AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Working with these kids has just solidified what I already knew. I need to pursue my passion; I need to try and find a way to make it work, build a career. I sigh. For now, it’s just not possible. I have to pay the bills. At least I get the weekends to feel like I’m making a difference.
My mind can’t help but spiral back to Keller. All this talk of boxing, I can’t help it. God, what I’d give to see him in action in the ring. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll have to start watching his fights.
Just as I’m about to drift off to sleep, my phone lights up the room. Snapping it up to close it off, I see an unknown number. Fear pits in my stomach.
Unknown
You think you can avoid me forever, Sienna? I’ve tried being nice to get you so you come back to me willingly. Looks like we gotta do this the hard way. You never make anything easy for me, do you?
I’ll be seeing you very soon sweetheart. J x
I blink, staring at the phone for God knows how long. A shiver runs down my spine. It alarmed Keller at how deranged Jamie sounded on the phone yesterday. Now, this?
This isn’t the Jamie I knew. I was never scared of him. He was Mr. Cool and composed. Mr. Corporate America. His designer suits are always perfectly tailored, with crisp white shirts. He was the perfect gentleman when we first met in the coffee shop opposite our offices.
It was only recently things started to change. He started commenting on what I wore, and where I went. Storming out and giving me the silent treatment for days if he didn’t like my responses. Then he’d bring me those God-awful red roses to apologize and take me to dinner. A vicious cycle.
The Jamie texting me now is behaving like a psychopath, he clearly didn’t love me enough to keep his dick in his pants. I throw my phone back on the side and close my eyes, my mind taking me back to that explosive night with Keller as I drift off to sleep.
* * *
The rain pelting my window wakes me.Shit. What time is it?
I have to meet Paula and the kids at King’s Gym at 9 am, reaching for my phone, I’m horrified that the time is already 8:30 am already. I jump out of bed and run to the shower.
I pull on my black leggings and quickly pair them with a burgundy oversized sweater. I’m going to a boxing gym not on a date, so I’m guessing workout gear is acceptable. Peeking out my bedroom window, the rain is hammering still. The sky is gray. Yep, this is a good outfit choice for sure.
I have to look somewhat presentable. I can’t be looking like I’ve just rolled out of bed. That’s hardly the role model these kids need right now. I slide a brush through my hair and slap on a thin layer of silky foundation to brighten my skin. I dig out a burgundy lip gloss and with a quick pout, I’m done. From homeless to glamourous gym fit in fifteen minutes.
I slide my trainers on, throw on a puffer jacket and fly out the door, making a light jog down the stairwell into the pouring rain. Great, I’m going to look like a drowned rat by the time I get there.
Hailing down a yellow cab, I fling the door open and jump in. “Kings Gym, please,” I ask breathlessly, rain dripping off my nose. If I keep being late, I’m going to run out of money pretty quickly, jumping in taxis like this.
8:50 am I should be there just in time, thank God.
CHAPTER13
SIENNA
By the time the cab pulls up outside the gym, adrenaline is pumping through my body. I can’t quite put my finger on why. Maybe it’s the excitement of spending the morning surrounded by male testosterone. Or maybe, just a tiny bit, this place reminds me of Keller.
I dart for the doors and barrel through them as quickly as I can to get out of this weather. The scent of musky sweat and leather assaults me first as I enter, then the echoing of punches being slammed into the punch bags. Thud, thud, thud. Makes me wince. The place is open plan. A boxing ring takes center stage with various mats and punch bags surrounding it. Over in the far corner, there is even a kitted out gym. Straightening my spine, I make my way over to the noisy group of very excited kids, plastering on a big smile. I spot Paula first and give her a little wave and a smile.
She is just the sweetest lady you could meet, rocking long white hair and bright red lipstick. You wouldn’t believe she is over sixty. She is always perfectly put together and manicured. I just hope when I am her age I can look as flawless.
“Sienna, darling,” she gushes as she wraps me in a tight embrace, instantly relaxing my nerves as she does.
“Hey, Paula. Hey, Kiddos,” I excitedly reply, the kids now rushing over to tackle me.
Max, who’s currently wrapped his little arms around my leg, is hanging on for dear life. I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but I have a massive soft spot for this kid and I ruffle his blond mop of hair. He has a heart of gold, yet absolutely no filter when he talks, always making me laugh. He’s had a rough start, that’s for sure, but he’s getting there. His confidence has been building in masses each week.
Bending down, I reach his eye level. “Are you okay, Bud?” I ask gently. He avoids my eyes, shuffling on his feet.
“I’m just nervous. Miss. Paula said if we were good at it, they might let us train. What if I’m bad Miss? What if I can’t do it?”
Oh, bless his sweet heart.
I wrap my hand around his tiny ones. He’s only seven, and has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
