The First Punch [t.h.]

Chapter 2 - Kindling

The few feet of space between everyone becomes stiff as they glance at each other. Matty might as well have a bowl of popcorn to watch everything unfold. He knows SJ can't stand to interact with other boxers and it looks like she'll have to at least be around Tom fairly often. Matty wants SJ to win and keep her head on straight but he can't help but find amusement in SJ's luck.

Mikey doesn't know how to react. He doesn't want Tom anywhere near SJ. Mikey's seen enough boxers and trained with SJ long enough to know he's gonna be hell to beat. Tom being in the same gym might distract her and then there's Harrison. Harrison knows Tom too well and he doesn't want Tom near SJ for the same reasons Mikey doesn't want them around each other.

But, of course, there's Tom. His eyes are a bit wide, not fully expecting to actually run into anyone from the club's basement. Chicago is a big city. What are the odds Arthur would pick this gym, the one SJ trains and works at, for him and Harrison to attend? Not as small as Tom would like. That said, Tom isn't pissed or worried when he sees SJ. He's pleased because to say he didn't want to talk to her, would be a lie. She's exactly his type and he's all for playing with fire.

"SJ, Mikey, this is Harrison and Tom." Maurice gestures to the blond and brunette. "And Matthew." Maurice nods to Matty who gives Tom and Harrison a wide smile and a short wave.

"Nice to meet you." Tom says first moving to the ropes of the ring to shake SJ and Mikey's hands.

Mikey shakes first but SJ narrows her eyes while removing the boxing mits. Her mouth is pressed into a hard line and her teeth grit together in pure annoyance. Tom gains the softest touch of a cocky with the look on SJ's face. It's the one he's received before, the one that says he's real competition. Sure, he saw her fight her first match of the season so he knows she's going to be hard to beat if she lasts that long but he can beat her. So, his hand remains extended and SJ steps forward, shaking it once and pulling her hands back before crossing her arms.

"You, too." SJ mutters.

"You a trainer here?" Tom gestures to the boxing mitts.

SJ scoffs shaking her head. "No."

Tom raises his brows, waiting for more of explanation but SJ just blinks, not wanting to talk to him. Tom sighs and the smile falls. It's not that he thinks he's irresistible or anything like that, but he's not done anything to SJ and she doesn't seem to care for him. He'd be lucky if she gave him the time of day and by the harsh glare on her face, he's lucky she said anything to him at all.

"SJ helps with our computers and machines, mostly." Maurice explains.

Tom quirks a brow. "You do?"

"Someone has to do it." SJ quips.

Tom nods, not wanting to piss her off more he clearly already has. Maurice shakes his head, not surprised by SJ's coldness.

"Don't mind SJ. You get used to her." Maurice says.