Page 24 of Emani's Way

“Later, Sugar,” Maddox replies before we disconnect.

I sigh and giggle to myself. I twirl around and nearly jump out of my skin when I come face to face with a smirking Shelby.

“You out here fallin’ in love. There’s just no hope for either one of you.” Shelby shakes her head. “I guess I’ll be an old maid by myself since you hussies have gone off and got coupled up.”

“Whatever, Shell. You have more men on your roster than a basketball team,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“I’m tryin’ to get a white boy on my roster…” Shelby sings the song and does a little dance.

“Let’s go get ready so we can have some fun tonight,” I chuckle.

***

We end up at a nice little lounge where there is karaoke and half priced drinks. We out voted Shell and ended up here instead of some uppity club with a bunch of pretentious posers. Of course, it isn’t up to Shell’s standards, but I think the place is super cute and relaxed, and it’s a Thursday night, so it was easier for us to get a table.

Honestly, I would’ve rather just stayed at Shell’s and hung out, but she insisted we get out and socialize, so here we are. I called Amari and asked if she was busy, and she decided to meet us here too. It doesn’t take long for Amari to walk in and I instantly wave her over. We greet each other with a hug.

“Hey, sissy. I like this little place.” Amari looks around and nods in approval.

“Me too. This is my first time being here,” I respond.

“Hey girls,” Amari hugs Shelby and Kayla before sitting down at the table with us.

There are some pretty decent singers in the place, but you can tell some of them are here every weekend, living out their fantasies of stardom.

“Amari, you should get up there and show them how it’s really done. You can out sing everybody in here,” Shelby encourages my sister.

Shell is right. Amari isn’t just a talented producer, she can sing her butt off. My sister was very active in the church choir before everything went down with my parents. She was the shining star my mother always wanted. Amari was front and center for every major event my father ever held.

It’s a shame that they fell out over what Amari truly wanted to do with her life. Producing music has always been Amari’s passion, and I can’t see why my parents aren’t happy that their child is doing well in life. They are supposed to lead with love, but I’m figuring out that really isn’t their way.

“Nah, I don’t want to show these regulars how it’s done. I might want to come back,” Amari says, laughing.

Soon, the place is packed, and the drinks have been flowing. Thanks to Shell, we have had several rounds bought for us, and I’m feeling pretty good. I don’t normally drink so much, but I didn’t drive, and a few drinks won’t kill anybody.

Somebody starts rapping Teach Me How to Dougie, and Amari and I get up and start doing the dance. We laugh hysterically as the girls cheer us on. We do a little routine and sing along like we are back in high school. Once the song is over, we loudly cheer and holler like we are at a real concert.

“Now, how did two church girls have a routine to that song?” Kay asks, looking between the two of us.

“Man, listen, we used to sneak and make up dances all the time. Don’t play ‘Stanky Leg’ ‘cause it will be on and poppin’.” I stick my right leg out along with my tongue and hit the move.

The girls all laugh and cheer me on once again. I laugh as I take my seat and pick up my drink. When I go to take a sip, I notice that Amari is frowning with narrowed eyes.

“Mari, what’s up?” I bump her shoulder to get her attention.

“D.C., just walked in. I can’t stand his ass.” Amari points and my eyes soon find the object of her disdain.

Darrius is heading in our direction. I haven’t seen him since he popped up at my house with my parents. I thought he got the memo that I’m not interested, but I can tell by the determined look on his face that isn’t the case.

“Oh, Lord! I know that isn’t who I think it is,” Shelby says, wrinkling her nose.

“Emani, ladies. How are you all doing? Can I speak to you alone, Emani?”

Even though he formed it as a question, I know it isn’t. I don’t know what Darrius wants, but it’s best just to get this over with.

“Yeah, sure. There’s a patio we can go to. I’ll be back, guys.”

I lead Darrius out to the patio, that thankfully isn’t too far from our table. I was in a good mood, so I do my best to think positive about his appearance.