Boxer Beast Read Online Free Page B

beating fast as fuck, and my hands are sweating. I can’t believe this is finally happening. Faith and my first date… Better make it one to remember.
    “Coming!”
    The grumpy shout belongs to Faith’s father, Mr. Collins, whom I’ve gotten pretty close with during my time as his neighbor. He’s a good guy, and I really felt for him when Faith’s mom passed away. Her battle with cancer was long and difficult, and it made all of their lives hell.
    I still remember the way something inside Faith broke on the day her mother died. I remember holding her, soothing her, even though I was only sixteen years old. In a way, it felt like the tragedy was my own. I’d been close with Mrs. Collins, like she was an aunt of some sort. Seeing her grow pale, lose her hair, and finally, her life, had left its mark on me as well. But Faith… she suffered the most.
    I swallow the lump that’s lodged its way in my throat just as the front door flies open. Mr. Collins is standing on the doorstep, glaring at me. When he realizes it’s just me, he stops scowling and smiles in surprise, clapping me on the back.
    “River! How good it is to see you.”
    “Likewise, Mr. C,” I reply with a grin, sticking my hand out for a firm handshake. I’ve missed the man, ever since Faith decided to cut me off. Hopefully, tonight gives us a chance to rekindle the relationship. “How’ve you been?”
    “Can’t complain,” he says with a smile. Except I know he can and should complain. I learned from my mom that Mr. C lost his job a few months back, and he’s been struggling to find work ever since with an injury he got at his previous job. He had a home improvement company that went bust, and it’s been difficult ever since. Especially with the load of medical bills still left over…
    “Can’t say I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here, River?” Mr. C asks with a confused grin.
    “Oh, I came to pick Faith up,” I say with a wide grin, winking at Mr. C like he’s an old friend. “She didn’t tell you? She finally agreed to go out with me! Picked the perfect day, too.”
    “Faith?” Mr. C gives me an apologetic look. “Son, she left thirty minutes ago.”
    My look is one of confusion as I stare at Faith’s father. “What do you mean? I was supposed to pick her up at…” I look at my cellphone. “Eight. It’s now a few minutes past. Am I too early or too late?”
    Mr. C looks awkward as hell, shifting his weight from one foot to another. “I’m so sorry, River… Had no idea you were supposed to go out tonight, otherwise I would’ve talked some sense into her.”
    “I don’t get it,” I reply with furrowed eyebrows.
    “She left with this guy, Jason, said they were going to a party?” Mr. C gives me an apologetic look, just in time for my heart to sink down to my stomach. “Sorry, River.”
    “Oh,” I say lamely. “Well… It’s no big deal, I guess. I’ll just… leave then.”
    Mr. C gives me a look that knows exactly what’s going on. Once again, Faith’s left me feeling like a fool. “Why don’t you come in for a moment, River?” he offers kindly.
    “That’s okay,” I shake my head. “I should really get going. You’re doing okay, though, Mr. C? I noticed your lawn needs mowing. I’d be happy to do that for you, if you don’t have the time.”
    He visibly cringes at my words and I regret them right away. “That’s okay, River. I’ll get to it tomorrow. You’re a good guy, kid. Now get to that party and show my daughter how big of a mistake she made by standing you up.”
    I’m grinning from ear to ear as I walk away with a hand raised in goodbye. “Thanks, Mr. C. I’ll see you around!”
    “Not if I see you first!” Faith’s dad jokes, and I laugh as I get on my bike. Faith may have stood me up, but that doesn’t mean the party’s over. I know Becky, the girl who’s throwing the whole thing, has been into me for months now, and I’m in the perfect mood to show Faith