Page 46 of Sucker Punch Drunk Love

“I know, it’s just…remember that she can’t have nut anything. No alternatives to dairy, no coconut milk, or almond. To be on the safe side, I don’t even like her eating certain spices?—”

“Ma, you act like I ain’t never did this before.”

“I know you have, I’m just making sure. I know having a small kid back in the house is a big adjustment.”

“Well, I’d rather her be with me, than her father. I wish I could say he’s doing good, but he’s only ever doing better when he’s living with a woman. And I’d rather be taking care of an actual kid, than a grown man baby.”

“Is he okay?” Not sure I should care. He was her father, but I just couldn’t stand the sight of him for the last twelve months.

“He’s his regular self. Not really working, but got a roof over his head. By the way, I know you do this shit for a living, but is fighting really that stable?”

“No, but I have areallygood trainer who’s managing me too, and he really knows his stuff. I used to get two hundred dollars if I’m lucky for a fight. Now I’m making two grand or more.”

“But what if something happens to you in the ring?”

“Cage. Ring is when it’s for boxers,” I corrected. “But I just need a few more good fights and maybe we can revisit that talk about if and when Mónica could come live with me again.”

“Mama, I see your efforts. Especially because Kelvin isn’t even trying. But just focus onyou. Mónica has a guaranteed roof over her head, food in her mouth, clothes on her back and that’s not changing. I want you to have those things. Because you can’t give them to her, until you can guarantee it for yourself.”

***

Me: On my way home.

Texting Josue on the way home. After returning the rental, I followed it with a train ride, eager to sleep in my own bed. Or at least wherever Josue wanted to sleep. Time with Mónica had been fun, but if that was going to be my every day, I needed both the money and the preparation to make it happen.

I had a lot on my mind, and I wasn’t sure what would distract me better, a grueling session or a really good fuck. Hopping off the train, realizing I didn’t really have time to myself to go out and get cool things like designer sporting gear, I bussed it downtown to a luxury sporting goods store. I was still the new kid on the block, but I’d always wanted something that felt more like me when I trained. Especially because I was winning, and you couldn’t make fun of someone wearing something cutesy when they were actually winning.

It was still pretty expensive, but in the clearance section, the Hello Kitty headgear under the Winning brand was still available, as when they did collaborations, they were priced out of my comfort zone.

I just wanted something that felt more me, as I didn't even need to try it on, I knew I wanted it. There just hadn’t been that expectation someone would offer to pay for it when I got to the register. I had had enough of men trying to talk to me to last a lifetime today, so when he insisted with, “Put it on my account,” to the cashier, I had to find a polite way to decline.

“No, it’s okay. I’m sure I have enough to cover it?—”

“We haven't officially met. The name’s Vega.” And then the familiarity started to come. Handsome if you like that pretty boy kind of look. Clear indigenous heritage, but could still be mistaken for white, depending on the country and accent. Thiswas the man who gave Josue his final fight. This was Sebastian Vega.

“Nice to formally meet,” I held my hand out, took in the gesture, but not feeling very into it. “Sierra Medina?—”

“Trust me, I know who you are. I've been watching your fights. Mendez has got a good one when it comes to you,” he observed.

“He took me in. I do the work, it pays off. Nothing really to it than that,” I dismissed.

“Looking to put that hard work to the test?” he challenged.

He was definitely trying to lure me in to something somehow… “I don't know. My trainer usually handles this stuff. It'd probably be best to talk to him.”

“Medina,” which didn't sound nearly as endearing coming from him. “I've got a girl who matches your energy. You've probably heard of her, Teresa DaCosta?”

The thing was, I had heard of her. She'd been at it two years before me, a couple years older than me, but shehadthe experience. Brazil usually brought out some of the best fighters. With her, it was no different. “I’ve seen her fight billboards in some cities. She holds her own, not sure what that has to do with me?—”

“I’m going to cut to the chase. A match between the two of you would be a good show. Two proteges from two UFC champs.”

This sounded like a bad idea. But what he promised next made it difficult to turn down. “Could probably negotiate a one hundred grand payday. Fifteen grand extra for whoever wins.”

Thatwasa lot of money. For me, lifechanging. “Again, I don’t know?—”

“What if I sweetened the pot? Guaranteed signing bonus of five grand, whether you win or lose.”

Even with a reasonable split, 100k was still a lot of money, but 5k if I lose? A year or two ago, I would have killed to make that kind of money. It felt idiotic turning it down.