Always Beautiful (3 page)

Being a healer for people, or someone that they could communicate with in times of trouble, or that person that had to help discover what was wrong came easily to me. You can’t cure all diseases and sometimes you have no way of knowing what the diagnosis will be, but I wanted to do my part to help. I had already spent four years in school and though it was rough at times and downright exhausting, I knew that I would be that much closer to my ultimate goal. I wasn’t sure what would become of me in the next few years, but I was excited to start this next chapter.

I would be around twenty-five or twenty-six when I could officially start my career and though most people I knew talked about being married or having kids by then, I wasn’t too keen on the idea. Truth be told, I hadn’t really given it much thought as I was wrapped up in creating a career for myself. At this point in my life, I was just learning, just growing up and fully comprehending adulthood. I was in no hurry to rush things along and tie myself down.

There were a few guys that I dated in high school and one boyfriend my sophomore year of college, but it just wasn’t in the cards to last more than the year. Jeremy was a great guy and majored in communications. He wanted to dive into the world of Public Relations. We got along really well. He was sweet and funny, but he was a horrible kisser and had no interest whatsoever in cars or anything involving getting dirty. We mutually decided to put an end to the relationship, and I focused on only school after that.

Twenty one years old, a virgin, and having only kissed three guys, I wasn’t your typical girl now-a-days. My best friend Hannah on the other hand had loads more experience in that department. She would call me up and tell me about all her dates and flings and wild times at parties. Who was I to judge how she chose to live her college years? Honestly most of her stories were quite entertaining and made me grateful for choosing to not go down that road. Now that she was with Josh, she had calmed down quite a bit. I knew she was head over heels by the way she talked about him. I couldn’t be happier for my friend.

There were times I did think about what it might be like to have that one person that you knew you could always count on. That person that you trusted, that you told your greatest fears and deepest desires to. I knew that being in love was something that I definitely wanted, but I was also patient. My mentality was that life would bring me someone when the timing was right. I didn’t have the time to search and if I was being honest, the thought terrified me somewhat too. My parents had been together for twenty five years, but Dixon’s parents were divorced and so were Hannah’s. The “D” word was something I didn’t want anywhere close to my radar and keeping to myself kept heartbreak from happening.

My phone began to vibrate and play Hannah’s ringtone, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Hey chick!” I answered. “Hey Lucky, what are you up to?” She asked. “Not much, just hanging at the house. I got all those calls done for Dixon.” I announced. “Well good, because we are headed to pick you up to head to the warehouse for the fights.” “I can drive myself.” I protested, but Hannah immediately cut me off. “Dixon texted Josh and said you would probably have a hell of a time finding it. We’re coming to get you. Besides, I haven’t physically seen you since Wednesday and I miss your face.” I smiled. “I miss yours more.” “Be there in thirty minutes. Put something cute on!”

I glanced down at my jean shorts and t-shirt. “Why do I need to be cute at a fight?” I wondered. I thought the dress code would be pretty basic. “There are a ton of eligible bachelors who are hot and full of testosterone. Trust me, you want to look good.” She replied. I shook my head. “I’m not looking to hook up Hannah.” “If it happens, it happens, Lucky. Just get pretty and we’ll see you soon!” I was about to argue with her but she hung up. Letting out a sigh, I stood and carried my plate to the sink.

Heading to the bathroom, I touched up my makeup, adding some black liner and blush, as well as a pink, tinted gloss. I had no clue as to what to wear to a fight since it was my first time, but I figured comfortable shoes and jeans were in order. Whether there was sitting or standing, I didn’t feel like rocking heels and a dress. It seemed a bit much for the occasion. I wasn’t as fashion forward as Hannah, but I kept up on trends enough to look decent. I decided on a pair of dark skinny jeans, my ankle-high, flat motorcycle boots, and a billowy black tank top. It was casual yet cute and I liked it. I didn’t care what anyone else thought of me.

It was just after six o’clock, and I shot Dixon a text, letting him know that I would be arriving with Hannah and Josh. I figured I could just GPS my way to the warehouse or at the very least get step by step directions, but I was relieved to not have to worry about it now. I’d have no choice but to get used to the streets in this city and find my way eventually. I’d rather not do it late at night or by myself. True to Hannah’s word, I heard Josh’s car pull into the driveway almost exactly thirty minutes later. I grabbed my purse and tried to ignore the nerves that began to take over in my stomach.

This was new territory for me. Not only was underground fighting illegal, but I had never seen it before. I wasn’t sure what to expect. The only thing I kept thinking was that it was somehow like the WWE wrestling that I’d seen on cable. Not that I was sheltered and didn’t take part in my fair share of underage drinking and partying, but this was a whole new ball game. I just hoped I wouldn’t be arrested or hit on by some sweaty guy in spandex and pleather boots.

“Here goes nothing.” I muttered to myself as I opened the front door.

Chapter 2

~June 2012~

“You look good girl!” Hannah complimented as she pulled me in for a gigantic hug. “Thanks. So do you.” I took in my best friend’s appearance. I was always envious of her strawberry blonde hair and splattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her skin was so pure and flawless. Hannah wore a denim jacket over a short black dress. Her feet were clad with a pair of purple Converse shoes.

“Are you excited for tonight?” Hannah asked as I got in the back seat of Josh’s new Dodge Charger. I shrugged. “I’m not sure what to expect really.” I confessed. “Is it like a wrestling match?” Hannah started laughing and Josh arched a brow at me in the rearview mirror. “What?” I asked. “It’s not like wrestling at all Lucky.” Josh answered. “It’s fighting, throwing fists, no gloves, no padding, and no cage.” My eyes went wide and I looked between Hannah and Josh. “Why would someone want to do that?” I was sure I sounded totally naïve, but the thought of fighting with someone for sport, without any protection, didn’t appeal to me. I wasn’t entirely sure why it would appeal to
anyone
for that matter.

“It’s a good way to blow off steam and the money is decent.” Josh explained. “Wouldn’t you be worried about your face?” I asked. Josh shrugged. “That’s why you try like hell not to lose.” Hannah turned around in her seat to look at me. “It’s an adrenaline rush just watching it. I can’t imagine how it would feel to actually fight.” She said. I cocked a brow at her. “Are you thinking of trying it?” I wondered. She immediately began shaking her head as Josh mumbled, “Fuck no.” “I’m not stupid Lucky. I’d probably get killed in there by some giant girl. I’m just saying that it’s fun to watch. Don’t turn into a pansy on me.” She said with a knowing look.

“I’m not a pansy.” I said as I glared at her. “I can handle it, I was just a little taken back by the fact there is no protection.” Hannah nodded. “Well it’s not really legal, so why worry about padding and gloves?” “Good point.” I mumbled. I thought about Zeppelin fighting. Was he good enough to win? I had never seen Gregory Timbers, so I wasn’t sure what to think. “Are you betting?” I asked Hannah. “Hell yeah, it’s supposed to be a good fight. Josh said that Zeppelin and Gregory have a history and it isn’t pleasant.” “Who do you want to win?” I looked at Josh as I asked my question. I don’t know why, but I suddenly hoped that they would bet Zeppelin to win.

“Zeppelin and I are buds. We used to train together for fights before he left a few years ago. I haven’t seen him fight in a while, but I’m sure he will cream Gregory.” he replied. I nodded. “Cool.” The car fell to a comfortable silence as we headed toward Old Town. After a while Hannah started talking about an apartment that was available near where her and Josh lived. It was just after seven when we arrived at what I assumed was the place where the fight would be held.

Josh pulled into an alley behind an old looking building and parked in a back lot. I saw Dixon’s truck parked there as well as Zeppelin’s GTO and another car. We got out and I stood beside Hannah. “Is that the place?” I asked, pointing to the building behind us. “Yep, they hold the fights in the basement where no one can hear the chaos. We go in through the back door in the alley.” Josh got on his phone and appeared to be texting. He looked up at us after and said, “Dixon will come open the door for us.”

I walked beside Hannah as we followed Josh through the alley toward an unmarked black door with no handle. A few minutes later, Dixon opened the door and ushered us in. Stale air and dust assaulted my senses as soon as I entered the warehouse. The main floor that we were on had a large concrete floor to the right of us. There appeared to be a pile of old shelving and a few desks pushed back in the corner.

“Thanks for picking up Lucky.” Dixon said to Josh as he slapped him on the shoulder. “No problem man.” “There’s a big turn-out expected tonight.” Dixon glanced at me. “Thanks for making calls.” “You’re welcome. Glad I could help.” I replied. “You guys can head downstairs. I’ve got to wait for Matt to get here. He should be here any minute.” Hannah locked her arm with mine. “I’ll give Lucky the grand tour. You boys hang out.” She said. Dixon and Josh both looked at her and then shrugged. “Come on Lucky.” She led me toward the back of the room toward another door.

On the other side of the door was a long hallway with muted light. It gave me an eerie feeling and was colder than where we had been. “Is this how we get to the basement?” I asked Hannah with an unsteady voice. “Yeah, are you scared?” She teased. I rolled my eyes. “This place gives me the creeps.” I stated. “It is a little ominous. It’s brighter downstairs. Come on.” She urged as she gripped my hand and pulled me down the hall.

I trailed behind Hannah and repressed my urge to head back the way we had come. At the end of the hall were three different doors. “These two are old offices.” Hannah specified, pointing to each door on the left and right of us. I nodded. “What
was
this place?” I asked. Hannah shrugged. “I’m not sure. I think it used to be some sort of factory or something.”

She opened up the door in front of us, revealing a long set of stairs heading down. I could see brighter light at the bottom and instantly felt some tension release from my body. I’ll admit it. I was terrified of the dark. “Watch your step Lucky. These stairs are kind of steep.” Hannah extended her arm in front of her, motioning for me to go first. I reached out for the cool, copper railing and held it as I descended the steps. I could hear “Wait and Bleed” by Slipknot playing from a stereo somewhere beyond the steps. It was definitely brighter in the basement.

My eyes adjusted to the lighting and I took in the wide area of the basement. The floor was made of cement and there was a series of concrete beams on either side of the room. It was completely open. To my left was a row of folding chairs and a table with the stereo I was hearing atop it. I noticed a large black, painted square on the floor in the middle of the room. There was movement to the left of me and when I glanced over, I saw Zeppelin. He was sitting in a folding chair and getting his hand wrapped up by a guy I recognized as Tucker who was one of Dixon’s friends that I had met this past week. They were talking, but I couldn’t hear the conversation over the music.

Hannah nudged my shoulder and caught my gaze. “Let’s go say hi.” She said cheerily. As we approached, Zeppelin and Tucker both looked up. “Hey girls!” Tucker greeted. “Hey.” I replied with a small smile. My gaze wandered to Zeppelin. His blue eyes were just lifting to meet mine. “Hey angel.” He smirked. What was with that name? I didn’t understand at all why he chose to call me angel. I wondered if he called all girls that. Judging by his certifiable bad boy good looks, I was sure he had a lot of female attention.

Hannah looked between Zeppelin and me. “You’ve met each other?” She asked me. I nodded. “We met last night.” I stated. “Right before she kicked me out of her bed.” Zeppelin added with a wide grin and a wink at me. Hannah’s mouth dropped open and she stared at me. I rolled my eyes and narrowed them at Zeppelin before turning to my best friend. “It’s not how it sounds at all.” My voice laced with irritation. I knew what she was thinking now. That I had almost hooked up with Zeppelin and failed to tell her.

I heard Zeppelin chuckle and I shook my head. “I was asleep on the couch last night and Dixon brought him home. He said that Zeppelin could stay in my room. I ended up waking up in the middle of the night and went into my room to find him asleep in my bed.” Hannah closed her mouth and a slow smile crept across her painted red lips. “Oh.” She said simply. I saw the sparkle in her green eyes as she turned back to Zeppelin. “I’m Hannah Dyer.” She stuck her hand out to shake Zeppelin’s free one. “It’s nice to meet you Hannah.” He smiled. “That’s Josh’s girl.” Tucker added. Zeppelin nodded. “He said you were pretty but I think that’s an understatement.” He winked at her.

Hannah giggled. “Aren’t you a charmer?” She flirted back. Yeah, clearly this guy knew how to work the ladies. I heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs and turned to see Dixon and Josh with Matt trailing behind them. Josh stepped behind Hannah and wrapped his muscled arms around her tiny frame, pulling her into him. “I see you’ve met my girl.” Josh spoke to Zeppelin. “Yeah,” He responded. “You ready for the fight tonight?” He asked him. “I think so. It’s been awhile, but I’m pretty sure I can handle Gregory.” “Where is that fucker anyway?” Matt jumped into the conversation. “He’s on his way. I just got a text from him.” Dixon answered. “Well, I’ve got to get to the door before people start showing up. Tucker, are you ready man?” Matt asked. “Zeppelin needs his other hand wrapped.” “Dude, it’s almost seven-thirty. I need you to man the door with me.” Matt complained.