“You have to remember, Felix, your fists are lethal. You’re lucky you didn’t kill the guy.”
That was Cortez’s consolation to Felix when he delivered the news of just how much they’d be settling for. It was either that or go to trial where he’d likely end up doing time and shelling out money to this guy anyway. It was the same thing the guys at 5th Street had reminded Felix of. That he was lucky to have gotten off just having to financially compensate the guy. This could’ve been so much worse.
The bigger consolation had been seeing the guy at the private hearing. It’d been almost two months since the incident, and the swelling and bruising were gone. But there was no hiding the permanent dents. His lawyers argued their client would need extensive reconstructive surgery to fix the damage Felix had done. They could say it until they were blue in the face that it would cost a lot of money to fix their client’s face, but Felix knew just by looking at the guy that no amount of surgery would be fixing the mess he’d made. Maybe they could get it so the guy didn’t resemble Quasimodo so closely, but he’d definitely be living with the scars of what his big mouth had cost him forever. That alone was worth every penny Felix would have to cough up.
The day had ended on a more positive note. He was in to present at the ESPY awards that summer. Rene said it was a step in the right direction. Getting on some of those kinds of respected sports shows was better than the cameo he did on Family Guy a few weeks ago against Rene’s wishes. The only scene he was in he punched a heckling Peter Griffin in the face at a bar. The very next scene Peter was in a convertible, looking like the elephant man in dark shades. But it was funny as shit!
The following day was even more memorable. When he arrived at 5th Street late that afternoon, the first thing he noticed was the cop car parked out in front. It could mean anything. Maybe they’d had some trouble and the police had been dispatched, or it could be a friendly visit as they often got from the L.A.P.D.
What Felix loved most about being in Los Angeles was he could use one of his many cars he kept at his home base. The house he owned in L.A. wasn’t the only one he had, but it was the only one he considered his home. His mother and sister lived just down the hill from him, and though he spent more time at his mom’s place than his own, it was still home. He’d bought both homes just after winning his second title fight. So whenever he was in town, instead of having to rely on a driver to get him around, he had the comfort of driving himself.
He pulled into one of the staff-only parking spaces just near the front entrance of 5th Street. At that point, he was close enough to see the cop walk out the front entrance with a girl. Immediately, he could see it wasn’t any type of situation. She wasn’t handcuffed nor did she seem upset. They stopped at the squad car, and the cop even turned and leaned against it. He smiled as he continued to talk to her. She crossed her arms in front of her and sort of swayed back and forth, talking to the guy with no concern at all.
Felix shoved his keys in his pants’ pocket, smirking. Evidently, the cop was making a social call while still on duty.
Bringing his mind back to today’s schedule, he took a deep breath. It always felt good to be at his old stomping grounds, but this time it felt even better. He’d been through so much shit the past couple of years that he’d been thinking of staying here near family and friends for a while—slow things down like he should’ve done sooner.
It almost felt like cheating. No, it was cheating. Part of his mandated probation included putting in so many hours of volunteer time at any of the approved locations. 5th Street wasn’t exactly on the list since he was part owner, but thanks to his well-paid lawyers, they managed to make some calls and file the necessary paperwork on behalf of 5th Street so that it met the criteria. Now he’d be spending weeks hanging out with his old pals at one of his favorite places ever as “punishment.”
He smirked, feeling a little devious as he walked into the gym. It was almost as busy as it’d been two nights ago when he’d been there signing autographs. The guys had mentioned the last few times he’d been here how the place was always busy nowadays. It didn’t matter what time of day it was.
Nellie was at the front desk, holding a few packages, and looked ready to walk away when she spotted him. “Oh hey,” she said, smiling big. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it in today. This is perfect timing.”
Stopping and leaning at the counter where the young receptionist stared at him wide-eyed and chewed her gum in slow motion, he smiled at her then glanced back at Nellie. “Yeah, what for?”
“To meet Ella. She just stepped outside, but she’ll be right back in.”
Felix nodded, turning toward the front door where Nellie motioned, when it suddenly hit him. “Was that her with the cop?”
“Yes, did you see her?” Felix nodded and Nellie laughed. “She’s not in trouble or anything. He’s just a friend who comes by from time to time to see her.”
Glancing back out the door, Felix could see the girl with the cop was on her way in now. She wasn’t nearly as tiny as she appeared in the photo. Maybe the guy in the padded suit had dwarfed her after all, but she was still petite.
Nellie called out for Ella before she could head in another direction, and she walked over to them. “If you have a moment, I’d like you to meet the other owner of 5th Street, Felix Sanchez.”
Ella smiled pleasantly flashing a bright smile, reminding him of one of the first things he noticed even in her photo—what a nice smile she had. Now he knew why. She had great teeth. Up close, they looked even better, the kind he was used to seeing on supermodels and actresses. The difference was hers weren’t blindingly fake white. And then . . . That’s what had been familiar about her photo the other night. She was the girl he’d seen earlier the night of the earthquake. Ironically, she was the very girl who had popped in his head when Hector made his comment about Ella looking like any of the typical girls you saw at the gym on any given day.
Without hesitation, she held out her hand. “It’s an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Sanchez.” For such a small hand, she had a hardy handshake. “I’m Rafaela Castellano, but everyone calls me Ella.”
“Nice to meet you too, Ella, and please, call me Felix.” She nodded, smiling pleasantly and very confidently once again. “Nellie’s told me all about the self-defense classes you coordinated, and I understand you’re interested in getting something going for breast-cancer awareness.” He wasn’t sure why he was suddenly using his grown-up professional voice, but he continued. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“So do I,” Nellie interjected, looking at him enthusiastically. “I’m already looking into getting things going.” She turned to Ella. “As a matter of fact, and I don’t mean to put you on the spot or anything, but since Felix brought it up . . .” Nellie glanced back at Felix. “I’ve only talked to Abel about this, but he thinks it’s a good idea as well. Ella,” she said, turning back to smile at Ella momentarily then turned back to Felix. “Well, she does so much work here and half the time refuses to get paid for it.” Nellie gave him a look of frustration then went on. “She also works at Starbucks and goes to school part-time. Getting this cancer-awareness program going will take a lot of work, so we were thinking, Abel and I that is, but I’ve no doubt everyone else will agree, that . . .” Now she turned to Ella, who was looking at her as intently as Felix was. Nellie didn’t seem too sure of herself suddenly. “Since I know this program is important to you, and you don’t have to tell me I can count on you to do a good job because I know I can. With the new baby and all, I’d have to look into hiring someone to do most of the work. I just can’t do it all so . . .”
She hesitated and Felix had to laugh. “Will you just spit it out already?”
Laughing nervously, Nellie turned back to Ella with a deep breath. “You don’t have to answer me now. I want you to take a few days to think about it, okay?”
Ella nodded, her expression full of as much anticipation as Felix was suddenly feeling too. Nell
ie continued, “I’d like you to consider working for 5th Street full-time.”
Without giving Ella a chance to even react, Nellie went on to describe what Ella would be in charge of and all the reasons she’d be so good for the job. Among them were her passion and commitment, her ability to work with others, and most notably, how well liked she was by the rest of the staff and all the people who took the self-defense class. She then mentioned the benefits package and free membership all employees got along with a few other perks. It was like a backwards interview. Ella didn’t have to do anything to sell herself. Nellie was the one doing all the selling.
Ella shook her head when Nellie was finally done, apparently dazed by everything Nellie had just dumped on her. She brought her hand to her chest in what appeared to be a loss for words. She glanced at Felix as if maybe just looking at him might help her think of something to say. Felix had nothing for her but a smile. Her eyes were back on Nellie, and for a moment, she looked as if she might become emotional. Then she cleared her throat, lifted her chin, and straightened up. The rapid change of emotions happened in a matter of moments, and Felix couldn’t help but smile even bigger. He’d never seen anything like it.
“I’m so flattered,” she finally said. “I, um . . .” She pressed her lips together, bringing two fingers to them. “I like my job. I do.” She turned to Felix as if trying to convince him too.
Felix nodded in response, surprised how much he was enjoying being witness to this unexpected exchange.
One of her brows lifted, slowly, perfectly as if she’d been doing it her entire life and she had it down pat. “I will think about it for sure. The one thing I don’t like about my job now is how many different places I have to be all the time: here, there, school, home. Then there are”—she caught herself, and Felix didn’t miss the quick side glance she gave him then went on—“well, other non-work or school-related things.”
“Yes, of course,” Nellie agreed quickly. “You’re so young. I’m sure you’d like to have time for your social life.”
That had Ella clearing her throat again. “Yes,” she said softly. “So it would be nice to have one less place to be.”
Nellie smiled, looking very pleased, but Felix could tell she was toning her response down a bit. “So no worries.” Nellie shrugged. “Like I said you don’t have to answer now. Take your time to think about it. Talk to your family about it and, you know”—she motioned to the entrance of the gym—“whoever else and get back to me whenever you can. No rush.”
It took a moment for Felix to figure out what Nellie meant when she motioned at the door; then he realized she was referring to Ella’s cop friend.
“I will.” Ella smiled. “And I truly am flattered about the offer. Thank you.” She turned to Felix. “I have to get back to the class now, but it was very nice to meet you, Mr., uh”—she smiled and for the first time gave way to a timid side—“I mean Felix.”
Felix smiled at her, for some reason suddenly compelled to share something with her. “Nellie mentioned to me when she told me about you wanting to start this breast-cancer awareness program that your mother had lost the battle to the disease.”
Just like earlier when she looked as if she might become emotional then quickly snapped out of it, she did it again. For an instant, Felix regretted bringing it up until the quick series of emotions flashed in her eyes. Surprise, sorrow, and then . . . determination? She nodded, lifting her chin again as she’d done earlier. “Yes, my mom passed when I was seventeen.”
“My aunt—my dad’s sister,” he said, just as professionally and seriously as he had earlier, “was recently diagnosed with it, and even though technically they’re not blood related, it still prompted my mom and sister to get checked as well. It’s very scary.” She stared at him hard but not angrily. The determination was palpable, but determination for what? “Awareness is the key to early detection,” he said. “So it’s very important to get it out there. I admire your efforts.”
He wasn’t just talking about her efforts on this. He’d since given more thought to what she’d done even at such a young age. Meeting her now and this close, he could see just how young she was, and the fact that Nellie sought her out when she was two years younger was insane.
Felix could see now why Hector might think her plain. There was nothing done up about her or anything that really stood out. Her hair was brown and looked about medium length with a slight wave in the ponytail she wore it in. She wore no makeup, but then this was the gym, and a lot, not all but a lot, of girls didn’t wear any when working out. Her eyes were dark like most of the Hispanic girls he knew, and she was a petite girl who could easily blend in fast in a crowd. He’d met plenty like her. Yet just like the other night when he’d first laid eyes on her, there was something refreshingly different about her. Now he had more to add to just the physical aspect of her being refreshingly different. He’d assumed she was shy and withdrawn the other night when he’d smiled at her and she’d quickly turned away.
He’d been completely wrong.
Even after he told her he admired her, she didn’t turn bright pink or avoid eye contact unable to look at him anymore like he thought she might, like most girls did. Instead, she smiled proudly and thanked him, agreeing that awareness was crucial before excusing herself to get back to her class.
“I’ll let you know soon,” she assured Nellie before walking away. “I promise.”
Felix was still a little lost in thought about the young girl who’d surprisingly made such an impression on him, even without having said or done much, when Nellie suddenly gasped.
“Do you think I laid it on too thick? Gads!” She turned to look in the direction Ella was walking, giving Felix a good excuse to follow Ella with his eyes as she made her way through the gym. She may not stand out too much, but looking at her from behind, he thought she did have some nice curves. “If she’d just let us pay her for the work she does around here, I wouldn’t have had to try so hard.”
“You don’t pay her at all?”
“Very little. I mean it’s piddly money, but she won’t take more. She’s afraid if we pay her we’ll have to raise the price on the self-defense classes, which will deter some of the women who would most benefit from taking the classes. Every time I’ve seen how late she’s been here and I try to offer a little overtime, she refuses. Says she’s not in this for the money. She has a job for that.” Nellie sighed. “I really do need her and think she’d be great for handling this project, but I also figure if she takes it I determine her pay and she can’t argue with me.”
Felix still had his eyes fixed on the impressive “Mighty Little Ms. Ella.” He remembered something else Hector had said the other day, aside from noting that Ella was plain-looking. Ella was right around the age group of his most fervent female fans. They were an eager bunch at times, bordering on the annoying because some were young enough to land his ass in jail if he gave into them. Yet that seemed to be the furthest thing on Ella’s mind.
For someone Hector considered typical, she hadn’t done even one of the flirtatious things he was so used to from girls: the fluttering lashes, nervous laughs, or even the twirling of her hair in her fingers. She’d looked Felix square in the eyes without losing her poise even for a second. Well, there was that moment he’d brought up her mother dying, but he was sure that had nothing to do with him, more so the unexpected reminder of the harsh reality.
Still, another reality, after meeting her now and being so completely impressed, was really sinking in. Even two years ago when he imagined she was far less mature, she hadn’t bothered to try and meet him. Just like two days ago when she’d ducked out, knowing Nellie was bringing him over to meet her. Abel had been right. Clearly, she had more important things on her list of priorities. Felix frowned, remembering her cop friend. Maybe the answer was that simple. A respectable girl like Ella seemed to be wouldn’t be going out of her way to meet another guy—famous or not—if she was already in a relationship.
&
nbsp; Felix continued to watch her until she disappeared into the ladies’ room. Regardless of what the reason had been that it took him this long to meet her, she was a different one. That was for sure.
Chapter 4
Ella
The moment she closed the bathroom stall door, Ella turned around and leaned against it, bringing one hand over her eyes and the other over her chest. She may’ve mastered having control over many things throughout the years, but one thing she’d never have any control of was her heartbeat. It’d been pounding away in her chest from the moment she spotted Felix at the front desk with Nellie. Nellie calling her over had only doubled the speed and strength in which it pounded.
“You’re my strength, Mom,” she whispered barely audibly so that no one in the other stalls could hear. “Remind me there’s nothing that you and I can’t get through together.”
Ella had never been very religious. All she remembered paying attention to in church when she was a kid was when it came time to shake the hand of everyone around her, saying “Peace be with you,” and when the collection baskets were passed around so they could drop the change their mother had given them into the basket. For some reason, those two things were the highlights of going to Mass.
She knew at times like these when she felt desperate she should be praying to God, but talking to her mom was so much more calming. She wasn’t sure why she needed her mom right then to help her calm down, but she did. She’d had a boyfriend in high school and then her relationship with Grayson. Dealing with guys wasn’t new to her. She’d also had plenty of crushes on guys she knew she didn’t stand a chance with. Even then she didn’t allow herself to indulge in the fantasy too much, but this took the cake. She couldn’t ever remember feeling her heart beat like this, not even when she’d experienced her first kiss. And if there was ever someone she didn’t stand an inkling of a chance with, it was . . . God! She couldn’t even bring herself to say his name in her head. The very thought was so embarrassingly ridiculous it made her blush.