“Yeah, that’s it. Come on over here to the bag.”
I skip across the mats behind him, ready to lay a beating on a poor, innocent punching bag.
He gets me starting with the jab again, then moving on to the different combinations. Hitting the bag is different but satisfying. I imagine Carson in front of me, refusing to help me out by pretending we’re still married, and punch harder, until my arms start aching and my hands are throbbing.
Pow. Pow. Powpowpow.
Tim stops me. “You’re doing great, but that’s probably good for today. You might be a little sore.”
“Might be.” I drop my arms and groan. “I think that’s certain.”
He helps me get the gloves off and I head to the locker room to shower. Holy shit. That was hard work. It felt good, though. Different than my usual yoga class. Ha.
At home, I collapse onto my bed and stare at the ceiling. And again I think about Carson saying no to me. My lips push out into a pout.
My phone buzzes. I grab it and look at the screen. Nonna.
“Hi, Nonna!” I answer, trying to sound chipper. “How are you?”
“Ahh, not so good.”
I sit up straight. “Oh no. What’s wrong?”
“My arthritis is bothering me. My social security check didn’t show up. And I haven’t had sex in ten years.”
I blink. Great Nonno died twenty years ago. I consider saying something. Do I want to go there? Nah. “I’m sorry,” I say. “Have you taken your arthritis medication?”
“Of course I have.” She sounds irritable.
“Okay, good. I’m sorry about your check being late. Do you need money?”
“No, I don’t need money. I need my family.”
“Of course. The party is coming up!”
“Is everyone going to be there?”
“Yes. Except for Uncle Frank.” He and his wife live in Italy.
“I guess I’ll excuse them for that.” She pauses. “What about Carson?”
I narrow my eyes. Why is she asking about him? “Um…”Shit!
“I haven’t seen him in so long. This might be my last birthday.”
A rock materializes in my stomach. “No, it won’t.”
“I’m ninety-nine. It’s a miracle I’ve made it this far.”
She really is grouchy today. This isn’t like her. “Everyone will be at the party,” I say gently. “It’s going to be so much fun.”
“Okay.” After a beat, she says in a softer tone, “Thank you for organizing it. I know it’s a lot of work.”
Warmth fills my chest. “Yes, it is, but it’s worth it.”
We chat a bit longer, then end the call.
Whew. I didn’t have to tell her Carson isn’t coming.
