“It’s about shorty, ain’t it?”
I laughed. “Man, how do you know?”
“Because every nigga has that constipated look when they’re feeling a woman. You ain’t no different, and even though you’re several hundred miles away, I can see it. You’re feeling her, ain’t you?”
“I am, but it ain’t the right time to be trying to balance new shit and oth?—”
“Who says when it’s the right time? Think about it. You’re balancing right now, right?”
“Yeah, but we ain’t even at the pinnacle of how heavy this shit gets.”
“What are you scared of?” Reminisce asked blatantly.
“Shit. I know that nigga can’t beat my ass, so damn sure not that.” I shook my head, eyes focused out of the window.
“Facts. So, what are we talking about?” he asked, unknowingly putting things into perspective for me. I knew I could and was going to beat Knockout’s ass, but I was mentally bitching up about how much I fucked with Selah in such a short amount of time. Wondering if I was throwing myself off my square because I’d never had to balance nor was I willing to until now.
“Nothing, you right. I’m overthinking.”
“You damn sure are. Move your way, fuck anybody who doesn’t like it.”
A jab came my way,I ducked, sending one back.
“Good eye, what’s next?” Big Joe’s loud voice trespassed.
He blocked the left.
Doors open for a body shot.
“Count your steps, Indiri.” Big Joe’s voice entered the ring again.
It landed.
His knees buckled.
He went down.
I stood up straight, eyes moving around the gym before they landed on my uncle. He was nodding with a grin.
I moved over, extending a hand to my cousin who was on his knees to get up.
“Yo, I hope you hit that nigga as hard as you just hit me.” He coughed through laughter.
“My bad. That tunnel vision is a motherfucker.” I chortled.
You’re fighting like you have a second wind. Do I need to be worried about something?” he asked, as I approached the ropes.
Next to him was Jordyn—iPad, phone, and notebook always stacked. It was time for another impromptu meeting. As soon as I was floor-side, she was opening the notebook.
“Nah. I’m straight, what are you talking about, old man?” I grinned as he took the gloves off my hands.
“Something different about the dog, nephew. Are you getting some nookie?”
“Um, what? I’m standing right here Mr. Joe, I don’t need to hear that?” Jordyn had me and the old man laughing.
“Yo, you’re crazy.” I laughed at him.
“Yeah right, I know what I see. You’re fighting well. Get you some rest and the ice bath is waiting for you. Thirty minutes tops. Take it easy on your body, and wherever you got the protein brownies from, you need some more. They were good.” He tossed over his shoulder as I walked toward the back room of the gym. Until Jordyn found a property, I was here at Killah’s space.
