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We find a table and the guys order us some drinks. Bee and Clay don’t even stay for one whole drink before they’re taking off onto the dance floor, leaving Ryan and me at the table.
“You okay?” Ryan asks, trying to look me in the eye.
“Shit, sorry, did I zone out again?”
“Maybe just a little.” He gives me a kind smile.
I shake my head. “Okay, no more shitty mood. We’re here to hang out and enjoy our night.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?”
Ryan was one of the first people to point out how I was in a bad mood all week and when he asked me about it, I didn’t feel right telling him the personal details. He knew about Toby, but I guess that’s pretty much obvious to everyone but the ones involved. Honestly, I don’t want to talk to anyone about it, if anything, I’d like to forget it even happened.
“It’s nothing. I’ll get over it. How about another drink?” I hold up my glass.
He chuckles. “Don't you think you should drink that one first?”
I grin, wiggling my eyebrows before bringing the glass to my lips and downing the contents in three gulps. “All gone!” I gasp out and cough a little bit.
“Damn, girl.” He laughs. “You're crazy.”
“Maybe just a little bit tonight.” I wasn’t going to drink originally, I haven’t felt like it since the party at the beginning of the year, but I could really use something to help me forget about Toby, even if it’s just for a few hours. I know drinking isn’t the right way to cope, but I know my worries will be washed away soon. I try not to let things out of my control ruin my life and I’m not about to let my broken heart do that now.
Over the next hour, we get a few more drinks and catch up with Bee and Clay before hitting the dance floor.
I’ve got a good buzz going on when the announcement stating that the fights will be starting in five minutes blares over the speakers.
“I got to pee!” I yell into B’s ear over the music.
“Me too!”
We head to the bathroom, weaving our way through the crowd.
It takes longer than normal because we don’t shut up or stop laughing the whole time we’re doing our business.
As we finally stumble out of the bathroom, I see someone familiar. “Bishop?” I question out loud, but I only get a quick glimpse of him before he disappears into the crowd.
I shake my head. Maybe I’ve had a little bit too much to drink.
“Come on!” Bee pulls at my arm. “The fight is going to start. I want to see some sexy guys beat the shit out of each other.”
“Okay, okay.” I giggle, stumbling after her.
The announcer introduces the first two fighters and the guys guide us closer to the ring, wanting to get a good view. From what Clay said, they’ve been here a few times and he has some money on one of the fights tonight.
Two men step into the ring and the moment they get the green light to start, I’m invested right away. The guy with the shaved head seems a little too cocky for his own good. He’s got a big mouth and a sly grin, but the guy with the short jet black hair dodges every kick and punch thrown at him.
He’s got this concentrated look on his face, like he’s trying to memorize each of his opponent's movements. It doesn’t take long before the black haired guy has the other man on the ground and is announced as the winner.
“Okay, that was pretty cool.” I giggle. I see the appeal of it. There’s an electric thrill that I get while watching, wondering who’s gonna make the next hit, where it's gonna land, and who’s gonna come out on top.
I mean, I can’t begin to understand why anyone would want to possibly have the crap beaten out of them, but I could see how some guys might be enticed by the high of being claimed as the victor.
We stand there and watch two more fights. Both are just as brutal as the last. I’m about to suggest we leave when I see Bishop again. “I knew I saw him!” I shout, pointing across the ring at Bishop as he steps inside the ropes.
“What the hell?” I look over at Bianca, who’s staring at her brother with big eyes. “Please, don’t tell me he’s fighting! Is he crazy, does he have a death wish?”
“I wouldn’t underestimate your brother.” Clay chuckles. “I’ve seen him fight here a few times, and he’s good.”
