Page 37 of Emani's Way

“You’re right. Let’s sit down. I overheard some weird stuff, and I’m just trying to make sense of it all,” Emani says sadly.

I nod, and we walk into the living room and sit down. Emani seems nervous and unsure of herself. It’s the same way she looked the night her parents and that fucktard ambushed her.

“Tell me everything, Sugar. You can trust me.”

The last thing I want is for Emani to go back into her shell. She’s so sweet and kind, but I have a feeling that people take advantage of her. I want her to know that I’m not one of those bastards who would take her for granted. I want to protect her.

“I know I can trust you.” She sighs deeply before continuing, “I overheard Darrius and my mother discussing me.”

“What do you mean? Why were they talking about you?” I question confused.

“I heard Darrius whining about me not dating him.” Emani rolls her eyes.

I know that couldn’t have upset her that much. Anyone who has come into contact with the asshole knows he’s a bitch. So, I’m not surprised he was complaining to Mrs. Jackson about her daughter.

“I know that didn’t make you sad. So, what did?”

“I heard my Mama tell Darrius I didn’t matter and I wasn’t important.”

What the hell? Why would anybody say that about their child? What a bitch!

“Did anything else happen?” I have a feeling that Emani is leaving something out.

“Not really. She was just telling him to keep trying to date me. It’s so weird. Why does she want us to date so bad? Especially if I’m not important. My own Mama said that.” Tears well up in Emani’s pretty brown eyes, and I want to crush Darrius’s skull with my bare hands. And Mrs. Jackson ought to be ashamed of herself.Some Christian she is.

***

After our little chat, I know Emani’s feelings were hurt. I’m not sure why her mother would say such hurtful shit, but it’s unacceptable. I can understand why Emani wanted me to say no to going to service.

Her family has some control issues. But regulating who your grown ass daughter dates is weird. I’ve heard of people trying to live vicariously through their children, but it still feels a little over the top. I mean, Emani has three other sisters who are all single. Why is she so focused on Emani? Especially since I’m here.I’m a catch! What’s this lady’s problem?

I would never do anything to hurt Emani if that’s her worry. But that little weasel, Darrius, would. I know men like him. His arrogance and ambition are dripping from his pores. I have my suspicions about what his angle is, but I don’t know why Mrs. Jackson would want to help him.

All my theories are just that… theories. I have no way of knowing why these people do what they do. But I know they hurt Emani, and that will not fly.

My poor sweetheart’s feelings were so bruised that I couldn’t talk her into eating anything before she went to take her nap. Bless her heart, she was so confused about everything that was said, and I didn’t have any answers either.

When my doorbell rings, I know it could only be one of two people. I roll my eyes because I know I’m about to get cussed out for missing the monthly Sunday lunch.

I open my door with the brightest smile on my face. “Hey, Sarah.”

“Sarah? You’re already on thin ice. Don’t make me whoop your behind,” my stepmother sasses as she pushes past me. I chuckle because we both know I only call her Sarah to get on her nerves. She has been and always will be my Mama.

“Dad.” I nod.

“Son,” he laughs at my expense.

My parents and I have a great relationship. But they can be intrusive as hell when they want to be. I had a bit of a reprieve when Zane moved back and then got engaged. My stepmother spent all of her time fawning over Tae and the wedding. Now, it seems she’s turned her sights back to me.

Maybe I can plant the idea that Zane needs to give her a grandchild, and she’ll leave me alone again.

“Y’all want something to drink?” I ask, following them into the living room.

“No. We just came from the lunch you missed.” Sarah purses her lips in displeasure.

“Come on, Mama. I told you I was going to church.”

“You were serious? I thought you had some tramp over here, and you were avoiding us.”