Page 114 of Pulse
Chapter 35
Ren
I’d never been to a Championship bout at The Underground before, so I wasn’t expecting the buzz to be so off the charts.
The whole place seemed to crackle with excitement. Bets were being placed, the din from the bookies as they screamed their odds over the music, which was at fever pitch.
“It’s somethin’, hey?” Ash said in my ear.
I pressed against him as I watched a group of men place a huge five figure bet on me.
“It’s…epic,” I breathed, my eyes wide as a wad of cash was exchanged, a beefy bouncer watching over the money as the bet was locked in.
Josie pressed into my other side and whistled. “That’s some serious cashola.”
I was glad my best friend had tagged along for moral support, but as of yet there was still no sign of Dad and time was ticking on. There was half an hour to go and still no sign that he was coming. The disappointment must’ve shown on my face because Josie reached for my hand and squeezed.
“He’ll come,” she said. “I gave him the details. He’ll come.”
I smiled weakly. “Sure thing.”
I’d kinda resigned myself to the fact that he wouldn’t be there, but I found myself scanning the crowd anyway and when I saw Hamish, I smiled. The Irish fighter had become a friend in a roundabout way. He was always around, watching out for me and Ash and I was grateful that he gave a shit. Once all this was over, I reckon I should make an effort to know the guy.
He smiled as he saw me through the wall of people and then his eyes lit up as he caught sight of Josie next to me. I never did give him her number after he’d so blatantly asked for it…or mentioned it to Josie for that matter.
“He’s got the hots for you,” I said to her as he approached through the crowd.
“Who?” Josie squeaked, scanning the crowd.
“Hamish.” I nodded toward the fighter as he came closer and Josie smiled.
“I remember that one,” she said, looking him up and down.
Hamish grinned as he came to a stop in front of us.
“Go easy on him,” I said to Josie. “He’s alright.”
I smiled as she walked over to meet him and stifled a laugh as she flicked her blonde hair over her shoulder. Josie worked hard, she deserved a little fun. That’s when I caught sight of someone I’d never thought I’d see in a million years and my heart did a flip in my chest.
Dad.
I think I ran, but I wasn’t sure. I was in his arms a split second later and we hugged.
“I really wanted you to come,” I said, my voice muffed against his neck.
“I know,” he replied. “I know.”
We hugged tightly for a moment before pulling away. I was vaguely aware of Ash standing to one side, one eye on Hamish and Josie by the bar while the other was on me and Dad.
“You’ve been fighting here, in that cage, all this time?” Dad asked, his eyes wide.
I nodded. “Yep.”
