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My heart raced as I refreshed my inbox.
Not a single message held inquiries from new clients. There were no replies to my desperate requests for brand sponsorships.
Opening my drafts folder, I stared at my last resort emergency plan: Call Dad & Elaine.
That option was listed after “Die in shame,” so I knew I could never follow through.
I hadn’t spoken to my family in years, and I wanted to hold off on letting them back into my life for as long as possible.
Time to try and figure out TikTok one more time.
SIX & A HALF
PRESENT DAY
TRAVIS
Caesar’s Palace
Las Vegas, Nevada
“Travis, over here!” “Are you upset about losing a sponsor to Juarez?” “Are the rumors about you not wanting a rematch true?”
I ignored the photogs as they followed me through the elaborate marble hallways of the casino.
“Is Ralph Windsor back on your team?” “When is your sister’s wedding to Hayden Hunter?” “Why haven’t we seen your fiancee?”
My lead security guard kept them at a distance while we walked, offering “No comment,” with every step.
He opened the door to a private garden and ushered me inside.
“I won’t let anyone who isn’t approved through, sir,” he said. “I have a few other guys at every entry point as well.”
“Do they have a copy of the approved list?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you, Ryan.”
I walked down a winding pathway until I saw Ralph and Madeline standing near a water fountain.
A set of bright red weights and a custom bench waited for me on the grass.
“Glad you’re here on time.” Ralph said. “I’ve got some very good news.”
“Spill it.”
“The UFC commissioner called this morning and said he hopes to be invited to your wedding,” he said. “He’s thrilled to know that you have a softer side and he wants to discuss shooting a television special on his dime.”
“I thought you said, ‘good’ news.”
“That’s the end of it.” He sighed. “As for the bad news,GQ,Vanity Fair, and every other magazine cover you’ve ever graced is practically frothing at the mouth for an interview about your new softer side. They want your fiancée to do the interview and cover with you, though.”
“I can’t believe this shit.” I walked over to the weight set and picked up a barbell.
“We’ve got auditions with top influencers, Lisa Summers, Courtney York, and Sadie Singer.” Madeline followed me with a folder. “I haven’t briefed them on the real project, but the three of us need to discuss today’s latest development before we begin their sessions.”
I waited for an explanation, but neither of them said a word.
