Page 73 of Intentional Foul
Malcolm
While Jhae was getting pampered, I logged into a scheduled call with my therapist.
“Malcolm,” Dr. June said.
From the paintings in the background, I confirmed she was in her home office. I smiled back in her direction.
“Hello, Dr. June,” I greeted.
“It’s always a delight to see you. Tell me where you would like to start?” she asked.
I released a brash sigh. “Jhae and I have decided to be in a relationship. We were married a few months ago in secret,” I said and paused to read her facial expression.
“Please continue,” she encouraged.
“My wife is worried about Mom ending their friendship to the point that she is ignoring her calls. She said something about mourning the relationship. I’m conflicted. The woman I know as my mother is levelheaded and thoughtful. Would she be mad? At first, but I thought it would blow over. Am I being naïve?” I asked.
“No. As people, we experience each other differently. It’s about how people show up inyourlife. Anissa has a softer hand with you and Marquise. Think about her dynamics in the boardroom versus how she is with your father. I can’t say she will react harshly to Jhae any more than I can say she will accept it. What’s important is what we discussed. You and Jhae are now a family unit. It’s important for you two to create boundaries and safe places for each other,” Dr. June said.
I sat back and combed through my thoughts about Mom. I’ve witnessed her shred deals apart for clients but yield to Pops. With Jhae, sometimes it was as if she transformed into a young woman again.
“I need to talk to Jhae, but I’m uneasy. Of course, I will defend my wife and our marriage, but I want to respect my mother,” I said.
“Defending doesn’t require disrespect. It’s stating the rules with a calm hand but enforcing them when needed. Continue to show up in your mother’s life unless she expresses something different. It may be a good idea to gather your support systems before you tell her about the relationship. Not to rally them to yourself but to offer support to whomever needs it,” Dr. June said and nodded.
“You’ve given me quite a bit to dissect. I may have to email you with more questions.”
“My email is always open to you, Malcolm. Any progress with Toni?” she asked.
I smiled back, thinking about the lunch we had two months ago between games. We’ve been texting, and I’ve enjoyed expanding our relationship.
“Things are good. We are taking things slowly. I’ve learned quite a bit about myself the more I get to know her. I wish she had more confidence in our relationship,” I said.
Dr. June gave me a soft but curious smile. She also knew when I was giving half-truths.
“Marquise,” she said.
I dropped my head and shook it. He wanted no part of Toni.
“He continues to block her after I unblock her,” I said. Dr. June’s eyes widened at my statement. “The perk of being a twin, but he doesn’t trust her or her family,” I said.
“Has he pulled the protector position on you?” she asked, and I chuckled as she smiled.
“No, only because I’ve been keeping him in the dark. We’re going to need a therapy session to handle him and Toni.”
“My door is always open. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to listen to his perspective on the matter,” Dr. June said.
For the next twenty minutes, I listened as she spoke about fear of change and family dynamics. She gave me tools for how to approach the hard conversations with Jhae and Marquise before hanging up. I ended the video call with loaded thoughts.
Two taps on the door interrupted my jumbled words. It had to be Marquise. Jhae had another hour of pampering. I chuckled at how she skipped out of here with my credit card.
Checking the peephole, I confirmed it was Marquise. I moved behind the door, allowing him inside.
“I wouldn’t touch the table,” I warned as I walked behind him.
He paused and faced me with a proud smile. “Damn, my brother laying down the law,” he said and flopped on the bed.
I thought about my conversation with Dr. June. “Quise, let me talk to you about something.”
