Page 13 of Intentional Foul
Son, go after what you want,replayed in my thoughts. Pops pursued Mom until she gave in. If it worked for him, I’m sure it would work for me.
“Driver, you heard the lady. Take us to the chapel,” I said, and Marquise squeezed my shoulders from behind.
“That’s my bro. Secure your woman,” he said.
“Let’s get married,” Jhae yelled and squeezed my mouth.
Chapter Three
Collision Course
Two Months Later
Jhae
Ipulled into Anissa’s driveway and cupped my heart. People were driving crazy on the freeway today. One guy was an inch away from side swiping me. I rested my back against my white leather seat and counted to ten. After nine, I secured the handle and opened the door. There were several cars in the driveway but none of them were Malcolm’s. My heart leaped for several reasons. I will finally get to hold Khaira without interruption and had no chance of encountering Malcolm.
Never in my life had I monitored a basketball schedule, but after Nevada, I’ve been avoiding him. During the home games, I was nowhere to be found. Marquise and Malcolm both had a key to my condo and getting new locks appeared to be a hassle. For some reason, the change order continued to get deleted or lost in the system.
I have unanswered text messages and unreturned phone calls from him. Finding out I was his Music Note and MSJ stoodfor Malcolm Shaw-Jefferies shook me to my core. For an entire year, he told me countless times on how much he loved her, wellme. If he was anyone else, I would entertain it. Malcolm was handsome, courteous, articulate, a sweetheart, but my best friend’s son.
I thought he caught the hint, but last week a delivery driver knocked on my door with a briefcase. MSJ purchased me a platinum necklace with a music charm. He was instructed not to leave until I signed for it. At first, I wasn’t going to wear it but after trying it on, it became my favorite piece of jewelry. Reaching Anissa’s front door, I pressed the doorbell and waited for someone.
“Jhae,” my best friend said as she stood in the doorway.
I stepped inside and we embraced. Anissa carried a bit of baby weight, but she owned it. Khalil had been throwing hiccups in her workout plans. He loved her full hips and breasts.
“I miss you,” I said as we separated.
“Come on in, everybody is already here,” she said, and I trembled.
I flew in last night from Canada. Did I miss a game?I thought to myself.
“Everybody?” I questioned.
Anissa gave me a closed lipped smile paired with squinted eyes.
“Yes, the boys, Khalil, Caleb, and a few of Khalil’s old buddies. Just family, Jhae,” she said.
I swallowed hard and found my smile. “Yeah, family,” I said.
She led the way into the kitchen where Marquise was playing with his baby sister. She giggled as he lifted her in the air, bringing her down for kisses. A wave of panic hit as I searched for Malcolm. The creases in my palms clammed and turned slick thinking about his unknown location.
“It’s taking Malcolm forever,” Anissa said, and my heart rested slightly.
Calm down, Malcolm isn’t going to do anything crazy in front of Anissa,I thought to myself.
Spotting the hand sanitizer, I pumped my hands twice with hopes of holding Khaira. I sprinted around the table and extended my hands in her direction. She looked from me to Marquise and turned away from me.
“That’s right. Let her know who’s number one,” Marquise said.
I tapped his shoulder and mugged him as he laughed. Before I approached him, I knew Khaira wasn’t leaving him, but it was worth a try. She shunned her parents for Marquise. The only person she would leave him for was Malcolm, for obvious reasons.
“Where you been, Jhae? Malcolm and I been looking for you,” Marquise said with loaded eyes.
I licked the front of my teeth before I answered. “Why would you and Malcolm be looking for me? I’m single and busy,” I said with a bit of sarcasm.
“Are you sure you’re single,” Marquise teased.
