“Don’t worry, it’ll be second nature before you know it. You never need to answer their questions. It just adds to the mystery.”
Once we’re inside, the paps’ questions are replaced by the bustle of the club coming to life for the event. The cage is in the center of the expansive dance floor, surrounded by rows and rows of seating. With the columns rising up to the ceiling, it looks pretty damn impressive, if I do say so myself.
Zoe rushes up to us. “You’re here! Andwow.” She blinks at Scarlett’s dress. “You look unbelievable. Not too shabby yourself, boss,” she says with a grin after inspecting my one-of-a-kind suit.
“Bump and your folks here yet?” I ask her.
“Not yet, but they should be on their way. Your coaches are up in your office, though, so after you’ve checked everything down here one last time, I assume you’ll head up there.”
“Good work, Zoe. Couldn’t have done this without you and Q.”
“It’s our pleasure. And just so you know, we both put money on you. No pressure, though.”
I laugh, like I don’t already feel it. “Thanks. Come on, ladybug.”
Forty-Nine
Scarlett
Other than thosefights I watched on YouTube and the time I spent at the gym with Gabe, I don’t know anything about mixed martial arts. I certainly have no idea how things work before a fight, but my education is happening quickly and firsthand.
Gabriel did one last sweep of the club, talked to Q, and then we went up to his office. It’s been turned into a locker room for him to warm up with sparring partners and all three of his coaches, who will be in his corner for the fight.
Thankfully, Gunter’s suit was photographed about a thousand times before we came inside, because Gabriel stripped it off first thing to change into his warm-up gear.
Before they start with whatever comes next, there’s a knock at the door, and Bump pokes his head inside.
“Gabe! You’re here!”
“Come on in, bud.”
The door opens farther and Roux streaks inside, bounding right to Gabriel. Used to her enthusiasm, he’s ready for the dog’s excitement.
“I knew she’d be so happy to see you!”
The man and his dog bond on the mat as Bump, Joanie, and Big Mike enter the office and shut the door.
“We don’t want to bother you. You’ve got warming up to do, but we wanted to say good luck before we take our seats,” Big Mike says. That’s when I notice he and Bump are wearing matching suits, and both look as dapper as can be.
“Bump, I love the suit,” I say, rising from my seat in the corner and coming toward him.
His eyes light up when he sees me. He holds out his arms like he’s going to rush forward to hug me, but then he stops in his tracks. “Am I even allowed to touch you right now? I don’t wanna mess you up. Not like that time with the rug, but you know what I mean.”
“I will accept nothing less than a hug.”
His head bounces as he practically skips toward me. “You’re so pretty.”
“And you are as handsome as can be.”
Head in the air, he’s as proud as a peacock. “Big Mike says if Gabe wins, he’ll take me to the titty bar and let me celebrate. He said the girls love a man in a suit.”
Joanie’s gasp follows Bump’s comment, and she slaps her husband’s arm. “Michael ...”
“Getting me in trouble was not what we discussed, kid.”
Bump scrunches his shoulders and giggles. “Oops. I wasn’t supposed to tell.”
Gabriel comes toward us and throws an arm around Bump. “Q will take you another night. You can still wear the suit.”