Page 5 of Emani's Way

“I was supposed to be celebrating my engagement, not wallowing in self-pity.” Kayla sadly shakes her head, and my heart breaks for her.

“Then stop wallowing. No matter what that asswipe did, it’s still your birthday, and we have some major celebrating to do!” Shelby’s mischievous smile lets me know we’re about to be in for a long night.

“I don’t want to celebrate anymore. How about we stay here and watchNetflixand have ice cream?” Kayla’s hopeful tone is almost enough to get me on her side, but I know staying in and crying isn’t good for the soul.

“Girl, hell naw. Weare notabout to sit here andNetflixand chill with yo ass. We’re gonna put on some thot music and our best freak-em dresses and find somewhere to shake our asses!” Shelby exclaims, placing her hands on her narrow hips.

Just as I suspected, we are about to be at somebody’s club, dancing Kayla’s troubles away. As long as I can support my friend, I will do what’s necessary.At least Shelby didn’t suggest we slash Warren’s tires… not yet, anyway.

***

We stayed out all night, and what a time we had. Shelby and I fed Kayla so many drinks that her whole personality changed. She stopped worrying about Warren, his deceitfulness, as well as the short dress we talked her into wearing… heck, she stopped worrying about everything. Kayla was the most relaxed I have ever seen her. She danced and flirted and turned up like nobody’s business.

Now, however, we’re sitting in Kayla’s apartment, watching her freak out. I can understand why she would be a little worked up, but it’s not like we left her to be devoured by wolves.Although, Anderson was looking at Kayla like he wanted to eat her up.

“I can’t believe you heffa’s let me sleep with a stranger!” Kayla is pacing back and forth, fidgeting and yelling.

“Girl, please. Your ass is grown!” Shelby interrupts with her signature high-pitched laugh.

“No, really, Kayla. You were adamant about going back to Anderson’s apartment,” I remind her again.

I’m doing my best to be understanding because she did have a traumatic experience, but maybe we shouldn’t have given her so many drinks. I mean, none of us should’ve drank that much.

“We were all drunk,” Shelby says when I tune back into the argument. “Besides, Andy took good care of you.”

“He doesn’t like to be called Andy,” Kayla off-handedly replies before her eyes go wide.

“So, I guess Bucky Barnes does remember something,” I say with a wide smile, nodding my head.

“Who the heck is Bucky Barnes?” Kayla questions, frowning.

I roll my eyes at my friend before answering, “he had amnesia in the Captain America movie.”

“Emani,” Kayla sighs, shaking her head.

“Mani, we’ve gone over this. Your obscure movie references only make sense to you, honey,” Shelby responds with a chuckle.

“Hey! Captain America is not obscure. Anyways, Kayla is an IT nerd. She should know all about comic book stuff,” I defend myself. I am not the only nerd in this group. We all have our quirks, including cool girl Shelby.

Besides, these two are always acting as if they don’t watch Marvel movies. I know they do because I make them watch them with me. I can’t help it that my memory of all things cinema is better than theirs. Who wouldn’t remember Chris Evans and that booty?

“So, are we going to talk about how Andy looked like he might have had you walking bowlegged if you let him hit?” Shelby questions Kayla.

“No, ma’am, we are not.” Kayla folds her arms over her chest and shifts uncomfortably.

I can tell that Kayla needs a save because Shelby can be relentless sometimes. So, I interrupt the inquisition before she can get going good. “Let it go, Shelby. Why don’t we talk about your fast behind? I saw you give your number to Tobin and Jason.” I know how Shelby loves to flirt, but I have never seen her be that bold.

“Well, you weren’t paying close enough attention ‘cause I gave it to Brady, too.” Shelby snaps her fingers and sticks out her tongue, and all I can do is shake my head.

Shelby is so crazy!

I can’t say that I blame her. It’s not every day that we all get drunk and end up with a group of guys so fine they could be models. I’m not as bold as Shelby, but maybe I’ll take a page out of her book and find somebody to give my number to next time.Or maybe not. I should probably repent for all of the sins I committed last night.

We go back and forth, being silly to keep Kayla from freaking out about Anderson or breaking down about Warren, and it seems to work. I know how fragile Kayla is, and I want to make sure I am being as supportive as I can.

Kayla and Shelby are the sisters I chose. They are family, and I would go to war for both of them like they are my own flesh and blood. It’s just my way. When I care about people, I’m protective of them.

Chapter3