Page 28 of Emani's Way

“I know a place with gourmet cuisine and an ambiance out of this world,” I say, making up my mind on the perfect place to take Emani.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah!”

It really is perfect, and I hope that Emani thinks so as well. But we shall see…

Chapter12

EMANI

I thought Maddox was going to blow a gasket when the hostess said his reservation was for tomorrow. The way he pinched the bridge of his nose and ran his hand through his hair were clear indications that he was holding on by a thread.

Bless his heart, after dealing with his flat tires, I think he just wanted to relax and eat. And although the restaurant was beautiful it didn’t look like a relaxing type of atmosphere. However, the place Frank pulls up to is the exact opposite of the stuffy restaurant. I smile because I know this place! It has some of the best burgers in Texas.

“Taters and Beer! I can’t believe you brought me here!” My excitement is palpable.

“I’m glad you’re excited. ‘Cause after the night we’ve had, the least I can do is get some good down home comfort food. Gourmet cuisine just like I promised.” Maddox winks.

It seems kinda funny pulling up to a bar in a fancy car with a driver, but it is what it is.

Frank hops out and opens the door, and Maddox slides out and grabs my hand. He leads me inside, where there’s a band playing, and the place is packed. There’s a line at the hostess stand, but when a brown haired bartender sees us, we get waved in immediately.

“Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. Your brother is pissed at you,” the man loudly chuckles.

“I know, I know. Is he here?” Maddox yells over the music.

“You know he is. He and Tae are at their table. Y’all want something to drink?”

“Babe, you want a drink?” Maddox turns to me and asks.

“Yeah, a beer is fine. Whatever you have on tap,” I respond.

“My kinda girl. I’ll bring them to y’all.”

“Oh, by the way, this is my girlfriend, Emani. Emani, this is Si. He owns the place.”

We shake hands in greeting, and Si gives me a big welcome. Once again, Maddox grabs my hand and leads me through the crowd. When we get to the table, a beautiful black woman turns and smiles at me. But the shocker comes when her date turns as well.

“You told me you had a twin, but my goodness, I can’t believe how identical you two are. There’stwo of youwalking around Dallas!” I look at Maddox and then back at his doppelgänger.

“I swear, I said the same thing,” the woman giggles.

“Hard to believe there are two handsome motherfuckers just existing,” the doppelgänger responds, then tips his beer at Maddox.

“Emani, this is my brother, Zane, and his wife, Tae,” Maddox introduces as we slide into the other side of the booth.

“Nice to finally meet you, Emani,” Zane says as he winks at his brother.

I feel like there’s a little inside joke between the two of them because they give each other secret smiles before they let out identical laughs. I look at Tae, confused, but she just shakes her head and sighs.

“Don’t worry, girl. They have a twin language. Just ignore them. You’ll get used to it.” Tae swats at her husband, and he chuckles before kissing her on the temple.

The looks they give each other show how in love they are, and I can’t help but think how I want that someday.

Our beers arrive at the table shortly after we sit down, and we order food. The band takes a break, and a DJ comes on. We’re all vibing to the music and having a good time when a line dance jam comes on, and Tae pulls me out on the dance floor.

There’s a big crowd on the floor because the song is popping, and of course, we put our own little spice on the steps. I’m having a ball, and Tae is so down to earth and fun. I can see the guys watching us from the table, and I can also see them turning down advances left and right.