First and Only Read online

  The lights go down. I know what’s coming next. “Kings Never Die” by Eminem and Gwen Stefani blares from the arena speakers. I’ll always love that song.

  I reach my hand into the popcorn bowl and shovel a bunch in my mouth.

  Adam comes out of the tunnel in his black and red hoodie, just like he did at UIC Pavilion. His handlers are right behind him, ready to cheer their fighter on. He looks confident and ready for this fight. I can see it in the way he moves his body. He’s always ready.

  I lick my lips, watching him closely as he enters the ring. There’s something about a man who’s confident: it’s sexy.

  Charlie Colby comes out. As his hood comes down, he reveals his high cheek bones and short dark hair. Definitely Native. On his boxing shorts is written the white word Jabber.

  The crowd is only screaming for Adam. Charlie is a nobody at this point—he doesn’t exist, but he should: there are two people in the ring. Adam gets more popular by the day. The fans love him and his talent. He always strives to be number one; he’s always been that way.

  The bell dings, starting the fight. Punches are thrown instantly. Charlie Colby is really fast, but Adam is smarter.

  They dance around the ring, throwing punch for punch. A minute passes and both fighters are clearly hungry for this win. Their need to win is spread evenly across their faces.

  Adam throws a right hook and then a left uppercut. Charlie’s head bobs back, and he’s down for the count.

  The referee begins. “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.” I don’t think he’s getting up. Charlie’s body is limp and unresponsive to the referee. That must’ve been one helluva right hook. You could just skip the last four seconds, I think, but he goes on with the countdown. “7, 8, 9, 10.”

  The commenters clap with enthusiasm. “That was a hell of a record set by The Great tonight! We should start calling him Adam ‘KO King’ Wilson.”

  That’s my Adam. I knew he would win this fight, but that was quicker than I imagined.

  “KO King is the one to beat!” Happiness fills Shawn’s voice.

  I start jumping up and down. Popcorn flies everywhere. “YES!” I scream at the top of my lungs.

  ***

  I can’t wait to talk to Adam. It’s been an hour since the fight ended. He should be calling me soon. I bet he’s getting showered with love from his fans. That was a record-breaking fight. He should be proud.

  My phone rings. “I’ve been waiting for your call.” I’m smiling like a little school girl who’s just set eyes on her crush.

  “It’s so nice to hear your voice. I’ve been trying to get away from everyone so I could call you. There were tons of news stations that wanted to interview me. Can you believe that fight? One, two, and he was out cold.” Adam laughs. He sounds pumped up—like he’s ready for an encore.

  “I knew you could do it.”

  “I miss you. I miss you so much it’s hurting.”

  “I miss you more than you know.”

  Voices echo into the phone. “I gotta run, baby. Talk soon.”

  I love you—I almost say it to him. I hang up the phone quickly. Did I really almost slip up and say I love you to him? Do I love Adam Wilson?

  ***

  As I open my eyes, they blur. It must be at least noon. The sun is shining brightly in my face. I drank way too much last night. I need to learn to control myself sometimes. It’s hard, though, especially when I’m having so much fun.

  I sprawl out. The other side of the bed is empty.

  My head pops up.

  Mark is gone. Where in the world did he go? We had an amazing night last night. It was spectacular. But now, the morning after we had sex, he’s gone...

  There has to be a perfectly good explanation for this.

  I jump out of bed, naked and cold.

  I search my small one-bedroom apartment for him. I check everywhere. He’s nowhere to be found. Did he really just get up and leave while I was sleeping?

  Oh, I’m mad.

  I’m really mad.

  And sad.

  I’m very sad.

  This has never happened to me before. Not that I’ve had much of a chance for it to happen.

  But it’s not like I can pick up the phone and call him. We didn’t exchange numbers. How in the world did we forget to exchange numbers? He has seen me naked. He’s been all up in me, but I don’t have his number. Wow.

  I thought we had a special night. I guess I was just a booty call. And now I feel like a total slut. I sit naked on the couch, thinking.

  I barely know anything about this man.

  I don’t know what he does for work.

  I don’t know his middle name.

  I sure as hell don’t know his number.

  But I had sex with him. And he left me in the morning—with no note.

  I sure screwed the damn man. I don’t usually do that. Actually, I never do that. Never have. There was just something about Mark. He seemed different—charming, sweet, handsome. He wasn’t like any of the other dirt bags I’ve dated. I guess the only difference between him and them is he didn’t beat me up.

  I sigh—irritated, alone, and still naked as I lie back on my living room couch.

  ***

  I walk into work without wearing a smile on my face. I’m usually cheerful and in a good mood, no matter what. But this is really overwhelming and driving me nuts. I can’t believe how wrong I was about Mark.

  I hang my coat up and start cleaning off the tables in the café.

  Carrie pops up out of nowhere, her blonde curls bouncing. I walk fast behind the counter, pretending to be busy. I want to avoid any conversation about Mark. I know Carrie is probably dying to know how the date went and all about my night with him.

  The date was great, more than great. The night was even better. Maybe I shouldn’t add that in there. I don’t want my boss to think I’m a whore and sleep around with every man who walks into her café.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see her coming my way. Here we go. “So…?” Carrie rests her chin on her hand as she leans over the counter.

  “So, what?” I pretend not to know what she’s talking about, trying to give myself an extra minute of control.

  “Don’t play dumb. How was the date?”

  “Great.” I take a rag and wipe down the counter.

  “Great? That’s it? You’re totally glowing. You two had sex. It’s all over your face, but something bad happened. Tell me.” She’s now standing up straight, crossing her arms with a look to kill.

  “The date went great. Yes, we had sex. What more do you want to know?” I snap. I don’t mean to, but it happens.

  Carrie looks shocked. I’m shocked, too. I’m never in this kind of mood. She walks away, making me feel bad.

  “Carrie, wait.”

  She turns around, one eyebrow raised. “What?”

  “I woke up this morning and he was gone. He didn’t say goodbye, just left while I was sleeping.”

  Her facial expression changes to remorse. I don’t want her to feel sorry for me. “Aw, honey. There must be a perfectly good explanation for it.” That’s what I thought. “If not, then he’s an asshole. You can do better, anyway.”

  “I’ll be fine,” I lie. It hurts really bad, but I’ll push and make myself be fine. There’s nothing I can do about it. I could go home and be sad for days, eating ice cream straight from the carton and watching sappy love movies on TV. I’ve done it before, and then I promised myself I would never put myself through that again.

  “You wanna take the day off, love?” Carrie asks.

  That’s the last thing I want.

  “I need to be here. I need to keep myself busy.”

  She walks over and hugs me tight. It’s a nice hug, the kind that makes you want to cry even more, but it’s nice.

  CHAPTER 11

  A HAND WRAPS AROUND my waist. I jump, startled by the mysterious hand pawing my body. Not to worry, though. It’s only the love of my life.

  “Adam…” />
  “Surprise.” His voice is low and raspy.

  I open my eyes fully and look at his face. It’s bruised to shit again. I guess this is what I have to get used to, if I’m going to date a professional boxer.

  “I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow.” I’m not fully awake yet, still on the cusp of dreaming and wakefulness.

  “I needed to see you. I couldn’t wait another minute.” He trails kisses down my neck, putting me at full attention. I’m awake now.

  I tug at his jeans, freeing them from his waist. We undress each other slowly and seductively. He makes me wet just by kissing my body.

  I throw the last piece of his clothing onto the floor, but before it lands, it knocks into something, which makes us giggle hysterically.

  “I’ve missed that smile,” Adam says, his breath hot on my neck.

  “I’ve missed that right there.”

  He slides a condom on quickly and flips me over. I’m now on my hands and knees with my chin resting on a pillow. I prop my ass high into the air. He licks and slaps it, sending shivers there.

  He opens my folds and pushes inside of me, hitting the spot instantly. This man… Oh, this man does crazy things to me.

  He pushes in harder, sending a moan to my mouth.

  “Faster,” I say over my pleasurable moans. “Faster, Adam.”

  “Say my name again.”

  “Oh, Adam.” As the words roll off my tongue, he grabs tightly onto my hips and pushes himself in hard and fast, obeying my command.

  I bite the pillow, trying not to scream from the pleasure. I feel my orgasm coming. It’s so close, so very close.

  His grip gets tighter, and I know he’s about to reach his climax. I let myself go, my body a rippling wave of twitches.

  After that orgasm, I can barely move. I collapse on the bed. Adam wraps his hands around me and pulls me close to him, our naked bodies now one.

  Oh, how I’ve missed him so much.

  “That was amazing,” I blurt out.

  He laughs. “More than amazing.”

  We lie together for an hour, not speaking, only holding each other close. Adam’s phone rings, interrupting our beautiful moment together.

  He jumps up and answers it. “Hello… What’s up, Eddie?” For a moment, the color in his face fades. His eyes open wide. “No fucking way.” A smile appears on his face, now glowing. “Man, you are the best. Thank you so much! I’ll see you all later to celebrate.”

  He shuts the phone. I wrap a sheet around me and get up on my knees. “What’s the good news?”

  “You’ll never believe it, Mandi.”

  “Spit it out already!” I’m so not patient at all.

  “I’ll be boxing Clark Kennedy in Madison Square Garden in two months.”

  “You’re kidding…”

  “Clark is known as the baddest boxer around. He said he wanted his time in the ring with The Great.” Adam tosses his phone on the floor. “This is a dream come true, Mandi.”

  I smile. I’ve always known that one day he would become something great. He’s always been motivated to do so and surrounded by loving people to help him. “I’m so proud of you, Adam. I’m like speechless right now.”

  “Me, too. I don’t know what to think. It’s like I’m dreaming right now. I can’t believe in two months I’ll be in the ring with one of the best boxers of this day.”

  “No one can defeat The Great,” I say, making him laugh, that beautiful melody I love so much.

  “I told them we would meet them at Mickey’s Bar tonight to celebrate. You up for coming?”

  “Adam, of course I am. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. This is a big deal for you. I can’t express how proud I am. Win or lose, you are The Great.” He kisses my forehead lightly. “You’re amazing. You know that?”

  “Just for you.” He winks.

  “I gotta call my family and tell them the good news. Maybe Ivy will want to go out to celebrate with us tonight.”

  “Babe…” I say before he can walk out of the room.

  “What?”

  “You’re still naked.”

  Our laughter ripples through the bedroom. “I should probably put some clothes on before I speak to my mother. That’s awkward.”

  He grabs his clothes and makes his way to the bathroom. I watch as his tight ass sways back and forth. I’m so ready for round two.

  ***

  I put on my nicest navy blue dress and matching heels. I want to look beautiful tonight, to celebrate my man’s career-changing news. I can’t stress enough how proud I am of him. I think back to the old days, when we were in high school and best friends. He was only a wrestler for our school. Now look at him. Adam “The Great” Wilson is a professional, undefeated boxer with numerous fans in his corner. It doesn’t get any better than that. His dream is finally coming together nicely.

  Hand in hand, Adam and I walk to Mickey’s. We walk on the sidewalk, enjoying the Chicago breeze. Purple and pink flowers border a patch of grass up ahead. They’re glorious. I watch the trees sway in the night wind, their branches whispering. A teenage couple walks by, reminding me of my high school days, back when it was James and me, and I deeply wished it was Adam and me, instead.

  The boy kisses her cheek, their hands entangled together. She giggles as her eyes fall to the ground. She looks shy. It’s adorable.

  My heel catches on a pebble, sending my ankle sideways. Adam has fast reflexes and catches me just before I hit the ground. “Be careful in those things.”

  I laugh. “I’m such a klutz sometimes.”

  We walk into the bar. Ivy, Prince, Jimmy, and Eddie have found a table and are already drinking.

  I smile at Adam as we walk over, all eyes on him.

  “The man of the hour is here!” Prince jumps up, hugs Adam, and slaps him on the back.

  Jimmy isn’t too far behind him. “Madison Square Garden, man!”

  Eddie pushes the others out of his way. “I knew you could do it, Adam. Clark doesn’t know what’s coming to him.”

  Eddie and Adam hug. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “Adam ‘The Great’ Wilson at Madison Square Garden. I can see your name in lights already.”

  We all laugh, excited for Adam and this advancement in his career. This is a huge step for not only him but his entourage, as well.

  “Look what we have here, Miss Mandi Gale. How are you doing?” Prince hugs me and puts a kiss on my cheek. “You look beautiful. Adam is one lucky dude.”

  “I know,” Adam says, wrapping his arm around my waist.

  He’s jealous, I think. He doesn’t want any man near his girl. Adam looks cute when he’s all jealous.

  “Let me get everyone a drink. Any preference?” I ask.

  “I want a strawberry daiquiri,” Ivy says. Of course she does.

  “A pitcher of beer for you boys?” I ask with a smile.

  “You read our mind, babe.” Adam kisses me before I walk away.

  I walk behind the bar and find Mickey sitting down, resting. “Are you okay, Mick?”

  “Dear, you know me, I’m a trooper. I’ll be fine. Just needed a break. How are you doing? I see you’re with a man.”

  I feel bad that I haven’t been to visit Mickey since I’ve been so caught up with my novel and Adam. Mick doesn’t even know about him yet.

  “Adam and I were best friends in high school. I might’ve told you about him before.” I get a glass and make Ivy’s strawberry daiquiri.

  “Oh, you might’ve, but I’m old. Refresh my memory.”

  “Well, he came into the bar the last time I was here. We hadn’t seen each other in ten years.”

  “Are you two lovebirds together yet?” he asks with a smirk. Mick’s been wanting me to find a good man and settle down.

  “Yes, we are. He’s a professional boxer.”

  “Boxer? What’s his name?”

  “They call him The Great.” I fill up the pitcher with beer and get some glasses, puttin
g everything on a tray.

  “That’s Adam ‘The Great’ Wilson? Didn’t he have a match yesterday with a knockout within minutes?” Mickey asks.

  “That’s him. He has a match at Madison Square Garden in two months. He’ll be fighting Clark Kennedy.”

  “That’s great, dear. I’ll be lounging in my chair, watching it.”

  “Team Wilson, right?” I smile, winking at him.

  “Of course, darling.”

  I pick up the tray of drinks. “If you need anything, just holler. I’ll be right over there.” I point to our table.

  “Go have a good time.”

  I smile and make my way back to the table. “Drinks!”

  “The lady brings us goodies,” Prince jokes.

  “Let’s get drunk,” Ivy says.

  ***

  When I get home, I’m drunk. Adam instantly passes out in the bedroom. I crawl out of bed and head out into the living room to my desk. I open my laptop and start to write. Time to drunk write! This should be exciting…

  ***

  I wipe down every table in the café. Carrie is in the back office going over bills and paperwork. Tommy is in the kitchen making himself food. The café has no one in it. It’s completely dead.

  The bell dings above the front door.

  “Welcome to Carrie’s Café. Take a seat anywhere and I’ll be right with you.”

  I finish wiping down the last table, take out my pen and notepad, and make my way to the customer. When I see who it is, I’m in shock. Every emotion floods through my body at the same time.

  “What can I get for you?” I ask.

  “Stop acting like you’re not mad at me. Let me explain,” Mark says, holding out a red rose. “For you.”

  “You could’ve explained before you left without any explanation.” I walk away. “And keep the rose!” I yell back.

  Mark’s footsteps come closer to me. He grabs my hand and turns me around. “Lauren, I was at the hospital.”

  “What?” I’m shocked.

  “My drummer overdosed, and I had to run to the hospital. I wanted to wake you up, but you looked so peaceful and beautiful while you were asleep, and I was in too much of a hurry.”

  Tears fill my eyes. This whole time I thought it was something I’d said or done, but I was wrong, and now I feel so awful. “I’m so sorry, Mark. I didn’t know.”