Page 35 of Intentional Foul
Me
You can’t say those words to me.
Malcolm
I love you. Said it and meant it.
I covered my eyes with my hands as I rested my back against the headboard. A tap on the door pulled my attention. Begrudgingly, I pulled the blanket away from my legs and approached the door.
“What do you want, Malcolm?”
“I love how you stand on your tiptoes to talk to me, how one dimple is deeper than the other. I love your natural pixie cut hair instead of the wigs, your tan coffin nails, and your light pink lip gloss. I love how you fan your mouth after eating spicy food and how you grow in height when you get upset,” Malcolm professed through the door.
Listening to him list off random things about me made my eyes water.
“Those are some of the reasons why I love you,” he said, and my heart raced.
I placed my hand on the doorknob but snatched it back. Stepping backward, I moved away from the door, crawling back into bed.Jhae, don’t fall for this. He is Anissa’s son.The words looped in my head. Connecting with him on any level would shatter any trust or relationship I curated with Anissa. Our friendship was built on open honesty, laughter, tears and hard conversations. We have held each other down through love droughts and uncertainty. I couldn’t imagine my life without my friend. I wiped a tear from beside my nose before cradling myself to sleep.
This morning, I am determined to get back on track with Moe. After a long, steam filled shower, I dressed down in jeans and a tank. I planned to ignore Malcolm on my way out the door. I stepped out to find a trail of red roses leading to a table set with breakfast. Bacon, eggs, toast and fruit sat on nice plated dishes. He had changed into fresh clothes, and I bet he and Marquise switched places. It’s the only way he could get back inside my hotel room. Malcolm gently took my hand and guided me toward the setting, pulling out a chair with no objection from me. Maybe over breakfast we could come to a peaceful resolution.
“Music Note, I know yesterday was a lot,” he said, and I gave him the side-eye.
He reached for my hand again, but I moved my hand away.
“Malcolm, I want out of this marriage,” I requested as I crossed my legs underneath the table.
Instead of arguing, he lifted a plate, loading it with eggs and bacon before handing it to me.
“No, Jhae. I could see if we weren’t working out, but you’re afraid. To get the freedom you say you want, you’re going to have to fight me for it.”
I sighed before I stabbed a piece of egg with my fork and pulled it toward my mouth. Malcolm added a few things to his plate before a knock came to the door. I continued to eat, guessing it was Marquise. Malcolm stood, moving toward the door, and a familiar voice echoed through the space.
“Are you Malcolm?”
I swiveled in my seat to find Tyrus standing in the sitting area.
“Join us,” Malcolm said, leading Tyrus to the table covered in fruit, breakfast, and roses.
My manager agreed, giving me wide eyes as he pulled out the brown padded chair.
“I know you are confused about your requested attendance. Before we get down to business, how was the ride to Kansas City?” Malcolm asked as he loaded fruit on his plate.
“Seamless. The red and black interior on the jet was a nice touch,” he said.
“What jet?” I asked.
Malcolm reached for my hand underneath the table, but I moved it before we could fully connect.
“Why is Tyrus here?” I asked, looking between the two men.
My longtime manager raised both hands in a surrendering manner.
“I asked Tyrus to join us to discuss a plan regarding your music career,” Malcolm said.
I gave a quick chuckle before I slanted my head to the side. “Excuse me,” I said with audacity.
“Jhae is my wife. Faking a relationship isn’t going to happen. Neither is a divorce. I’m fully prepared to fund Jhae’s independent label, new album, tour, marketing, and purchase her current masters,” Malcolm announced our business and full plan.
