Most of all, they weren’t people like me. Sure, flirting with Tabitha the past few days was boosting my confidence. That didn’t mean I was ready to put on a tie and get beamed into people’s households after every match.

“Harry,” I started again. “They know what I’m like, right?”

He coughed. “Yeah, they know you’re not that into the spotlight. But every person they put in front of that camera gets training and mentoring. You better believe it. If they choose you, they’re gonna be putting in years of work and money out the wazoo. Even better? It’s in Vegas, baby.”

My ear caught the sound of Tabitha’s voice, talking to someone on the sidewalk. My agent was calling me about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I was trying to go get water ice. “I’m sorry, what? I’d have to move to Las Vegas?”

“That’s where their studio is. It’s the epicenter of the sport.”

I didn’t know how I felt about that. I traveled a bit when I was pro—and obviously to Vegas before. The only thing I remembered was hating every fucking thing about it, but that wasn’t the point really. The point was—could I pack up the way Tabitha did all the time and leave?

“I know it’s a lot to take in. And they haven’t made their decision yet. But I wanted you to know in case it happened so you would have time to consider it. I don’t think I’m stepping out of line here if I tell you that, as your agent, this is the dream. This would mean being back in the business, back doing what you do best, without having to get your ass kicked in a ring. You feel me?”

“Uh-huh,” I said, still processing.

There was a pause. Then Harry said, “How have things been since you left?”

“They’re fine,” I said. My standard response. “I still train with Sly, I just don’t—”

“Take any hits to that big head of yours?”

My nostrils flared. There was a reason why Harry annoyed the shit out of me. “Something like that.”

“But what are you doing with your life?”

What was I doing? I was doing odd maintenance jobs around South Philly for family and friends and meticulously training for another fight that would never come. All while bearing the weight of a city that felt either pissed at me or sorry for me.