Women Weaken Legs - A Rocky Balboa Fanfic

Women Weaken Legs

Rocky's Pov

The last couple months have been quite a ride for me 'n' Mick. He's been teaching me everything he knows and I've been real busy trying to absorb it all. I love to stay busy and real physical but I can't help but feel this overwhelming sense that somethins' missin'. Been tryna shake it for months. Tried to talk to Ol' Paulie bout it but he can't seem to comprehend. He says I should feel good, satisfied. I've got a big future and big plans ahead and I'm happy for all that...But I swear I can seem to shake this feeling that somethins' missin'. 

Waking up bright and early this morning. A cool 6 o'clock sleep-in. Feeling great this morning like today has somethin for me. So I scurry around my mess of an apartment trying to get all my ducks in a row, just tryna make a lil something of myself for today. Mick expects me to meet him at the Rosenthal Diner in an hour. He says we need to set a steady plan for what's next to come. You know me, Ive always been a firm believer in wingin it and letting it all happen. It helps me stay true to my faith y'know. Just lettin God guide me and all that.

I take one last handsome look in the mirror, love on Butkus (my very large dog), and I'm outta here. One step out the door and that cold air hits me. I find it familiar, welcoming. I've lived here in Philly my whole life. I know it all like the back of my hand. Two blocks, a sharp left, up three more, hit the bodega on the way there, and light up a pack. Mick doesn't appreciate my smoking habit but I figure if I'm gonna live I'm gonna enjoy life's simple pleasures. I decide to do a little people watching while I wait for Mick outside the Rosenthal's. One of my favorite things about Philly has always been how different everybody is. I think most everybody looks like they're out wandering. Some people really look like they know what they're doing but I've decided in my head that those people are just good at pretending.

Mick finally makes his appearance. We head on in and get seated in a real cushy booth, leather peeling an all that. Feelin real hungry this particular morning. Mouths almost watering at the sight of this off-white coffee stained menu. Rosenthal's might not be the classiest joint but man, do they know breakfast. Mick decides to get right down to business when this absolute looker of a waitress approaches with two of God's most wonderful gifts to this world: hot coffee and a real pretty smile. 

"Good morning gentlemen. My names Rosie. I'll be taking care of you two today. Would ya like some coffee?" Man, she speaks so sweetly. She looks like a real hippie. Her beauty garnished with all these rings and gems. 

"Absolutely! Do birds fly?" Mick speaks so gravely in comparison.

I couldn't mutter out anything other than a dumb "yea"

"I'll give you boys a few moments to look over the menu. Lemme know if you have any questions!!" She sways away so smoothly with a wink. Ouch.

Mick instantly getting right back to the nitty but I cannot help but watch her make her rounds chattin and laughin with her regulars. Mick catches this and grasps my attention back with a few snaps.

"Ya hearin me, kid?? What's da matter witchu? Anyways, get what you want ,kid. Its all on me today." Man, todays really shaping into be something wonderful.

Here she comes swayin on back with that million dollar smile to take our order. I sigh a deep exhale.

"How bout 4 sausage links, 5 eggs over easy, big ol thing of browns, and some toast"  I cannot deny the fact of my hunger. 

"Ooo wow what you preparing for a fight tonight or something?" She says with a chuckle.

"Oh yeah. How'd you know?" I joke back at her.

"I think he's just preparing to run me broke!" counters Mick.

"Ah come on Mick I can pay" I say a little sheepishly.

Mick dismissed the idea with a wave. "We gotta keep ya strong somehow!" 

She goes and hollers back our orders to the kitchen and Mick once again is all business. Only half listening, I watch as Miss Rosie reapplies her lipstick and fill her pots of coffee. 

"You listening kid? Whatchu catching feelings over there?" 

"Yea somethin like that"

"Well get over it, Alright? Women weaken legs." He says quite seriously. I brush him off.

We eat our breakfast all serious and business like. I appreciate Mick for his guidance, but again, if I'm gonna live, I'm gonna enjoy life's simple pleasures while I do it. The food is outstanding as always and im feeling alive. Micks got me all excited for the future. We pay and get up. 

"Wanna walk back to the gym wit me?" asks Mick.

"ah naw I've gotta use the phone real quick. I'll catch ya there pal!"

Mick saunters off without another word. I wait till he's out of sight and approach the diner bar for Miss Rosie. 

"Aye Rose you got a minute?" I holler to her, leaning over the bar.

"I've got a couple few. Why?"

"Well I've been wanting to properly meet ya. Really caught my eye ya know. My names Rocky. Y'know I've been wondering if you wouldn't mind havin my number too much."

"Oh your number? Ah I don't think I would mind too much. I quite like the idea. Nice to meet ya Rocky." She says through her gorgeous smile.

"Well alright then. Say, bout what time do you get outta here?" I can't stop myself from smiling. Sooner or later my cheeks are gonna be sore.

"We close at noon. Why? Ya tryna take me out?" She asked all sly.

"Ah yea somethin like that. I'll come pick ya up okay?" I scribble down my number on a napkin for her. I go to walk out, "See ya at noon, Rose" I holler back at her. 

Y'know, Mick doesn't gotta know.