Page 13 of Emani's Way

“Excuse you? Brady, you’ve barely said two words to me, and when you finally decide to, it’s something negative about my best friend…” I fold my arms over my chest and give him the nastiest look I can muster.

“Come on, Emani. You know Shelby is leading me on. Like you said, she’s your best friend.” Brady doubles down on his insult.

“First of all, you’re the one who keeps coming back for more. If there’s one thing I know about Shell, she lets guys know from the jump what’s up. So, I doubt very much that she’s so called ‘led you on,’ you need to check yourself, Brady.” Normally, I would’ve given that speech with a bit more empathy and honey. But not today.

How dare he try to act like he doesn’t love the thrill of the chase like every other guy. Then, once he gets what he wants, he will throw away the woman like yesterday’s garbage. I don’t blame Shelby for not wasting her time with just one guy.

“Whoa, I know she’s your best friend. But there’s no need to get all defensive.” Brady puts his hands up like I’m about to attack him.

What a jackass! I can tell Shelby likes him, but this conversation is making me question her judgment.

“You came to me with this foolishness, Brady. Don’t ever try to bash my friend because you’re butt hurt. Please, for the love of God. Leave Shelby alone! If you think she’s so horrible, then let her go!”

Brady didn’t say anything to me after that. To say the flight home on their private jet was awkward is putting it lightly. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings, but I didn’t like how he was talking about my friend. Even though he kept throwing pitiful looks my way while he tried to ignore Shelby during the flight, I can’t say I’m sorry for what I said.

“Earth to Emani!” Shelby snaps her fingers in front of my face, and I blink a couple of times.

“Emani? Okay, what gives? You haven’t been yourself since we went to Vegas,” Kayla huffs.

I try to think of something quick because I’m embarrassed about being hung up on a guy who only wanted me for sex.

“You guys are out dating, and I’m so happy for you, but I feel a little left behind.” I give a partial truth to how I’m really feeling.

I tried to do it Shelby’s way and put myself out there with a hot guy, but it blew up in my face, and I’m still salty about it.

“Girl! You are full of shit. I know damn well you don’t think we’re about to believe some high school excuse for you being so bitchy. What’s really going on? I’m with Kay. Lately, you’ve been acting foul.” Shelby raises her eyebrow and purses her lips.

I should’ve known she wouldn’t believe me.

“Okay, fine!” I say, plopping back against Shelby’s soft couch. I bite my lip, trying to decide where I should start and how much I want to tell my friends.

I watch Shelby and Kay look at each other curiously. And I know they have no idea what’s going on because I like to keep things to myself.

“I had a one-night stand,” I mumble embarrassed.

“Holy shit!” Shelby laughs, sitting up.

Kayla stares at me with wide eyes as she swallows hard. I can’t tell if they’re disappointed or surprised, maybe both. But I can feel my face heating under the shocked silence.

“With who?” Kay blinks away her shocked stare to ask.

“With a guy that I really liked, and after we had sex, he never called me again. The jerk!” I purse my lips.

“Oh, Mani. I’m so sorry. Men can be asses,” Kay consoles, getting up to sit beside me. She pulls me into a side hug, and I lay my head on my shoulder.

“You know what? Forget that fuck boy!” Shelby hollers.

“Shelby!” Me and Kay yell her name in unison.

“What? That’s what he is. Don’t defend some…boy.” Shelby rolls her eyes, but she amends her words. “Who can’t handle a woman like you. He will never deserve you. We’re not spilling tears over boys that don’t matter.”

“You’re right. And I’m sorry that I took my frustrations out on you guys. I didn’t lie when I said I felt a little left out. You guys got to have the ultimate millionaire hook-ups, and I get a dud.” I pout a little because even though it was only one night, I thought Maddox was the change I needed.

“It’s okay, Mani. But you know you don’t have to keep anything from us. We love you.” Kayla smiles.

Her words warm my heart. I really can depend on them for everything. But I still can’t help thinking about what would’ve been, what could’ve been, or what should’ve been if only Maddox were who I built him up to be in my head.

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