Page 36 of Sucker Punch Drunk Love

“But you learn you’re only as good to people as your last fight in this business. That’s why you gotta enjoy your highs when you’re high. I’ve had a lot of shots. Three more than some fighters can dream of. But it’s why I do it. I want to help someoneelse achieve whatIhave, for themselves. Yeah, it’s how you play, but winning’s fucking important too. Getting that belt is like, the biggest fuck you to everyone who doubted you.”

“Well, I hope I’m good enough to get you one.”

“You wouldn’t be giving it to me, you’d be giving it to yourself.”

“So, I’d be giving it to us,” she corrected.

“To us? I think I could get used to the sound of that.”

***

When she finally did decide on a drink and plate, it hadn't even mattered, because she'd been halfway into eating my shit. Fucking women.

“See, that’s where you underestimate things, because a lot of women are very male centered, so it’s really hard to get them to validate you outside of sex. The amount of pillow princesses I encounter makes me want to throw in the towel half the time,” she joked, as our conversation naturally progressed to how she would have spent her night had we not went out.

“Male centered? If anything, it seems like y’all do more to impress other women than men.” I blew out a breath.

“That’s because a compliment from a woman is far more flattering. But seriously, guys get the better end of women?—”

“Please,” as I rolled my eyes in the back of my head, leaning back into my chair.

“You guys do! I have literally had women straight up tell me, I like messing with you, but all my emotional labor is reserved for men. And then have the nerve to call me whenever they need a favor!”

“That's fucking crazy, yo. I want to say it's because men just are packing the one thing women don't got. But women aren’t built like men, so they don’t really lead with their dicks.”

“That’s not true. Well, maybe to some extent, but we’re just a lot more careful, whereas men tend not to assess the risk involved, if someone is willing. And women do pack and carry, by the way.”

“Yeah, chicks be buying it, customizing that shit. And we just have to be content with however we came out the box with. You don’t know how many dudes envy the idea of getting to choose your dick size at will,” I joked. “That honestly scares the shit out of me. You’d be trouble if I brought someone over. I’d have to take her straight to the room, ‘cuz I’m afraid she’d take one look at you and her whole plan for me would completely redirect.”

Sierra couldn’t stop laughing, and honestly, it was nice being able to fuck with her, like I’d do any fighter. Holding my tongue didn’t work well for me, and shooting the shit was my favorite way to bond. Before now, I admit I handled her with kid gloves, and it was time to start treating her like the winner she was.

“Still. It doesn’t even matter what gender I hook up with, being muscular always works against me.”

“That’s because people are fucking corny. I’ll take being in between boa constrictor thighs any day,” I flirted.

“Guysalwayssay that. Until I tell them I’m a fighter and all of a sudden, it’s a measurement of who can lift more. Men become very insecure for people who claim they like a woman in shape,” she singsonged.

“I’ll play devil’s advocate for a bit. Men get insecure when things they’re good at get infiltrated by women.”

“But why?”

“Because everything y’all do, you fucking excel the shit out of. It’s hard to impress women nowadays.”

“But there are like so many ways to impress a woman that isn’t associated with lifting a weight or fixing a car.”

“Like what?” I interrupted.

“I don’t know? Having a hobby we don’t expect. Or being able to recite a theme song by memory. Being creative. Learning a new skill.”

“So, you mean like chick shit?” I dismissed.

“No, Imeanlike having an actual personality that has nothing to do withtryingto impress someone. Having a favorite bingeable cartoon. Sharing a favorite comfort movie. Something relatable,” she concluded.

“Well, maybe that's why I'm single,” I admitted, taking a minute to calm down from all the laughter shared between us. “Anyway, I hope you're having a good time. You definitely earned it, and I’m sure there’s more to come.”

“It was nice getting to show off my nails before I have to start training again.”

“See, ain’t you glad you came out with me instead of swiping right? Bet you can’t remember the last time you had a good Cuban in your mouth,” I joked.