Counting (UFC AU Michael Bisping x OC)

Ch.5 Give it a Try

  London has an excellent Night Life that finds me, Michael, Bruce Buffer, Jason Parillo, Joe Rogan, Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier at dinner with Dana White after the press conference. Michael and I are seated to Dana's right and everyone else is arranged around the table chatting excitedly. Dana leans over to us.

"So lovebirds," Dana teases, sitting back in his chair with a glass of wine. "How do we make this work? Luke was clearly upset and wants to get Michael soon. Mia... are you okay with that?"

"Media response was always going to be to throw me under the bus." I shrug, "I nearly expected it if I'm honest. If drama fills seats in the stadium, I'm good with it. As long as you're okay with constant questions about Luke Rockhold." I glance at Michael.

"It's a cute storyline for one fight." Michael replies, deep into his third or fourth drink for the evening. I am also a few drinks in and feeling good. "But what about the future?"

"Luke's already blown away any facade of secrecy surrounding our relationship." I shrug. I knew it was a possibility in all of this. "We announced that we're together pretty quick, so I think being seen together will do a lot for our public image."

"I trust you, Mia. You've always managed to keep things professional, so keep doing what you do. Michael, take care of this one. I'm kinda fond of her and her kiddo."

"There's probably a reason for that, Dana. Considering you like both of us well enough." Michael pipes up. Dana takes a moment to process what he's said but then his eyes widen.

"But you're one of the only people who knows. Keep it to yourself for the time being." I say. Michael nods his agreement and Dana bobs his head too.

"So you two..?" Dana trails off, waiting for an explanation.

"A one time thing years ago. I got pregnant and I knew he was Michael's but I hadn't even yet become a rising star in Strikeforce and Michael was already a contender in the UFC. I didn't want him to feel like I was trying to trap him." I explain as Dana listens intently. Michael picks at his food and drinks, enjoying the friends and the ambience of the night. "We're gonna give it a try. Lucas should know his father."

"I'm happy for you two." Dana says honestly, "Mia, when are you ready to fight?"

"Whenever you need me. You know I don't cut weight." I reply, leaning back in my chair so I can be closer to Michael. He kisses the top of my head and slides my plate towards me, giving my shoulders a squeeze. Dana turns his attention elsewhere at the table and this allows Michael and I to slip into easier conversations. DC and Jon bust our chops for keeping this all hush hush through the week. Joe gives us an equally hard time and invites us to his studio to record an episode of his podcast for some indeterminate time and date in the future. I accept, though Michael has his reservations. Steaks are ordered and eaten, Dana pays the bill. He flips open his checkbook and writes another check and tears it out. He repeats the action of folding the check number side in and he slides it across the table to land directly in front of me.

"I'm gonna find a fight for you Mia. Consider that your pre-fight bonus." Dana winks, "And you tell Lucas he can sit right next to Uncle Dana for his mom's next fight, alright?"

"Yes sir." I haven't opened the folded check yet, but I saw four zeroes. I pocket the check and we say our goodbyes to the commentary team, our boss, and the few friends who'd pulled up chairs throughout the night. Ubers and Lyfts are called and split. Black cabs and taxis are hailed by all except for Michael and I. We stand together on the sidewalk, hand in hand, richer by the good graces of Dana White, and fabulously alone together at long last.