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While they fell into a conversation about fighting and even boxing in general, as well as my chances at becoming their headliner, I sat back in the seat, smiling while I watched them both. This was the sort of thing I’d always wanted in my life—a strong family around me. I had only ever really had my adoptive father and then eventually Lotto, and because of that, I wanted more for myself. I wanted a wife who loved my dad, kids running around the place, noise, chaos, and fun. Lotto had to be worked in there as well, which really made for a complicated mess. But with Ari, it seemed less difficult. Even doable. Much as I had tried not to think too much about that picture of perfection for a long time, it was floating back to the surface right now, with Ari at the front and center of that vision.
“Well, we better get going.” My dad’s words snapped me back into the present by adding, “My son is taking me out for dinner. Not going to miss a chance at a juicy steak. But it was lovely to meet you.”
“I hope that we see you around the gym or at a fight again sometime soon,” Ari said brightly. “In fact, here are a couple of tickets for tomorrow’s fight. It’s a small venue but will help get more cage time for Bones. It would be wonderful if you could come. You can sit up front with me.”
“Thank you!” Dad’s eyes shone with happiness. “That’s fantastic. I will see you tomorrow for sure! It’s about time I see my son fight in person. It’s been a long time.”
When we got to the steakhouse, and after I had ordered the biggest steak and the best whiskey from the menu, Dad delved into the speech I’d known he’d been holding in all day.
“Thank you for today,” he said, raising his glass to me. “I really appreciate it. You’ve always been a good son. You’ve always been there for me. I also had a really great day today.”
“I had a great time, too,” I said, wanting the focus off me for now. I didn’t do all of this for recognition.
“That Ari though…” He smiled at me. “She’s something else. I can see why you like her. Lotto seems to be smitten with her as well.” When I didn’t say anything, he continued. “So what’s going on with all of you? I could sense the fireworks in the room, and you weren’t even talking. And I also know how important Lotto is to you.”
“Okay,” I admitted, nodding along. He wasn’t going to let this drop, so I might as well tell him all now. “I like her. I like her a lot, and honestly, I feel like something could happen between us if we allowed it. But it’s complicated for sure. There’s Lotto, and there is also another man by the name of Frankie. So yeah… it’s hard to explain.”
“Four?” Dad asked, visibly bewildered regardless of how open-minded a man he was.
“Yeah… it’s a lot. And besides, I’m getting ahead of myself. We all have a lot on our plates. I have training. I need to dedicate a whole lot of time to that. Plus, I need to be around for you, too.”
“Oh, bullshit,” Dad snapped. “Don’t use me as an excuse. That’s not fair. I don’t need you around all the time. Especially not now that I have the nurses on call.” He examined me closely for a moment, seeming to see all the things I was trying desperately to keep hidden. “You need to stop treating me as a child. You need to stop using me as a reason not to go out there and to live your life. That isn’t what I want. Not at all. You’ve missed out on so much as it is. You’ve held yourself back for far too long because of one mistake. This really is your chance to go out there and to get what you want. I urge you to take it with both hands. It may not be conventional.” He chuckled. “Not at all. But if you are happy, then make it happen. Make it happen.”
He broke off panting, staring at me, as if willing me to understand, which made me try to see things from his point of view. Maybe he was right. Maybe this was what I should be doing. Maybe it was time to stop dipping my toe in the water and to fling myself into the ocean headfirst.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” Dad said, starting to stand up. “You have a think about what I just said.”
I stood up, ready to help him, but I instantly noticed a blankness spread across his face. He went pale and his eyes rolled toward the back of his head, causing my heart to stop completely.
