The Paparazzi

MARCELO

After bathing, Mandy and I headed to a popular restaurant in the center of Manchester. I was in the mood for green today, so we grabbed my Lamborghini Diablo.

This baby! When I saw it on the sideboard of the auto shop, I fell head over heels in love. Its green color was unique.

It changed color from light to dark green, depending on the position from which you looked at it. It was a sight to see. Mandy loved it too, so today was the day.

When I arrived at the place, everyone welcomed me like a king. It was not the first time we’d visited this site.

Within five minutes of sitting down, people started pointing fingers at us and murmuring. We were used to this by now. But Mandy always got the worst of it.

My fans did not understand that I was a married man and that my wife was the only woman I wanted to be with. And she was in front of me.

That did not stop them from touching me or taking pictures with me, smearing their skin all over me. There were some who even lifted their shirts to show me their boobs.

Mandy just turned red and looked the other way. Nobody, but absolutely nobody, could resist the champion.

Our breakfast had arrived, and we were enjoying ourselves when a group of teenagers came to ask for autographs. I couldn’t disappoint them. My fans were an important part of my career.

In a few minutes, the press arrived.

“Hey! Marcelo, champion, smile, please. I’m from the Manchester~ Monday~ newspaper. Mandy, you smile too. We want to capture a photo in which the champion is enjoying breakfast with his family.”

I turned to see my wife, and I saw how, little by little, she began to smile. I grabbed her chin and brought her lips to mine. ~If they want a show, I’ll give them one.~

The flashes started to rain, and after a few seconds, I felt a pinch on my leg. “Ouch!”

Even with our mouths still stuck together, Mandy said, “You deserve it.”

***

“Come on Marcelo, come on. You are failing me, son.”

I hit the practice mannequin with an uppercut. Then I finished it off with a hook to the midsection. ~REEE.~ The sound of Richard’s whistle made me stop short.

I looked at him to see what I’d done wrong now. I was starting to get sick of this. Apparently, I was doing everything wrong today.

“Marcelo, what are you doing? Why did you do the right hook, since the position of the mannequin indicated the left?

“If the mannequin were a real challenger, he would have already landed a right hand on your jaw.”

Hearing what Richard said, I straightened my back. I observed the position of the mannequin and sure enough, if it was a real opponent, it would have already sent me to the canvas.

“Champion, I need you here, with me, 100 percent. If you have something on your mind, talk to me.

“Unfortunately, you did not take into account my opinion about waiting another year, and there are only three months left until the next fight.

“At the rate you are going, you will not make it at your best. That bloodsucker Raf is just filling your head with air. Start again, Marcelo.”

After practicing for four hours straight, Mandy arrived at the gym with my food. I was starving. Richard had no compassion for me. I wiped the sweat off my face and put the towel on the bench.

Mandy went straight to the kitchen to drop off everything she’d brought. I followed her. She turned to see me and ran to hug me.

“Ew, Marce, you’re all sweaty.”

And to annoy her, I shook my sweaty hair in her face. “Ha, ha, ha You didn’t see that coming, did you?”

“Marce, stop. You are so gross.” Mandy was wiping my sweat off her face with the sleeve of her sweater. I grabbed a couple of napkins from the table and helped her out.

She snatched the napkins from me and cleaned herself. Now and then, she would look at me, letting me know what a bastard I was.

I sat down at the table, and Mandy began heating the food. Mandy turned to me and asked, “How was training today, love?”

“That Richard is losing his touch. Today I was about to sweat out all the fluid in my body. I think he needs holidays.”

The microwave beeped, letting us know that the food was hot. Mandy took it out, put it on the table and served three plates.

Richard walked in and sat down with us. He stared at the food and turned to Mandy. She watched him uncertainly.

“What is it, Dad? Tell me now.”

“Sweetheart, the champion will not be able to eat any cheese or dairy for some time. Starting from today.”

Mandy and I turned to see the food. It was pasta with cream and a lot of cheese. How could I not eat dairy? Mandy just nodded her head and grabbed my plate, getting up from the table.

She went to the sink and rinsed off the paste. I was left with my mouth open. After she finished, she returned to the table and put the food back in front of me.

I stared at what was on the plate for a few seconds, and then I turned to see Richard. He smiled at me, and at the same time, he popped a bite of the pasta dripping with cheese.

My gaze said it all. Mandy just shrugged, pointing her thumb at Richard. With all the outrage in the world, I grabbed my fork and began to eat.

Halfway through the plate, Mandy stood up and took a container of fruit out of the refrigerator. She put it in the center, along with plates and forks. I did not wait for permission.

I helped myself to almost half the container. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Richard smirk.

~I think he’s getting revenge because I ignored him by not postponing the fight. But he’s my coach, and I have to do what he tells me to do. So, this is it.~

After we finished, we continued training. Richard and Mandy were talking, probably informing her of the new changes in my diet. She was paying close attention and at the same time writing in her notebook.

That made me smile. She was more into my things than me. She took things very seriously as far as I was concerned. I adored her.