“Awesome! Flick, I’ll be waiting for you!”
Dames hung up, practically bouncing with excitement.
Felicity shot Harrison a smug look. “Well? Told you I’ve got skills. Your son listens to me now!”
Harrison, ever the cautious one, warned her, “Don’t take him anywhere dangerous”
“Relax! I know what I’m doing. Dames needs to stick with me if he wants to grow into a real man!”
Back at the boxing gym, Selene found the coach already drilling Daph for over half
an hour.
Daph, ponytails bouncing, sported pastel–pink boxing gloves and a determined look. She hammered the punching bag in perfect rhythm; the coach, gripping the bag. braced himself for each blow, sweat pouring off him until he looked like he’d been dunked in a pool.
He gasped, “Still okay? Need a break?”
Daph’s fair skin was untouched by sweat. “I can do a hundred more!” she declared. “One, two, three!”
Her voice rang out, strong and clear
An hour later, the coach collapsed onto the floor, hugging the battered bag, utterly
defeated.
Selene approached, intending to check on her daughter, but what came out was, “Coach, are you alright?”
The coach stared up at the ceiling, eyes glazed. “What do you feed her? Protein powder on the sly?”
Selene chuckled. “No supplements. She just eats simple, healthy meals.”
“Do you think she’s suited to boxing?” Selene asked.
The coach, still sprawled on the ground, lifted two trembling fingers.
“Only a two out of ten?” Selene’s heart sank.
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ཕ་ཕ་་པ་ ཀ་
“No,” he groaned, “give her two more lessons and send her to the city team. There’s nothing left I can teach her!”
That afternoon:
A black custom motorcycle thundered to a stop outside the gym.
Dames sat in front of Felicity, pushing up his helmet’s visor just in time to see Selene and Daph walking out.
Daph, still hyped from her lesson, threw a few playful air punches as they strolled along.
Spotting Dames, she called out. “What are you guys doing here?” Dames asked, confused.
Felicity’s voice dripped with mischief. “Didn’t you know? Your mom cleans at uncle’s gym! Thought you’d want to see her mopping floors.”
your
She’d brought Dames here for that very reason. Unfortunately, they were a little late–Selene had already finished work.
Still, in Felicity’s eyes, Selene looked every bit the exhausted janitor: no makeup, a cheap moisture–wicking shirt and plain pants, hair damp with sweat.
“I only have one uncle–and he’s not just any uncle. Clayton Thompson, CEO of The Thompson Group!” Dames protested hotly.
He was only five, but he already understood that some jobs were better than others, and some relatives more impressive.
“Dames! My uncle’s amazing!” Daph piped up, but Dames shot back before she could finish.
“My grandma says I’m not like you anymore! Daph, you’ve got poor relatives. I don’t!”
He snorted and turned to Felicity, pleading, “Flick, let’s go! I don’t want a mom who cleans floors. It’s embarrassing!”
Felicity’s grin was hidden by her helmet as she revved the bike. “Buckle up! I’m taking you somewhere special for a treat!”
“Dames! That’s so mean!” Daph shouted after them, but Felicity sped off with Dames, leaving her behind.
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Daph whirled back to Selene, worried. “Mom, don’t be upset…”
Selene shook her head. “I’m not upset. Dames is living the life he always wanted.” It was what he’d dreamed of–freedom and indulgence. Someday, he’d understand what that life really cost.
She didn’t have to wait long.
That night, Harrison was jolted awake by pounding on his bedroom door.
“Sir, come quick! The young master’s collapsed!”
