part of his entourage.
Ashton chuckled, aura shrinking to a child’s size. “Mr. Thomas. Good to see you.” There was more bass in his voice, and so many of his teeth were exposed.
“The pleasure is exclusively mine.” Thomas turned my way and the first thing I felt was the worldly wisdom in his eyes. They weren’t slick or inappropriate, but kind and inclusive. “What other refulgent pupilage mind do we have here?” I had no idea what he’d just asked, but it sounded rich and warm.
“This is boxing’s next great sensation, KaToria McNabb.” My spine rolled at the way Ashton introduced me.
It was with a confidence and accomplishment that made me feel like I fit in this trio. I wanted to knock Ashton’s head off. No attention. I hated attention on me—outside of the ring. Why would he say all of that?
Invisible, remember?
Thomas’ eyes lit just as bright as Ashton’s. So bright, I could hardly look at him for more than two seconds at a time.
His hand reached over to me. “Tyler Thomas, an associate of Mr. Spencer here.”
At first, I froze. All I could do was stare at his outstretched hand. Why did this have to be so formal?
“He doesn’t bite, Nabby-girl.” Ashton’s deep tenor had returned, weirdly defrosting my nervousness.
I nudged him away from me. “I know.” It took every ounce of bravery in me to look the man in his eyes, and even when I did, my face was toward my lap. I took his hand for a shake. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Thomas. I’m glad Ashton brought me today.”
“You are?” His tone hiked. “Care to share why?”
I lifted one shoulder at first, eyes going between my closed lap and his face. “Because…” I got stumped at first, not wanting to say anything stupid and embarrass myself. But when my sights rolled over to Ashton, I didn’t see embarrassment or anxiety about getting ready to say something stupid. In fact, I saw shock and…anticipation.
“You made Blacks seem like an important group of people who should be respected and…expected to give greatness to the world. We’re not…” My palms began to circle each other when I was at a loss for words. “ordinary. You made me see we’re…”
“Exceptional,” Ashton finished my thoughts, his eyes locked on mine with a gleam that did shit to me.
I nodded, turning back to Thomas. “Yeah. You made me feel…responsible.”
Tyler Thomas stood up straight. “Then my job is done for the day. Where do you call home, Miss KaToria McNabb?”
Shit.
He remembered my name, my whole name. That’s when I saw the one guy waiting on him handing Thomas a book. It was the same cover I’d seen coming into the auditorium and on the posters in the building. It was his latest book. Thomas patted his chest covered in a white dress shirt and blue suit.
I heard him murmur to the second guy, “Pen.” Thomas’ attention returned to me as the guy pulled out a writing pen and handed it over.
I finally answered, “New Jersey. Millville.”
“Ahhh! Used to be home to the glass industry.” Thomas’ lips pinched together as he thought. “There were several glass plants there, which was how many made a living. The county is now the prison territory. From my understanding, many are encouraging their children to abandon academic endeavors to harvest life-long careers in corrections, because—” He shrugged, writing into the book. “—well, the job is right there in their back yard and with overtime, one could make a generous living.”
He was right. A few of my classmates were headed straight to the corrections academy for work. No one preferred the instability of employment the casinos in Atlantic City provided. Working in the prisons was the safer option if you didn’t want your pay interrupted.
When Thomas was done, his eyes were on me again. “I, personally, would recommend the route you’re taking. There isn’t much industry in some of those southern counties. Lots of culture, but you can find that just about anywhere. Leaving Cumberland County and courting the world at large is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make for yourself. Your hands may have written the check, but it was your mind that cashed it. Never prioritize your gift over your ability to think. Your mind is the most valuable asset at your disposal.” He handed me the hardcopy he’d just signed.
Confused, my head shot over toward Ashton. “It—it’s his birthday.” I motioned to give the book to Ashton.
“Well, that was his book until he introduced me