Page 2 of Defending the Post (The Complexity of Love #3)

Chapter Two

Ball Screen

Erin

“ T ell me, what do you think?” Jhae asked, as I stood in her old condo.

The view from the living room alone made this place magical. It came fully furnished and was a few floors down from her shared condo with her husband.

“I had the place repainted before you made it. At one time, everything was pink, beige and white,” she said, and I winced.

Somehow, pink became the universal color for women, but I couldn’t stand it.

I preferred bolder colors. Give me black, maroon, or a shade of green any day of the week.

Examining the area, I smiled at the three floor-to-ceiling windows, making L.A.

my permanent piece of art. A large TV hung above the fireplace, perfect for my video games.

I imagined myself resting on the oversized sectional with a fire blazing, in a full-on battle.

“The fridge is fully stocked, I know you prefer to prepare your own food,” she said.

The marble island alone with the brown veining said cook, and I planned to, every day. From the kitchen, the view remained with the room’s open concept. After I explored the bedroom, I found Jhae scrolling on her phone in the living room.

“This place is beautiful,” I said.

She smiled after peering up from her phone. “If you decide to stay, we will discuss other arrangements if you want to remain here.”

If I saved and used my inheritance money, I might be able to afford it.

“Thank you for agreeing to leave Midwest Records and join me on this independent journey,” she said.

My time in Chicago had come to an end. It took me six years to graduate from Chicago U with my music management and public relations degree.

I applied as an intern and worked my way up the ladder to gain experience.

Touring with Jhae and then KC pushed back my graduation, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

The experience of touring with large groups of people, crisis management, and gaining connections couldn’t be taught in a classroom.

“Thank you for thinking about me. My time had run its course in Chicago,” I said.

Jhae sat in the living room as I changed my attire for the game.

With her being a league wife, we were guaranteed good seats.

I twirled in the mirror, happy with my outfit, oversized glasses, and red lipstick.

Initially, I may come across as a pushover, but if provoked, I could get rowdy.

I could be as bold as my fashion choices.

Stepping into the living room, I cleared my throat.

“Ahem,” I said.

Jhae snapped her fingers a few times, sending us both into laughter.

“Tonight, should be fun,” Jhae said, as she wrapped her arm around mine.

Being escorted to the floor seats by security exhilarated me, especially with a lively crowd in the background.

This was my first in-person Basketball League game, and I was glad I waited to experience this with Jhae.

We approached the seats behind the players’ bench, and I gasped at how close we were.

I could touch the players from the L.A. team by leaning forward.

Following Jhae, I paused as she gave an awkward greeting to a woman in a designer business suit.

“Erin, please meet my mother-in-law, Anissa Shaw. This is my father-in-law, Khalil, my sisters-in-law, Ivey and Khaira,” she said, pointing to everyone individually.

“This is Erin, my assistant and creative director,” she said, and everyone greeted each other.

I took my seat, happy I hadn’t brought my purse.

There wasn’t any place to sit it, and the floor was not an option.

Jhae almost bounced out of her seat as the twins approached the sideline.

She stood with excitement, wrapping her arms around who I assumed was her husband.

He pecked her lips twice and glared into her eyes with longing.

The camera flashing interrupted the moment, and she waved me to them.

“Malcolm and Marquise, this is Erin,” she said.

Malcolm extended his hand in my direction for a greeting. “It’s nice to meet you. Let us know if you need anything,” he said.

I nodded with a smile before shifting my hand toward Marquise. He scanned my body before walking onto the court, leaving my hand hanging. Malcolm turned to his brother then peered down to his parents before his eyes found me. A slow, loaded smile adorned his face.

“Excuse him,” he said, before walking away.

Hello to you, too , asshole, I thought to myself as Marquise left my hand dangling in the air. Why did the fine ones have to be crazy, liars, womanizers, and yes, assholes? I guess it’s the rich and attractive starter pack.

“Erin, I’m sorry. Marquise usually isn’t rude to women,” Jhae said.

I waved her away with a smile. Working in the music industry and around creatives, nasty attitudes came with the territory.

Big egos usually meant unhealed trauma. I mean, we all have it, but it’s how you deal with it.

Malcolm approached his brother but covered his mouth as they spoke.

We watched the players move to mid-court to jump for the ball. Seattle took possession.

“Erin, I’m really sorry,” Jhae said again, tapping my leg, and the size of her ring made me blush.

“Marrquisssee, slammed the ball down,” the announcer yelled with animation.

The crowd stood in response to the dunk I missed.

Looking upward at the jumbo T.V., I agreed with the announcer.

Marquise slammed the ball down, putting his nuts in his opponent’s face.

I placed a balled fist up to my mouth to cover my expression.

Number ten on Seattle should beat his ass for the disrespect alone.

He ran up to Marquise, but his teammate held him back.

Several of L.A.’s teammates crowded the area.

The whistle blew, sending the game to a timeout, and the new Icey played.

I moved side to side, quoting, “It’s Big Icey, Baby,” while snapping my fingers.

As I swayed my head with closed eyes, I opened them to find Marquise glaring at me.

The wrinkled forehead and tight jawline suggested he was upset.

I hiked my brows with a slanted head in his direction, challenging his attitude.

Malcolm laughed as he tapped his brother’s chest.

“I don’t know what his problem is. Marquise plays too much, but he is being an asshole,” Jhae said, as she leaned over and whispered in my ear.

I shrugged my shoulders in her direction. “He better get over it because I’m here,” I said, and Jhae chuckled at my comments.

Jhae and I bumped shoulders as we laughed, just before I retreated my eyes to my vibrating phone.

Unc

Did you make it?

Guilt surrounded me because I forgot to text my favorite uncle about my arrival.

Me

I’m sorry. I’ve been running since my plane landed.

Unc

I’m already on the back burner.

Me

Nooooo. Can we hang out?

Unc

Of course. Tomorrow.

Me

Can’t wait, but do not tell your brother I’m here.

Unc

Too late, kiddo.

I rolled my eyes before my phone vibrated again.

Unknown Number

We need to talk about this. You’re overreacting. I am your father.

This last year, my dad and I had been in what he called ‘“a one-sided conflict.” In good conscience, I couldn’t talk to him after finding out the truth.

“Don’t miss the halftime performance. Rapper Icey is going to freeze out the stadium,” the announcer yelled during the timeout.

Turning to Jhae, I said, “I’m going to snag a drink. Do you want anything?”

“Caffeine. I’m done for,” she joked.

As I stood, I caught eyes with Marquise again and observed him scanning my body. In a hurry, I looked away and proceeded to pass in front of Jhae. Staying away from him jumped to the top of my list. Excusing myself down the aisle, I waved at Khaira, but she reached for me.

“Is it okay?” I asked Mr. Jefferies, but he peered over to his wife, and she agreed with a nod.

I lifted her in my arms. “Hi, pretty lady,” I said.

She examined my face before snatching my glasses.

“I’m sorry,” Mrs. Jefferies said after standing.

“It’s okay,” I assured her as Khaira examined my large frames.

After twisting them in her hands then dropping them, Anissa was able to catch them before they collided with the ground.

Khaira pointed toward the court. Following her finger, it ended at Marquise.

He was posted underneath the net, defending another player.

Khaira opened and closed her hands, summoning him to her.

“Key,” she said, and leaned in his direction.

“Sorry, she is trying to use you to get to her brother. He spoils her rotten,” Anissa said, as she retrieved her daughter.

“Awwww, that’s too cute,” I said. “I’m going to the concessions. Do you or anyone want anything?” I asked.

“No thank you,” she said, handing me back my oversized frames.

It took three people bumping into me before I dropped my hospitality. For some reason excuse me , hadn’t entered the arena. People swarmed the space as we all held the same agenda: hydration, food, or the bathroom. Finally, making my way to the front of the line, I ordered two drinks and candy.

“Twenty-five dollars,” the attendant said.

I blinked twice with a head jerk at the price.

The attendant urged me to hurry up with her hand motions.

I huffed at her rudeness but paid in a hurry.

My first impression of California wasn’t anything close to the commercials I’d seen.

People were shaping up to be rude, and a mean-mugging basketball player rubbed me the wrong way.

I snatched my two bottled drinks and candy from the counter.

Shifting my body around, I bumped into the back of a woman in a denim jacket.

“Excuse me,” I said, but smiled once I recognized the face.

“Erin, what are you doing here?” Tracy asked.

We embraced each other, disregarding the people groaning from behind. She ushered me to the side, finding us a small pocket to talk.

“I’m here with my employer,” I said.

Tracy and I met as interns in artist development and wardrobe with Midwest Records. After a year, she moved to L.A. with $1500 and a dream. The stars aligned, and she hit it big with a fashion house.

“You’re still with Midwest,” she said with concerned eyes.

“Nope, I took the leap of faith after I graduated last week. I work for Jhae on an independent label,” I said.

She fanned herself, and I narrowed my eyes.

“Her husband is fine as hell. The internet was in shambles when she dropped the photo of them together. I would’ve dated both,” she said.

I covered my mouth, hiding my shock, a habit I developed as a child.

They broke the internet on Christmas when he kissed her at the game.

Later, she posted pictures of their wedding bands and them in the studio.

Everybody at the record label scoured the internet being nosy because we didn’t see this one coming.

I thought she was best friends with his mom.

Thinking of that, I noticed some awkwardness between them.

Tracy was no lightweight in the looks department. She had a unique style with her choice of clothing, but she was mainly complimented on her chocolate skin and full lips.

“Jhae is in L.A., right?” Tracy asked, and I confirmed with a headshake.

“I’m in L.A. for the most part. A real friend would invite me over. I heard some things about Marquise, but I’m a researcher at heart. Do you have the same number?” she said.

I rolled my eyes at the thought of Marquise. He’d been an asshole from hello without using his words.

“You want him?” she asked.

I scowled before I turned to find the man who had bumped me as he passed by.

“Oh, damn,” she said.

“He is all yours but let me warn you. He is a level two asshole. Jhae introduced us and why he left my hand in midair? As if he is too good to touch me,” I said, and tucked my bottled drink under my arm.

“Oh, he wants you. Marquise is a sweet talker with a big dick. Never mean, but a habitual ghostier,” she said.

“No, you will not be mean to me and think it’s cute.”

Tracy smiled as she double-checked, she had the right number for me.

We parted with plans to reconnect. I made it back to my seat with a vow not to leave it again.

Jhae had abandoned her seat, leaving a space between me and Ivey.

I peeked up to see the second quarter was ending, then Ivey moved closer to me, and I smiled.

“Jhae went to check on Icey, but my brother is digging you,” she said.

Shifting my body toward Ivey, my nose gave a slight raise.

“Marquise?” I asked.

“Who else?” she questioned.

I was hoping she had a brother I hadn’t met yet because Marquise’s ego was bigger than the arena.

“Don’t try my brother. He gon’ roll out the red carpet for you. After he gets over his denial. The stakes are high on this one. I’m betting Malcolm 10k he will be in love after a month. Make him grovel,” Ivey said.

I covered my mouth as I listened to her intentions to bet on me and her brother hooking up.

“I’m not interested in your brother. He is mean, and I don’t talk to mean people,” I informed, diverting my attention to my gummy candy.

“Denial pays the most. I’ll put an additional five thousand on you holding out,” she said.

“You are shameless, but I like it. Get ready to lose 15k,” I said, as I fumbled to get my bag open.

“He’s been looking for you since you left,” Ivey teased.

I scoffed before I offered her a few of my gummies, but she turned me down.

As I looked for Jhae, I found myself in a peek-a-boo showdown with Khaira.

She giggled every time I opened my eyes and wiggled my fingers.

Anissa gave me a warm but inquisitive expression.

I heard about the Shark, but I don’t have anything to hide or an agenda.