Best Two Out of Three

Part 6

Thursday, May 28, 2020
Daily's Place – Jacksonville, Florida

Callie marched to the bar, her empty glass in hand. She needed another drink, stat.

She'd had it with Kenny's bullshit. They'd never been the best of friends; even before everything with Alex had blown up, she'd always felt like he only tolerated her because she was with Adam. But now? Now it seemed like he wasn't even trying to hide his disdain, and that didn't sit well with her. Not with her match against Alex in less than a week.

A loud, obnoxious burst of laughter sounded from across the room, drawing Callie from her thoughts. She looked toward the lounge area; Alex and Kris were playing a game of pool against Cash and Dax, and Kris was laughing as Alex tried to distract Cash from making his shot by leaning suggestively over the table. Callie rolled her eyes. Next Wednesday couldn't come fast enough.

"Hey, baby."

Adam came up behind her and placed a hand on the small of her back. She smiled up at him, his touch instantly soothing her. At least they weren't fighting tonight. "Hey, cowboy."

"I saw you talking with Kenny," he said. "Is everything alright?"

Her smile faded. Maybe she'd thought too soon. "Yeah, we were just talking about the match," she said, trying to brush it off. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "What's up with you?"

He pulled her closer and nodded toward the terrace. "Come outside with me. I think we could use some alone time."

She smirked up at him. "Okay. Let me just get another drink."

The bartender fixed Callie another cocktail and Adam took her hand and led her outside onto the terrace. They moved to a spot that gave them some privacy away from the party. Callie gave him a curious look as they sat down. "What brought this on?"

"I just thought we could talk," he said. "We haven't been doing much of that lately."

Callie frowned when he said that. "Yeah; you're right," she regretfully admitted. "Is there something on your mind?"

Adam's eyebrows arched. "A lot, actually," he answered with a rueful grin. "But I just think we need to clear the air. Things have been tense between us lately, and I don't like fighting with you, Cal. I want us to be good again."

He paused and looked down into his nearly empty glass of whiskey. Callie reached over and took his hand again, interlacing their fingers together. Telling him without words that he could tell her anything. So he did.

"I know this whole situation with Alex has been getting to you, and I know you're worried that Kenny and I won't be entirely in your corner next week. And honestly, I can't speak for Kenny. But I want you to know that I have your back one hundred percent. Okay?"

He looked back at her with those blue eyes of his, and there was no possible way that Callie couldn't believe him. She felt terrible for ever doubting him in the first place. "I know you will," she assured. "But if we're being honest... I honestly don't think I want Kenny at ringside next week."

Adam cocked his head at her. "Why not?"

She let out a sigh. "Britt told me that he and Alex used to be... involved. And after everything that's gone on, I just don't think I trust him not to interfere."

Suddenly, Adam tensed. He shifted in his seat. Callie sent him a questioning look. "What?"

He sighed. "Well. There's something I need to tell you. It's kind of the reason I wanted to talk."