Page 18 of Emani's Way

Maddox and I walk to a nearby restaurant. The nerves are beginning to take over until I remember that I was the one who put herself out there to be left on the limb alone.

The restaurant is quiet because it’s the middle of the day, so I’m not surprised when we are quickly seated. However, it doesn’t give me much time to build up the courage to say the things I want to say to Maddox.

I might be overreacting, but my feelings were really hurt. I’m all bravado when talking to Shell and Kay. In front of them, I can pretend that Maddox not calling wasn’t a blow to my ego. I can pretend that I didn’t think I was being punished for going against who my parents had chosen for me. I can pretend to be okay with being ghosted.

“I’m Stacy, your server. What can I get you guys to drink?” The pretty waitress asks.

“I’ll just have water with lemon, please. Thanks.” I smile.

“Same,” Maddox says.

“Alrighty. Do you guys want to order now, or do you need more time?”

“Umm…”

“More time. Thanks,” Maddox cuts me off.

Even though he’s only said a few words, I can tell he’s pissed. Too bad I have no idea what’s got his panties in a bunch. I’m not a slow person, but for the life of me, I can’t figure this man out.

As soon as the waitress walks away, Maddox leans forward and narrows his eyes. The blue fire burning in my direction makes me swallow hard and look away. I can admit Maddox Reid is definitely intimidating when he wants to be. Although he told me he was a shark in the courtroom, I couldn’t imagine the sweet, attentive lover I experienced could be a ruthless attorney.I can see it now though.

“Why the hell did you sneak out of my house without saying goodbye? Then you have an attitude like I did something wrong.” Maddox’s deep voice is all growly and demanding, and I can’t help the flood that is currently taking over my panties.

“I didn’t sneak out. I-I just left without waking you up ‘cause…” I stop talking when Maddox grunts. I guess when you say it out loud, I do sound like I snuck out.

“Why didn’t you wake me up? You know, since you weren’t sneaking out.” Maddox raises a thick brow.

“You were sleeping so peacefully, and I didn’t want to disturb you with my drama. I left a note with my number, but you never called,” I accuse.

“Emani,” Maddox sighs. “I didn’t get a note. Where did you leave it?”

My forehead creases in the middle. “What do you mean you didn’t get it? I left it right beside you on my pillow. I wanted you to see it.”

“I didn’t get the note, Emani. Next time, just wake me up so we can avoid all of the confusion.” Maddox leans back with a smile covering his face, and I’m flabbergasted.Did he just say next time?

***

“Okay, Emani. Just calm yourself down. You’ve already shared a meal; hell, you’ve shared a bed. This technically isn’t your first date. Just take a deep breath.” I look at myself in the mirror and inhale deeply before exhaling.

Once our late lunch was over, Maddox insisted that I let him take me out tonight. It really was a no-brainer that I accepted. I’ve been obsessing about him not calling for weeks. It’s wild that a little misunderstanding could’ve had me missing out.

I still wonder what happened to my note.

I pull my long box braids to drape down my back and pick up my gold hoop earrings. After placing them in my ear, I put a pair of studs in as well. I run my hands down my flowy, long-sleeved dress to smooth out the few wrinkles.

I took Kayla’s advice this time and dressed how I normally would. Of course, Shelby about had a fit, but I wanted to be my authentic self this time around. Last time, I pretended to be someone I wasn’t, and although I had an extraordinary time, it felt like I was lying.

I’m not as shy as I used to be, but I’m certainly not as bold as I pretended to be. I’m somewhere in between.

My doorbell rings, and I don’t even check my camera because I’m so excited. I take another deep, fortifying breath before heading to the front door. When I fling the door open, my wide smile falters because standing on my porch are my parents and Darrius.What in the actual hell is happening right now?

“Uhhh. What are y’all doing here?”

I haven’t really had a conversation with my parents since my date with Darrius over two months ago. I’ve been going to church and leaving as soon as the service is over. I’ve used every excuse I can think of not to talk about Darrius. I’ve even been avoiding my sisters too because of the questions about him and the guilt I have for not wanting to date him. My mother can be extremely pushy, and I haven’t learned how to tell her no yet, so avoidance is the key.

“Emani, don’t be rude. Step aside so we can come in.” My mother pushes her way inside before I can even do as she asks.

She takes a second to give me a once over and a tight smile before continuing inside. Darrius does have the decency to stop and greet me before barging inside like he owns the place. But at least my Daddy stops and kisses my cheek.