Chapter 5

Tommy could always be found coaching one of the new guys on how to take a hit, or typing away on his computer doing God only knows what. Xander liked to think that the time Tommy spent in his office was for securing the next set of fights, but he knew him better than that.

Although both brothers had always been invested in the success of their fighters, Jimmy was obviously motivated by his passion for the sport more than the flashy business side of it. Tommy on the other hand, liked the glitz and glamour that came along with running one of the two best fighting gyms in Texas.

Johnny took the still fuming Xander into the office where Tommy was eagerly waiting. The walls of the office were covered in boxing paraphernalia, most bearing signatures from the highest ranking fighters of their time. Framed pictures of Tommy and Jimmy alongside elite fighters reminded Xander that the gym had a history that went way back, long before he was even a toddler, much less a fighter. Despite all of the fancy decor, it still smelled like the inside of a gym bag.

“Xander! Come on in buddy, sit down, sit down. Need anything? Water? I have one of those protein shake samplers if you wanna try one? They’re not bad. Not as chalky as the last batch they sent. It’s like they just forgot to flavor those damn things. These ones seem like maybe they’re worth the price tag.”

Xander forgot how much Tommy liked to hear himself talk. “Okay Tommy, what’s this about? Johnny told me you wanted to talk, and I know it’s not about the damn protein shakes.” For all the tough talk, Xander actually liked his flamboyant manager. Tommy had pulled through for Xander when no one else had, and he wouldn’t be forgetting that anytime soon.

“Okay Xan, you’re right. Just, sit down would ya? We gotta talk.” Tommy stood behind his desk, motioning to the chair across from him. Xander rolled his eyes and took a seat.

“You know you’re one of my best guys, and even on your worst day you can still beat the shit out of 99% of the boys in my gym, not to mention those poor-excuses over at Spitzer’s. But even the best fall down and for you, it’s a long way to go.” Xander could already tell what this was about. Tommy consistently gave him pep-talks right before telling him he had just scheduled a big fight.

“I know that look on your face. You’re reading my mind kid, but I’m tellin’ ya, this isn’t the same stuff I’m usually throwin’. This is bigger. Much bigger my friend. Last night I spoke to a Rep over at Street G who very eloquently told me they’ve been watching you for a while now. Said they’re genuinely impressed and even threw around the word ‘talent,’ which for such a big company is a pretty hefty compliment.”

Xander was getting visibly impatient. The office was sweltering and Tommy still hadn’t called the electrician to come and fix the air conditioning that broke almost two weeks ago. “I don’t think you’re catchin’ what I’m throwin’ down here Beast, this is huge. The money you’ve made already? Pennies man, no lie—at least in comparison to what you’d be makin’ if you got signed on with these guys.” Xander let out a chuckle.

More than he’d already made? How much more could he make off of fighting? He’d already won more fights than he could count.

“Yeah? And how much are we talkin’ here, money bags?” For all his sarcasm, Xander really was curious. Folding his hands in front of him Tommy’s tone changed to what Xander had affectionately coined his ‘business voice.’

“How does being a part of the Nine Zeros Club sound?”

Looking down at his feet, Xander shook his head. “Nine Zeros Club? You’re saying they’d sign me on for upwards of a billion g’s? T, I don’t need that kinda money. I’ve already got more than enough. Besides, didn’t you tell me once upon a time that money ain’t everything?”

Without missing a beat, Tommy slammed both of his hands down on his desk in frustration.

“Yeah Xan, I did. But I’ll be damned if I keep endorsing a fighter who can’t seem to get out of his own way. The drinking? The one-night stands? Tell me, when was the last time you were sober and slept in your bed… alone? Look. I know you’re young and I know you’ve had it harder than most, but you’re wasting your talent on cheap thrills. This ride ain’t gonna last long if you keep on going the way you’re headed. This isn’t just about the money, it’s about makin’ a name for yourself. A name that will hold up longer than your body. What sells better than a kid literally fighting his way to the top, Xander? You can have endorsements, money to buy a fancy house, and maybe even get some time on the big screen. All I’m asking is for the next month, focus on the fight and only the fight. Street G will have scouts there watching you from the sidelines and they wanna see you at your best. You get this, and you won’t have to worry about a damn thing for a long, long time.”

Xander studied his hands. The swollen knuckles, old scabs and aged scars told a story of all the hard work and dedication that he’d put in so far. Still, he couldn’t deny the fact that he had been blowing his money and time on booze and one-night stands. His competitors wouldn’t be doing that kind of thing, and in order to stay on top he’d have to cut back. Or, cut it out altogether.

“Okay, so what T? You want to buy me a purity ring and tell every liquor store in town not to sell to me?” After a few seconds of silence, Tommy walked around his desk and opened the door leading out to the gym.

“The way I see it, you’ve got two choices, Xan. Keep doin’ what you’re doin’ and go down the same rabbit hole countless guys have gone down before, or take my advice and win this thing. Live up to your potential. The choice is yours Xander, and no one can pressure you into doing anything you don’t wanna do. Not even me.”

Tommy stood there with his hand on the doorknob. Giving Xander the choice somehow made him feel even more trapped, but he wasn’t a fool.

“Okay. I’ll do it. But I swear to whatever shit disturber is up there in the sky watchin’ me, that if I spend the next month turning down hot chicks just for this big brand to ditch me—”

“Not gonna happen Xan. These guys aren’t joking around. Like I said, you win this and you’re gonna be sittin’ on that pedestal ordering folks like me around. So, are you in?”