Page 11 of Intentional Foul
“Yea, let’s go,” I said, unwilling to remove my focus from Jhae.
Before the night was over, we were having a conversation. I’ve done enough dreaming and sitting on the sideline. It’s time for me to manage the team.
Stepping outside the stadium, both drivers pulled up. Jhae’s driver exited the car first, waiting to open the car door for them to enter.
“Marquise, we will meet you at club After,” Jhae said.
“Why can’t we all ride together? I’m sure the guys won’t mind dropping us off at the hotel,” Chasity vouched, and my body relaxed.
I couldn’t allow Jhae to separate from me. She had already been drinking. Although she had security, Jhae was my responsibility.
“If you ladies planned on drinking, Chasity is right. We need to make sure you make it in your rooms and safe,” Marquise said.
“I have Frank for protection,” Jhae said, cuffing her arm into Marquise’s elbow.
It’s obvious that she was avoiding me. She hadn’t spoken or looked in my direction since we left the court. I chuckled at the notion because, regardless, she was going to end up with me. I suspect things would be rough in the beginning, but we could work through it.
“Jhae, we are supposed to be having fun and you’re bringing your bodyguard? I doubt if anybody is going to be a problem with these two giants,” Chasity said.
I remained quiet because Chasity and Marquise unknowingly did the work for me.
“Alright, Frank, go have fun. Our flight leaves tomorrow at ten,” Jhae said, and her bodyguard double-checked before he left with her car.
We piled inside the SUV Marquise had for the weekend. Jhae cuffed Chasity’s hand, pulling her next to her. I chuckled at her move to keep us from sitting beside each other.
“How do you tell them apart,” Chasity whispered into Jhae’s ear.
Jhae leaned over to answer her question. “Easy, Marquise’s face is slimmer, and he plays too much.” Chasity shifted her body around and glared at us before turning to Jhae.
“No, it isn’t.”
“Yes, it is. To me, they’re not identical. With their mother being my best friend,” Jhae said, elevating her voice. “I’m around them more and see the subtle differences.”
She would soon come to realize that it didn’t matter if Mom was her spiritual advisor, I wasn’t backing down. Marquise gave a small chuckle as we continued our journey to the club. If Chasity wasn’t in attendance, I would’ve instructed the driver to take us back to the hotel. Jhae and I had things we needed to sort out. My words and feelings were running together, jumbling my thoughts. The longer we drove, my anxiety was getting the best of me.
The line to the club wrapped around the gray brick building. Chasity and Marquise were pumped as we drove around the block.
“Jhae, can you get us in?” Chasity said, laying it on thick.
Silently, I hoped Jhae didn’t have any connections to this club. Crowds of people and loud music were never my scene. Where most would see dancing, I saw zombies grinding on each other.
“Yes. DJ Bass is hosting. I can get us in,” Jhae said.
We witnessed her tapping on her phone as we circled the block again. Marquise passed me his phone with a message.Are you sure about this club? Crowds of people aren't your thing.I shook my head yea, and he nodded.
“Alright, we are added to the list,” Jhae said and danced her shoulders.
We unloaded at the front of the club and skipped the line, which was right up Marquise’s alley. Cameras were flashing as Jhae and Chasity stood, and we were patted down by security.
“Jhae. . . Jhae. . .” people yelled, but she ignored them.
Sometimes, my Music Note was annoyed with her celebrity status. If she wasn’t doing appearances or brand deals, she hid away in her condo. She wasn’t as public as people perceived her to be. Most of the things she did post weren’t anything personal. During home games, all three of us posted in her condo and watched TV and ate out.
The green and pink lights reflected off the glossy surfaces, including the bar. Somehow, Jhae secured a booth right in front of the dance floor. A sea of people danced to the music, including several of our West Coast teammates. I couldn’t understand how being in a box with loud music stimulated people to dance. Marquise and I sitting at the end put Jhae and Chasity in the middle. They hovered over each other as they viewed Jhae’s phone.
When a round of drinks appeared at our table, Marquise and I both declined. Chasity and Jhae counted before tossing back a shot and giggling.
“Yo, check out this new unsigned rapper from Houston, Icey,” the DJ said into the mic.
