exactly,” Allison said with a nod. “And as I told my sister when she expressed her concern about it as well, while I can understand there’d be some apprehension about this, I’m a strong believer that everyone deserves a second chance. I think this is a very positive thing. I’m assuming these are non-violent offenders you’re allowing on this work-release program, right?”
“Right,” Gio said immediately as Allison made notes. “The criteria for the county to even be considered for work release is already stringent enough. They’re basically giving these inmates, who would otherwise be finishing up their time behind bars, the chance to finish it on the outside, living at home while they work at certain establishments willing to take them on. We volunteered to be added to that list. But to us, this is our home. Our families are here often. My wife is here almost every day as is Abel’s and Felix’s. We’re not about to take any chances here, so we reserve the right to add our set of criteria on top of those set by the county.”
“For example?” Allison asked without looking up.
“Well, for starters, the county makes exceptions for violent offenders, if they won’t be working within a certain distance of their victims. We make zero exceptions. If they’re doing time for a violent offense or have ever been convicted of a violent crime, then they’re not eligible for our program. We conduct our own private and extensive background check.”
Good to know.
He followed up to explain that they had very specific criteria for whom they were taking on. “It’s not as selfless as it may seem.” He sat back in his chair. “Sure, we’re all for helping community and those who deserve a second chance and all. But we also have our own special interests in mind as well. They’ll be working here, doing maintenance, cleaning, doing the laundry, even helping out in the juice bar, keeping the back end up to health-code standards. You know, mopping and washing out equipment and stuff. But we’re only accepting those who are interested in training to box.”
Allison glanced up, intrigued. “So, they have to be willing to fight for you?”
“No, just train.” Gio sat up and leaned his elbows on the table. “The prisons and jails have their own recreational programs, and most include boxing. We’ve staked out a few and made note of those we’d be interested in if they were ever eligible. If we see potential and we can train them to sign on as amateur fighters who might eventually turn professional and they’re willing to, then it’s a win-win. They are looking for a new start, and this could be it.”
“Interesting.” Allison made more notes, glad for the two girls who walked into the break room and asked Gio something about their schedules.
It’d give her time to catch up, since her shorthand sucked still. She prided herself on being a professional through and through, and a real journalist had to know shorthand.
One of the girls winced when Allison finally looked up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were in the middle—”
“That’s fine, Frankie.” Gio smiled. “But Nellie would be the one to ask about the schedule this week.” He motioned to the pastries. “It’s Friday. You know what that means, right?”
“Oh, yeah.” The two girls smiled big, walking toward the pastries. “Donuts and, oh my God, La Favorita pan dulce. My favorite!”
Gio’s frown wasn’t missed as he watched the girls help themselves to the pastries.
Allison’s eyes were instantly back on her notes. Don’t look at the donuts. Don’t think of the donuts. Don’t smell the donuts. Remember how tight your jeans are!
Frankie just had to make a comment about the donuts among the pile of pastries before she could make up her mind about which she was taking, damn it. And, of course, she had to decide out loud between the lemon or raspberry-filled jelly donuts. Only Allison’s favorite! Go away!
Finally alone with Gio again, Allison got back to the subject of the work-release program. He told her more about how they’d be keeping tabs on them. How they used the buddy system and, basically, were given the responsibility of staying with their buddy the whole time they were on the premises. “At any given time, if I ask any of them where their buddy is, they need to know exactly. It gives them each accountability and a sense that they’re trusted to look out for each other. At the same time, it keeps us from having to babysit them every second.”
“So, they do get free time? As in just time for them to work out on their own?”
“Yeah.” Gio nodded. “Even during their training, we train them as we would all the other trainees. We show them what to do, supervise a bit just to make sure they’ve got it, and then let them finish training on their own. These are men and women who are really trying to get rehabilitated. It all started back in jail. They first had to work hard to prove themselves. Getting here is a great feat and a privilege they know they’re lucky to have. They’re not gonna ruin what they know is a good thing. So, me and the other owners are more than confident that this will work out fine.”
He explained more about their compensation and a few of the other stringent rules. He also said most were good guys. “Some may not look it.” He chuckled. “They’ve had tough lives, and it’s evident on their hardened exteriors, but so far, I’ve met every single one, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how respectful and humble they all are.”
More people walked into the break room, distracting Gio momentarily. Again, Allison took advantage of the distraction to work on her notes. One of the guys approached the table and smiled at Allison with a nod.
“Sorry to interrupt, G. But when you get a moment, can you come to the big training room? Felix is here, and we’re trying to have a quick meeting about what we were talking about the other day.”
“Yeah, I should be done in a few,” Gio said, as the guy grabbed a pan dulce then walked out.
“Actually,” Allison said as she finished up her notes, “I think I have everything I need except . . .” She glanced up at him, meeting his eyes again. “You think it’d be possible for me to interview a few of the guys in the program? I know you said they’re hopeful about turning their lives around. But I think it’d be nice to get an account from them firsthand as to how they feel about the program and what else they plan on doing to rehabilitate themselves, stuff like that.”
“Absolutely. I don’t think I could right now, but—”
“No, I didn’t mean now,” she clarified. “I have to get going anyway. But if we could set it up for later, that’d be great.”
“Sure, just let me know when’s good for you, and I’ll set it up.”
“I will. Oh, and Lila said I could get my membership renewed with you?”
She’d leave out how long ago it’d expired, since one look at her ever-expanding behind was probably clue enough that she hadn’t stepped into the gym in months.
“Just go up to the front desk and let them know you’re her sister. They can renew it for you.”
Allison thanked him then started packing up her backpack. Gio excused himself, but then he just had to add, “And help yourself to some of these.” He shook his head. “Every payday it’s the same thing. Someone decides we need to celebrate and take a break from the healthy lifestyle, even if for only one morning.” He grumbled something else as he picked up a maple bar on his way out.
Smiling, Allison nodded as her eyes zoomed onto the jelly donut calling her name. Gio left her alone, and even before she finished zipping up her backpack, she could already feel herself giving into the temptation. The stronger willed side of her reminded herself of her hypothyroidism. It was bad enough she had to be on meds to help speed up her thyroid so it wouldn’t totally kill her metabolism; adding things like jelly donuts to her diet wouldn’t help.
But then her weaker side argued right back. She was going to make a real effort to get her ass back in the gym. One little donut wouldn’t kill her, and she could start working out sooner than she’d planned, now that she’d be renewing her membership.
Exhaling loudly, she gave into temptation and, taking a napkin, reached for the glorious donut. Her mouth was already watering before her lips were even on it. She walked out of the break room, licking the excess jelly from the little hole on the side of the donut. Allison had to refrain from groaning as she bit into it.
Jesus. Why did it have to be so damn good? Maybe because she hadn’t allowed herself to have one of these in forever. She figured deprivation would do that to you. Just like when she gave into that Big Mac after not having one in over a year. It was the best burger she’d ever had.
She slowed down when the jelly dripped out the side of her donut and nearly onto her blouse. She managed to catch it with her tongue then licked the rest off. Feeling like a sloppy, donut-eating pig, she glanced around, hoping no one noticed her orgasmic reaction to the pastry. For a second, she thought no one had; then she saw him.
She could only imagine he was part of the work-release program. He was what Gio described as rough-looking. Though tough would be more accurate in this guy’s case. Dangerous even. He was very tall, bald, with tattoos and bulging muscles as far as the eye could see, only his hardened expression was anything but respectful and humble. His eyes slowly lifted from her body to her lips until they made eye contact and then there it was—that look of utter disgust. She was still licking her lips clean, and his eyes dropped down to them again for a moment before he shook his head and turned away.
The mortification slapped her like a bucket of ice water in the face. Trying desperately not to let the asshole get to her, she lifted her chin and tried to shake it off. So many times in her life during moments where she found herself trying to be strong—brave—needing to overcome an uncomfortable situation, she asked herself the very question running through her mind now. What would Lila do?
Her older sister was the epitome of strength and self-assuredness. Of course, she had every right to be. She’d soon be a superstar boxer. Yet she was beautiful enough to be a fitness model as well, for crying out loud. Still, over the years, her sister’s strong will and ability to shake off any kind of insecurity had begun to rub off on Allison. She may not have the looks and athletic abilities her sister possessed, but she was not about to get down on herself over one nasty sneer.
Fuck him! was exactly what Lila would say. Allison had heard stories of strangers fat-shaming heavy people they saw enjoying a large meal at a restaurant or something sinful like her donut. Even online where fat-shaming was rampant, she’d always thought it incredibly rude and intrusive. No matter how fat anyone was, no one had a right to take it upon himself to shame them. And while Allison was aware she could stand to lose some weight, her sister and best friend Jen were forever insisting she wasn’t fat. She’d never actually said she was, but she could do without some of the extra junk in her trunk. Regardless, no one, and especially not some jerk she didn’t even know, had any right to make her feel bad about it.
With a quick spin of her heels, she went the opposite way because she refused to walk by the guy. Just because he was clearly in the shape of his life and still working out didn’t make him any better than she was. He was probably what her sister so often referred to as an idiot meathead who thought being in shape gave him the right to be a dick with anyone who wasn’t.
Despite the little rant going on in her head, her face still felt flushed. She tossed the rest of the calorie-bursting donut in the trash and made her way to the front desk. That was it. She was renewing her membership, and she’d set a workout schedule as soon as she could.
Getting her membership renewed took a little longer than she expected. Apparently, they’d made changes, and she now had choices on the type of membership she wanted. By the time she was done, she’d almost forgotten about the idiot from earlier. She was almost out of there when, in her haste, she rushed away from the front desk absentmindedly and collided right into what felt like a human wall, a very muscular and tall and blurry wall she reached out to hold onto. It happened so fast she didn’t even realize her glasses had fallen. The blur in front of her put her glasses back on gently. As if running into someone hadn’t been mortifying enough, it was him.
The guy who’d been so disgusted with her earlier was peering at her now in the strangest way. Taking her hand off his unbelievably hard arm, she felt her heart thudding and her eyes going even wider. For a moment, they were both rendered speechless as his eyes went from hers down to her lips. They remained on her lips a little longer until, to her utter surprise, he brought a finger up and touched the corner of them.
“You missed some.”
They both glanced at his finger with the smidge of raspberry jelly still on it, and for a moment, she thought she might die. The expression he wore suddenly was such an odd one Allison braced herself for him to either wipe the jelly off on her shirt, disgusted, or lick it clean. But he did neither.
Being that close to such a huge and daunting presence, along with the even deeper mortification now, she was still so thunderstruck she had no words. Otherwise, she might’ve said something in response to what felt like continued distaste in his near glare. It bore deep into her with a purpose, searching her eyes almost as if he might say something, but he didn’t.
Before she could gather her wits, he muttered what sounded like curse words under his breath followed by a near growl. Allison couldn’t make it out, but given the tone, she was sure it wasn’t very favorable. Then just like that, he and the guy with him walked around her without so much as another word.
Just like back in high school, it wasn’t even until she was out the door and at her car that the zingers she should’ve shot back in response to his nasty glare and rudeness started coming to her. “Oh, I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to run into you and your fuck buddy there.” She brought her hand to her mouth, feigning exaggerated embarrassment as she tossed her backpack onto the passenger seat. “Sorry, I meant jailbird buddy.” She plopped into the driver’s side with a huff. “Sorry I wasn’t born with enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel about what you think of me!”
She started up the car then worked on plugging her ear piece to her phone. She absolutely refused to give any more thought to how infuriatingly hot the guy was—therefore likely full of himself.
“God, I should’ve said something to him!” she said, banging her steering wheel as she pulled out of the parking space. “I should’ve slapped his hand away from my face.”
Not stand there in a complete trance.
Thankfully, before she could start reciting anymore lame comebacks she knew full well she’d never have the nerve to say anyway, her phone rang. She hit the answer button, pushing the earpiece farther in as she drove through the parking lot.
“Oh, my God, you’re not gonna believe what just happened to me.” Jen groaned; though Allison could tell it was a playful groan. “This is why I don’t date white country boys or rather why they don’t date me.” She laughed so much it snapped Allison right out of her irritable mood. “OMG, I’m an idiot. I still can’t get used to his southern accent, so I keep messing up. I had a missed call from Jaxson, so I called him back, and he answers but says, ‘Hold on. I have a piece of ass in my mouth.’ Then the phone gets all muffled, and I’m like what the fuck? So, the second he comes back on the line, I start going off on him. ‘Don’t let me interrupt you and your piece of ass.’ Halfway through my rant, he interrupts me to emphasize it was a piece of ass, which only riles me more”—she squealed with another giggle— “until I realize he’s saying ice. I felt so stupid I hung up and called you. What do I do?”
Allison was laughing so hard she was glad she was at a red light.
“Shit, that’s him calling again,” Jen said, sounding panicked.
“Just answer it and tell him what you told me—that you’re an idiot,” Allison said, still laughing. “I’m sure he’s laughing too.
Grudgingly, her friend agreed, and they were off the phone. Allison thought about her own embarrassing incident today again after hanging up with Jen. Despite the fact just thinking about it gave her the chills, she decided her bestie’s was way worse than hers. She wouldn’t give it another thought.