Knocked Out: A Red, Hot and BOOM! Story by Ty Langston Page A

sheepish grin. “Hotter
    than Hades.”
    “Awww, yeah.” Michael told him. “I always liked Los Angeles.”
    “It’s not a bad town.” Evan said. “It’s always been good to me.”
    The four of them made it to the car garage where a huge black SUV provided by Contact Sports
    picked them up along with a driver. Evan took them out to the rented house and after meeting up with Tucker, Billy and Hayley, Contact Sports provided a cookout of Nicoise Salad, Salmon Burgers and Hot Dogs.
    Evan had the driver drop them off at the hotel so that they could rest and freshen up a bit before the tournament.
    “Bye Daddy, Happy Independence Day.” Everly told him giving him a huge hug. “I love you.”
    With all the hoopla, he had forgotten that it was July 4th. “I love you. Happy 4th little one.” He told her.

    ***

    In the Staples Center, the colors of Red, White and Blue lighting streamed from the rafters. With a sold out crowd. The audiences were a mix of Celebrities, MMA past and present stars, Contact Sports Executives and a huge portion of the viewing public.
    Hayley looked at the giant crowd with amazement. She had done it. The show had been a hit and
    already renewed for a second season. But she wondered after next year, who would be on top? Jackson or Evan.
    His life had changed completely in the last 5 days. Anyone who was anyone wanted a piece of
    him for something. Endorsement offers began to pour in. From cars to footwear, everyone loved the Enigma.
    Since they were together, it had been agony not to see him. Their situation was new and
    complicated. There were things that needed to be worked out, before they could move forward…If they could go forward.
    She couldn’t help but to think of him during any spare moment she had. As much as she’d miss
    the doing the show, she was looking forward to the break.
    She looked at the clock; it was now 15 minutes until the show. Dressed in a royal blue halter
    jumpsuit, Hayley grabbed the script and looked it over one last time.
    In the corner of her eye, she noticed the Enigma, dressed in his trademark black silk trunks and robes, meditating quietly. As someone who cared about him, she wanted to go over wish him well, but as a producer and host, she needed to let him focus on his match.
    “I see the Bates Effect is in full swing.” Tucker said in a smart Hugo Boss suit and tie.
    “Huh?” Hayley said as she turned towards Tucker and smiled.
    “Evan said told me that you both ‘recently’ talked?” Tucker asked.
    Hayley nodded with feigned enthusiasm “Yeah. We did.”
    Tucker looked at her with concern. “Good. I know you didn’t really have a chance to get to know
    him like you did the others. ”
    “We talked for awhile actually. He’s a good man. If anyone deserves this shot tonight, it’s him. I just hope that there won’t be any complications like there was before.” Hayley said
    “Day by Day, step by step. Give him time. The man’s life changed permanently in the last week.
    He’s got a young child, and an ex who wants to take said child away. Be mindful of that.”
    “Evan won’t let her take Everly.” Hayley told him.
    “He may not have a choice. May not be right now but in a couple of years? That little girl is
    going to start asking questions.”
    “Why are you telling me this?” Hayley asked.
    “I don’t want to see either one of you get hurt. I care about you both.” Tucker said. “I just
    wanted to wish you ‘Good Luck’ with everything. It has been great working with you.”
    “Same here.” Hayley told her dear friend while she gave him a hug.
    “Take care , Hayl.” Tucker said as he left.
    3 minutes to air….Everyone get to your spots. The stage manager shouted over the PA system.
    Hayley gathered at the side of the corridor where she could see the Octagon sitting smack dab in the middle of the arena.
    1 minute…Places…Places… The stage manager yelled.
    Hayley noticed that Evan was done with his meditation and was