Page 34 of Heal Me, Love Me

“At least we agree on that.”

He chuckled. “Good. I’d rather represent someone with a little resistance than someone who believes every nice thing I say. But if we work together, I’m going to be honest with you. Fighters stall when they stay comfortable.”

I almost told him that nothing about my life felt comfortable anymore. Instead, I kept my mouth shut.

“Titan may have been the right place to get you here,” Grant went on. “That doesn’t mean it’s the right place to take you further.”

I closed my eyes for a second. “How soon are you talking?”

“If you’re interested, I’d like you to visit them first. Meet the coaches, train with the team, and see how it feels. If it fits, do it sooner rather than later. Within the month would be ideal.”

“Within the month,” I repeated.

Keaton looked toward the water, and I could only imagine what was running through his head. When I’d told him I didn’t want to go back to Titan, I hadn’t imagined my new gym might be on the other side of the country.

“Again, not a demand,” Grant added. “But timing matters. You’ve got momentum from this win. Momentum doesn’t last forever.”

“No, I get it.”

“I’m also not asking for an answer today. I’ll send you information about the gym, a few names to look up, and some footage of their fighters. Watch it, think about it, and talk to whoever you trust.”

My eyes drifted to Keaton. “I will.”

“And Rowan?”

“Yes, sir?”

“If I represent you, I’m not going to make it easy. I’m going to push you toward what gives you the best shot. For you, that’s Florida.”

“And if I don’t move?”

“Then we keep talking, but I’m not going to pretend the path looks the same.”

“Okay,” I replied. “Send me the information.”

“I’ll text it over as soon as we hang up. Take some time with it.”

“I will.”

“Good. And for what it’s worth, you’ve got something. I wouldn’t have messaged if I didn’t think so.”

“Thank you, Grant.”

“We’ll talk soon.”

“Yes, sir. Thanks again.”

I ended the call and lowered the phone.

“Florida?” Keaton asked.

I slipped the phone into my pocket. “Yeah, Atlantic Combat.”

“That’s where he wants you?”

“He thinks it’s a better fit.”

Keaton looked away, and I knew he was already doing the math. Florida wasn’t a quick drive across town, a few nights at my parents’ house, space after a fight, or time to cool off.