Page 47 of The Vow

“You don’t like ‘I’m Too Sexy’?”

“Focus, kid!”

“I was focusing. On Right Said Fred.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Fred who? And right about what?”

“That’s the singer’s name. Right. Said. Fred. He’s too sexy for his shirt.”

Stan laughed so hard, he had to sit down.

“Jesus H. Christ. It’s a gong show in here.”

I’ve seen so much of Cable in the past two weeks that I’ve started to mimic his sarcastic nature. Training paid off. I dropped the extra weight I was carrying, and perfected my uppercut, but all I really cared about was that it would be over soon, and I could spend quality time with Alex.

As I do before every fight, I talked to my mother. She sounded tired, but I didn’t mention it, and I didn’t ask if she was going to Church. A year ago, we had a major winter storm, and ma was forced to pray for me the traditional way – kneeling at her bedside with her rosary beads. After she learned that I won the fight, she said, “See? God is everywhere. But He prefers we visit Him at His house.”

“Knock, knock.”

“Nobody’s home,” Cable grumbled, walking past Alex who had knocked on the doorjamb. Scanning the room, she walked towards where I was sitting.

“What’s the matter with him?”

“Don’t mind him. He’s been grumpy since they cancelled Bonanza. I’m so happy to see you.” Alex stood between my knees and placed her hands on my thighs before kissing me.

“Does it always smell like this in here?”

“Not always. Sucks that it’s today when you’re here.”

She kissed the tip of my nose. “I don’t mind.”

“Did you finish your chapter?”

“Yes, and I can’t wait for you to read it. I changed the part that takes place at the ski resort. I think I’ll keep my characters in the secluded cabin.”

“I liked the resort scene. But you’re the author. And a damn good one.” Alex’s talent has become evident in every word. We transformed the second bedroom into an office, and my favorite time of day is when she’s writing, and I can hear the keys tapping. The sound is akin to the crickets that sing at night when the world is serene, and nothing feels impossible.

“Oh. Nick called. I told him you already left, but he wishes you luck. Plus, he said that when you win, you better pay your bar tab.”

Nick’s kids were sick with the flu. Normally, he’d never miss one of my fights. “He’s been saying that for years. What are you staring at?”

“Hmm? Oh, nothing. Just your sexy abs.”

“You’ve seen my abs, baby.”

“I know, but.. Bow Chica Wow Wow.”

“What does that mean?” It would probably take me a lifetime to understand Alex’s sense of humor.

“You know... sexy adult film music.”

Playfully, I slapped her ass. “You’re hilarious, and brilliant, and you’re the love of my life.”

“Who? This her?”

“Hi,” Alex told Cable. “I’m Alex.”

“How’d a bum like you get a girl like this to like you?”