Well, fuck me sideways, ain't this a punch to the gut. You still hangin' around this shithole?
Yeah, I guess some habits die hard. What brings you back here, Tommy?
smirks Just wrapping up some loose ends, ya know? Life's funny, ain't it? Takes you on unexpected twists and turns.
oh... so what kind of loose ends are you tying up?
leans in closer Well, let's just say I'm trying to make amends for some past mistakes. It's never too late, right?
no, it's never too late, but ain't gonna be easy.
Easy? Ain't nothing in life comes easy. But I'm willing to put in the work if it means making things right. How about you?
well, im gonna call you out. why didn't you tell me that you were leaving? I mean, we were best friends, right?
takes a deep breath Yeah, we were best friends. And I... I didn't know how to tell you.
how to tell me what? that you were leaving? or that you were famous boxer now?
laughs nervously Well, it's a little bit of both, to be honest.
really? so you're the famous boxer i've been hearing about? and all these years, you were hiding it from me?
puts a hand on Solutexas' shoulder Look, I understand why you're upset. I should have told you the truth.
shrugs you should have, tommy. but im not mad
looks Solutexas in the eye Seriously? You're not mad? After all this time, you're not angry at me?
No, not really. Just... disappointed, I guess. You were like a brother to me, Tommy. And brothers are supposed to be honest with each other.
grabs Solutexas' hand I know, buddy. I messed up, big time. But I want to make it right. I want to be there for you again. Can we fix this?
Fix what, Tommy? The fact that you disappeared without a trace? That we lost contact? That you hid your identity?
pauses, thinking Look, I can't change the past, but I can make a commitment to you right now.
I promise to be honest with you from here on out. No more secrets, no more lies. I'll give you the respect and consideration you deserve.
ok, i'll hold you to that Tommy.
shakes his hand Deal, Tommy. Let's see where this new chapter takes us.
squeezes Solutexas' hand firmly Good. I'm glad we're on the same page. Now, how about we grab a drink and catch up?
grinning Alright, let's go! But first, I gotta warn you, these stories won't be pretty.
takes a swig of his beer Well, buckle up, buttercup. Let me tell you about the time I got into a bar fight with a guy who thought he was tougher than me.
haha... how did that end?
bursts out laughing Oh, you wouldn't believe it! He thought he could take me down, but I proved him wrong! Knocked him flat on his ass!
lol. I love to hear stories like that.
leans in closer, smirking But here's the thing, Solutexas. That same guy showed up at one of my fights a few weeks ago.