Crockett handily nailed his first opponent, then returned to his seat, grabbed his towel, and wiped the sweat from his brow. While Alexandra applauded, Hannah jumped up and down with gusto. Kimberly nudged her daughter. “He wants to see that level of excitement from you,” shewhispered.
He’d seen that all right. Electra never heldback.
“I have to use the restroom,” Kimberlysaid.
Alexandra helped her mom down from the bleachers, then waited for her in the busy high schoollobby.
Crockett rolled out of the gym. And her heart rocketed into her throat. She wanted to run to him, throw her arms around his neck and tell him the damned truth about how she felt. She adoredhim.
“Congratulations! You were great.” She squeezed his bicep. Had to touch him, for just asecond.
He kissed her cheek. “Now that my lucky charm is here, I can really kick some ass.” When she gazed into his eyes, she knew with complete certainty that he was the one. The reality of her feelings terrifiedher.
Kimberly sidled next to her daughter and slipped her arm through the crook of her elbow. “Crockett, you aresensational!”
“I’m glad you’re here.” He kissed Kimberly’s cheek. “Gotta go.” He flashed a smile and jogged toward thegym.
Kimberly squeezed her daughter’s hand as they headed slowly back to their seats. “He’s a good man, babygirl.”
“I know he is, Mom. But my life is inLA.”
“No, Alexandra. Yourcareeris there. Yourlifeis where your heartis.”
She kissed her mom’s cheek. “You make it sound soeasy.”
As soon as they returned to their seats in the stands, Hannah announced, “Someone tried to take your spot, but I told them you were herefirst.”
“Thank you, Hannah,” said Alexandra. “I’m glad we’re watching this withyou.”
“Can I sit withyou?”
Before Alexandra could answer, Hannah squeezed between her andKimberly.
“Hannah Marie!” Hannah’s dad scolded. “Do you want toleave?”
The child gaped, her eyes big and wide. “No,Daddy!”
“Come down here,now.”
“She’s fine, really,” said Alexandra. “We love having Hannah sit withus.”
“Send her back if she becomes a bother,” said Hannah’smom.
Hannah sat quietly while they watched the competition. When Crockett handily beat out his second opponent, Hannah jumped up, threw her tiny arms into the air and cheered. Kimberly laughed, seemingly thrilled to be around such an exuberantchild.
As the tournament continued, Crockett appeared to draw strength from the matches. His aggression increased every time he advanced. As did his technique. He seemed to have the ability to sum up his rival as soon as he stepped onto the mat. Had he learned to contain the anguish of his loss and unleash it during acompetition?
Before today, Alexandra had never viewed him as a fighter, but her opinion of him changed when his third opponent limped off the mats pinching his bloodiednose.
“Hannah, is Mr. Wilde like this in class?” Alexandraasked.
She shook her head, sending her hair flying. “Uh-uh, but in the black belt room he’s like grrrrrrr.” She scrunched her face and closed those little hands into boxingfists.
Kimberly burst out laughing. “Toocute.”
“You look scared.” Hannah clasped Alexandra’s hand. “He’sokay.”
Alexandra released her breath. Was it that obvious, even to ayoungster?
