Page 3 of Emani's Way
The last thing I need him thinking is that I’m some sort of gold-digger. My parents would be mortified if anyone thought that about me. Both my mother and father have an image to uphold.
“Emani,” Darrius chastises with a frown. “Don’t interrupt me.”
I take a deep breath and clear my throat once more, “I apologize. That was rude of me. Please, continue.”
“I know what type of woman you are, Emani. Your parents raised you right. So, I’ll let it slide. Anyway, as I was saying… I will take care of everything when we’re together. You won’t even have to continue working with those little underprivileged kids once we get established. Working with your parents has taught me a lot. I’ll have my own congregation soon.” Darrius pats my hand and then continues to eat his steak.
I feel like my head is about to explode because I’ve never had a man basically plan out our marriage before the end of our first date. Now, I know in all the books I’ve ever read and all the movies that I’ve ever watched, a woman is supposed towanta man to commit and fall in love on the first date, but this sure as heck doesn’t feel like love at first sight. The thought of living the life as a first lady of a church makes my head spin.I didn’t even know he wanted to be a pastor.
“I actually love my job. Teaching art is a passion that I’ve had my entire life.” I try to keep my tone light, but I can tell by how the frown deepens on his light brown face that he doesn’t agree.
“That’s great, Emani. You are a nurturer, but you don’t have to work in an unsafe environment to serve your community. You can always work at the church, be a Sunday school teacher or youth sponsor.” He smiles like he’s just solved the world’s hunger crisis.
I smile back at him because it’s easier to grin and bear it than to be the reason for an awkward disagreement. I would never quit my job. I worked hard for my degree, and teaching my kids how to express themselves and bring out their creativity is a joy that I would never throw away.
As Darrius continues to dictate to me what our life will be like, I nod and smile without commenting. It doesn’t seem like he needs my input anyway. I’m just the placeholder he needs to fulfill his dreams of a stay-at-home wife, mother to his five children, and subservient yes woman.
To be honest, he is saying all the right things; it’s just thewayhe’s saying them. At least, I thought what he was saying was what I wanted. But the more he speaks, the more I’m searching for a quick exit.
What does my mother see in this man?
“Emani? Are you listening? Or are you planning our wedding already?” Darrius has a little smirk on his face as if to say he’s guessed exactly what I’m thinking.
I fight hard to keep the grimace off of my face. I don’t want to show how turned off I am, but I also don’t want to encourage him either.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear what you said,” I try to let out a coquettish giggle to cover my nervousness. However, the sound that comes out is anything but a girlish flirtation. I sound like I’m choking on my dinner.
Darrius pats my back with a look of concern. “Are you okay?”
“Uhh. I don’t think that tres leches cake agrees with me.” I rub my stomach for emphasis.
“Um mm mm. I told you to choose something else. Let me get the check, and I’ll take you home.” Darrius waves down the waiter, and for the first time tonight, I feel relieved.
Maybe I should take Shelby’s advice and date outside of my parent’s picks.
Chapter2
EMANI
I grab my large glass of white wine and my bowl of kettle popcorn as I settle in for a nice, relaxing Saturday night. I turned down Darrius for a second date, saying I had a migraine. It was only a small fib, considering he would have given me one if I had to listen to his rules for another date.
I also made sure not to give any homework this week, so I don’t have any projects to grade or lesson plans to write. My weekend plans consist of binge watching Marvel movies, drinking wine, and sleeping. We have a few more weeks before break, so I don’t have plans to do anything until then. So, when Kayla asked me and Shelby to help her pick out an outfit for her birthday dinner, I was happy to help.
I was actually surprised that she called us. Even though she still didn’t take all of our advice, at least she wasn’t as buttoned up as she usually is.
Shelby thinks it would be a mistake to marry a man like Warren, and although I sort of agree, I just want Kayla to be happy. I’m only apprehensive because Warren seems a little uptight and self-centered at times, but maybe I’m being too hard on him because if Kay loves him so much, he couldn’t be that bad.
So, instead of being critical, I just do my best to keep my comments to myself. I know what it feels like to be criticized, so I try not to inflict that pain on others.
When the show is getting good, I pop a kernel in my mouth and sniffle. “Damn, they really made this movie a tear jerker. How am I supposed to get through this without crying? Poor, Shuri,” I say out loud as I wipe my eyes. I wasn’t expecting the sequel to Black Panther to be so emotional.
When my phone rings, I click pause on the movie and answer the phone without looking to see who it is.
“Girl! I need you to getcho ass up!” Shelby’s voice comes through loud and stressed before I can even say hello.
I sit up instantly because as crazy as Shelby is, she’s not dramatic. “What’s going on?” I question immediately.
“I’m on my way to scoop you up. Kay needs us. I didn’t get all the details, but I’ll be there in ten minutes. Be ready!” Shelby disconnects the call, and I look at my phone confused.