One Nights Mistake

Chapter 2

Alan

As I walk out of the restaurant, Crystal's number burning a hole in my pocket, I can't help but feel a sense of victory. I've been obsessed with her since the moment I laid eyes on her. Her face has haunted me, refusing to leave my mind. I need her. I crave her.

I head home, greeted by the soft meowing of my cat, Gucci. I feed her and pet her, but my mind is still on Crystal. I can't focus on anything else.

After a quick stop at the grocery store, I'm back home, my mind racing with thoughts of Crystal. I can't believe her friend gave me her number. I feel like I've won the lottery. But as I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, I'm hit with a harsh reality.

I have no friends, no family. My life is empty, lacking meaning. All I have is my work and, well I guess that's it. But Crystal is different. She's the only one who's ever made me feel something real.

I toss and turn, my mind racing with thoughts of her. I know I'll do whatever it takes to make her mine. I'll stop at nothing.
Gucci meows softly as if sensing my agitation. I reach out to pet her, but my mind is already elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of Crystal.

Unable to shake off the restless energy, I toss off the covers and get out of bed. It's late, but I know I won't be able to sleep. My mind is racing with thoughts of Crystal, and I need to do something to burn off this excess energy.

I head to the boxing ring, the familiar scent of sweat and leather a welcome relaxation from my pent-up frustration. I wrap my hands, slip on my gloves, and start to punch the heavy bag. The rhythmic thud of my fists against the bag is meditative, but my mind is still consumed by Crystal.

As I thrash the bag, I'm mentally rehearsing our upcoming date. What time should I call her? Should I suggest dinner or drinks? What outfit will she wear? The questions swirl in my head like a vortex, refusing to let me focus on anything else.

I pause, wiping the sweat from my brow, and glance at the clock on the wall. It's already past midnight, but I know I won't be able to sleep until I've exhausted myself. I return to the bag, my punches growing more intense as my thoughts become more obsessive.

Crystal, Crystal, Crystal. Her name is a mantra in my mind, driving me to keep pushing myself. I lose myself in the physical exertion, but my mind remains fixated on her. When can I see her again? What will she say when I call her? Will she feel the same spark that I do?

The questions haunt me, fueling my workout as I punch, sweat, and obsess over the woman who has taken over my every waking thought.

As I'm lost in my thoughts, a familiar voice breaks the silence. "Hey, Alan, you good? You seem like a million miles away man." He chuckles whilst leaning on the doorframe

I turn to see Matt, my trainer eyeing m e with concern, but I just give him a cold stare. "I'm fine," I grunt, not bothering to explain. Matt's not deterred, though. "You've been going at that bag like a man possessed. What's driving you?" I shrug, not interested in sharing my thoughts. "None of your business." Matt steps closer, his voice low and encouraging, but I'm not having it.

"Alan, come on. I'm here to help." I cut him off with a dismissive glance. "I don't need your help. I'm good." I pack up my gear, my movements efficient and deliberate. Matt knows better than to push me further. I'm not one to be trifled with, and he's smart enough to keep his distance.

Matt nods, though his eyes still hold a hint of concern. "Alright, man. But remember, I'm always here to listen. You don't have to face whatever it is alone." I nod slightly rolling my eyes, feeling a pang of annoyance.

I wiped the sweat from my brow, the burn in my muscles reminding me that I was still alive and pushing myself. Just as I leaned against the gym wall, Matt approached, looking a bit too casual for my taste.

"So, uh, have you heard about that guy?" he asked, clearly trying to calculate my reaction. "The one who's been threatening to take you down? I hear he's training like crazy for it."

I felt my stomach twist at the mention of this guy. Who the hell is he? I hadn't heard anything about a threat, and now it had me on edge. "No, who the fuck is this guy?" I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

Matt hesitated, looking uncertain. "I don't know much, just that he's serious about it. I figured you'd want to be prepared."

I let out a harsh laugh, shaking my head. "Who does he think he is?" I couldn't help but feel a mix of irritation and amusement at the thought of someone out there believing they could take me down. "What does he think he can do?"

Matt shrugged, trying to keep the conversation light, but I could see the concern in his eyes. "Just wanted to give you a heads-up, man."

"Yeah, well, I don't need it. I have enough on my plate." I pushed the thought of this unknown guy out of my mind, focusing on the weight of Crystal's presence instead. I needed to stay sharp, but the thought of some wannabe fighter gunning for me felt ridiculous.

you'll win a crazy amount of money, man," Matt countered, leaning in a bit. "And the gym will get some recognition if we sponsor it. Please think about it."

I chuckled again, rolling my eyes. "I have enough money. I don't need to risk getting in the ring with some wannabe."

"Just please, think about it," Matt urged, his tone earnest now. "Alright man ill do it."

With that, I finish packing up and head out of the gym, my mind still consumed by thoughts of Crystal. But Matt's words linger, a reminder that pisses me the fuck off so what's so special about this one girl?