"I don't believe it," he said, as they guided him to the ring."I don't believe it," he said, as they guided him to the ring. "Somebody must've drugged my coffee or something. I mean, look at all this." "Trust me," said Ava, as he ran a hand down the cold metal cornerpost, and along the ring apron. "You're perfectly lucid." He noticed her studying him, smiling slightly, leading him to wonder if there weren't hiding an ulterior motive after all. "Look," he said, making a final attempt to reconcile his knowledge that she was unfairly overmatched. "Have you been training with anyone? Or should I show you a few basics?" "Anna and I train every day. We've become quite even in our matchups, so I thought it might be time to try a male opponent." "Just thought I'd ask." "I'm going to change now. Go ahead and get familiar with the ring--it should be what you're used to." He felt compelled to watch her sway from side to side as she walked away. He spent some minutes testing the flexibility of the ropes, and practicing a few rolls to feel the give of the mat. |