Chapter-4

She leaned over so close to my face with tears in her eyes. I thought that I had imagined what she said next.

"I felt them too, the butterflies," with that she kissed my check and turned and left me sitting on the couch with more questions than answers. I didn't feel as if I could think straight. My head was so cloudy, I wasn't sure if it was because I was tired or the fact that she always left me feeling a little intoxicated. I managed to get to the bed before my thoughts took over. My dreams always haunted me and this one was no different. I could see the images in my head.

She touches his chest now

He takes off her dress now

Letting me go

I closed my eyes trying to remove the images from my head. But it was no use. There was something totally unfair about the fact, that someone could take a hold on you and you not being able to have the same hold on them. Why had she come here tonight? What had she really accomplished? Why did she tell me she felt it too and then turn back to Dave? Had she even said it or was it in my head? My thoughts ran a mile a minute, unfortunately to fast for me to sleep. I realized that the rest factor was not a factor and changed into workout clothes to take my frustrations out on a punching bag in the hotel gym.

The bright lights of the gym were uninviting, I had hoped to be alone there with just my thoughts. But I saw someone else punching away a the punching bag. The man was a huge build and tan. 'Damn what is Dave doing here?' My first thought was to turn and go back to my room like I had never been there but the mirrors all around the room would not let me be so inconspicous. "Hey kid, what are you doing up so late?" Dave said out of breath while removing his boxing gloves and collapsing on a near bench.

"I couldn't sleep," Which was the truth. I sat down next to him. Why is it every one that I want to avoid is quickly making their way into my path tonight?

"You okay? You look like hell kid," Dave said squirting a drink of water into his mouth.

"I could say the same thing about you. Why are you down here at almost 4 in the morning, anyway?" I said hoping that turning the tables would get me off the hook.
"Like you," He said but I doubted that he was here for the same reason as me. "Couldn't sleep. Got a lot on my mind."

I really didn't want to ask what he had on his mind but it would keep me from having to answer. "Now what could possibly be on your mind." I said in almost mocking manner.

"Stacy," he said. Oh great, Why this impossible conversation? I really did not want to hear what ever he had to say on this subject. I have been noticeably in emotional turmoil since the hotel room scene trying to decide whether to be happy about the fact that the butterflies that resided in my stomach had visited her or upset because it made this 'current situation' that much harder. "Have you ever been in love Randy?" He said turning serious and looking at me. I ,because I have a terrible habit of laughing at the inappropriate time, laughed. 'If you only knew Dave, if love is what I think it is then yes but I assure you we should not go there.' I thought to myself. Dave cracked a grin, "Sorry Lady Killer, stupid question." There you go Dave old boy, you just keep thinking that. "I know you have years left before you will want to settle down, but I am not a spring chicken like I used to be." I'm not sure if it was the irony of the situation or the fact that he had just called himself a 'spring chicken', but now I was hysterical with laughter.

"So, 'Spring Chicken' whom are you in love?" I finally managed to clear my throat but unfortunately I knew the answer to that question.

"Stacy, who else? I know that when I originally went after her I said that she would be one hell of a conquest, being the good girl and all, but somewhere in between all the mess, I think I fell for her, man. I am just not sure where to go with it," He said. I knew Dave well and I could see that he was really serious and that sucked. I really didn't know what to say. Do you be selfless and encourage your friend to go for it with a woman that you want yourself? Or do you tell him to forget her for your own selfish gain? I suppose she made her choice when she left tonight. But did I give her a choice? Damn questions.'

So I did the thing I did best, avoid the question. "I don't know man," I said. He just smiled and sighed.

"Wait till it happens to you kid, I can't wait to see that one," He patted me on the back and started to gather his things.

'Well Dave you are seeing it right now.' I thought.

"Randy," He said as he started to leave.

"Yes, 'Spring Chicken," I said trying to turn the mood light.

"What the hell possessed you to give Paul the title shot?" 'Think fast Randy, think' unfortunately all I was drawing was a blank.

"Um, what did Paul tell you?" I asked, wanting to stick with what ever bullshit story he had made up.

"He didn't," he said. "Stacy did."

Now was the time to start to feel sick. I could feel all the color drain from my face and I had absolutely no response. I just sat there in silence. Why had she told him? What had she told him? I knew that most of the time all I did was complain to Dave about Paul. So what story could possibly make sense, why I would give up that storyline?

"Stacy told me to talk you out of it, she said that was why there was so much tension when I arrived at the club." He continued. I really didn't know what to tell him. I wanted just to be straight with him but I would not do that for her sake. I just raised my hands and rolled my eyes.

"I don't want to talk about it, now," I said. Dave took the hint because he just nodded and left. I was left alone in the gym to punch my way back to sanity.

Letting me go

Thanks everyone for reading and a very special thanks to those who have reviewed...Please let me know what you think of this chapter.