“A little over three years.”
Three years, four months, and fifteen days, to be exact. She’d started training the moment the doctors had given her a clean bill of health—like her life hadn’t been changed dramatically anyway.
“It shows. I’ve only been at this for a year. I can’t wait to get to the level you’re at. Are you going career?”
She was asked that question a lot. The sad thing was that even though she trained her ass off, trained in the same manner a doomsday prepper stockpiled for the apocalypse, she couldn’t stomach watching a true fight. “Nah. Just a hobby. I enjoy the workout.”
“It is a great workout. I’m trying to get into CMC. The women’s division seriously rocks with some badass women.”
Ella wouldn’t know.
The woman thrust out her hand. “Amber Frist.”
She hesitantly took Amber’s hand. She wasn’t here to make friends. The farther away she stayed from people, the less likely she was to say something wrong—like give her real name.
“Kelsey.”
“It’s great to meet you. I just finished up myself. Want to grab a bite to eat?”
“I’m sorry. I really have to go.” Though the only place she had to go back to was her tiny bungalow, where nothing in it was hers but a couple of suitcases. Going there didn’t appeal to her, either.
“Oh.” The girl’s shoulders slumped. “Okay. I understand. I’m sorry for putting you on the spot. I’m newly back in town and heard you were as well, thought maybe…” She shrugged. “You know.”
Guilt pinched her gut. What would it hurt? Ella was alone in an unfamiliar city and didn’t have one person to talk to, when she was used to being surrounded by people at the ER and the women’s shelter. She missed her job, missed her co-workers…missed her ladies. Her chest tightened at the thought of the group of women she was letting down—how disappointed they must be in her for just up and running like she had.
She shoved those thoughts into a “can’t think about this” compartment in the back of her mind. “My plans can wait. I have time to grab a quick bite.”
Amber’s face brightened. “That’s awesome. I’ve only been here for a little over a week, still looking for a job. I wasn’t looking forward to going back home and twiddling my thumbs.”
Ella studied the young, innocent face and envied it—wished she could go back to the day before she realized what monsters people really were. It wasn’t just her own personal experience. She saw it every day at the hospital and the shelter. Stab wounds, bullet holes, people beat to bloody hell… There were so many violent people in the world. And in just a few short days, one more would be set free to walk the streets again.
“Do you have a place in mind?” Ella asked, slinging her gym bag over her shoulder as she tried to refocus on anything other than Randy’s upcoming release from prison.
“I know this great diner down the road. It’s within walking distance.”
“Sounds good to me.”
As they made their way to the door, she couldn’t stop herself from glancing back toward Lance. He was standing in the back with Mac, talking. His gaze turned in her direction, and their eyes connected for a brief moment. A jolt zapped her stomach, and she jerked her head back around.
“He’s pretty damn hot, isn’t he?” Amber asked.
Ella’s cheeks heated. Damn it. Caught. “Who?” she asked innocently.
Amber sent her a “you know exactly who” look.
“Okay. Fine,” Ella relented. “It’s the tats. I’ve always been a sucker for them.” Lance’s sleeve was amazing—mostly done in black and gray tribal, with splotches of electrifying blue that just popped out. It was a stunning piece.
She laughed. “It’s more than the tats. That man is delicious.”
And dangerous. It didn’t matter how hot he was, or that he had turned out to be a damn fine trainer, she had to keep in focus that he was in something bad, and other than inside this facility, they’d have no association.
Better to change the subject. “You said you’re looking for a job, so I assume that isn’t why you moved here. What brought you out this way?”
“My mom. I was raised in Wichita. After I graduated high school six years ago, I moved to New York to pursue an acting career.” She gave a short laugh. “Young and full of dreams and so, so na?ve. Never did get a gig. Can’t say I didn’t give it my best, but there comes a point where you have to make some decisions, especially when making the rent isn’t happening. My mom suggested I come back, take a break. I couldn’t argue. I miss New York, but I have to admit, I’m enjoying the slower pace here.” She shot Ella a glance. “What about you?”
First test in keeping her facts straight. “Just needed a change.”
“How do you like Wichita?”
“I actually don’t live here. I live in Cheney. I rented a small house, and I’m doing the same thing you are—reassessing my life.”
Lie. She was hiding.