Page 71 of Intentional Foul
Too late, he is planning an album.
“I think I need to be on the album cover,” Marquise said confidently from the back seat.
“NO!” Malcolm and I said in unison without bothering to turn around.
“I’ll settle for a music video.”
I peered up at Malcolm, but he wasn’t smiling or amused. His jawline stood firm, and he wouldn’t give me his eyes.
Bestie
Are you okay, Jhae? Are we okay?
I danced my thumb over the letters, unsure of how to answer. With Anissa being in the dark, yes, everything was okay, but once her flashlight shined, that would end.
“Answer her,” Malcolm demanded.
Me
Yes. Sorry, I was a little flighty. In album mode.
Bestie
Call me when you get back in town. Kal and I need to ask you something.
The van pulled in front of the suites. As we climbed out, I knew Malcolm and I were not okay. He didn’t try to hide his irritation with me.
“I booked you across from us, Marquise,” he said, and they slapped hands. “Bro, what’s wrong with you?” Marquise asked Malcolm.
They spoke in a language or some sort of code I’d never heard before. It sounded something like gibberish to me. Anissa told me they did this a lot when she first adopted them as kids. Marquise peered over at me and nodded at his brother.
“I’m right here,” I said with folded arms.
Malcolm’s intense eyes found me. “Jhae, go into suite three. I’ll bring the bags,” he said.
I tilted my head to the side at his answer. Malcolm passed me the key, and I stared at his hand as if it were covered with algae.
“Jhae!” he said, and I crossed my arms, challenging his authority.
“I’ll help the driver,” Marquise offered, leaving us alone.
Malcolm kissed my cheek before migrating to my ear. “Jhae, take yo fine ass into the suite. I’m not going to ask again, beautiful,” he said, placing the key in my back pocket.
“Malcolm. . .”
“I didn’t ask for commentary,” he interrupted.
Steam erupted from my ears as I marched off toward the tan painted building. I almost broke a damn nail, ramming the key in the door. Entering the room, I paced as I replayed the conversation between us. My body sent me mixed signals with being angry but aroused. Malcolm had never used a hard tone with me and meant what he said. Being enraged and turned on, I couldn’t focus on the private walkout pool and view of the ocean.
After ten minutes, the door opened to Malcolm and Marquise, bringing our bags.
“Dinner,” Malcolm said to his brother, and they smacked hands.
As soon as the door closed, I marched up to Malcolm. “Don’t you ever speak to me like that again,” I said.
Malcolm remained calm as he stared down at me. “Jhae, we had an agreement. Don’t ignore my mother,” he said.
I tossed my hands in the air. “Malcolm, I didn’t ignore her, I texted.”
