CHAPTER 46
It was about forty-five minutes before the main event. Jackie was in Mo’s locker room, watching as his hands were being taped up by one of his trainers. He had DMX blasting in the area, getting himself hyped.
“How we feeling, champ?” Jackie asked, fascinated at the process that Mo was going through. The taping wasn’t as simple as she’d thought. They taped, checked, and taped again, over and over until the coverage was just right on his hands.
“We all good, Lil’ Bit. I’m cool as a fan,” Mo said.
Jackie watched as Mo’s legs bounced furiously. He was nervous. She wouldn’t mention it, of course—she didn’t need to rattle him. Instead, she thought reassurance was the best course of action. “I know you’re all good. The crowd is out there to see you take the titles from Ramón. You hear them going crazy out there? It’s a packed house.”
“For real? What’s the final count in the arena?” Mo asked.
Jackie pulled up some info on her phone from Manny. “At last count, we are at about 14,000 people. Sold out.” Manny was able to secure the famous Boardwalk Hall, site of some of the most memorable title fights in history. From Roberto Durán to Evander Holyfield, many a fighter had clashed in this hallowed hall and rewritten their stories in the ring. Tonight would be Mo’s shot at rewriting his own story—one of redemption and a second chance at glory. Jackie was beyond the moon to be part of that story. This moment was her crowning achievement as an agent. No one could tell her otherwise.
There was a knock at the door, and a member of Mo’s entourage entered. “Say, Mo, someone here to see Jackie.”
“It’s probably Tanika Ryan, from WWSN,” she reminded Moe. “You do you mind if I step outside?” Jackie wouldn’t put it past Tanika to be in journalist mode even though it was her damned bachelorette weekend. The girl had a hard time leaving work at work.Relatable. That’s why they were best friends.
“Nah,” Mo said as the trainer massaged his neck. “I know she’s your people. It’s all good. I’m ready.”
Jackie made her way toward the hallway, expecting to see Tanika. Instead, she looked up to see Antonio leaning against a wall, staring down at his phone. He looked so good, Jackie said “damn” under her breath.
Antonio looked up from his phone, a slight smile gracing his lips. “Hey Jackie. I know you’re busy, but can I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure,” Jackie said. “I could use a break from the noise in there.”
“Alright, let’s find somewhere to chat.”
She walked next to Antonio down the hallway, heading back out toward the arena. They ducked into an adjacent space behind the seating. For a few moments, they stared at each other, hoping that the other would speak first.
“Lucky,” Antonio said, breaking the silence. “It’s good to see you. You look good, by the way.”
Jackie watched as his eyes looked her up and down, taking in her black dress and heels. Antonio’s appreciative gaze shouldn’t have made her nipples tighten under her dress, but it did. In the event he was going to show up here, Jackie had beaten her face down, and her hair was flawless. She knew she looked good. And so did he.
“You do too,” Jackie admitted. A V-neck sweater stretched across his chest deliciously, and the slacks he wore fit his thick thighs like a glove.Focus Jackie, dammit. She brushed off the feeling, attempting to concentrate on the conversation at hand.
Antonio folded his arms over his chest. “I appreciated the invite from Tanika, but Jackie, you could have asked me to come.”
“I guess I was afraid you’d say no.” She was surprised at her own honesty.
“When have I ever said no to you, Jackie?”
Jackie’s face felt hot. Why’d he have to say it like that? “You’re right. I guess I thought you’d think it was weird because we’re in this weird space. You deserve to be here too. This fight is a win for you too.”
Antonio gave a slight smile. “You’re the negotiator, ma. I just put you in the right spot to do it.”
“Still, thank you. That trip to Mexico changed a lot for me. Made me realize a lot about myself.”
