Sucker Punched (Resilient Hearts Series Book One 1) (13 page)

SIXTEEN

Caitlin

“When’s your friend’s flight getting in tomorrow?” Len asks me after the lunchtime rush.

“It’s due in at two, and Roman said he will collect her for me,” I reply. Ethan was going to pick up Beth, but Simon hasn’t been doing so well. His wife called worried he wasn’t settling into the facility, so Ethan being Ethan, has dropped everything and gone for an impromptu visit.

“Well, that’s good then, but I’ll get the afternoon covered so you can go with him.”

“Really, you sure that’s okay?” I jump forward wrapping Len in an awkward hug.

He shakes me off, his face turning red, “Of course it’ll be hard with you working while she’s here, so I may be able to cover another one of your shifts in the week, as well. One of the weekend girls is happy to pick up extra.”

“You really are the best boss ever!” I try to throw my arms around him again, but Len puts his hand up to stop me.

“No need.” Len’s looking flustered, so trying to subdue my laughter, I walk back to the counter to serve some customers who walked in.

                                                 ***

I can’t breathe. Have my lungs deflated? “Roman you’re an evil, evil man,” I try to say as I draw in much needed oxygen. That was a tough training session. I had agreed to train with Roman tonight straight after work. Now I’m regretting it after a full day on my feet.

“Suck it up. That’s nothing.” I can’t believe Roman’s not even broken a sweat. “Look, in all seriousness, I don’t want you to worry about your fitness too much. It will come. I was more interested in your ability. I have to say, I’m impressed, and it takes a lot to impress me.”

Finally, I straighten up and after that last comment, I’m proud of myself—even if I feel as though I’m dying and my respiratory system has disintegrated. “Thanks Roman, but I don’t think my legs will move. Can you take me home, please?” I whine, trying my best to bat my lashes; even they ache.

Roman laughs when I grimace trying to move my legs. “Do you need me to pick you up like my brother does?”

Remembering how Ethan lifted me over his shoulder has me missing him even more. I haven’t heard from him since he left. I don’t want to bother him because I know he’s busy with Simon. “I’ll manage.” I grumble as I pack up my stuff.

As we drive home, I suddenly remember something I need to tell him. “Oh, good news! Len has covered my shift tomorrow so I can go with you to get Beth.”

“That’s great.”

“Roman, are you sure you don’t mind? I mean, I can make my own way there. I really don’t want to put you out.”

“I don’t want to get into this again. When have you ever known me to do something I don’t want to do?” he says, trying to give me a hard stare, but only succeeding in looking constipated. It’s only after I’ve finished laughing that I tell him why I am so amused.

Arriving home, I drag my aching legs up the flight of stairs that lead to my apartment. We really need an elevator. I will suggest it to management first thing in the morning. Once inside, I drop my arse to the comfy, if not a little tattered sofa, and refuse to move until the feeling returns to my weary legs. I may be here a while. I’ve never been happier in my life to own a cordless phone because it’s already next to me when Ethan phones me later that night. “Hi, babe.  It went well with Simon. I think seeing me lifted his spirits, but I’m going back to see him tomorrow just to put Wendy’s mind at ease.”

“I’m so glad, Ethan, but I think your sergeant major brother has crippled me.”

Booming laughter sounds through the receiver. “That bad, huh?”

“Yes, I need a cuddle.”

“Ah, poor baby. I wish I could. Tomorrow, I promise.” I’ll be looking forward to it.

I’m so excited when he promises to pick me up the following evening. He says he’s planning a whole evening for Beth and me. I can’t wait! Ethan will be home, and Beth will be here. At last I can truthfully say life is good.

                                                 ***

The next morning at work drags on, but I’m glad the feeling in my legs has returned. I’m like a kid on a sugar rush; I feel so high. My best friend is finally coming to visit! I met Beth when I was in nursery school, but if I’m honest, I hadn’t started off liking her. Beth is beautiful. When I say beautiful, I mean model beautiful. She could never be a model due to the fact she is only five foot two, though; she’s far too short. Girls always envy her golden blonde hair that hangs in waves half way down her back. Her face is almost symmetrical with full lips, a straight nose, and eyes a deep shade of blue.

So at the age of three, when a boy named Jack, who followed me around like a lost puppy dog, wanted to play with her instead of me, I wasn’t a happy camper. I didn’t like her one bit. Apparently, I would walk into a room and slam the door shut just so she couldn’t follow. I was a bit of a diva back then. 

One day, Jack was playing with some boys, and they wouldn’t include me because I was a girl. I started to cry when one of the boys pushed me over. Beth ran in and pushed the boy back. It’s funny when I think about it now. He was really big for his age, and she was tiny, but he didn’t intimidate her. Beth helped me to my feet. “If he comes near you again, don’t worry. I’ll bite him.” Needless to say, we’ve been inseparable since. Well, until Stephen. Even after we’d become distanced, she still welcomed me back and helped me without any judgement or question. Beth is one of the best people I’ve ever known, and the only regret I have had leaving England.

At one o’clock, Roman comes into the shop. “Hey Caitlin, you ready to go?”

“Yes, I’ll just get my coat.” I’m so excited, my feet are barely touching the floor.

Roman shakes his head. “Happy?”              

With a really bad attempt at a serious face I ask, “How can you tell?”

Roman rolls his eyes. “Come on, we don’t want to leave her standing around.”

“Okay,” I say, trying to keep up. “Bye, Kiaya. Is Asher still picking you up tonight?”

“Yes, I’ll see you later. I’m really looking forward to meeting Beth.”

“I can’t wait for you two to meet, as well.”

“Caitlin,” Roman shouts from outside, getting impatient.

“Gosh, someone got out of bed the wrong side today,” I mutter as I leave the shop and get in his car.

Once we’re driving the busy roads, Roman says, “So, Caitlin, I thought we could talk about your training.”

“Okay, what do you want to talk about?” I shift in the seat to face him better.

“Well, I think you have done really well this week. I’m happy for you to join in with my other girl. I also think you have a talent. You could do really well in the ring. What do you think about that?”

I groan. “Roman. You know I don’t want to do that.”

“I know, but you’re good. You could do really well. I feel it’s a waste if you don’t use your talent someway.”

“Look, it’s really nice that you believe in me. I know what I’m about to say might sound silly to you, but I hate violence. When we’re training, it’s fun and good exercise. Once I would start to compete… I just don’t need that in my life anymore,” I say hoping he understands.

“Anymore?” he asks, taking a quick glance at me.

I don’t say anything and remain looking out the window until Roman speaks again. “Okay, how about this then? I’m so busy with all I do at the gym that I can only offer the one kick boxing class for beginners. If there were someone else who could train that class, the gym could take on a few more classes. You know, to take the pressure off me?”

“Are you offering me a job?” I question, feeling confused.

“You could coach in the evening. It wouldn’t need to affect your work for Len. So what about it? Do you think you could do a coaching course? It seems a shame to waste your talent.”

I think for a moment. “It’s not something I’ve ever thought about before. Can I have a bit of time to mull it over?”

He smiles. “Of course you can. Please, think about it.”

The airport is jam-packed when we arrive, and it takes a while to get parked. I nearly leave Roman in the car; it’s that busy. Finally racing to arrivals, I spot the flight board, and we make it just in time.

Me: Hi! Hoping everything is going well. We’re at the airport now. x

“You’re texting my brother again, aren’t you?”

Looking up at Roman, I reply, “I might be.”

He laughs. “You’re good for him you know? I approve.”

“Ha! I can sleep easy now that I have your approval.” I joke.

“I can take that approval away, you know.”

“No, you won’t. You like me too much,” I say as I bump him affectionately with my shoulder.

He puts an arm around me. “You’re right.”

“He’s good for me too, you know?” Then I’m stopped as I hear my phone beep. 

E: Glad Roman got you there ok. We’re doing well. Just arrived with Wendy. I can’t wait to see you tonight. x

“Due to the big grin on your face, I assume he replied?” Roman asks.

“Yes, he did.” I chuckle then send a quick reply.

Me: Can’t wait to see you later too. x

“They’ll be walking through soon. What’s Beth look like? I’ll keep my eye out for her.” I give him a quick description just as we see the first people emerge through the doors. Standing by the barriers everyone walks through, I see no Beth. My heart sinks, and just as it does, the door opens again and out walks Beth. She’s always one to make an entrance.

“BETH!” I shriek.

“CAITLIN!” Beth shouts, dropping her suitcase to the floor and running over to give me a huge hug. I have missed her.

“How was your flight?” I finally ask.

“Long.” Her eyes focus on something behind me, and whatever it is, she likes the look of it. “And who’s this?” she asks.

Crap! I forgot to introduce Roman
. I turn to see a similar look on his face. Of course I do; these two would make a cute couple. Roman must be a good foot taller than Beth. With his dark hair and eyes, he’s very handsome and just her type. Roman’s a really nice guy but doesn’t take anything seriously. I feel he’s better to have as a friend than a boyfriend. She’s only here a week though, and I know Beth. If she wants something, she gets it. And by the look on her face, she’s seen something she wants. Her eyes, suddenly showing concern, snap to mine.

“Is this the guy you were telling me about?”

“No, this is Roman, Ethan’s brother. Ethan’s helping a friend today, so Roman very kindly offered to pick you up.”

She’s extremely happy about what I just said. Beth glides over to Roman, offering her hand to him. “Well, Roman. That’s very kind of you.”

“Anything for such a beautiful woman.” He takes her hand and winks. Beth bats her long lashes and giggles. After watching them play their games, I can’t help but roll my eyes at this blatant display of flirting. They’re facing each other, Beth’s hand still tucked in Roman’s as they smile at each other.

“Guys?” They both jump a little, as if they’d forgotten I was even with them. “Remember me?” I question, with a knowing grin on my face. Roman has the decency to look embarrassed.

Not Beth though, she just winks and says, “Sorry Caitlin, I did forget you were here.” That’s the friend I know and love.

“Do you want to get something to eat, or did you eat on the plane?” Beth’s quite particular with what she eats, so I’m certain she would not have eaten much on the plane.

“Ugh! That food was disgusting. I barely ate a thing. I can’t believe they would serve that slop. Yes, let’s go eat, please. I’m starving.”
I knew it
.

“I know just the place,” offers Roman.

Beth strides up to Roman and hooks her arm in his. “Lead the way, Roman.” She purrs his name.

I can see his Adam’s apple bobbing as if he’s nervous, and it makes me laugh. This is not the confident Roman I’m used to seeing. It’s not even the Roman who treats women like a commodity to be used.

Only yesterday before our training, a tall blonde lady came over to us; she looked me up and down, and she then turned her focus to Roman. “Roman, you never called.” He looked at her like it was for the first time.

“No, I didn’t, Lauren.”

“It’s Laurel,” she snapped at him.

He didn’t look back at her, he just said, “Close enough.”

She stood there for a few very awkward moments, glaring at him while he ignored her and continued what he was doing. She looked to me as if to ask for help. I shrugged and smiled back. I mean, what else could I do? She stomped off without a word. I turned to Roman, “Well, that was rude.”

“Huh? I know, right? I mean, does she expect me to get every name right? I was only one letter off.”

I couldn’t believe him! “I mean you, not her!” He looked up at me, but only shrugged and continued unpacking the equipment.

“Are you coming?” Beth asks over her shoulder as they walk ahead. I see Beth’s suitcase next to me. Shaking my head, I pick it up and follow them to the car.