Page 9 of A Major Love

“I don’t think twelve weeks is enough time, but honestly, this ain’t about how much money I can make. Nobody knows how I got started with boxing. I want to tell it all, because maybe I can help somebody. The documentary would follow the same format as the memoir, butI want old pictures,videos, and interviews from the people in my lifewho helped me get and stay on the right track after my arrest, up until I beat the only man who’s defeated me.”

“Damn. You’ve really given this some thought,” Jrue commented.

“I barely slept last night. I’ll only do this if Dynastie agrees to do my memoir.”

Brax and Jrue exchanged a look.

“I guess it’s my job to convince her,” Brax said.

“It can’t be me, because I’m sure if I reach out, it won’t end well. Let me know what she says.”

I’d beenin my office for the past few hours, going over the article I’d written about the top three picks in the professional basketball draft. It had been a few days since I’d finished it, and I had to let it marinate before reading it again and sending it to my editor, Alicia. After I felt comfortable with the words I’d penned, I hit send.

Before I could get up from my desk, my phone rang, and the name that flashed across the screen caused my heart to skip a beat. It had been years since the last time I’d communicated with this person, and I couldn’t imagine why he’d be calling me now.

I was in my head for too long, and my phone stopped ringing. Seconds later, it rang again with the same name on the screen. Itook a few deep breaths, swiped my finger across the screen, and pressed the icon for the speaker.

“This is Dynastie.”

“Wassup, Dee?”

“Brax . . . Hey.”

“Either you still got my number saved or you recognize my voice. Both are a win. How you been? It’s been a while.”

“It has. I’ve been well. You?” I responded, ignoring the first half of his statement.

“Glad to hear it. Life is good.”

“Can I help you with something?” I questioned, still confused about why he’d be calling.

“I can’t just be calling to see how my sister is doing?”

I frowned as I looked at my phone.

“Sister? That’s funny. What do you want?”

“Dee—”

“Brax, I will end this fucking call right now.”

“Okay, damn. I need a favor.”

“Youneed a favor?”

“Yes.Ineed a favor,” he repeated.

“I’m listening.”

“Did you hear that Major is retiring after his next fight?”

It was all over social media, so unless you were living under a rock, you heard it, but I lied anyway.

“No, I hadn’t heard. Congratulations to him.”

“Maybe you can congratulate him yourself if you accept my proposal.”

“Which is?”