Page 96 of House of Scarlett
“Eight fights. Balcony seats alone will bring in close to half a million. Legend takes fifty percent of the gate. We charge a premium for everything that night, especially the liquor. The place will be packed.”
Practically salivating at the betting that’ll be going on, Jared’s eyes go big. “Who’s fighting? What’s the main event?”
I scan the table, meeting each of their eyes before I give them the information I hope will sway them back. “Me and Bodhi Black.”
Their reaction is a mixture of raised eyebrows, gasps of surprise, and clapping.
“Fuck yeah,” Jared says with a fist pump. “I’ve been waiting for that rematch since you ended the last fight. This is going to be fucking raw. You two are going to try to take each other’s heads off.”
“You sure putting your neck on the line is the right way to save this club, Gabe?” This question comes from Big Mike. The concern on his face is probably the closest I’ll ever get to having a father give a shit about me.
“When you put your money down to back me, I made all of you a promise that I wouldn’t fail. And if this is what it takes, then this is exactly the right way to save the club. It could lead to other events. Open Legend up to new opportunities.”
Big Mike goes quiet. I know he’ll support me, even if he thinks it’s a bad idea.
“I’m all for it, as long as I get a ticket,” Lou says, looking to me. “You making that happen?”
It’s not something I’ve thought about, but I don’t have a choice. “Yeah, you get two tickets if you want them. Might as well come see your investment being protected.”
“And you’ve got this event nailed down? Contracts signed? It’s happening for sure?”
I’m not surprised that the hard questions come from Cannon Freeman.
“Next week,” I reply with more confidence than I feel. “It’s in the works as we speak.”
He rests his elbows on the table and studies me. “And what if it doesn’t happen? You got a backup plan?”
“Legend and Black have a sanctioned fight, anyway,” Jared says with excitement buzzing through every word. “I know a guy on the commission. He and I have an understanding. You don’t need an undercard, man. People will pay through the ass to see you two try to kill each other.”
It’s an option I haven’t even considered. I know how to organize a fight. I’ve watched Rolo do it for years.
“That’s right. We’ll have the fight anyway. Undercard or not. This shit’s happening, and it’s going to be one of the most talked-about combat events this city has ever seen.”
Freeman’s shoulders lift and then fall. “It’s your head, Legend. You want to do this, then do it. I won’t call for a vote to liquidate if you’re still committed.”
I don’t have a choice.
“I’m committed. You can take that to the bank.”
Fifty-Nine
Scarlett
Kelsey spritzesmy face with one last pump of setting spray and steps back to assess her finished work. “You always look amazing, but tonight, you’reglowing.”
I glance at the mirror behind her. I look even more dewy than normal, and I’m digging the look. “Only because you’re an artist, Kels.”
She leans in to air-kiss me. “It helps to have an awesome canvas to start with. Whatever you’re doing ... keep it up, girl. Your skin is perfect.”
“I’ve made zero changes to my routine, but I am happier. You think that could be it?”
Kelsey beams. “Absolutely. Happiness is about the best complexion booster I’ve ever seen. Well, that and a good pregnancy glow. You’re not knocked up, are you?”
I choke on air and cough. “What? No. Oh my God. Of course not.”
But my mind immediately goes to all the condom-less sex I’ve been having lately. After we skipped one by accident and discussed our mutual lack of risk, we’ve never gone back. Last night, after hanging at the club for a few hours, Gabriel came home with me, and we christened my kitchen table. Thankfully, he moved the giraffe salt and pepper shakers, or they never would have survived the ride.
“Well, good, that means you can pour enough wine down your gullet to make tonight fun. Harlow was bitching because I had to get her ready early this afternoon, and she wasn’t going to be able to eat anything for the rest of the day. She said she’d make sure to tell you herself how unfair it is that you get my best time slots.”
