Page 10 of A Major Love

“Major wants you to co-write his memoir.”

“No.”

“Damn. You ain’t even gon’ think about it?”

“Nope. I’m busy. If he needs some recommendations, I’ll send you a few names.”

“Nah. He won’t do it unless you agree to co-write it with him.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. I know some great writers. Anything else?”

“Dee, please. He wants to share with the world how he became who he is today. You know what he’s been through, and he believes that if he shares his story, it will help a lot of young people who find themselves in situations similar to his.”

“That’s commendable, and I think it’s great that he wants to use his life to inspire others, but I don’t think I’m the right person to work with him on his story.”

“I disagree.”

“Brax, I appreciate your confidence in me, but I’m a sports journalist. I’ve never written a memoir, nor do I have the slightest bit of interest in doing so, especially not for Major Lloyd. Please give your boy my congratulations on his retirement and enjoy the rest of your day.”

I ended the call before Brax could say anything else and prayed he didn’t call me back. I hadn’t spoken to him or Major in years, and they had the nerve to ask me for help. If people had nothing else, they had audacity.

I leaned back in my chair and blew out a breath. After replaying my conversation with Brax, my thoughts naturally went to Major. Although we hadn’t spoken in years, thoughts of him still crept into my mind at least once a day.

After the way he did me, I should be over him by now, but my heart refused to listen to my brain. I’d prayed, gone to therapy, and dated some amazing men, but my heart wanted who it wanted.

I picked up my phone and called my mother. Dyana Love was a project manager for a finance company but was never too busy to take a call from her only daughter. She picked up on the second ring.

“Hey, sweetheart!” she answered with excitement.

“Hey, Ma. Are you busy?”

“You know I’m never too busy for you, especially when you sound like you need to talk.”

“You know me better than anybody, but you can always call me back if you’re in the middle of something.”

“I’m good. Tell Mama what’s wrong.”

“I won’t even beat around the bush. Brax just called me.”

“Brax? Major’s friend and manager, Brax?”

“Yes, and you wouldn’t believe why he called.”

“I can’t believe he called at all, so I’m sure the reason will be just as shocking.”

“I’m sure you heard that Major is retiring.”

“Of course. It was all over the news, and I watched his press conference, but you know I don’t bring him up unless you do.”

“I know. Anyway, apparently, he wants me to help him write his memoir.”

“Are you serious?”

“If what Brax said is true, I’m very serious. I said no before he gave me all the details.”

“That doesn’t surprise me, but sweetheart, why don’t you think about it for a few days?”

“What’s there to think about, Ma? Aside from the fact that I’ve never written a book or memoir, I can’t be around Major. It hurts too much.”