Kieran

'You're distracted!' His voice bellowed across the gym. 'Hands up and watch that knee. Come on Kieran.' Following instructions, he hit again at the bag. Truth be told his hands felt like they were were bleeding in his gloves. It had been a long day.

'Okay. Break.' Catching the bag, he leaned forward. 'Let's finish here tonight. Back tomorrow first thing.'

'I have another hour in me.'

'Let's not push it.' Tony looked around the room before lowering his voice. 'And anyways, it's Saturday. Ger has some music on next door. The bartender is a musician apparently. That tight arse wouldn't be paying anything extra.'

The bartender had been the talk of the gym all week. After Ryan's performance last night, I doubt she'd have any interest in talking to any of these fighters.

'I think I'll get an early night instead man.'

'Listen, you need a break. Come over, have a coffee, and head home after an hour. This is our last chance before fight camp man. You better clutch at straws while you have the chance.'

'Alright. Just one drink.'

They walked into an unusually busy bar. For once, it was filled with more than just fighters. He remembered the leaflet he used as a coaster this morning. It wasn't like Ger to go to so much effort to bring in a crowd.

And there she was. Stood at a height her dark long hair was down, and cat-like eyes were darkened with a casual dress.

She's beautiful.

'Come on man. You'll have to get in the ring for her.'

'Nah. You know I'm taking my sports seriously. I don't have time for women's drama. Meaning, handling these jealous males.'

Although truth be told he wouldn't mind having her on his arm.

He sat down with his drink watching the stage. The music hadn't started yet. Ren was plugging things in and out with the help of some guy he hadn't seen before. Something about the guy irked him though. From here, he could tell how condescending he was toward her.

'I think I'll get a pint tonight, man. You're right. It's going to be a long fight camp.'

'Great to have you back Kieran. It's on me.'

'Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen, for coming out tonight. For my first song - a classic.' She said before singing.

'Where it began, I can't begin to knowing.'

He was taken aback by how good she sounded. And raised his eyebrows at Tony, who nodded too.

'Looks like we are in for a treat.'

'Sweet Caroline...' The pub sang along with her by the time she got to the course. Kieran found himself just watching her the entire time. Her confidence when she sang, her energy, and the way she moved the crowd.

It was the first time in the pub's history that everyone was enjoying themselves and there wasn't an argument brewing anywhere. Kierans main reason to avoid staying in Ger's pub was because he hated fighting outside of training. It was exhausting enough.

'I was going to sing you one of my original songs tonight, but I'll save that for next week. Go find it on all stream platforms and support me in getting signed.' She shouted and the crowd cheered.

'Give us another one.' A man shouted at the stage.

'I got you. For my last song of the night... Coming out of my cage. And I've been doing just fine...'

Everyone in the pub cheered and soon were singing along with her... 'open up your evil side, I'm Mr. Brightside.'

The music turned off and Ren returned to the bar. Which coincidentally got very busy. Kieran found his way in the line too. His feet carry him to the top.

That's the girl from the shop.

There was something about her that reminded him of someone too though and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. The line was fast, she was writing down orders and instructing them to sit down.

Unusual for a bar.

'What can I get you?' She asked her blue eyes still shining.

'Just a beer from the tap.' He smiled. She wrote it down. 'You were good tonight. Shame you couldn't stay on a little longer.'

'Thank you. Well, if we get a couple of good nights like these, I might be doing a lot more.' She smiled flattered. 'I'll bring the drinks down.'

Taking the hint, he nodded and went to sit down. Although, his ego was a little bruised.

She might just be worth the fight.

*

Beep, beep, beep.

He rolled over to knock off the alarm missing the snooze twice before it fell off the counter.

His head was pounding, and his mouth felt like sandpaper. The alarm kept ringing and he could hear movement in the room next door.

'Kieran, knock that alarm off before you wake the house!' His Dad shouted. 'And get to training before your late.'

Dragging his body out of bed, he picked up the alarm and switched it off. His stomach rolled. There was no way he was going to take any punches today.

Three, two, one... go.

He stood up, plugged out the alarm, and went downstairs.

After chugging back, a litre of water he was starting to feel better. Although he had to avoid moving his head too much. A quick shower later, he ran into the gym.

'Your late.' Tony had some cheek this morning.

How does he look like he had no drinks last night?

His stomach was still feeling funny.

'Get kitted and let's start.'

It's going to be a long day...