Counting (UFC AU Michael Bisping x OC)

Ch.3 Friday Night in London

Mia

  The weigh-in went more or less smoothly, and I again was not assigned to Michael. Probably a good idea considering the events of last night. I went to the O2 to do some work for ESPN, spoke to Jason Parillo, Michael’s coach about his game plan and how he felt Michael was doing in preparation for the Spider.
  “Tell everyone watching at home, Jason, how confident is Bisping leading into this fight?”
  “He’s very confident. We’ve been saying for a long time that Michael’s style is well suited to face Anderson. The Vale Tudo grit and the calmer, collected energy he’s got in his boxing has become an absolutely lethal combination for him. We’re excited about this fight, and he’s doing great. Enjoying a good meal tonight after weigh ins.”
  “I’ve always been impressed with his conditioning going into a fight. Even when he fought at Light Heavyweight, we rarely saw Bisping gassed.”
  “That’s all Michael. He’s got a crazy low resting heart rate. The man is a natural athlete and would excel in most sports just because of his natural athleticism. But he’s a fighter through and through. He runs three, four miles every day, and he’s been making huge strides with us at RVCA.” Jason praises his fighter. It’s so obvious to me how much Parillo loves Michael, and cares about him.
  “One last question, Jason. If Michael wins on Saturday night, how soon do you think we could expect him to get a title shot?” I ask.
  “He’s overdue. He’s a hard worker. He’s put in the time. And now he’s ready for it. I think tomorrow night will prove it.” Jason gives me a thumbs up after the cameras stop rolling and I smile, unplugging my microphone and handing it to an attendant. I’m passed a bottle of water and a slip of paper.
  “Thank you for your passion, Coach Parillo.” I say formally, reading the paper. It’s a note from Luke in his neat, blocky text. It just says “Meet me in the lobby.” And has a very bad drawing of two pint glasses with foamy beer drawn on the side. I fold the slip and pocket it.
  “Glad to do it. Question for you now, Mia.” Jason makes eye contact and I turn, giving him my full attention. “Michael’s a good man. Are you going to do right by him?” Asks Jason. “He’s been through a lot with his family and his ex-girlfriend. Is your son Michael’s?”
  “To answer your question simply, Coach Parillo, yes… to everything. And Lucas is definitely Michael’s. He’s the only man I was with between my last fight’s test and the last fight I had that I had to pull out of because I found out I was pregnant.”
  “So… why wait so long to tell him?”
  “It’s… complicated. I didn’t want to make things difficult for him. He was growing a career and I’d just opened my gym when I found out I was pregnant. I just… started working. I built my gym from the ground up so I could provide for my son. I made it through Strikeforce and the UFC with my son by my side and… I didn’t want Michael to feel obligated to me. It was my choice that night and my choice to keep Lucas.” It feels so strange to open up so completely to someone I’d just met. But Jason seems like a good sort, the kind of person who looked after his fighters and took care of their problems where he could. He wants Michael to be happy, and I can hardly blame him.
  “He’s already got you in his head, Mia… it isn’t your fault though. He suspected that he’s Lucas’s father, and honestly, I think he’s thrilled. It’s his business but… his ex has custody of his older children and he doesn’t get to see them much. He’s a very loving Father and he wants to give them everything. He’s going to adore Lucas.”
  “Like I said, I’ve never been after the money or the fame.” I say. Jason nods his agreement.
  “You went for Michael when all he had were his looks.” He chuckles. I smile, fist-bumping Jason as I turn to leave.
  “Thanks again, Coach Parillo. I’d love to get together to train some time. I have some holes in my boxing that my striking coach can’t sort out.” I admit. I regretted not being there while Carlos was holding down LaRue. He was an excellent striker. Jason nods his agreement.
  “I’ll make Michael invite you out to RVCA. We’ll do some work.” Jason confirms.