It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 27: Emani

"Hey guys, these are my friends Allen and Drew," Xavier said. Like Xavier, they were both dressed in t-shirts, jeans, and the newest Jordan's. Allen nodded, and Drew's brown eyes roamed my body in a way that made me uncomfortable. I wrapped my arms around my middle and leaned closer to Lake.

"If all the girls look as good as you, I'm definitely not going back to New York," Drew said, winking at me. "Nice to meet you."

"Hey, I'm Emani, and this is my boyfriend, Lake." I figured I would let them know right away that I wasn't available. I didn't want my night with Lake to be ruined.

"Hey," Lake muttered, clearly irritated by Drew's comment. He looked down at me. "I'll go get us some snacks. Do you want nachos?"

I nodded. "Hells yeah. Thanks, Lake."

Crisis averted.

Lake kissed my forehead and walked off. Xavier's friends spotted some girls across the room and went over to talk to them. Drew said something funny that made both girls laugh. I don't even want to know what nasty joke he told. I plopped down on a blue chair, and Xavier sat beside me. I could smell his Versace cologne.

"Sorry about Drew. He's a player and thinks he can get any girl. He didn't know you had a boyfriend," Xavier explained, scratching his wavy black hair. "Lake seems like a nice guy. How long have you been together?"

I smiled, staring at Lake from across the room. "A few months. He really is a good person. I'm going to miss him when I leave for school."

Xavier put his hand over mine, and I tensed. "Well, you will have me if you ever get lonely. I can whip up a mean grilled cheese."

His goofy grin made me relax. "Thanks, and now you'll definitely have to come over. How come you're single?"

"I just haven't met the right girl yet. I feel like most people only want to hook up. I want something serious." His statement surprised me, and my respect for him increased.

"Yeah, that's true. It seems like it was easier to find love back in the day. People use to get married so young. My parents got married straight out of high school."

Xavier studied my face and grinned. "Sometimes I forget you're in high school. You seem so mature for your age even though you have a baby face."

My cheeks flamed, and I turned away. Xavier chuckled, and a few minutes later, Allen and Drew joined us, followed by Lake. Allen and Drew brought over the girls they'd been flirting with. I learned that the redhead was Ashley, and the girl with the braids was Chelsea.

"I love your Adidas shirt," Chelsea said to me. She had on a white sweater, jeans, and leather boots. She reminded me of the rapper Saweetie.

"Thanks. I like your boots," I replied, and she smiled.

"Emani, you're up first to bowl," Xavier announced.

I stood up and grabbed the pretty pink ball. With all my might, I rolled the ball down the lane, hoping to get a strike. I suck at bowling and only knocked down two pins. On the other hand, Lake got a strike, and so did Xavier. Allen and Drew didn't do so bad either. I still had the lowest score. I blame my parents for never taking me bowling as a kid. Now, ice skating that I can do.

"Emani, you suck," Drew joked, making everyone laugh.

"He has a point, E," Lake agreed as I sat on his lap. I picked over my nachos and grinned.

"I told Xavier I was terrible, but he wouldn't take no for an answer."

Xavier's eyes met mine, and he said, "Admit it, you're having fun, and you know it. I'll have to teach you how to bowl in New York."