Page 23 of Emani's Way

It isn’t like him to go against my Mama in front of us, but he actually put a stop to her hurtful words this time. To say I was shocked was an understatement.

“Your Mama is one scary woman. I wouldn’t even mess with her.” Shelby playfully shudders her shoulders with a grimace.

I roll my eyes at her, but she’s right. Nobody messes with Mrs. Tina Jackson and comes out unscathed, not even an outspoken, self-assured, independent woman like Shelby.

“Yeah, well, for whatever reason, she is stuck on me dating Darrius. It’s so weird how she keeps pushing us together even though Maddox declared we were a couple. It’s like she knew he was lying. Although there’s no possible way she could know that.” I shake my head.

I’m not sure why my Mama is so persistent. I’ve told her that I’m not interested in Darrius. To be honest, I don’t think he’s all that interested in me either. He just gives me weird vibes. I can’t put my finger on what it is.

There’s something about the way he’s always slithering around that gives me pause. He’s always sucking up to my parents and putting himself in the middle of church business. It’s like he came out of nowhere and inserted himself into our lives. Everything was fine when it was just the church, but now that he seems to want something with me, I don’t like it.

“What’s it going to take for your Mama to realize that church boy is a phony?” Shelby scowls.

“The Lord only knows…”

“Shoot. I need to make a call. You guys relax. This won’t take long,” Shelby says after an alert sounds on her phone, successfully interrupting our conversation.

I’m actually relieved because the last thing I want to do is discuss Darrius or my mother. I’m glad for the interruption.

“So, have you crossed off any items on your list lately?” I ask Kay.

Kayla started a list of things she wanted to do but never thought she would, and she’s been crossing things off since before she turned thirty. After she successfully marked off a lot of her list, she decided to add more.

“Actually, I have. Anderson has been so helpful. He even thought of a few for us to do as a couple,” Kay giggles, and I can’t help but smile.

“Ooooh, Kay. You’ve been putting sex acts on your list,” I tease, giggling back.

When my phone rings, I look down at the screen, and my face splits into a grin. “Hey Kay, I’m going to step out for a minute.” She nods at me as I go outside onto Shelby’s back patio.

“Hey, you.” I immediately smile.

“Hey, Sugar. Hope I’m not interrupting anything. Just thought I’d check up on how you’re doing.” Maddox’s deep baritone always gives me chills, even over the phone.

“No, you’re not interrupting me. I was just catching up with the girls. How’s your day going?” I question, the perma-grin plastered on my face. I couldn’t stop smiling if I tried.

There’s just something about this man that makes me gushy inside.

“My day is much better now that I can hear your sweet voice.” I can tell Maddox is smiling, and it makes mine broaden even further.

“You sure know how to sweet talk a lady,” I giggle like a schoolgirl.

“Talking to you is always sweet, Sugar.” Maddox is smooth. I’ll give him that.

Every time I talk to this man, I recognize why it was so easy for me to fall into bed with him on the first night. Although he didn’t have to do much talking, his charisma is off the charts. The animal magnetism I feel when I’m in his presence should be illegal. I only wish I could get my brain to recognize that fact so I could stop feeling so guilty.

“Uh huh, I bet you say that to all the girls,” I reply, smirking.

“Best believe you’re theonlywoman worth my words, time, and attention, baby. As a matter of fact, when are you finished with your girls? I want to take you out.”

Normally, I would jump at the chance to spend more time with Maddox. These past few weeks, getting to know him has been wonderful, but I haven’t seen my girls in weeks. I’m not going to neglect my friends even if this man makes my stomach flip with excitement every time I think of him.

“We were actually doing a Thursday girl’s night out tonight since we all have Friday off. And then we’re going to breakfast in the morning. But we can hang out tomorrow night if you don’t have any plans.”

“Alright, Sugar. Tomorrow it is. Y’all be safe and have fun. Text me when you make it back. I want to know you’re good.”

I swoon at his words. I know it’s simple, but I don’t have many people in my life who care that much. Which is sad, considering I’m the baby of my family. Amari, Kay, and Shell are the only ones who check on me consistently.

“Okay, I’ll text you later. Have a good evening,” I say, cheesing hard.