That same evening, Eddie’s at home, hoping Maisie didn’t hear anything on the radio. He still feels unsure about talking to her about the upcoming fight. He doesn’t want her finding out from the radio or other people, but he’s scared of how to have that conversation.

  Her smiles at the table while they feed little Theo and their pleasant late-night chats make him believe she hasn’t found out yet. Or maybe she’s decided to support him no matter what he chooses to do. That’s what matters most to him.

  But the morning greets him like a furious summer storm. Theo’s asleep, and Eddie’s jolted awake by something hard hitting his chest. He bolts up in bed, heart pounding. Maisie’s standing beside him, and her phone’s resting on his chest. Eddie picks it up.

  "The big star with a radio interview."

  "Maisie. I had to. Rex dragged me there."

  "When were you planning to tell me?"

  Eddie gets up so they don’t wake Theo and heads to the other room. Maisie’s already there.

  "You’ve been quiet with me for at least three days. I was sure you knew. What’s there to tell you? I took the fight, signed the contract, and…"

  "And started going on media. Even talking about me. And Theo. What’s the little guy ever done to you? He’s supposed to see you as a hero? No, Eddie. He’ll see you as the loser whose dad gets beat up for money."

  Eddie doesn’t agree with that last part at all, but she’s too worked up for him to argue. He lets her unleash like a tsunami. He’s lucky Theo’s asleep, and she’s still keeping her voice in check.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  "Don’t think I’ve forgotten. If I see you in that ring, we’re done."

  He’s heard this before. And it somewhat calms him. Maisie didn’t leave when he started training, didn’t leave after he signed, and she’s still here even after the interview. Everything else is just threats. For now, at least.

  "When’s the fight?"

  "Four days till the weigh-in, then I fight the next day."

  She doesn’t reply, lifts her nose, and heads to the kitchen. The place where she always seems calmest.

  Eddie sits down, unsure what to do. In an hour, he’s got training, which saves him a little. Right now, he’d rather run thousands of kilometers than talk to Maisie about his fight with Rory Flint. But this remaining hour feels like years.

  "Is there a chance we don’t fight about this and you support me?" He’s back with her again, speaking softly. He doesn’t mind begging or being sweet with her. Anything, as long as she really stands by him.

  Maisie doesn’t answer at first, then looks up at him. She seems to have given up. Or maybe she’s just calm.

  "I’ve told you, Eddie. I love you, but there are lines we can’t cross. There’s nothing more to talk about. I’ve told you what I think; you do what you think is best for you."

  "And for you guys." Eddie still tries.

  "No, Eddie. For you. For you. We’ve got money. This doesn’t get us anything. Nothing."

  "It does, Maisie. It brings me happiness. I haven’t felt this alive since my last fight. It’s nothing like working at Cork’s."

  "Didn’t you say boxing wasn’t for you anymore? You said that less than a year ago. We agreed you wouldn’t step in the ring again."

  "I’m just training." Eddie tries to dodge again, knowing full well it’s pathetic.

  "Yeah. That’s why we’re still here. But if I see you in the ring…" She stops and keeps doing what calms her best—cooking. The same way boxing works for him. Except he understands her, and she doesn’t understand him.

  He’s glad it’s time for training. He really feels better there.