Page 13 of Defending the Post
“And the overnight guests?” I questioned.
Jhae lifted from the table and migrated to the kitchen. She opened the fridge and removed a bottle of water offering me one, but I declined.
“You are grown. I don’t care who you have in your bed,” she said. “However, Marquise does. I advise you to learn his basketball schedule,” she said.
I rolled my eyes with confidence. The next time Marquise comes in my direction, I’ll be ready to chop his ass down.
“I’m ready. Where should we begin?” I asked with my pen in hand.
Jhae grinned, and I knew something was coming.
“Malcolm is off work. I’m going to spend the day with him. How about we get together next week? Oh, and do you want to go to the game on Saturday?” she questioned.
Jhae took a seat at the large six-seater table and crossed her short but toned legs.
“Sure, but I can still work while you’re enjoying time with your husband,” I said.
“No, go and enjoy L.A. Catch Need a Ride and check out the coast. You should go to the pier,” she said.
I searched the pier and decided it was a good way to spend my day.
“Alright, I will see you in two days unless you come see me,” I said.
Jhae’s shoulders bounced as she cackled. “Today is Thursday, don’t let Marquise run you off. The best way to get onhis nerves is to be nice to him. It will send him running,” she said.
The door to the condo opened to Malcolm and Marquise joking about something.
“Good morning, Malcolm,” I greeted, as I packed up my tablet.
“You don’t see me standing here,” Marquise announced, but I hugged Jhae instead.
“Erin, you are welcome to the penthouse any time. We try to have family dinners when we have home games. Tonight, our chef is preparing a few Italian dishes. I would love to include you,” Malcolm said.
“Weirdo... hello, I’m standing here,” Marquise said after his brother.
I continued to focus on Malcolm, ignoring Marquise’s demand for my attention.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll be at the pier,” I said.
“With who?” Marquise interjected again.
I rounded Malcolm with Marquise on my heels. We touched the door at the same time. When I tried to snatch my hand back, he wouldn’t allow it and tightened his grip.
“How are you getting to the pier? Do you know what sex trafficking is? You’re putting yourself in danger,” he said.
Laughter belted from behind, but I refused to change my viewpoint.
“Bro, take her if you are so worried about it,” Malcolm suggested.
I yanked my hand free, twisting my body around to face Malcolm. He shrugged with his innocent brown eyes while Jhae mouthed“be nice.”Marquise was a bully and maybe being nice will make him itch.Surely, he would say no and I could leave without any other arguments.
Not believing I was getting ready to do this, I swallowed my pride before mumbling, “Marquise, would you consider escorting me to the Santa Monica Pier?”
“I’m up here, Weirdo. When you ask someone something, you give them eye contact,” he said, and I licked my teeth as I glared upward. “I guess I could do you this favor. You’ll get out there and get lost or kidnapped,” he said.
Shit, I thought he was going to say no. Now I was stuck with a little anger issue for the rest of the evening.
“I have an appointment in ten minutes. In an hour, I’ll knock on your door for you. Be ready and change out those tight ass jeans before you get a yeast infection,” he said.
