Page 37 of Intentional Foul (The Complexity of Love #2)

Steal and Score

Anissa

I sat in the suites alone and watched Jhae and Malcolm exchange a kiss before the All-Star game tip off.

This was their third time being selected, and it was bittersweet for me.

I’m excited for their thriving careers but this marked year one of Malcolm’s marriage.

These last few months have been eye opening.

The holidays were awkward with us tiptoeing around who was going where.

When the door behind me slammed, I knew who it was without confirmation.

“Malcolm called you?” I said.

“Yea, he texted, but I was coming anyway. I figured you needed the support,” India said as she secured the seat next to me.

Per usual, she wore her signature ponytail and all white attire. She looped her arm into mine as we watched the West Coast starters run on the court.

“Words of wisdom?” I asked.

“Get over it. Jhae is a good person and in some ways, she is good for him. I would’ve killed her ass if she was a threat. Anissa, you know deep down she loves him,” India said.

I crossed my legs and released a hard truthful breath. The core of Jhae was pure, but it still burned. Everything happened right under my nose, and I was too trusting to sniff it out.

“The real issue is Malcolm pulled a Marquise on you and now you’re salty about it,” India said.

She would be correct. Malcolm followed the rules and was predictable. Even after Khalil helped him discover his manhood, he kept his routines. Looking back, I was wrong for trying to put him in this box. My babies were ready to explore life, and I stood in the way.

“How are things between you and Malcolm?” India questioned.

“Malcolm is Malcolm. He calls every day, I get my flowers twice a week, and he keeps his eye on his brother,” I said.

Our relationship had grown stronger with him being more open with me. I hate to admit it, but I did dismiss his feelings. True to his word, he had been pushing for reunification between Jhae and me. Things were not the same, and I didn’t know how to feel about seeing my friend kissing my son.

“It appears you are my only friend,” I proclaimed to India, but she gave a slight chuckle.

“I don’t have to be. I believe you and Jhae can get on better terms. Plus, you need some support with Marquise. I managed to get a hold of his latest sex tape,” she said and we both laughed.

Jhae

Signing Icey to Jhae D Records had been a great decision by Tyrus.

We dropped an EP to test the market, and it blew up.

Even Malcolm quoted his lyrics about his love for Houston.

Sadly, Raven decided not to sign with us, choosing to remain independent.

I couldn’t knock her because having control over my music fueled my creativity.

What’s important to me was Malcolm keeping his relationship with his mother.

He promised he would and so far, he had delivered.

The real test will be this summer when the family BBQ’s and events are happening.

With the twins playing on Christmas, Malcolm didn’t have to choose where to be.

I would’ve pushed him to spend time with his family without me being in attendance.

He was pissed that I didn't show up for the game, but the makeup sex was phenomenal.

The people who suffered the most were Marquise and Ivey, as they were in the middle of a one-sided feud.

“Jhae,” Erin said as she stepped off the elevator and I smiled. “I love the pixie cut.”

We worked together at Midwest Records, and her work ethic was unmatched.

Tonight, would be the first time I’d seen Anissa since we had our sit down.

On occasion, we texted but it’s surface level.

Dr. June reminded me I’d left the door open, and it’s up to Anissa to walk through it.

I missed her, but I couldn’t force her to be my friend.

Walking inside the arena, my heart thumped with excitement at seeing my husband.

I held Erin’s hand, guiding her through the crowd to the court side seats.

My mind thought back to when Anissa guided me to my first game.

I missed her, but I didn’t know how to tell her.

Once we approached the seat behind the benches, I paused for a minute in search of Malcolm.

“He hasn’t run out yet,” Anissa said, and we stood in an awkward silence.

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

“This is Erin, my assistant, and creative director,” I said, and everyone greeted her with waves and nods.

I waited for Malcolm to come to the sideline, excited for him to meet Erin.

As he approached us, electricity rushed through my nerves.

I hadn’t seen him since this morning and in my opinion, that was too long.

Malcolm lowered himself, allowing me to wrap my arms around his neck.

He glared into my eyes before his lips finally touched mine.

Getting to the point where we embraced in public and in front of Anissa hadn’t been an easy journey. I ignored the flash of the cameras and invited Erin over.

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

Malcolm shook her hand. “It’s nice meeting you. Let us know if you need anything,” he said.

Erin nodded in agreement. Marquise examined Erin but didn’t offer any greetings. I expected him to at least flirt, but nothing. Malcolm chuckled as he followed his brother onto the court.