Page 38 of Intentional Foul
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
Jhae tried moving, but I secured her elbow to pause her movement. She turned her body toward me. “You know what’s wrong with me,” she said.
With a gentle tug, I had erased the small crack of space between us.
“Jhae, let’s try the complete story,” I demanded but she remained quiet.
The resistance of this woman deepened my love and resolve.
“Moe wants his money, and the label called. They are shelving her album. Side note, Malcolm, are you really in love with Jhae? I mean, this could get messy. Women process things differently from men,” Tyrus interrupted, earning a look from Jhae.
“Listen, use him as your muse. It is clear you will not be going anywhere,” Tyrus continued.
I loosened my grip on her arm as she snatched it away. “Malcolm and I are getting a divorce or an annulment. His mother is my best friend,” Jhae yelled, and Tyrus scoffed at her statement.
“Tyrus!” she said between gritted teeth and he shook his head.
He came to the conclusion that Jhae failed to explore. I was not going anywhere. There would be no divorce or dissolution of our marriage. She narrowed her eyes at her manager and I chuckled, gaining their attention.
“My people are working on the label situation. How much money do I need to put up for the album, label, marketing, tour or whatever my wifey needs?” I said.
“Malcolm, noooo,” Jhae pleaded as she rotated her body toward me.
“Five to ten could get us going. If we find a distribution deal, it could save us some money and put us on the global map,” Tyrus said.
Jhae turned my face to her and mouthed the word no. I wanted to kiss her glossy lips and sayyesafterward.
“Alright, set everything up and I will transfer the money over,” I said.
“You do know I’m talking about millions?” Tyrus confirmed.
My eyes traveled up to meet his, with Jhae gripping my face. “I’m kissing you,” I said.
She hesitated before fully releasing me. “Yes, I’m aware you were speaking of millions. Not that it’s your business. I spent over ten thousand on Jhae’s bags and jewelry within a week. Wifey gets the world and everything about this label better be in her name. My lawyer will review the final documents after they are prepared. Yearly audits of the money will be conducted and every dime of our money better be accounted for—including your salary. Whatever rapper or feature she wants, make it happen,” I said.
“Damn, yes, sir. After the masters are secured, I will get to work,” Tyrus said.
Jhae bolted from her seat. “I’m not taking your money. Fuck it, you don’t listen to me. Malcolm listens to no fucking body,” she screamed.
Tyrus moved to say something, but I paused him with my hand. I scanned her slim, thick body and her skin hugging jeans.My little brat, I thought to myself.
“Music Note. I heard you, and I see you. You are afraid right now, which is fine. I’ve entered your life and snatched your security blanket from you. However, as your husband, I will push you to greatness. I know what you are capable of.”
Jhae’s eyes danced around the room before she reclaimed the seat next to me. Tyrus’s mouth parted slightly as he focusedon us. I’ve listened to Jhae’s dreams about where she wanted to take her music. She couldn't get there if she was too afraid to jump. As long as she had the safety net of the label, she would play follow the leader. I’m going to push her, even if it makes her uncomfortable.
I’ll be the bad guy to allow her to shine.
Chapter Seven
Studio Sessions
Jhae
“Malcolm, I’m thinking of small venues to search for talent.” Tyrus’s voice carried as I entered the room. I shook my head.
“Tyrus, you’re not talking to Malcolm.Heis Marquise,” I said, and Marquise burst into laughter after he extended his hand.
“You good, man. Malcolm left while you were in the bathroom,” Marquise said.
