Enough Chapter 25

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

The closer it got to Christmas the more unsure I became. Here I was an MMA Champion and a business owner tied up in knots over a woman. I had promised myself not to do this again but here I was contemplating it. Then again, perhaps I was overreacting. Lexie never said anything other than they hoped I would come. Never a signal from her that she had any inclination of starting over with me.

At the last minute, I gave in and decided to attend. Since the gym was closed, I really had no viable excuse. At least that is what I convinced myself of. I had not seen Lexie’s family in at least a year and a half or longer. I was probably in the best shape of my life. I weighed two hundred eighteen pounds but had little body fat. Every vein, every muscle simply just stood out. The only setback was my knee which would flair up, now and then.

I dressed for the party in jeans and a pullover short sleeve shirt. I wore brown leather lace up shoes with a brown leather belt. I had purchased a few bottles of wine for Lexie’s mom and a dozen red roses for Lexie. I really had no idea if Lexie and Cody were still together, but I didn’t give a fuck.

I made sure to be somewhat late so most everybody would be there. I rang the doorbell and Lexie’s mom; Jennifer answered the door.

“Oh my God, I really did not think you were going to come.”, she said, getting emotional and hugging me.

“Neither did I, Jen”, I replied.

I handed her the wine and followed her into the kitchen where we were alone for a few seconds. She immediately set the wine down and turned to me.

“Are those for Lexie?”, she asked, pointing to the flower.

“Yes ma’am, they are.”, I replied.

“Anything I should know about?”, Jennifer laughed.

“No ma’am, I saw Lexie at the gym last week and she invited me. It was the first time I had saw her in ages.”, I replied.

“Well FYI, they are not together although he’s trying to get back in good graces. I don’t think Lexie will take him back though. They haven’t been together in at least six months, maybe longer.”, she admitted.

“Jen, I’ll be honest……. I quit trying to figure Lexie out a long time ago.”, I replied.

“So have I, Chris.”, she answered, grabbing my hand and leading me into the living room.

Lexie’s dad, Jim was sitting with his brothers George and Bill talking about money. When Jim saw me, he got up and walked over, extending his hand.

“Chris, it’s nice to see again. How have you been?”, he asked shaking my hand.

“Very busy sir. Now that the gym is mine, I have a lot on my plate.”, I answered.

“Lexie told me they you might show up. I’m glad you did.”, he stated.

“Thank you sir, it’s nice to see all of you as well.”, I replied.

Just about that time Lexie came through the backdoor and saw me. She walked over and leaned up kissing my cheek and hugging me briefly. She stepped back with a huge smile on her face.

“These are for you, Lexie.”, I stated, handing her the roses.

“Thank you, Chris, they’re beautiful. I need to get a vase, be right back.”, she promised, walking off.

“Uh, are you guys seeing each other again.”, Jim Thomas asked, confused.

“No sir, I haven’t seen Lexie in ages. I have been so tied up at the gym and she mentioned she is studying for the detective’s exam.”, I answered.

“Oh, the flowers kinda threw me……… anyway, you’re looking good Chris. Any plans on fighting again?”, he asked.

“No sir, my MMA career is over. I have the gym now and a lot more responsibility.”, I replied.

I said hello to both of Jim’s brothers then turned to see Lexie coming out of the kitchen. She knew where I wanted to go and grabbed me by the hand. We went out the rear doors and over to where Pops and Maw Maw were sitting. They were all smiles as I walked up.

“How’s my favorite couple doing?”, I asked, shaking Pop’s hand and kissing Maw Maw’s cheek.

“We had no idea you were coming, what a surprise.”, Pops remarked.

“Well Chris, I’m going to leave you here for a bit so you can catch up.”, Lexie stated, walking off.

I sat in the folding chair next to Pop’s and turned the chair to face the both of them. I was sure they were going to have a million questions.

“Are you and Lexie back together?”, Maw Maw asked.

“No ma’am, in fact this is the first time I have seen her in about eight months.”, I answered.

“So, Lexie told me you bought the gym where you were working?”, Pops asked.

“Yes sir. I had it renovated, and we are open and operating at full capacity.”, I replied.

“Well good for you, son.”, he commented.

“So back to my granddaughter……… any chance you ask her out?”, Maw Maw inquired.

“Maw Maw, I have no clue as to how Lexie feels about me. I don’t really believe she wants to be in a relationship with me.”, I admitted.

“Chris, do you love her?”, Maw Maw asked.

“Yes ma’am. I love her to death.”, I admitted.

“Then tell her……… fight for her.”, she pleaded.

“Honey, Chris has been fighting a once sided fight for a few years now. Maybe it’s time to move on.”, Pops admitted, patting his wife’s hand.

“Don’t you say that to me……”, Maw Maw said scolding her husband.

“Just saying, dear…”, he smirked.

Thankfully Lexie came walking back bringing her grandparents their plate of food. Having Lexie this close to me brought back a flood of memories. I missed her so much, but I couldn’t let my guard down. Secondly did she even want what I wanted. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I noticed Cody had arrived with his parents. I could tell he was shocked to see me.

He started in my direction, but Lexie quickly walked up to him and said a few words which looked like it surprised him. She then hugged and kissed both of his parents before returning inside. I sat with Pop’s and Maw Maw for the next half hour and saw little interaction between Lexie and Cody.