Ryder Cane: This is me

Chapter 6

My manager has been phoning me ever since the break of dawn. And he hasn’t stopped. A world-renowned host wants to interview me for their show because of my latest fight in LA. I wasn’t amused with my manager’s decision; I wasn’t a man fond of cameras or talk show hosts. They only want to dig and judge as if they have the right to. I missed out on my morning jog because I had to meet him at his place to discuss the details. I even got a set of questions that are going to be asked and even a set of answers that will be required of me to answer.

         We went over the sets of rules and questions they will be asking. I stopped at the café in town to grab myself a quick lunch when a familiar face caught my attention while paying for my sandwich. “Olivia.” She actually smiled at me when I acknowledged her. Back in junior high, she never acknowledged me and she basically ignored me. “Ryder.” My name rolled off the tip of her tongue. I quirked an eyebrow when she got up from the seat. That beautiful blond goddess with tall toned legs was gone. “You look amazing. I can’t believe it is the same guy that I went to high school with.” She said making her way over to me.

             “You didn’t even know who I was back in school, only when my lunch got knocked out of my hand and you laughed about it.” I thanked the girl behind the counter when she handed me my order. I handed her a tip and took the bag from her. “You still remember me?” She almost sounded hopeful. “Nothing good,” I admitted. “I know now what we did was wrong and we treated you unfairly.” She said and it almost sounded like an apology. But I know it wasn’t sincere. “If I wasn’t this man who I am now, would you have even taken a second look at me?” The look in her eye told me everything that I needed to know. “No, you wouldn’t,” I answered for her.

        “I need to go, take care.” I walked out of the café and not glancing back. I used to be a quiet, stood-back kind of guy back in school but I’ve learned to take lead and not hold back. I got back into my SUV and drove over to my dad’s gym. I handed him a sandwich and we had our lunch together in his office. “So, for how long are you back?” He asked. “Depends.” He quirked an eyebrow at my answer. “If I find anything that is going to keep me here.” I was honest. “Are you thinking of selling that house of yours?” He sounded shocked. “It’s a big empty place, I’m never home and when I’m home. I’m bored to death.” He shook his head.

        “You got that house built from the ground up and you even had someone draw up the house plans according to what you wanted. A private beach, a big ass pool looking over the ocean, and a beautiful patio where we can grill a pair of nice, juicy steaks.” I smiled at my father. “Why don’t you move in, then?” I questioned. “Are you kidding me? I don’t want to be there when you bring a girl home and I’m just next door listening to you two fooling around.” I just shook my head at him. “When last have you seen me bring a girl back to my place? The ones that are interested in me are only interested in the money, I’m cashing in.” My dad gave me a look of compassion.

             I have been waiting patiently for someone who will love me for me. I started to believe that they don’t exist and I’m going to end up like my father. “What about the girl from the other day that kicked your ass?” He asked with a smile playing on his lips. “Uh, she is avoiding me like a plague.” I stood up from the chair after shooting my sandwich wrapper into the dustbin. “First girl to do that.” He chuckled. I shook my head. I’m used to rejection even if it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

          I walked out of my dad’s office and headed over to the locker rooms to change into my workout clothes. I slipped on my training gloves and got in some training to warm up my muscles before I got into the cage to spar with my coach. My dad used to be my personal coach until he wanted me to move on and get myself a professional trainor. I moved around the ring as he called out commandments. I was focused until I caught a glimpse of Alex throwing punches at a boxing bag. A hand knocking me against the side of my face brought me back to reality. “Focus, champ. I’ve never seen you lose control over a pretty girl.” He muttered.

         If he only knew that she isn’t just a pretty girl. “I think you are done for the day.” I nodded at him and exit the cage finding her still punching the bag. Her strikes were perfect, like a trained fighter. Her kicks were high and accurate. I had a feeling that she was hiding more than what she was letting on. But why? I took off my gloves, grabbed a towel to wipe down the sweat from my face, and took a swig from my water bottle before heading over to her. She was making her way back over to the lockers unaware of my presence and for a moment, I hid my smile. “I have a feeling you are avoiding me.”

           Her body jerked and before I could grab a hold of her or even warn her about the kettlebell on the floor, she tripped and went down. “Oh s**t!” I exclaimed, rushing over and crouched down next to her. “Why is it that every time we meet, I end up falling over something and make a fool of myself?’ She asked, covering her eyes with her hands.

         “I would say it is because of my good-looks but then I will be only lying.” I joked, trying to lighten the mood. She removed her hands and actually looked at me with amazement. “Need some help?” I asked holding my hand out to her. Without any hesitation, she placed her hand in mine and let me help her up. She groaned when she got back on her feet, she swayed a bit on her feet. “You okay?” I asked concerned, I placed my hand against the back of her head to feel for a bump.

              “I don’t know if I should focus on my throbbing ankle or my spinning head.” I looked at the floor immediately, remembering the kettlebell. “You tripped over a kettlebell.” Her bored look almost made me crack a smile.

           “A damn kettlebell took me down.” Her pout almost made me reach out and brush my fingertips across her bottom lip.

            Instead, I pushed this feeling aside and behaved like a gentleman. “Probably my fault,” I admitted because it was kind of my fault for surprising her.

            “I’m not avoiding you.” I was startled by her honesty.

I quirked an eyebrow. “You are just a gym junkie?” I asked.

         “Kind of yeah,” She answered.

“Have you ever been inside the ring?” I had to ask. “I had my fair share but for now I’m just trying to stay fit and give the newbies a chance.” Hmm, I wasn't wrong after all. 

          “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised because you almost got me on my ass.” She snickered. “Tony is one hell of a coach. No one forgets what he taught you.” I nodded. “My dad is pretty much the best couch I’ve had.”

            “Wait. Hold up. Tony is your dad?” I watched those beautiful grey of hers widen in confusion. I nodded, pulling up my shoulders. “And he used to coach you?” She questioned with disbelief.

            “My dad is one of the best. He got me into UFC. I’m thankful to have him in my life.”

 “Tony is one of a kind.” I couldn’t agree more.