Page 13 of Defending the Post (The Complexity of Love #3)

“Erin, what is the problem? If you’re going to be mad at me, at least tell me what I did,” I said.

She focused her head towards the window, leaving her neck open. I positioned my lips underneath her earlobe.

“Weirdo, I’m sorry for whatever I did. Tell me what was said,” I whispered in her ear.

“Nothing. Can we go now?”

I knew she was lying, and it fucking bothered me. Malcolm’s voice bounced in my thoughts about me falling for Erin.

“Mr. Jefferies,” the driver called.

Lifting my head, I gave him the okay to pull off.

Erin attempted to put space between us, but I denied it yet again, pulling her into my body.

When she finally faced me, I placed my forehead on hers to force a connection.

The warmth and closeness of her body awakened a new, but different, protective energy.

“Best friends do not sit this close,” Erin murmured as our eyes remained latched on each other.

In theory, she was right, but I was going to hold her as long as possible. Any time it presented itself to me, I wasn’t passing up the opportunity.

“I don’t need anybody telling me what to do in my friendship,” I said, and she lowered her eyes to my lips.

Erin

The heat of Marquise’s breath against my skin had me ready to pounce.

I don’t understand why I was upset after discovering Monica’s identity.

Throughout the entire game, I listened to her and Amber’s calculated plan to fuck him.

Neither of them was concerned or asked if I was his woman.

The conversation bordered on a full-blown play-by-play sex scene.

I owed him an apology for assuming, and I didn’t have the right to be upset. We were friends, and he could fuck whomever he pleased. If the driver hit a pothole or tapped the brakes, our lips would touch.

“Tell me what’s wrong,” he asked again, with concern resting in his tone.

I knew if I hinted at being jealous, it would put us on the wrong path. Maybe we were already heading down the wrong street blurring the lines.

“I jumped to conclusions. Can we not talk about it?” I requested.

Marquise gave me loaded eyes but honored my request. The driver opened the door, and I exited first with him on my heels.

He grabbed my hand to slow down my pace and I tangled my fingers with his.

Thankfully, there were no cameras there to catch us.

We entered the elevator and I pressed the button to stop on my floor.

Marquise blocked the door, not allowing me to exit.

“Stay with me tonight,” he said, and I jolted my head backward at his request.

Marquise chuckled at my reaction. “To play the game, Erin, but I know what you want to do,” he followed.

I found his eyes before I punched his arm.

Marquise

I’ll be home tomorrow.

This week for Marquise and me had been rough because I inserted more boundaries. We slept in the same bed every day last week. I knew better but didn’t exercise good judgment. The day he left, we almost kissed in the living room in front of Jhae and Malcolm.

Marquise

Erin!

Me

I’m at work.

Marquise

I don’t give a fuck.

Marquise

I will skip this game. What is wrong with you?

Me

Nothing.

Marquise

Ignoring me, snapping and shit, and you not sleeping in my bed.

Me

I’m your friend, not your girlfriend.

Marquise

What did I tell you about others telling me what to do in my friendship?

Me

It’s bullshit. It’s your excuse to blur the lines.

Marquise’s name flashed on my phone, and I wanted to walk back those words. I sent him to voicemail before I powered off the phone.

“I’m excited to see what you have,” Tyrus said, and Jhae smiled.

Standing in front of the living room television, I mirrored my screen.

“I am proposing a ten-city “Intimate Night With Jhae” tour. Two nights in each city with venues holding ten thousand people a night. On stage, it will be you and the band belting out the lyrics to the song. We could do a meet and greet afterward for a hefty fee. But we will travel at night with no more than two or three buses. One for you, of course, the band and the equipment. For the album, a nineties photoshoot would set this off, and at the album release party, let’s do those old cd covers.

We can put QR codes on the back for them to scan for the digital version. ..”

I continued to map out my plan, earning praise from Tyrus. He was impressed with the overall presentation, but Jhae’s eyes sometimes wandered to her phone.

“I want to also report that your social media following has grown. I’ve shifted the focus back to music instead of your personal life, and your website is in the works.”

Swiping my finger over, I revealed the beta version of her new website. Jhae slapped hands with Tyrus as she gave an approving smile.

“I told you she was good,” she said.

The website opened with a black-and-white photo of Jhae, but her lips were teal. Once you scrolled down her page, a pop up appeared to join her mailing list. The footer held links to her social media pages. I’ve also updated her profiles on all streaming platforms, removing Midwest Records.

“What are we thinking?” I queried.

Tyrus beamed at my plan before he said, “let’s go for it. The plan is solid, effective and budget-friendly for a tour.”

I turned to Jhae, awaiting feedback. “The only thing we gon’ have to change is those dates. The last of June until the end of September, I’m good for out-of-town travel. Anything before will have to be local. I want Malcolm to be able to travel with us.”.

Tyrus and I both shifted in her direction. Most summer tours launch at the end of May early June.

“I’m the boss. Once the tour dates and contracts are signed, we as a label need to shift to Icey.

It’s time to record a full album. Erin, he needs the same treatment, website and social media.

Lastly, I need you to find me a wedding planner,” Jhae requested, and I gave her surrendering hands.

“If we could get his album to hit at the end of your tour, this could work,” I said, as I disconnected from the television.

Tyrus agreed with a nod, along with Jhae.

“Is there a deadline on Icey’s website and social media rebrand, and how do I contact him? I will also set up meetings with wedding planners and get contracts for venues,” I said.

Jhae air-dropped me Icey’s information, and I stored everything in my contacts.

“Alright team, I like where this is going,” Jhae said as she adjourned the meeting.

“Erin, the package you put together was great. I’m confident you will take care of the small details that Jhae hasn’t thought about,” Tyrus said, as he stood from his seat.

When I took over Jhae’s platforms, it was an unorganized mess, and she was still connected to her former label.

I regained control of her social media, changed her passwords, answered potential brand connections and color coded her schedule.

I can now book her for appearances after I implement Malcolm’s schedule on her calendar. There will be no more down days.

“You did an excellent job with the website and overall plan. Oh... and I named the album Complexity ,” she said.

I bounced my shoulders because she took my suggestion, and she chuckled.

“Okay, call Marquise,” she said, and I rolled my eyes.

“Why?” I asked before I migrated to the couch, folding one of my legs underneath me.

“Do you have to ask?”

I powered up my phone, and it was loaded with angry messages from my bestie.

Marquise

Erin!

Marquise

Bet.

I tossed my hands in the air at his last message.

“Jhae, Marquise needs to learn how to respect my job. Last week with us sleeping in the same bed together blurred the lines. Nothing happened,” I confirmed before her mind wandered, “but we need hard boundaries. He will have to get over it,” I said.

“And there was your jealous episode at the game,” she said.

I slouched my prideful shoulders as my mind replayed the night. From that night forward, I’d been unable to separate myself from Marquise. Technically, this was my fault because I aided in the blurring of the lines.

“I know, but I’m getting us back on track,” I boasted with confidence.

Jhae lifted her phone and sent someone a quick text.

“You are going to find out the Shaw-Jefferies men are a different breed,” she said and tapped my knee.