Page 34 of Emani's Way

I am shocked that peacemaker Naomi just put Zuri in her place like that. So, I know Zuri must’ve gotten on Naomi’s last nerve with her shenanigans.

“Let’s just enjoy our brunch and stick to safe topics,” I say, trying to defuse the tension between us. No matter how much I’m trying to change, old habits die hard. I will always be the baby sister who wants everyone to get along.

“That sounds like a great idea. Amari, what artists have you been working with lately?” Naomi asks, effectively changing the subject.

For the rest of the brunch, we stayed on safe, mundane topics, but the tension was still high among us. Zuri barely said a word for the rest of brunch, and although Amari was eating it up, I was kinda worried. It’s not like Zuri to just take being told off. I have a feeling there’s way more going on than we know.

***

After brunch, I wanted to give my family a rest for a while, but that wasn’t meant to be. My Daddy called Maddox and invited him to church today. I wanted him to say he was busy, but of course he agreed.

I have a feeling he’s trying to get in my Mama’s good graces, but if he can figure out how to crack that code, then I’d give him a million dollars. The only people good enough for my Mama are my Daddy and maybe Zuri on a good day. She’s pretty neutral towards Naomi even though she’s a doctor and the smartest out of all of us. And although she had her tantrum about Amari, I always felt that she was Mama’s favorite. Me on the other hand, no matter how hard I try, my Mama will never be satisfied.

“Do I need to wear a tie? If you haven’t noticed, I don’t go to church that often.” Maddox smirks at me and I shake my head.

“Wear whatever makes you comfortable, ya heathen.” I smile up at him sweetly, and he busts out laughing.

Maddox looks so carefree when he laughs. I can’t help but admire how handsome he is and how much I’ve come to care about him. My eyes eat up the way his suit drapes effortlessly over his muscles.This man is fine!

“Now, Emani Jackson. How can you smile at me like that after calling me a heathen?” He pouts and shakes his head. “Here I am, trying to be a good church going man.”

“Aww, babe. I’m sorry. You don’t have to wear a tie. You look absolutely gorgeous without one.” I run my eyes over him once more, appreciating how scrumptious he looks in his suit. No Matter how hard I try, I can’t stop myself from imagining all of the naughty things I could do to this man.

“You probably shouldn’t look at me like that,” Maddox says, giving me a sultry look. When he licks his lips, I know exactly what he’s thinking. When his heated gaze finds mine, I feel like I’m standing here naked. I have to bite my lip to keep the moan from slipping out.Emani, you are about to go worship the Lord. Stop being so lustful.

I clear my throat and remove my teeth from my lip. I cannot be this wanton on a Sunday morning.

“You’re right.” I step back and look down to adjust my dress.

“Hey.” Maddox puts his finger under my chin and lifts my face. “I was only kidding, Sugar. All you have to do is exist to have me hard.” Maddox’s face is as serious as can be, but that twinkle in his blue eyes holds humor.

“I was thinking about sex right before church, Mad. I am so off track.” I throw my hands up in frustration.

“Come here, baby.” Maddox leads me over to his bed, and he sits down, pulling me onto his lap.

He caresses my thigh, but not in a sexual way. Once he shifts me where he’s comfortable, he looks me in the eyes. “Emani, what track are you supposed to be on exactly? Because from where I’m sitting, you’re sweet, responsible, kind, and hardworking. I’d say you’re on track, sweetheart.”

I smile up at him, but he has no idea the expectations my family has. I’m twenty-eight years old, and I’m still doing my best to be the Emani my parents want me to be. Acting so lustful before church behind a man that I’m not married to is horrible. But I appreciate him trying to make me feel better.

“Thanks for saying that, Mad. Let’s head out before we’re late.” I slide off Maddox’s lap and pull his hand so he can stand.

When we get to the front room, I’m not surprised to see Frank. However, I did forget about the reason I’m here until now. I haven’t asked Maddox if he’s found out anything else, and the police definitely weren’t any help the other night. But I will wait until after church to ask Maddox if he’s heard anything.

We are under enough pressure for today. Having to face my mother on a Sunday is like a prisoner going in front of a firing squad. You’ve already been sentenced to death, and there’s no way to stop it. I just hope she is distracted enough by the congregation that we can slip in and out unscathed.

We pull up to the parking lot of the church, and Frank gets out and opens the door for me. I slide out, and Maddox gets out behind me. I take another deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I’ve never really brought a man to church before, and even though my Daddy invited him, I’m still really nervous.

“Frank, are you going to join us for service this morning?” I question the intimidating man.

“No, ma’am. I need to do a sweep and get in touch with the team. You all have a good service, and I’ll be here when you’re finished.” Frank nods then shuts the door. He walks around the front of the large SUV and slides into the driver’s side.

I have so many questions about what Frank just said, but when I see Zuri, I know I have bigger issues on hand.

“There’s my oldest sister. It would be a good time to pray. She’s my mother’s clone,” I whisper to Maddox.

I plaster a smile on my face. “Hey, Zuri. Where’s Kelvin?” I question, surprised that he isn’t here.

Usually, Kelvin is at every Sunday service, and even though I’ve been rushing out, I still noticed he hasn’t been here the last few weeks.