Page 39 of Emani's Way

“Elizabeth is delusional. She just wants attention again. Ignore her, son.”

My dad’s voice is calm, but I know the old man better than he thinks I do because there’s a storm raging in his eyes. It makes me question what’s really going on with Elizabeth.

Chapter16

EMANI

I never would’ve guessed that Maddox’s stepmom was a black woman, but I should’ve known. He’s got a little spice and a whole lotta swag to him. And even though Sarah is great, I still wasn’t prepared to meet her wearing a t-shirt and booty shorts.I am so embarrassed.

“If you don’t mind, I’m going to run and change.”

“Oh, sweetie, there’s no need to do all that. You’re fine. Come sit down and talk to me.” Sarah goes to the couch and pats the seat beside her with a sweet smile. I don’t want to be rude, so I adjust the t-shirt, pull down the shorts as much as I can and take a seat. I forget all about my hunger as my nerves take over.

“So, how did you and my son meet?”

It’s a perfectly normal question to ask, but it still has the first raunchy night we spent together flashing in my mind. I flush so deeply that I can feel my face heat.

“Ummm, we met on a night out. I was celebrating with a few friends.” I finally manage to tell a partial truth.

“Oh, well, that sounds like Mad. Always out on the town. I just want to know how you convinced that scoundrel to go to church.” Sarah has a twinkle in her eyes that shows she’s joking, but at the mention of church, my face crumples.

The feelings of betrayal bubble up and come out unexpectedly, and I can’t hold back as I burst into tears. I guess the nap wasn’t as replenishing as I thought it was.

“I’m sooo sor- sorry,” I stutter out mortified.

“Oh honey, what’s wrong?” Sarah pulls me to her and wraps her arms around me.

The comfort I feel from her is something that I haven’t felt from a mother in a long time. It only makes me cry harder.

“It’s okay. Just take your time, sweetie.” Sarah keeps her arms around me until I pull myself together.

I sniffle a few times and wipe my tears away. But the ache I feel is still sitting in the pit of my gut like spoiled milk. Hearing my Mama say that I didn’t matter did something to me.

“It’s been a long day. I’m so sorry.” I take a deep breath before continuing, “I didn’t have to convince Maddox to go with me. He’s willing to do anything for me.”

The words are nothing but the truth, and even though I spoke them, I’m just realizing that I believe them wholeheartedly.It’s only been a few months, but I’m already falling in love with Maddox.

“You know, my son is very protective over his loved ones. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s willing to do anything for you. What does surprise me though, is why we’re just now meeting.” Sarah arches her eyebrow at me, and I swallow hard.

I’m not sure how to answer that question because we never really spoke about meeting parents. Maddox met mine by accident, so it never really came up. Maybe that makes me a bad partner since I never asked, but there’s nothing I can do about that now.

“If you think I was hiding her from you, then you’d be right,” Maddox says, coming back into the room.

I’m relieved that I didn’t have to answer. I have a feeling that if I would have, then it would have led to more questions.

“Hmmph. Could’ve fooled me. You went out with your brother and Tae weeks ago.”

“Zane can’t hold water,” Maddox mumbles, but he’s smiling. “You know I had to ease Emani into our craziness. I didn’t want to run her off.”

I smile and shake my head.I just burst into tears in front of his stepmom on our first meeting. I just hope he doesn’t run off.

“Honey, give the kids a break. Besides, they’re coming to dinner with us next weekend.” Joseph’s announcement comes as a surprise to me, and by the shock on Maddox’s face, I know he had no idea of his dad’s plans either.

“Dad…”

“Oh! Great! Well, I guess we’ll leave you kids to relax,” Sarah interrupts Maddox with her cheerfulness.

I notice Maddox cut his eyes at his dad, but he doesn’t protest. I don’t mind spending time with his parents because they seem like nice people. Besides, if I know I’m falling hard for this man, I might as well get to know his family.