Page 104 of Full Court Press

“I’m aware,” I replied, looking right at Ana.

Anais giggled nervously. “It’s great that he’s here so we can settle any rumors circulating about our relationship because we all know this is my man, my man, my man!”

The crowd laughed and applauded, and my lip turned up in disgust.

“We’re not in a relationship anymore, Anais. And I came to make sure everyone knows that.”

“Oop!” Brandy chirped.

“Babe, do not give these people anything to talk about. I came here to dead the rumor about you fooling around with that stripper from the halftime show. I came to let everyone know that we are fine and actually planning the next steps to our wedding. I’m glad you showed up so we can tell them together.” She beamed.

She really is delusional.

“Nah, shorty. You came here trying to prove something that’s not true. But I’m here to put this shit to rest for the last time. Since you like the spotlight, it’s your time to shine.” I sat up in my seat and gave her eye contact. I could see the anger in her eyes, but this shit was long overdue.

“We both know that the marriage would have been a business arrangement. You’ve never loved me, and the way you treated my daughter like she was invisible unless the cameras were on is another reason I would never wife ya ass. The second reason is you haven’t been faithful the entire time we’ve been together.”

“Lies! I have always been faithful to you! Do not get in front of these cameras and lie on my name.”

“Oh yeah? Then what are these pictures of you fucking with my enemy? A nigga I told you was a hating-ass parasite?”

On cue, the photos populated on the big screen, and the crowd gasped.

“Oh, damn. Not you cheating on this fine-ass basketball star, sis!” Brandy exclaimed.

“Th-those photos are photoshopped! I can’t believe you would do this to me!” Anais yelled, standing to her feet.

I chuckled and shook my head, looking at the photo of them holding hands while walking into Press Bar & Grill.

“I don’t know, Ana. Those photos look pretty real to me,” Brandy voiced.

“Go to hell!” Anais screamed at her before looking at me. “I’ll see your ass in court!” She ripped the mic from her dress and stormed off.

“We’ll be right back after this.” The audience applauded, and Brandy looked at me.

“Listen. We need a follow-up on this! Please come back on the show.”

I stood to my feet and looked down at her. “This is the first and last time you’ll ever see me on your show, Brandy. I don’t do this petty, messy shit, but I needed to clear the air. You have a nice day, sweetheart.”

“Khalil! Can I get your autograph? It’s for my son. He loves you!” one of the audience members yelled out. My security moved in to block her path.

“Vic, Dom, it’s cool. Can’t deny the fans, my baby.” I waved her over, and that caused a chain reaction. After signing a few autographs and taking a few pics, I walked off the set and back toward the exit.

I could see Piper, Royce, and Cam smiling at me.

“Good job, champ. Those photos gave you the leverage you needed,” Camila said, turning her iPad toward me to show me the Instagram post of us on the set with multiple comments defending me.

Piper walked up to me and kissed my lips. “You did good, babe. I’m surprised you kept your cool.”

I chuckled. “Why are you surprised?”

“Because the way you went off on Shina not too long ago, I thought you would have sent her off crying in the car.”

I laughed. “Different headspace, baby. I ain’t passionate about shit I don’t love. Remind me to apologize to her after we come back from vacation. So, clear your schedule for two weeks.”

She smiled wide. “Vacation? Where?”

“Jamaica.”