Page 2 of Intentional Foul (The Complexity of Love #2)

Chapter Two

All Star Intentions

Jhae

I opened my hotel room door to my security guard, Frank, holding a large bouquet of red roses.

“Ma’am, these arrived for you ten minutes ago,” he said.

Guessing, I would say it was five dozen red roses wrapped in golden foil paper. I removed the gifts from his hand with widened eyes and he shrugged.

“The delivery driver dropped them off at the front desk,” he said.

“How did the person know I was staying at this hotel?” I questioned Frank, but he had no answer.

Although time wasn’t on my side yet again, I retreated into my hotel room to read the card.

Good luck tonight, MSJ.

For the past year, I’ve been receiving flowers from either a stalker or an admirer.

It had to be someone in my circle because of the personal details.

The cards were sprayed with my favorite perfume, my maintenance bills like my nails and feet would be covered, or a new bag appeared at my door.

I do not advertise these things about my life on social media.

A large portion of my income was brand promotion, and I kept my personal faves close to the chest. For precaution, I’ve increased my security, including registering for hotels under a false name.

I placed the roses and card on the table and booked it to the elevator. Frank stood next to me and pressed the down button. The golden elevator doors opened, and two young teens stood. I moved to step onto the platform, but my security blocked me with his hand.

“OMG, it’s Jhae!”

Witnessing them hitting one another in excitement brought a smile to my face. From the designer shades and purses, someone provided them with a life of luxury.

“It’s okay,” I said to Frank, and we stepped on the elevator as they continued to scream.

“Can we pleassssee have a picture? Pleassseee,” the young lady with braids stopping at her shoulders begged.

“Sure,” I agreed and squeezed between them.

The one with the ponytail posed, but with shaky hands as she tried taking our selfie. By the time the elevator opened, we had managed to get two clear pictures. I smiled at the sound of my heels connecting with the brown marble floor. My mind transferred me to the runway with each click.

Frank led the way to the car and opened the door, helping me inside.

I snuggled in the black leather seat next to my longtime manager, Tyrus.

The Basketball League booked me to sing the Black National Anthem on the last day of the All-Star game.

This weekend would’ve been a blast if Anissa had been in attendance.

With her network, we would’ve been invited to the places that mattered.

Although I utilized her connections this weekend, it was not the same.

With Kay Kay cutting the last of her teeth, leaving her with a sitter wasn’t an option.

It killed her to miss the boys’ second all-star appearance.

She said it’s a big deal with this only being their second year in the league.

Both she and Khalil were tired most of the time, as they balanced being parents and business owners.

We all chipped in, but the twins spoiled their sister, especially Marquise.

“Tyrus, I hope you have good news for me,” I said with expressive eyes.

When his mouth didn’t turn upward, I knew the opposite stood behind his teeth. He sighed before he cradled my hand.

“Jhae, the record label will not budge on you starting a new label or giving you back your masters. They want a new album. An R & B album,” he said.

My eyes were halfway inside my head as I rolled them before he finished his sentence.

Tyrus was a shark when it came to protecting me.

He was one of the few honest managers in the music industry.

From the day Anissa introduced us, he taught me how to protect my assets and hold record labels accountable.

Yearly, we request audits with the IRS and label to protect my money.

I have a hefty publishing catalog from writing, and I’m learning more about producing.

“Tyrus, I don’t have another love ballad in me. When I wrote ‘A Timeless Love Can Wait,’ I was going through a breakup. I still have tear stains on the notebook. I’ve dropped my sophomore album, and it did great,” I said in frustration.

Leaning my head backward, my ponytail grazed the headrest, forcing me to jolt my head forward.

“Beyond did great with two unleashed singles hitting the charts, but. . .”

“‘A Timeless Love Can Wait’ is still my most streamed song and most requested,” I interrupted and finished his sentence.

As our eyes landed on each other, he gave me a warm but concerning smile. Tyrus’s clean shave, bald head, brown skin, and clean-cut face often fooled people about his age. He’s sixty years old and sharper than people half his age.

“Jhae, don’t get discouraged. We need a new angle and new music. I know creatively you have moved on to more up-tempo songs, but people first met the heartbroken part of you. We need to help your listeners grow with you. We haven’t mastered how to introduce them to this version of you,” he said.

I released a long but hard breath before finding my smile.

“This is not a no, but a plan of attack,” we both said in unison.

As we maneuvered through traffic, I scrolled through my social media as Tyrus went through the plan for the night.

After the sound check and the performance, I was free until next week.

Anissa scored me, Tyrus, and Chasity seats behind the West Coast bench.

She offered me a box, but I declined. The All-Star game being in Las Vegas this year brought the stars and athletes out.

I wanted to be in the middle of the fun, and maybe I could meet my special someone.

At this point, I would settle for an orgasm stemming from anywhere but my hand.

My special friend, who lived in my condo, abruptly moved after meeting Malcolm and Marquise.

They climbed onto the elevator with him, and he moved the next week.

Neither of them will tell me what happened.

“You will be escorted to the floorby security at 6:30. . .”

I peered down at the time. It was 5:00. Lifting my head from my phone, I found Tyrus’s brown eyes.

“Jhae, you and time do not have a relationship,” he said with bunched brows.

I released a quiet chuckle. This wasn’t the first time I had heard that excuse. People usually lie to me about start times. I honestly try, but I get distracted.

“Tyrus, I try, but sometimes things get out of hand,” I said in defense.

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.