Page 10 of Intentional Foul
What’s up with yo friend?
Jhae
No.
Coach called a time-out at the beginning of the fourth quarter as we gathered around the bench. He put together some bullshit play, but my eyes located Jhae and her friend. They returned to their seats, but she ignored me, focusing on her phone. I gaveMarquise the eye, and he zoned in on her friend. He winked, and she smiled. After she mouthed “later,” I knew he told her to wait for him.
Baby, I have the time... rang through the stadium and Jhae’s shoulders slumped.
“A timeeeee lesss,” her friend sang and bumped her arm.
Soon, the entire crowd joined in singing and continued after the music stopped. Jhae went through the motions, but I knew she was past “A Timeless Love Can Wait.”
As soon as the buzzer ended the last quarter, I skipped the small talk and headed to the locker room. Things between Jhae and me were changing as of tonight. I’m oversleeping alone, worrying about her safety, secretly sending her gifts, and leaving the door open for another man. I’ve been as patient as I was going to be.
Marquise and I both exited the locker room, re-entering a near empty stadium. Jhae and her friend remained in their seats. My heart raced seeing my woman waiting for me wearing my jersey. As we closed the distance, both ladies stood along with Frank.
“Congratulations on being selected for the All-Star game again,” Chasity said.
My attention rested on Jhae as I scanned her body again and noticed how she moved further away from me.
“Thank you, and your name is?” I interrupted.
“Marquise, meet Chasity. Chasity, Marquise and Malcolm,” Jhae said.
I heard the saltiness in her tone as she spoke my name. Chasity moved closer to Marquise as he kissed her hand. Jhae and I both observed, shaking our heads simultaneously.
“Jhae,” I called her name, and annoyance dressed her face as she folded her arms.
“Yes, Malcolm?”
“C’mon here,” I said, extending my hand in her direction.
“Why?” she questioned.
“Because I asked,” I said.
Jhae diverted her attention down to her phone, dismissing me. Gripping the top of the black All-Star branded folding chair, I cleared a path. I captured her elbow and nudged her to me. Jhae gave me hard eyes as her nostrils flared. I knew she was pissed but not even anger could subtract from her beauty.
“Malcolm, what the hell is going on with you?” she said with gritted teeth.
“I need to talk to you alone,” I requested.
She moved her eyes from her elbow back to my eyes, requesting her release. I obliged, loosening my grip and she snatched herself free.
“We’re going out. I will catch up once we make it back to L.A.,” she said.
Jhae tapped my upper arm. My head followed her motion as she tried to reduce me to a friend or family. It caused my jaw to flinch.
“It can’t wait, Music Note,” I said.
Using the name I coined for her exposed me. The color flushed from her face as she connected the dots. I’ve had numerous conversations with Jhae about the woman I adored. To conceal her identity, I used the name Music Note. Jhae offered advice and date night ideas, giving me the playbook. She staggered away from me without uttering a word.
“Marquise, are you ready?” Jhae stammered.
He shot me a side-eye, quickly catching on and pivoting.
“Bro, you ready?” Marquise asked as he hit my arm.
