Page 15 of Anton

MARCIE

THAT NIGHT – THE BARE KNUCKLE FIGHT

Walking into Glitz for the first time since my party stirred up memories—some good, others I’d rather forget. Like throwing up everywhere, and then Anton walking away the next morning. That was the last time I’d seen him. I’d been actively avoiding him since, making excuses that I was busy whenever friends invited me somewhere we might cross paths.

After finally admitting it was time to let him go, I’d kept my distance. But it had been so bloody hard. I’d lost count of the nights I cried myself to sleep, wondering why things couldn’t have worked out between us. And now, I was about to see him again for the first time, and I wasn’t sure how I’d make it through the night.

My nerves were frayed as I tugged down the hem of my short black dress—a form-fitting number Claire had bought for my birthday that matched perfectly with the black heeled boots and clutch Derrick and Nick had given me. I’d been saving them for a special occasion, and tonight was the night. Although, when I’d first put them on, I wasn’t quite sure they were the right choice for a bare-knuckle fight. Looking around, though, I was relievedto see that everyone else had dressed up too, and my outfit wasn’t out of place after all.

“Hey!” Claire waved at me from across the room.

I hurried over to where she stood with Luca and a few of our other friends. They broke away from the group and came over to me.

“We’re heading to the bar. Want a drink?” Claire asked.

“Just a coke. I’m driving,” I said, watching as she linked arms with Luca and beamed up at him.

Seeing them so wrapped up in each other sent a pang of sadness through me. I wished I could have what they had. Tears threatened, but I pushed them back, plastering on a smile as I continued towards the rest of my friends.

“Glad you could make it, Marcie,” Miki said, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

His fiancée, Eilidh, did the same, and I smiled at her. “How are you? And how is the bump?”

“About ready to pop, I think. I swear this little one is doing cartwheels in my stomach. I’m not getting much sleep, and I’m always needing to pee, but otherwise, we’re both doing well,” she replied, her hand stroking her baby bump while Miki grinned beside her.

Ash and Gracie came over, each carrying one of the twins.

“Hey, how are you?” I asked, giving them both a kiss on the cheek.

“We’re great, thanks. It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you,” Gracie said, smiling warmly.

“I’m sorry, I’ve just been so busy these past few months,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“Hmm, hmm,” she said, clearly unconvinced. “Well, don’t be a stranger. These little ones need to bond with their auntie Marcie. Especially if you’re going to babysit.” She grinned, and I laughed, loving being called ‘auntie.’ With no siblings of my own,I’d never expected that title, but both Claire and Gracie were as close as sisters to me and I was honoured that Gracie had decided we’d both be ‘aunts’ to her twins.

“And how are these gorgeous bundles of joy?” I smiled at the babies.

“They’re doing great,” Ash chuckled. “Though they’ll be even better once they sleep through the night.”

I made silly faces at the babies. “Hello, little ones, I’m your auntie Marcie, and I can’t wait to babysit you,” I cooed, leaning in to baby talk with each of them.

The little girl’s face scrunched up, and it looked like she was working on something in her nappy. “Although I’m not looking forward to changing nappies,” I chuckled.

“Whoa!” I cried, laughing as her little fist shot out, narrowly missing my face. I guess she didn’t like that.

“Check out that left hook,” Vlad said, as he approached.

“They’re both going to be fighters, that’s for sure,” Ash grinned.

“Good evening, ladies,” Vlad greeted us, nodding at Ash and Miki.

“Evening, Vlad,” we replied in unison.

“Have you placed your bets?” he asked, leaning down to stage-whisper behind his hand. “I have it on good authority that the tall, muscular Russian is bound to win,” he added with a wink.

“I’ve already placed mine on that very contestant,” Gracie laughed.

Vlad’s lips twitched as he nodded his approval.

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