Cat tugged Lacey over to the back row of chairs and they sat. It was only when the people in front of her did as well that she caught sight of Galen. He looked gorgeous, dressed in a white button-down shirt and tie. His tan had faded, the scruff on his chin was a little scruffier than usual, and his eyes looked tired, but to her, he was perfection.
For the first twenty minutes, the men took turns talking about the upcoming fight, talking about Manny Hermosa and about the things Galen was going to do differently to make sure he logged the win this time around. Lacey tried to focus but found herself lost staring at Galen.
It felt like hours by the time Max said, “Questions from the press?”
Lacey jerked, the words jarring her from her trance, and Cat gave her leg a reassuring squeeze.
A reporter in a brown ball cap stood. “Yes. Whalin’, if you lose to Hermosa again, will you still consider retirement without the belt?”
“That’s a good question. There’s no way I’m losing this fight. I out-boxed him last time, and I’ll out-box him again. But on the off chance that things don’t fall my way, I will still retire. The outcome of the fight has no bearing on my decision. Next?” He searched the room and for a second she was sure he would see her in the crowd but a slim female reporter in the far corner called out.
“Max, what kind of shape is Galen in after his last fight? Is eight months long enough to recover and train?”
“He only went five rounds, and he’s in the best shape of his life. He’s going to be more than ready, ain’t that right, kid?” Max patted Galen on the arm and Galen nodded.
“Absolutely. Moore was fast, but he didn’t land too many punches. I feel great, and I’m looking forward to hitting the gym super hard in the coming months.”
Galen’s manager held out a hand. “Anyone else?”
It was now or never. Lacey stood on jelly-legs and raised a trembling hand. “I have one.”
Galen’s gaze shot to hers and his eyes widened. “Lacey? What are you doing here?”
The people around her began to murmur, all turning in their seats to get a look at who was speaking. It took everything she had not to turn tail and run, but she met his gaze head-on. “I came to ask you a question.”#p#分页标题#e#
Max leaned into his mic, his bristly black mustache making a crunching sound when he pressed his mouth too close. “Young lady, I’m afraid this session is only for members of the press.”
Galen tapped Max on the arm. “It’s okay, I got this one.” His eyes were full of questions and Lacey swallowed hard.
She forced her lips to move. “Do you want to play a game with me?”
The reporters realized they were about to witness something juicy, and the cameras began to flash. She ignored them, her entire focus on Galen’s expression. Was that hope? Pity? She squashed down her terror and shifted from foot to foot, awaiting his answer.
“What kind of game?” he said finally.
Her pulse clamored, hope sending her heart into overdrive. “I Never.”
His guarded eyes went soft and he nodded. “Okay.”
She sucked in a deep breath, blocking out the whispers around her to focus solely on Galen. The man she loved.
“I never, in a million years, imagined I could be as happy and fulfilled as I was with you. I never wanted anything more than to spend the rest of my life that way. And if you’ll have me, I will never, ever hurt you.”
“There you go, girl,” Cat whispered.
The room broke out into chatter and Galen stared at her.
“We’re discussing a title fight here, young lady. Maybe this isn’t the time for—”
“Max is right,” Galen cut in. “This is a private issue, Lacey.”
She nodded dumbly, tears springing to her eyes. She’d laid it all out there and at least she could say she tried, but that didn’t stop the pain. “Sorry.” She stumbled down the aisle, Cat hot on her heels whispering apologies when Galen spoke up again.
“No, don’t go. That’s not what I meant. Everyone else can go. Thank you for coming. This press conference is over.”
Max bellowed at Galen, and the room exploded. Reporters shoved microphones in her face, shouting questions at her.
“What’s your name?”
“How long have you and Galen been together?”
“Are you a fan of boxing?”
Cat stood on a chair and let out a shrill whistle. “All right, listen up, peoples. I’m Galen’s sister, Cat, and I’d be happy to tell you the whole sordid tale out in the hallway. It’s a goody, featuring a runaway bride and a torrid love affair in paradise. Let’s give these two young people some privacy, okay?”