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“You’ll be there, too, right?”
“Yep. Monday through Saturday.”
“Okay. I’ll do it.”
Tanner smacked the steering wheel in excitement.
“Thanks so much, Charlotte. This is really going to save their business. Beverly will be so thrilled.”
“I’m glad I can help. It broke my heart watching what Tanner had to go through when he lost his dad.”
“He loves you. You know that, right?”
She paused before answering. “It’s hard. We’re just so different. I don’t think he’s capable of change.”
“That’s not your call to make. It’s up to him if he wants to change. Change is hard, but if he sets his mind to it, then he will. I know it’s killing him not being with you. He’s heartbroken.”
“Is he?”
“He is. Whatever he did, try to forgive him for it. Let him make it up to you. We all deserve second chances.”
“Thanks for calling, Merritt. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
“See you.”
Tanner pulled into the gym parking lot and killed the engine. He stared out the windshield, deep in thought.
“I’ve got your back, little brother.” I patted his giant shoulder before hoisting myself out of the car. I was eager to get into the ring.
T.J. was waiting for me inside, as usual, checking his watch.
“You’re early.”
“Maybe you should have to drop and give me twenty this time,” I countered.
He grinned. “It would be a cold day in hell if I let that happen.”
I kicked off my sneakers, and tossed my hoodie onto the floor. “I just might make you eat your words someday.”
T.J. flung his hat outside the ring, and pulled off his t-shirt.
I remembered Shelly’s incoherent babbling from the other night, and tried not to smile. “You made quite the impression on my friend Friday night.”
He held up the pad. “Is that so?”
I began throwing my two-punch combination to warm up. “I’ve never seen her get so tongue-tied before. You must get that all the time.”
“I do alright, I guess.”
“The fighter covered in tattoos with the rippling muscles is modest?”
He chuckled while he blocked my punches. “I’m actually not as much of an arrogant asshole as you think I am.”
“I don’t think you’re an asshole.”
“Oh, just arrogant, then?”
I smiled, and continued punching.
