Page 28 of Intentional Foul
Anissa’s voice had become faint in the background. When I heard the door close, I knew we were able to talk business.
“Hypothetically speaking, if there was a video, Malcolm has more money than you. Sorry, Jhae,” Ivey said.
I covered my face with one hand as I scrambled to find leverage.
“I’ll get you a date with a popstar. But he must be close to your age? And a cameo in a music video,” I bribed.
“I’m not really into pop stars,” she said.
It was obvious no one in the Jefferies household was willing to help. Asking Marquise would be futile in my annulment or divorce effort.
“Ivey, this isn’t funny,” I said.
“I agree. My brother loves you,” she said and sighed. My stomach cramped as worry introduced itself to me again. I was painted into a corner with one exit and he wanted this marriage.
“Baby, your California rolls are here with the mustard on the side,” Malcolm said into the bathroom door.
“Goodbye, Ivey,” I said and hung up.
My phone vibrated with a message from Ivey. She sent the video, and my heart raced with excitement. I pressed play, but hearts played, and the video disappeared.
Ivey
Give my brother a chance. He loves you.
Hard air flowed through my nose as I tried to remember her actual age. I scrolled through my phone and found Papers’ name saved in my contacts. He did some background work for me on a rapper I was interested in.
“Papers,” he said, and my heart slowed.
“I have a job,” I said.
“Listening.”
“Apparently in Vegas during All-Star weekend while I was really, really drunk, Malcolm Shaw-Jefferies and I got married,” I said, almost whispering the end of the sentence. “I need you to find the tape, something showing I was not in my right mind. My phone is a good starting point. His baby sister sent the video to me but snatched it back.”
Papers chuckled as I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. “How fast do you need it?” he asked.
“ASAP,” I said.
“That will cost you. . .”
“I don’t care how much it costs! I need to get out of this marriage,” I said.
“Jhae, are you coming out to eat with us? It’s Marquise,” the masculine voice said.
I didn’t need him to announce his identity. Malcolm’s voice was deeper. With my hands on the edge of the marble vanity, I hopped down. Until Papers called back, there wasn’t much I could do. My stomach growled from hunger and worry. I exited the hall bathroom to find Marquise grinning. Pushing past him, I entered the bedroom, slipping on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
I stepped into the room to see my California rolls and drink resting on the table. Malcolm pulled back my seat, but I circledthe table to the opposite side. Marquise laughed as he shook his head. Malcolm slid my food to me from across the table. I refused to give him the attention he desired.
“Marquise.”
“Jhae,” he said.
“I need you to tell the judge I was drunk the night Malcolm tricked me into marrying him,” I said.
He looked from me to his brother. “Jhae, you asking me to betray my twin?”
I sat back in my seat, folding my arms. “I’m asking you to tell the truth. Your brother is playing with my career and my fucking life. Anissa is going to disown me. She is all the family I have. Please. I’m begging you,” I pleaded.
