Page 58 of Intentional Foul
“Do we need to reschedule our lunch date?” Ace asked Nia, kissing her neck.
“No, Nia, take care of Hubby,” I said.
She turned to me. “Are you sure?”
I shook my head yes. Sitting in the booth, I watched Ace kiss Nia’s hand as they strolled out of the restaurant. My mind flashed through memories of me watching Anissa’s love story. The flowers for no reason, romantic dates, and her watching Khalil stare at her with this love sick expression. My chest burned because I wanted to experience love on that level. The scale I used to weigh my position on things tilted more in Malcolm’s direction.
With my mind everywhere, I accessed my burner phone and viewed my email.
“Malcolm,” I said to myself.
My furniture had been rerouted back to L.A. to my condo. The change order had been placed yesterday from its intended location, Arizona. This had Ivey written all over it. She fell right into my trap. I put my storage container under my government name to keep an eye on her movements. Fuck, my time in Chicago was limited because Ivey was sniffing. As I turned my eyes upward, I wondered if I would ever be able to outrun him. Realistically, how long could I keep moving while trying to record an album?
I wish I could put recording on the back burner, but it was my livelihood. Eventually, Malcolm was going to follow his money directly to me. Who am I kidding? I wanted him to. Collectively, he has shown me he’s capable of giving me love, security and an orgasm. He was different. Malcolm noticed things that Calvin’s sorry ass never did. Although he was pushy, it came from a place of love. He still had some growing to do that only life could teach, but he started out the gate in a rough place. With my prepaid phone in hand, I punched in Anissa’s number, but I couldn’t hit the send button. Maybe if we talked about it, she could see my point of view, but I highly doubt it.
Thoughts of my mother came to me, and I smiled. The core of me missed calling her when I found myself in a stressful situation. People thought being an only child was amazing because you could demand attention but when she died, I lost my entire family. More tears dropped as I imagined what she would tell me to do.Baby, you have to follow your heart. It’s your compass even when the weeds are higher than the path.
I unzipped my purse, retrieving my main cell phone and turning it on. With a full battery, my front screen was loaded with text messages.
Malcolm
Jhae, please tell me where you are.
Malcolm
I’m not going to give up on you or this marriage.
Malcolm
We could’ve talked about it.
Malcolm
Jhae, it’s been three fucking days. I can’t live without you.
Malcolm
I will come to you. Baby, tell me where you are.
Tyrus
Call Malcolm. He accused me of hiding you.
Tyrus
The authorities searched my house.
Tyrus
Are you okay? What the fuck is going on?
Marquise
Jhae
Marquise
My brother is fucked up right now. He’s crying and shit.
