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twenty-three
joshua
I didn’t meanto move away from her, but when I inhaled at the thought that she still wants a future, I inadvertently moved. From looking into Joey’s eyes, she’s already thinking that she’s messed up. I glance around to see who’s watching us and of course, Bronx is. He knows something’s up and I hate that he’s so intuitive. I want to tell her how I feel, but not right now. Not outside during this game where everyone can hear us. It has to be done in private.
I try to smile, to give Joey a sign that everything will be okay, but I’m not sure she understands my feeble attempt. She turns and watches as Bronx and Cole climb into the ring, preparing to battle it out. If we weren’t vying for prizes, or votes, this game would be a blast with friends. I can see why this is so popular. It’s something I’m going to have to do with Rob once I’m out of here.
Millie stands next to us, and her and Joey pound on the mat and cheer for Cole. It makes me wonder what Bronx thinks. Sure, he’s a novelty, but that wears off soon. This morning I read too much into a situation because I was angry at how I acted with Joey. My jealousy issues are something I’m going to have to work on because the last thing I want to do is scare Joey away with my caveman attitude. She’s free to do as she pleases, especially when we’re out of the house. I don’t want her to think that she has to be at my beck and call. Although, my schedule will dictate when we can and can’t see each other. I just want us to have a honeymoon first. That is, if she’ll even give me a chance.
Before I know it, Cole is sliding out from under the rope with a dejected look on his face.
“What happened?” I drifted off into a futuristic daydream and didn’t even support my friend.
“My feet got tangled, and he used it to his advantage.”
“Bastard,” I mutter barely under my breath.
Cole shrugs. “I would’ve done the same thing.”
I nod in agreement because I would’ve done it as well. In this game, you take every opportunity that arises regardless of the outcome. We’re here for ourselves and our spouses and no one else.
Patrick announces that round three will be Millie vs. Amanda and Gary vs. Cole. Cole sighs heavily and falls to the ground.
“I need a break,” he says, panting. The heat, coupled with the amount of plastic we’re wearing, is exhausting. With round three match-ups announced that means I’m getting my moment with Bronx very soon.
Millie comes out victorious and tackles an already on the ground Cole. I look away from the moment that they’re sharing. From what he tells me, once our obligations to the show are over he’s whisking her away to a cottage his grandmother owns in the mountains of Oregon. The cottage is off the grid and they’re going to really get to know each other.
I’m not sure what Joey and I are going to do, but we won’t have much time unless she wants to come with me on location. A week after our obligations to the show end, I start shooting a new movie down in Alabama and while ’Bama may not be a destination honeymoon, when I’m not working, her and I can explore the south together. I tell myself if I keep thinking we have a future, there’s no way she’ll tell me no when the show’s over.
Of course, I’m just assuming that she’ll even want to come. If I don’t step up and tell her how I feel, it’ll be too late. For all I know, I’ve scared her away from any thoughts at a future together.
Rebekah and Joey are up next to start round four and it takes a whole twenty seconds until my girl is flat on her back due to some flying ninja kick out of Rebekah.
“And here I thought she was a nice girl,” I say as I pull Joey out of the ring.
“Did you see that? It’s like she turned into some freaky ass bird and came flying at me.” Joey’s whining, but I don’t care. If I saw whatever that was coming at me, I’d probably wet myself.
“It’s okay,” I tell her, pushing her hair out of her face.
“Can you help me out of this?” She stands, turning her back toward me. I want to help her out of her suit, but she has one more battle. I yank on the Velcro and let some cooler air in there.
“You have at least one more battle,” I announce and see her body physically sigh.
“I never want to do this again,” she states and I agree with her.
“But you want to try the oil, right?” Bronx asks from inside the ring. I hear my name being called and quickly put Joey’s costume back together.
“There are some things you shouldn’t say to another man’s wife.” I maneuver into the ring and stand chest to chest with him. I want to bump him, but it’s harder than it looks. He laughs and holds his hands up. I hate him.
The bell rings and I stand here with my hands on my oversized sumo thong. I can hear Joey in the background yelling at me to move, but I don’t. I’m trying to save my energy. If Bronx wants to run around like a freak on ’roids, I’m going to let him. In my mind, I’m stronger than he is. I’ve had months of doing nothing but working out and eating the healthy and delicious food my Joey has made for me. I’m not even going to pretend that the cake she makes adds any pounds.
Bronx doesn’t realize that I’m baiting him. This time I’m in control of what goes on in our lives. He can’t sweet talk or screw someone to get him a victory. When he lunges at me, I sidestep. As long as Joey’s in the competition I’m not willing to lose, but if I’m afforded an opportunity to make him work his ass off for the next three minutes I’m going to take it.
He stumbles over his feet, hitting the ropes first. I almost feel sorry for him and should put him out of misery, but after the way he’s been acting, I sorta like this game. He’s no match for me in this ring. Or maybe he is and I’m the one he’s toying with. It doesn’t matter because it ends now. If he loses here, he has another round. I get to rest before I have to face him again. Suddenly, I’m Team Gary.
“Let’s go, babe,” Joey yells, giving me enough of a push to just finish this off. I rush Bronx and tackle him against the ropes. He loses his balance, falling backward and out of the ring, instant disqualification. I’m on to the final round and he has to battle it out with Gary, who doesn’t seem too upset that his wife is out of the competition. If Joey were out, I wouldn’t even be in the ring. There isn’t a date that could be offered that I’d want if I couldn’t share it with her.
I start to climb out to my three cheerleaders, Joey, Millie, and Cole, but stop short and take in the scene before me. Joey and I are in a stiff competition with Cole and Millie, and yet we’re friends. I have no doubt we’ll be hanging out once this show is over and I finally pull my head out of my ass.
