Page 38 of Bruised Hearts

“Look, I’m busy. Either say why you’re calling or get off my line.” I know I was being rude, but I hated when people played phone games with me.

“You posted a pic of you and some bitch like we’re not involved. I haven’t heard from you since you gave me your card, and that’s the first thing I see.” Hearing her say that, I made a mental note to tell Titan to go get my shit. It’s been so much shit going on, I forgot she had that mufucka.

“I post what I want on my social media. Including my girl. I should have told you, but a nigga had shit going on. My bad. Take the card, buy you something nice, and then move on. Someone will be by to get it tomorrow.” Hanging up, I stepped out of the car. I had no idea how the press knew I would be here, but paparazzi was out this bitch. Nodding, I followed Titan as he paved the way.

“Breaker, are you ready for your upcoming fight?” No response.

“Do you think fighting Danger is jeopardizing your record.” More silence.

“Breaker, who was the girl you posted?”

“My baby boo,” was all I said as I entered the doors. Looking around, I made my way to the table where Stone was waiting for me. Making my way over, I sat down. “Sorry I’m late.” Stone waved me off.

“I haven’t been here long.” The waitress came over, so we placed our orders before talking. “Do you want to jump right into business, or keep it casual for the cameras.” Now I knew how the press knew where I was. I wanted to get up and leave this nigga sitting here, but he was Ariyah’s father and agent. So, I played nice.

“Which one matters to you the most?” His eyes scanned mine trying to figure out what I was implying.

“Obviously, Ariyah is the most important thing here. I could care less about the cameras. I just assumed we would use them to our advantage to get Nova’s name out there.” I nodded pretending to understand his intentions.

“I’m just here trying to get to know my girl’s father. We can talk business later.” Stone picked up his drink and took a nervous sip.

“How has training been coming along?”

“She’s a quick study. I was surprised by how easily she latched on. Ariyah is a natural.” Stone looked confused so I knew he was referencing me. I found it funny he wanted to ask questions about my training when his daughter should be his main focus.

“Oh, that’s good.” I looked around for the waitress hoping she was coming with our food. I wanted to wrap this shit up.

“Are you worried about your upcoming fight?”

“Are you interviewing me?” I looked at him with my brows raised.

“What? Of course not. I’ve only been on the agent’s side of things. Ariyah is closed off, so she doesn’t really speak on how she feels or what she goes through during training. I was just curious to know the mental process.” Sitting back, I thought about his question.

“The trick is removing any bullshit from your life. That means mental, physical, all of it. Being focused is the key. If your mind is all over the place, that can be a deadly place for you to be in. So, I hope yall not stressing Ariyah out at home.” I threw that last part in for good measure.

“Absolutely not. We support everything she does.” The waitress finally came over, and I grabbed my food fast as hell. We began eating, thankfully in silence. Once we were done, I got to the conversation I knew he wanted to have. When I nodded towards him, he began speaking immediately.

“So, I was thinking we can set her up with a new fighter just like her to spar with. We can showcase both of their skills at the same time, and maybe that will get me a deal for the both of them. That will also show you off at the same time. With your upcoming fight, you killing two birds with one stone.”

“I only train in front of the cameras for HBO. I’m contracted.”

“Oh.” I didn’t reveal we had the fight yet for two reasons. One, I liked watching him squirm, and two I was learning he wasn’t a very good agent. If this were the avenue we were going to take, it should have been done. “Well, we can just keep the cameras on those two. It’s a lot of beginner fighters looking for a shot as well. Instead of waiting for someone to take her fight, we book one and make her the headliner. That way she can make at least five thousand on the purse. Once they see her skills, she will take off.” Stone looked proud of himself for the plan he put together.

“I forgot our last conversation ended with us saying we were going to go over plans. An opportunity presented itself and I assumed you would want me to use my connections instead of waiting. I booked Ariyah a fight already.”

“Are you able to do that without me? I’m her agent. I’m supposed to sign the contract as well. It’s the only way I can get-…” I smirked as his words trailed off.

“A percentage? Don’t worry, she hasn’t signed anything yet. That was the reason for the meeting, so you can get the ball rolling. It’s the reason the fight hasn’t been officially announced. Now, the fight is next month against a known fighter. You might want to get the ball rolling, so you can have all the promotion you need.”

“Maybe I can get her the max deal, around seven thousand. Who is she fighting?”

“She will be going against Tricky.” Stone looked shocked I was able to get her a fight with someone who was well known and dominating in her weight.

“That purse will be a little more than that. I can use my connections to get it.”

“The purse is for fifty thousand. Everything is already lined up; you just have to go read over the contract and you two sign it. I already did what I needed to be listed as a part of her corner. She’s been working with Jimmy, so if it was up to me, I would add him on as well. You can pick the rest, but she will need to get acquainted with them now, since she only has a month.”

“It seems you thought of everything.” I was about to respond letting him know we were on the same team, but someone screaming distracted me.