Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) (17 page)

TWENTY

Ethan

Caitlin is laughing when we leave the diner, and now, as we’re pulling up at the baseball field, she still hasn’t stopped. I’m not amused. “You finished yet?”

“Sorry, I’ll stop,” she manages to say between giggles, and then covers her mouth with her hands.
Like that’s going to help!
“I just needed to get it out of my system.” Sadly, I feel it’s still not anywhere near out of her system yet.

The parking lot is packed, and most of the kids have already arrived. They scamper around full of energy. I started coaching about a year ago and was lucky enough to be introduced to Blake. He started the program where he lives but wanted to branch out into this area. I was more than happy to help.

Blake’s a veteran, too, and I met him when I lived at The Center; he suffered with PTSD. He started this coaching program to help children who have their own disabilities, although we have some perfectly healthy kids, too. We find that mixing them together shows the children they are all the same. Also, when they’re at school, the kids with disabilities have already made friends and have been accepted. The chance of bullying is lowered. As I have a disability, too, they see we can achieve anything we want. Plus, it’s great fun for the kids and for the adults, as well.

I step out of my truck, and as soon as my foot hits the gravel, I spot Danny bolting across the lot. He’s aiming straight for me. ”Ethan!” Danny shrieks. I brace myself on the edge of the truck for when he hits because I know I’ll fall over from the impact if I don’t. His hands grip round my thighs when he collides with me.

“Hey, buddy.” I ruffle his blond hair. Danny is nine years old, and we have become particularly close. He was hit by a drunk driver two years ago, causing some nasty injuries, the worst being he also lost his leg. That’s what drew him to me. When I first met him, he was a completely different kid. He was nervous, shy, and struggling with his loss and disability. His mom, Mandy, is more bothered with her current boyfriend than with Danny, so he moved in with his grandmother, Pat. She’s getting older now, and I think she struggles with him the older and more boisterous he gets. The fact that he only has one leg doesn’t slow him down one bit.

“Hi,” Caitlin says beside me. “What’s your name?”

He backs up a little. “Danny.”

“This is my girlfriend, Caitlin,” I respond.

“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend,” Danny says.

We hear the whistle blow, and Blake calls everyone over to start. Danny takes off without a moment’s thought. “You okay to watch? I need to get over there.”

“Of course,” she says, making her way over to the bench.

An exhausting hour later and we wrap up. I make my way back to Caitlin who stayed on the bench, clapping and cheering the kids on when they did well and even when they didn’t. “So, what did you think?” I ask her, hoping she wasn’t too bored. I join her on the bench.

“It’s great, but I still have no clue about the rules.” She grins.

“Ha! That’s okay; I can teach you if you want.” We are interrupted by Danny and his grandmother.

“Hi, Pat,” I say, standing to shake her hand. “This is Caitlin.”

“His girlfriend.” Danny draws out the word girlfriend as only a nine year old boy can.

Pat tuts and shakes her head. “Hi, Caitlin. Nice to meet you. I’m Pat, this little rascal’s grandmother.”

Caitlin laughs as Danny whines, “Grandma, I don’t want you to call me that. It’s embarrassing.”

“Then don’t behave like one,” reprimands Pat.

Ignoring her, he asks, “Ethan, can we go get ice cream like we normally do?”

“Now Danny, I’m sure Ethan is busy with Caitlin today,” interrupts Pat.

“Oh, no,” says Caitlin. “I’d love to join you. That is, if you don’t mind, Danny. I really love ice cream; salted caramel is the best.”

A smile spreads across his face. “Yes! Let’s go then.” He takes off for his grandmother’s car, shouting behind him in his rush, “My favorite’s chocolate.”

“We’ll meet you there then.” I spot Blake and Donnie heading our way.

I introduce Caitlin, and then Blake says, “We have a problem, Ethan. The people selling the refreshments have pulled out of the charity match. We’re going to have to find someone else, but I don’t know who will be able to do it with this short notice.”

“Crap! This is a pain we don’t need right now,” I grumble.

“When’s it for?” Caitlin asks.

“Three weeks from today,” Blake answers.

“That’s plenty of time. I’ll do it.” She shrugs.

“You will?” says Blake. “Are you a caterer?”

“No, but I do work in a coffee shop.” She turns to me. “Is there somewhere at the venue to make refreshments, like a kitchen or something?”

“Yes, there’s a kiosk.”

“Well, that’s good then. I’m sure if we ask Len and have a banner or something advertising the shop, he’ll donate the supplies.” That’s not a bad idea.

“Can I help you, Caitlin?” asks Donnie.

“Yes, Donnie, that would be great,” she says.

“Well, that was easy then. Thanks, Caitlin and Donnie.” Blake now looks visibly relieved with Caitlin’s suggestion.

                                                    ***

Once at the ice cream parlor, I sit down with Pat. Caitlin takes the guys to get their food.

“You okay, Pat? You look a little stressed?”

Sighing, she replies, “Oh Ethan, I’m okay. Just, Mandy has been gone for the last six months, and I‘ve had no respite. Don’t get me wrong, I love my grandson more than my own life, but I’m sixty. These hips are not as good as they used to be and chasing around after Danny is tiring me out.”

I really feel sorry for Pat; her daughter is a waste of space. “Why didn’t you say something before?”

“Ethan, it’s not your problem. I’ll sort out something.”

“Like what? Mandy’s your only family. Look, I love that kid like he’s my own. Let me help you.” Pat tries to refuse, but I interrupt her. “How about next Saturday after baseball, he stays with me for the weekend? I’ll drop him home Sunday night so he can get ready for school.” She looks unsure, so I continue. “Come on, it’s no bother to me. I’d be happy to do it once or twice a month to give you a break.”

She wipes at her eyes. I hate it when women cry, and I never know what to do. “Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes Pat, I’m sure.”

Danny bounds over. “What you sure about Ethan?”

“Nosey, aren’t you?” I chuckle. “I was just saying to your grandma that next week after baseball, you can stay with me for the night. If it goes well, we can make it a regular thing.”

“You mean it?” Danny shouts out as Caitlin and Donnie join us. The outburst makes Donnie jump.

“Yes.” I laugh, putting my arm around Caitlin and pulling her close.

“You have a good one there,” Pat says to Caitlin, who has no idea what we just discussed.

“I know. He’s nearly perfect.” She winks at me, and I’m sure this will not be the last of the Kimberly jokes. I roll my eyes but still can’t hide my smile.

We finish up at the ice cream parlor with the promise to Danny that he’ll stay next weekend. As we get into my truck, Caitlin asks, “What are you going to do with him next weekend?”

“Ummm…” I realize I have no idea because I hadn’t even thought about that.

She shakes her head. “I thought so. How about you take him to the zoo. There is a zoo here, right?”

“Yes, there’s a zoo.” I chuckle. “That’s a good idea! Thanks, babe. I can do that.”

“Can I come?” She sounds nervous.

My eyes snap to her. “I’m sorry you think you need to ask. I just assumed you already were.”

She relaxes and smiles. “Okay then, that’s good.”

Donnie’s head appears in between us. “Can I come? I love the zoo.”

“Yes, Donnie, we would love that,” Caitlin answers for me.

Donnie smiles, and I ask him, “Do you want to go home, or do you want to see your uncle?”

“Can you take me to see my uncle, please?”

“No problem.”

As we pull up at Betty’s, Donnie thanks me, jumps out of the truck, and goes inside. “How about we go in and ask Len about the refreshments?” Caitlin asks.

“Now is as good a time as any,” I reply with the shrug of my shoulders.

We walk in and find Donnie is already sitting with Len. “Hey Len,” Caitlin says when we reach their booth.

“Caitlin, it’s Saturday, and you’re not scheduled to work. Don’t you get enough of this place?” he teases as he gestures for us to sit down.

“I missed you too much, Len.”

“You did! You better watch out, Ethan. She missed me,” he smugly states. Len and Caitlin laugh; I don’t.

Caitlin rolls her eyes at me. “Please don’t tell me you’re getting jealous?”

“No, of course not,” I grumble.

That doesn’t help; they just laugh harder. Len shakes his head. “Really, boy, she only has eyes for you. Not to mention I could be her grandfather.” Okay, now I may feel a little stupid.

Luckily, Caitlin changes the subject. “Len, we came here to ask you a favor.”

He narrows his eyes at her. “Of course you did. Come on then, what is it?”

“Ethan is helping to organize a charity event to aid injured vets, and the caterer has just cancelled.”

Looking down his nose he says, “Your point is?”

I jump in. “Caitlin and Donnie have offered to do it instead. So we wondered; if we put up a banner to advertise Betty’s, then would you supply the food and drink?”

He sits there a moment as I glance at Caitlin, who is biting her nails. “That sounds okay.”

“Len, thank you!” Caitlin says, jumping up and running around the table to give him a hug. She only found out about the fundraiser today, but I love that it’s as important to her as it is to me.

I shake Len’s hand. “Thanks, this means a lot.” He just waves his hand as if to dismiss us. The bell on the door chimes and in walks Nicola. Perfect. Fucking. Timing. I haven’t seen her in a while. If I’m honest, I’ve been avoiding her at the gym. She stopped texting eventually when I didn’t reply. The last thing we need is a scene in here. Caitlin has stilled next to me. “Hey, come on. Let’s leave. Don’t worry about her. I’ll deal with her if she opens her mouth.”

“Okay.” She nods. As we stand to leave, Nicola notices us, and a strange expression appears on her face. I think she’s attempting to smile as she makes her way over to us.

“Hi, everyone,” Nicola says, with a voice as fake as the smile she’s wearing.

Len and Donnie ignore her, and Caitlin mutters, “Hey,” and I let out a semi-growl.

“So, Roman says we’ll be training together. I hope we can put this silliness behind us, Caitlin,” says Nicola.

Silliness! It’s Nicola who’s been the bitch, but I bite my tongue. I’m curious to see where this is going.

“Umm… yes, of course,” says Caitlin quietly.

“Well, that’s good then. I’ll see you tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to it.” She returns to her friends, leaving me and Caitlin completely shocked.

“What the hell just happened, Ethan?” asks a puzzled Caitlin.

“I have no clue, babe.” I look over at Nicola, who’s chatting with her friends like nothing ever happened.

“I’ll tell you if you two can’t figure it out,” says Len, still looking at his paper. “What you just heard was Nicola spout a load of bullshit.”

“Len!” Caitlin whisper shouts. “I can’t believe you just said that and in front of Donnie.”

Len looks up from his paper and grins. “I’m not proud about this fact, Caitlin, but Donnie’s heard worse. Haven’t you, kid?”

Donnie nods. “I work with Roman.” With that comment we all burst into laughter, and it’s a while before we’re able to stop, all apart from Donnie, who once again is oblivious to the hilarity of his comments.

TWENTY ONE

Caitlin

Last night, I had the pleasure of spending the evening with Ethan and Roman. We had take-out and watched a movie, hoping that maybe we could cheer up Roman. He hasn’t cracked a smile since he dropped Beth off at the airport. Okay, so I understand
Fight Club
isn’t the most uplifting film of all time, but it is Roman’s favorite. But there’s no joy, not a smile, or even a sarcastic comment like he usually feels he must give on a regular basis. I’m really beginning to get a bit worried about him. I’m aware I haven’t known him all that long, but I’ve never seen him this down before. When I bring it up to Ethan, he even admits it’s not like him. At the end of the evening, Ethan takes me home, and I send him away because I think it’s best he goes back to Roman. This comes much to his disgust.

I wake up in the morning feeling pretty good but still hazy from my sleep… I’m awake but not quite aware yet. Slowly, but surely, dread creeps into my gut, and for a short time I’m not sure why. Then I remember—bloody Nicola!

I begin training with her today. I can’t say I’m keen on the idea. I love kick boxing, I really do, but I don’t think I’m going to enjoy it with her. Roman’s so busy as it is, so I’ll still give it a go for him. Luckily, it’s not until after lunch. I promise to play a game of cards with Grace before I go, and I know that will cheer me up, even if it’s just for a moment.

As I get out of the shower, my phone beeps, and my face lights up when I see it’s Ethan.

E: Morning, babe. I didn’t like sleeping alone last night :(

Since we’ve been official, we’ve spent most of our time together. The only nights we’ve been apart were last night and when Beth was here. We’ve been inseparable, and basically, it’s pointless to have two apartments.

Me: Morning. Do you want to stay at my place tonight?

E: Yes.

Me: Ok, but that’s a shame as I’m staying at yours ;)

E: You think you’re funny, don’t you? I don’t care where we sleep, but it’ll be together!

Me: Yes, sir!

E: Don’t ever stop calling me that!

I roll my eyes but chuckle. I walked right in to that one.

The one benefit to having a night on my own is that I did get to Skype with Beth, even though it was really late for her, and she was in her bed. She seemed okay, but a bit down, and the first thing she asked was how Roman’s doing. Not wanting to make her feel worse than she already seems to be, I said he was a bit quiet but okay. She shocked the hell out of me by confiding that Roman wanted her to stay with him. That explains why he’s been so down; she obviously said no.

I pack my gym bag with the new gym clothes I bought on my shopping trip with Kiaya, and I’m glad I got them now. If I’m training with Nicola, I don’t want it to be in my ratty old t-shirt. I can just imagine the shitty jibes she’ll direct my way.

Knocking on Grace’s door, I’m really hoping she baked. Grace makes the nicest chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever tasted, all gooey inside. “Hello, dear,” she says, opening the door. “Come in, I’ve been baking.”

Yes!
“Morning, what have you been baking?” I say, casually trying to play it cool. I cross my fingers behind my back and say over and over in my head like a mantra,
Please be cookies, please be cookies
.

She chuckles and looks at me over her glasses. “Those cookies you love so much.”

I hug her. “Yes! You’ve just made my day.”

She shakes her head with a smile. “I know, dear.”

Grace loves to play cards. She knows all the games ever invented, and she’s been teaching them to me one at a time. I quite enjoy it really. Today is 21, also known as black jack. The idea is simple really; I need to get to 21, or as close to it, but not go over. Well, I say simple, but getting the balance I want isn’t that easy. I just can’t resist picking one more card just in case I make 21. So, I lose every bloody round. We play ten rounds, and eventually I admit defeat and eat cookies instead. It’s much more satisfying. Grace seems to have made a lot, judging by the huge plateful she brings to the table, not that I’m complaining.

“How many did you make?” I ask, picking up my third cookie.

“Only forty, dear,” she says so casually that I almost laugh.

“Forty! I love them, but how many do you think I can manage?”

“Well, take some with you. Maybe that handsome young man you’re always with would like some?”

“That’s not a bad idea. I can hand them out after training.” Maybe it will make Nicola less of a bitch.

“Okay, I’ll put some in a box for you to take,” she says going into her kitchen.

She comes back in with a container full to the brim and hands them to me with a warm smile. I love this lady. Looking at the box I say, “Grace, there must be twenty cookies in here.”

“That’s okay. I still have loads left.”

“Okay, if you’re sure. Thanks! Oh, I nearly forgot; Ethan is doing a charity baseball game in aid of veterans soon. I’m doing the refreshments. I was wondering if you’d like to come.”

“That sounds lovely. Count me in, but I’m only watching, not playing.” Winking and with a pat to my arm, she adds, “I can make some more cookies, and you can sell them.”

“Really?”

She chuckles. “Yes, really. It’ll be my little way of helping, too.”

“That would be fantastic.”
Did I mention I love this woman?

It’s a really nice day, so I text Ethan letting him know I want to walk to the gym. It’s not far from my apartment anyway. Once I get there, it’s pretty quiet, apart from Roman at the reception. “Hey,” I say, holding the open box of cookies under his nose. “I brought cookies.”

He looks at the little morsels of joy, and his tone is flat when he says, “I can see that.”

“You can see? Is that it? You can see?” I’ve had enough of his grumpiness. “I’ll have you know these here are the best bloody cookies you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. When someone brings you some, you maybe, I don’t know, say thanks and even try to manage a smile, Roman Kendricks.” I place my free hand on my hip.

He stares at me, and I start to feel a little guilty for my rant. His shoulders start to shake, and he places his hand over his mouth, but I can see the beginnings of a grin under it. Finally, he is laughing incredibly loud and slams his palms on the desk. Looking at the desk, he shakes his head. I’m just standing there, still holding the cookies in one hand while the other rests firmly on my hip. He finally gets himself together, looks at me with a smile, and takes a cookie. “Thanks.”

“That’s much better.” I can’t help but grin back.

Telling Roman I’m going to get dressed, I walk into the changing room. Guess who’s already in there? Yep, that’s right, Nicola.

She’s wearing only a pair of knickers, so I get an eyeful of her tits again. An expression of hate fills her face, and it turns from beautiful to sour. This shouldn’t shock me, but with the display in Betty’s yesterday, I was kind of hoping we could put all that crap behind us. The look I’m getting right now tells me Len was right; it was bullshit. She saunters over without covering those bloody tits and stops in front of me. Giving me a look up and down, she says, “Let’s get one thing straight right now, I don’t like you, but I need Roman. He’s the best trainer, and I only have the best. I’ll put up with you until Ethan gets bored, which he will.” Then she folds her arms across her chest, so her tits just rest on top.

Now, I could tell her many things, fuck off for starters, but I just can’t seem to get over the fact she’s practically naked while trying to intimidate me. “I’m sorry, Nicola. I just can’t take you seriously like this.” I gesture with my hand towards her body.

She drops her arms and takes a step closer. I stand my ground waiting for I don’t know what to happen. Maybe a bit of hair pulling or a bitch slap? There’s a knock at the door. “Caitlin, are you in there, babe?” Great timing Ethan.

I walk over to the door, opening it just a crack. “Hey, just getting changed, you okay?”

He gets a glint in his eye. “You getting shy? I’ve seen it all already, and mighty fine it is, too.”

I shake my head. “I’m not the only one in here.”

“Oh, okay. Sorry. Do you want me to stay with you while you train?” He’s cute when he’s embarrassed.

“Nope, it’s fine. You’ll just be a distraction.” I lean forward and give him a quick kiss.

“Come find me when you finish, then. I should be in my office.”

I attempt to say bye, but the door is pulled from my hands by Nicola. Luckily, she’s now dressed as she walks past us. Looking up at Ethan, she bats her eyelashes. “Hi, Ethan.” Then she walks over towards Roman. I can’t believe the balls of this woman. I take a long breath. I need to count to ten, or even maybe a hundred.

Going back in the locker room, I quickly get changed as I don’t need Nicola to bitch about me making them late, as well. Once I get out there, she’s running on a treadmill. There’s a look of concern on Roman’s face as he asks, “You ready?”

I slap his arm. “As I’ll ever be!”

We’re here for an hour and a half. The first half of the session, we work on cardio, then we move in the ring for sparring. I can see why Roman wants to train Nicola. I have to give it to her, she’s talented. Roman’s not helping the bad situation with Nicola though. A few times he tells her she needs to put in more effort. Then he really pisses her off. “Nicola, for fuck’s sake, you want to do this professionally? Caitlin’s running rings around you. You’re lucky she doesn’t want to be a professional, too. You would never beat her if this is all you’ve got.” Then he turns his attention to me. “Caitlin, thought anymore about coaching for me?” Now, I know he’s pissed about Beth, but even I think his comment was a bit shitty, and it won’t exactly help this stupid vendetta Nicola has with me. I stop sparring, letting my guard down to turn my face to him. My stance is still towards Nicola. “Yes, actually, I think I want to do it.” There is a horrific pain on the side of my face, and I’m falling to the ground. I lie there completely dazed. What the hell just happened? It takes a few moments before I realize Nicola must have hit or even kicked me right in my face. I have no idea how she didn’t knock me out. Ethan runs to my side, a look of pure panic in his eyes. “Baby, are you okay? I heard Roman screaming at Nicola, and next thing I knew, you were on the floor!”

This draws me to the scene playing out just outside the ring. Roman was in the army and is a fighter, so he must have an aggressive side, but that’s not him at all. In that first bar, when Clay had been all over me, he couldn’t help but joke. That’s what he does; he’s a joker. Not now, though. The look across his face as he bellows at Nicola scares the crap out of me. I know it’s not hard to do, but it’s having the same effect on Nicola, as she flinches with each word being fired at her.

“What the fuck was that?” he demands.

“We were sparring,” Nicola says, trying to sound confident but looking quite the opposite.

“Sparring! You knew she had stopped. She wasn’t even looking at you. That was a dick move, and you know it, but what else should I expect from a bitch like you?” He’s becoming red in the face. “I don’t want to be associated with someone like you, let alone train you. GET THE FUCK OUT!” he yells the last four words at her.

All Nicola’s bravado has gone, and tears stream down her face. My head is killing me, so it’s hard to feel sorry for her. She soon recovers though, as she walks to Ethan and asks, “Are you going to let him talk to me like that?” Like I said before, she’s got balls. Ethan’s eyes remain firmly on mine. I take his hand and shake my head. There’s no expression on his face, but his jaw is ticking so I know he’s as angry as Roman. He doesn’t move, but in a low tone he says, “Just do as my brother says.”

She sucks in a breath and glares at me. “You! This is entirely your fault, you fucking bitch.”

As she is finishing her sentence, Ethan grabs her arm and marches her towards the locker room. He holds the door open and spits out, “Get your stuff and get out! Don’t even think about coming back.” He looks furious now. I hear Nicola running out of the gym as Roman comes over and crouches beside me. “Caitlin, I’m so sorry. Ethan was right, I never should’ve let you two train together.”

“You think?” is all Ethan says as he rejoins us.

“Ethan,” I warn. “This is not Roman’s fault. Roman, I’m a little sore, but I’ll live. Please don’t worry about it.”

Roman rubs the back of his neck, “I’ll get you some ice.”

As he leaves, I say to Ethan, “Please, Ethan, I’m fine.”

He gently strokes my sore jaw. “I love you.”

Those three words take all my pain away. “I love you, too.”