Page 5 of Intentional Foul
He squinted before facing forward, and I giggled before returning to my screen. According to social media, the Poker Deck Arena was in full swing with the crowd amped from the music. The get ready with me and makeup videos highlighted how seriously people took this event. None of the women were half-stepping with their attire. I kept things light with a fitted jersey, Malcolm’s number, designer denim jeans, and boots.
By the time we exited the car, linked with my security team, and walked to sound check, it was time to perform. I guess Tyrus wasn’t wrong about the timing. Following my security, they cleared a path as we waited for the announcement. My ears took in the crowd buzzing as I sucked in their energy.
“Here to sing the Black National Anthem, five-time Grammy award winner, Jhae,” the announcer belted.
The lights lowered as I strutted to the middle of the court. Both teams lined the floor underneath the basketball hoops in their team jerseys. Three men in army uniforms stood behind me with the flag. I closed my eyes to reset my mindset and opened them as I lifted the mic to my lips.
The soft tone of my voice floated through the words, and by mid-verse, I added power. The crowd clapped with excitement. My eyes squinted at the flashing lights as I neared the end. On the last word, I carried the note and applause covered the room.
“Good job,” Tyrus said in my earpiece.
I waved as I moved to the left toward the west coast bench. My eyes found Malcolm and Marquise standing with wide smiles. Before I moved to my seat behind their bench, I extended my arms.
Marquise hugged my neck and whispered, “Good job, as always. Now, where is the album?”
I swatted his arm and moved over to Malcolm for a hug. He leaned forward, wrapping his much bulkier arms around me. As we were separating, I motioned to kiss his cheek, but we pecked lips. I jerked my head backward, surprised by his actions. Kissing him on his cheek was something I had always done. We have performed the same hug and kiss for the last two years. Malcolm glared as I removed my arms and returned a confused smile.
“Wait for us after the game,” he instructed with soft authority.
I widened my eyes at his request, but he walked away without giving me an opportunity to question his command. Moving toward the bench, we found each other’s eyes again. Malcolm examined me until I secured my seat next to Chasity. As he ran on the floor, I replayed the last few weeks of interactions. After the new year, he’d been weird. In the elevator, he held my hand, and I swore he touched my ass. Today, he kissed me.
“What was that about?” Chasity, my label mate, said as she leaned into my side.
I shifted in her direction, unable to answer her question. The words I wanted to express didn’t make sense to me as I questioned myself.
“What do you mean, what’s going on?” I asked.
Chasity leaned her body backward, and I followed her motion. When she leaned forward, she twisted her gloss-covered lips.
“Malcolm kissed you in front of thousands of people,” she said.
I glared into her eyes as she confirmed my suspicion. Malcolm kissed me.Fuck, I thought to myself as Chasity extended, giving me an inquisitive smirk.
“Wait, you need to chill. It was a mistake. Anissa is my best friend. I wouldn’t betray her by dating her son. He is practically family.”
Chasity turned her petite frame in my direction before she ran her fingers through her pixie cut.
“Malcolm didn’t get the memo. He kissed you, Jhae, and he wants you.”
I scanned her mocha-tinted skin, taking in her squinted brown eyes and firm jawline. For the sake of denial, I wanted to defend my previous statement, but I struggled not to agree.
“From half court. Malcolm made it. He made it,” the announcer said and refocused on the crowd.
Malcolm stood surrounded by teammates, including Marquise, celebrating his shot, and panic covered me. I secured my phone to start damage control.
Me
Bestie, are you up?
I bounced my right leg in a repeated motion, waiting for Anissa to respond. Once the three dots appeared, my nerves subsided.
Bestie
I’m trying to watch the game, but your niece isn’t being nice about it.
Me
Awww, I need more pictures.
