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my life’s headed, I need full body armor.
    We come into downtown. There’s a gas station and library and church, but I don’t see a gym. Never have. There’s a fitness something or other a few miles out, but that’s all douche bags on treadmills and shit. Rob seems to read my mind. “It’s right over there.”
    I follow to where he’s pointing. “The burger hut?”
    â€œNo man. Next to it.”
    I look, but all I see are cars in the parking lot.
    â€œCome on.”
    We dart across the street, past the restaurant, and to a small section of the larger building. I’ve never noticed a door here. It’s glass and has EAST COAST BOXING AND MMA stenciled in thick black letters. The bottoms are red, like they’re bleeding. Inside, guys sit on the floor, stretching. My throat tightens, but I have to ask Rob before we go in. “So how long you and Big O have this planned?”
    Rob whips around. “What are you talking ’bout?”
    He seems genuine, but I still don’t know. “Come on. Enough with the bullshit. Big O told me about what Coach Dan has in store for you. What did you say to the big man to get me on board?”
    Rob drops away from the door and gets real close to me. “Tone, what the fuck are you talking about?” His jaw sets, and his eyes don’t leave mine.
    Fuck, I’ve known Rob long enough. I know this cluelessness. He doesn’t know. “Shit. I thought . . . Fuck, I’m an asshole.”
    Rob stares and waits.
    I shake my head at myself for doubting him and explain what Big O said to me.

    Rob looks out in the distance for a moment but then back to me. “Big O and Coach have talked some about me being a trainer or some shit, but nothing serious. I had no idea he wanted you here and that he’s all looking into your shit at home.” He turns away. “Fuck, man, if you don’t wanna do this, don’t. It’s fine. I had no idea about Big O and Coach. I just thought you’d like it, and it would help.”
    â€œHelp with what?” I ask even though I don’t need to.
    â€œYou know.” He looks me dead in the eye again.
    I’m embarrassed and wonder why he hasn’t given up on me. Like everyone else. I put up my fist. “I got this. Because I want to. All right?”
    Rob cocks his head. “For real?”
    I nod and he reaches up and pounds my knuckles, and I almost believe my own words. He didn’t know, and now here I am because of Big O. Where the fuck am I headed?
    Rob turns and opens the door.
    A chime sounds, and most look over. I scan quickly. Good, no Dave. “Big Rob!” A man steps out from the back and crosses over the mat. He’s short and bald and thick around the neck, chest, and legs. He smiles and looks at me. “This the new recruit?”
    Rob nods.
    The man stops short of us both and looks me over. “Tony, right?”
    Now I nod and Rob gives me a look.
    â€œGood to have you. Rob will take care of you tonight. We’ll take it slow, but don’t be afraid to ask questions.” He places a hand on my shoulder. I stop myself from brushing it off and nod. He claps his hands and turns to the room. “Keep stretching, we’ll get cracking in ten.”
    The guys on the floor resume their postures, mostly
lying on the ground or stretched out over a leg. “That’s Coach Dan,” Rob says and we walk over to the only piece of furniture in the room, a small wooden bench. Shoes and gym bags are scattered beneath and around it. We pull off our shoes and then take a place on the mat, which takes up all but the space in front of the door. It’s like the wrestling room at school. The same blue padding covers the lower half of the walls. Above is an American flag, and next to it is the Marine’s. One of my mom’s boyfriends was a Marine. That flag and “Semper Fi” are all I can remember of him. Well,