CHAPTER 31
Jackie’s anxiety was getting the best of her. It was mid-November. It had been three weeks since she’d sent Guzman the email pitching Mo’s big comeback fight. She’d sent a follow-up note and had Calvin call Guzman’s office to confirm he’d received her messages, but she didn’t want to harass him any further, lest she get put on the spam list and never hear from him again.
The continued absence of a voice was making her job hard as hell. She’d been back to the doctor twice since returning from Mexico and had even been put under anesthesia so they could get a better look at her vocal chords—no answers yet. But even if she could speak, what would she say—especially to Antonio? Jackie Miles and vulnerability weren’t familiar with each other.
She was walking on her under-desk treadmill, picking up the pace as the chorus of “Let Her Cook” got going, when her cellphone rang. It was PeeWee’s vet. She nearly fell off the walking pad trying to answer in a hurry.
“Ms. Miles? This is Dr. Martin, calling about PeeWee. I have some good news—we were finally able to conclude that PeeWee’s mass is not cancerous. We’ll want to repeat his bloodwork and scans in a few months, but for now, your sweet pup is in the clear.”
Jackie wanted to shout with joy, but before she could try, the door to her office flew open. She took one look at Calvin’s frazzled face and took out her earbuds.
“Ms. Miles, I tried to tell him you’re busy, but—”
A gruff voice interrupted. “Aye, either you let me through, slim, or I move you out the fucking way.”
It was Mo, and clearly, he wasn’t too happy.
Jackie waved her hand, signaling for Calvin to let Mo in. Mo was dressed in all black from head to toe. He looked like he was about to either rob someone or kill someone. Or both.
“You sure?” Calvin looked slightly terrified. “I can always get security.”
“Security?” Mo chuckled dryly. “I’m Mo Williams, dawg. Security can’t do shit to me.”
Jackie tilted her head twice, letting Calvin know that he should leave.
“I’ll…I’ll be right outside,” Calvin said shakily as he closed the door behind him.
Mo took a seat on Jackie’s couch. “You been avoiding me, Short Stack.”
Jackie leaned against her desk and typed in her app. “I’m sorry, Mo. But I still don’t have an answer from Guzman. Trust me, I’m trying.”
“Oh.” Mo’s eyes softened a bit. “Still no voice? Damn, shorty. No clue what’s going on?”
Jackie shrugged. “No clue,” the app responded.
“Maybe you need a reset—some more time in Mexico might do the trick?” Mo winked.
Or some more Antonio, thought Jackie. She silently cursed Mya for giving her these intrusive thoughts, shook her head, and typed, “I’m working on Guzman. I think his icing me out is a power play.”
Mo rubbed his hands together. “Yeah, he’s a dick. I’m just eager to get back out there, Jackie. I feel like I’m wasting my skills, you know? These young jawns out here getting all the glory without being really battle-tested. Any fighter worth his salt would want some real competition.”
