Page 17 of Intentional Foul
“We can’t do this,” Jhae said in a low, unsure tone as we separated.
It pained me to release the security of her body, but I did, stepping backward.
“Don’t ever do that again, Malcolm. Let go of this dream orfantasyyou have of us. It’s never going to happen.”
I battled if I wanted her to meet the real me. The version who wouldn’t entertain a universe with us not being together. Understanding I’ve shocked everything within her system, I allowed her to believe this was the end. She sidestepped me to leave, and I smiled with the residue of her gloss on my lips.For this to be my first kiss, I pulled it off;I thought to myself.
Entering the main living space, Pops and Caleb had joined everyone in the kitchen. Jhae moved closer to Mom as if she could save her from me. With our foundation not being solid, Jhae and I couldn’t withstand the wrath of Anissa Shaw-Jefferies. We needed to be sure in our relationship before telling someone outside of Marquise and Ivey.
On the night of our marriage vows, I roped in Ivey to hack the marriage license database. I needed the legality of our union to remain hidden until further notice. She congratulated me on finally making a move to secure my woman. It surprised me that Ivey knew about my affection for Jhae. She said anyone with eyes could see it.
“Malcolm, can I talk to you for a minute,” Mom said and Jhae stiffened.
“Yes, ma’am,” I said and followed Mom outside to the patio area.
I stared into Mom’s fuller face and secretly agreed with Pops about her keeping the weight. Mom patted my upper arm and smiled.
“Mal, we need to talk about you and Jhae,” she said, and I gave a slight lift to my brows.
“I’m listening.”
“Son, I know you have a crush on Jhae but it’s not okay to tell her not to date. It’s time for you to move on. Find a nice girl and go on a date. Jhae is family,” she said.
Respectfully, I disputed her ask. “Mom, Jhae is one of a kind. She is my wife.”
Mom gave a slight giggle before temporarily lowering her eyes to the patio and back up to me.
“Son, Jhae is not going to date or marry you. She would never betray my trust. There are plenty of singers out here. What happened to the Music Note girl,” she said, and I smirked.
“Why does it have to be a betrayal? We are both adults and have our own money. Jhae is the one for me. Don’t you want me to be happy and in a healthy relationship?” I teased to gain insight on the matter.
Mom shook her head with amusement. “Malcolm, I do want you in a happy and healthy relationship but not with Jhae. She is my best friend. Move on, Malcolm,” she warned and kissed my cheek.
As she opened the patio door to step back inside, I sighed. The family merger would be harder than I imagined.
Pops ignited the fire pit as the sun set and we sat around joking with each other after dinner. Jhae continued to glue herself to my mother out of quiet fear.
“Jhae, when is the album coming out?” Caleb asked.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m struggling with my love ballads. My mood is more party not love,” Jhae said.
Caleb inched closer to her, but I knew she wasn’t interested. Jhae selected a strawberry from her bowl and bit into it, drawing Caleb’s attention. He focused on her mouth and licked his lips.
“Let me take you out. Somewhere romantic,” he said.
“Speaking of dating, Jhae suggested we all double date at a new restaurant not far from her condo,” mom said and I closed my eyes to suppress my anger.
“Sounds good to me,” Caleb agreed.
Marquise cut his eyes at me as I awaited Jhae’s answer. “I hear it’s a good place for friends to hang out,” she said.
Jhae should’ve said no instead of giving him false hope.
Witnessing Caleb try but fail with my woman around the fire pit amused me. He’s been trying to make headway for the better part of the BBQ.
“Pops, can you hand me a bottled water?” I asked, interrupting their conversation, reminding Jhae I was still in attendance.
He passed me a bottle, and squinted his eyes at me. Leave it to Pops to start putting things together. He was nosier than mom sometimes.
