Page 4 of Emani's Way
“Lord, I hope Warren didn’t do anything stupid!” I say out loud as I jump up and throw on some yoga pants and a sweatshirt.
Kayla is such a sensitive soul, and I really hope it’s nothing bad. But deep down in my heart, I already know it is. There would be no other reason for Shelby to sound so concerned.
I’m just grabbing my shoes when my phone chimes with a notification that Shelby is already outside. I look at my watch, and notice it only took her five minutes to get here.
I lock up quickly and jump into Shelby’s Mercedes. I hang on tight when she burns rubber out of my driveway like a bat out of hell.
“My God, Shell! You’re gonna kill us before we even make it to Kayla! Ahhhh!” I squeal as I tightly close my eyes.
“Bitch! If you don’t stop screaming like a banshee.”
I open my eyes in time to see Shelby throw a frown my way.
“I think we were on two wheels,” I breathe out, trying to keep my voice even. “We are not supposed to be on two wheels, Shell!”
“All four of my wheels are on the ground. Stop being so dramatic, acting like I can’t drive. I’m sure my name was Mario Andretti in a former life,” Shelby says, smirking.
“I’m pretty sure Mario Andretti is still alive. Lord, Jesus!” I screech out again when she swerves around a slow-moving car.
“Of course, he’s alive. We race car drivers know how to drive fast and survive. Just sit back and relax.”
“How am I supposed to relax? Shell, why do you drive like somebody is chasing you?” I question, still holding on to the seatbelt for dear life. I hate riding with Shelby. I don’t know what the heck I was thinking.
“Sis, didn’t you know… somebody isalwayschasing me,” Shelby chortles, and I laugh along until she floors it through a yellow light.
Lord God, just get us to our destination safely. Amen!
I hold my breath until Shelby slows down a little. I’m just glad Kay doesn’t live far from me because I don’t think I can survive a long trip with Shelby’s driving.
We make it to Kay’s house so fast that I don’t even get to ask Shelby what’s going on. Shelby gets out of the car and rushes quickly to the door. I have to practically run to catch up with her.
Shelby bangs on the door like the police, and I frown until I see a haggard Kayla open the door.
“Oh my goodness! Kayla!” I wrap her in a hug, and she dissolves into tears in my arms.
I lead her inside, and we all sit down. I grab some tissue and give it to Kayla. I watch as my friend fidgets and sniffles, trying to get her emotions under control.
“Okay, so tell us everything that’s going on. You said you and Warren broke up, but what happened?” Shelby asks, and I’m shocked by the news.
“You and Warren broke up? On your birthday! That asshole! Sorry, Jesus,” I instantly amend because it’s really unladylike to cuss, but Warren is anasshole!
“We didn’t just break up. He was cheating on me with… a man,” Kayla hysterically sobs.
My eyes go wide, and my mouth drops open. I am actually speechless.
“Girl!A man? Warren was out here fucking a whole man?” Shelby’s shocked question took the words right out of my mouth.
“Yes, a man. You should’ve seen it. It was a mess. And the only thing Warren could say was that I should just accept it. Like— I would never do better than him.”
“Kayla, I don’t know what to say,” I softly reply, shaking my head.
I normally would find something positive to take away from all this, but even I can’t find the silver lining in this mess. Nobody deserves to be treated like that, especially Kay. She’s so innocent and kind.There’s a special place in hell for Warren Barnett!
“Me either, Emani. I was just so shocked. I mean, he’s never done anything to make me suspect he was…”
“Sus… pect,” Shelby draws out the word to finish Kayla’s sentence with a purse of her glossed lips. “Sis, I think you dodged a bullet. I mean, what if y’all had gotten married, had a house, a few kids, and thenbam! Here this dude comes, popping up and talking that bullshit. It’s best that you found out now,” Shelby finishes.
“I agree with Shell,” I add. “It’s for the best that you found out sooner rather than later.”