Page 33 of Emani's Way

“We came all this way. I might as well eat. Besides, you’re meeting your friend. Go have fun, and I’ll text you when I’m ready. Or I can have Amari drop me off.” I kiss his cheek once more, but Maddox frowns.

“No, I’ll pick you up. Go have fun with your sisters.” Maddox kisses me again before hopping out and opening the door for me.

Maddox is such a contradiction. He says the nastiest things to me during sex, but you would never know by the way he treats me in public. I guess freak in the sheets, lady in the streets can go for him too… well, gentleman in the streets in his case.

Maddox helps me out of the car and I head to the entrance. I look over my shoulder when I reach the door of the restaurant, and he waves at me before driving off.He waited until I was at the door—such a gentleman.

As soon as the door opens Zuri is on the other side watching me with a scowl. Before she can say anything, I head to the elevator, and we get inside. There are other people in here, so she doesn’t get to scold me for whatever she thinks I did wrong.

When we step off the elevator, the hostess immediately calls her name. Naomi and Amari walk in right behind us, so I don’t have to be alone with Zuri.It looks like lady luck is on my side today!

I love my sister, but she is the definition of doing too much. She takes being the oldest sibling to another level. You’d think she gave birth to us herself. Zuri has always been particularly bossy, but lately, her judgment has been over the top.

As soon as the waitress takes our drink orders and leaves, Zuri turns her glare my way. At this moment, she looks so much like our mother that I almost want to shrink away from her.

“Who was that white man you were kissing on?” Zuri’s question is sharp, but I knew it was coming.

“What white man?” Naomi asks, looking in my direction.

“Oh, so Maddox is playing chauffeur? Yes ma’am. I know that’s right, sis!” Amari high-fives me, and I can’t help but giggle at her.

“Is that the man Mama said you were staying with instead of going to their house after the teenagers broke into your place last night?” Zuri is still snarling as she throws out her question.

But what I can’t figure out is why she’s so mad. None of this is any of her business or concern.

“Somebody broke into your house? Are you okay?” Naomi questions.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had a break-in? You know I would’ve been there,” Amari says with wide eyes. I smile at them both because their concern is for my safety, unlike Zuri.

“I’m fine. Nobody broke in. It was just some vandalism. The police said it was most likely teenagers.” I wave off their concern. Even though I know it’s more than that, especially the way that Maddox has been behaving.

“If it was just teenagers, then why aren’t you at home?” Zuri snaps.

“Why do you care?” I snap back. Because what the hell! “You can’t even ask how I am. Just jump to the part where it’s none of your business. I am a grown woman!”

“Mama said…” Zuri starts, but I cut her off.

“I don’t care. I’m here to enjoy brunch, not talk about stuff that doesn’t concern you. If I want you to know my business, I will tell you.”

“Oop.” Amari cracks up laughing, and I cut my eyes at her.

When she sees my face, she shrugs, but her laughter quiets down. Amari knows her antagonizing Zuri only makes things worse. And I honestly don’t want to be bothered.

“Listen, ladies. Every single time we get together, it’s some foolishness. We have got to stop this toxic behavior. Zuri, what’s going on with you? You’ve been snapping and mean for the last couple of months.” Naomi turns to our older sister.

All eyes are on Zuri, waiting for her answer. She loves to be in everyone’s business, but when it comes to hers, she likes to play saint. Nothing is ever wrong, and everything is perfect.

“Nothing is wrong with me!” Zuri yells.

“Here she go,” Amari mumbles, rolling her eyes.

“Hush, Amari.” Naomi cuts Amari a look.

This conversation takes me back to when we were kids. I swear these brunches are getting more and more exhausting. I don’t even know why I bother anymore. Naomi is right. This mess is toxic.

“Nothing is going on, Naomi. Just drop it.” Zuri sips her drink and looks away.

“If that’s how you want it to be, then fine. But you need to stop trying to impose your will on us. You don’t want to tell us your business, then stay out of ours.”