It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 28: Lake

"Lake Richardson."

The day had finally come. I felt a sense of accomplishment as I walked up on stage to get my diploma. I shook the principal's hand and grabbed that special piece of paper. When I looked into the audience, Jordan was cheering, and I grinned. After he got a million pictures, I sat down with the rest of the students and thought about the next chapter of my life. I never imagined that I would come this far, and the fact that I proved Larry wrong meant everything.

After the ceremony, I saw Jordan talking to Emani, and I hurried over to them. Emani looked gorgeous in her gold cap and gown. Her hair was bone straight and hung to the middle of her back. I hugged her and then fist-bumped Jordan. He had on a nice white dress shirt and black slacks.

"You did it, bro! I'm so proud of you," Jordan began. "I have a surprise for you."

I grinned. "Ok, let's see it."

We followed Jordan to the parking lot, and there were a million cars with colorful bows on them. He pointed to a black Chevy Spark with a red bow on it. Did he really just buy me a car? I gave him a questioning look, and he grinned.

"I wanted you to have a way back and forth to school in the fall. You deserve it, Lake. You've been through so much and never gave up," Jordan said. "You'll only have to worry about the insurance every month."

"I knew about it," Emani chimed in. "Why can't I have a brother like Jordan?" Jordan smirked at her, and the two hugged.

"Wow, thanks so much, Jordan. I'll never forget this, bro." I hugged him, and then he handed me the keys.

"It comes with two sets. Please don't lose them," he said in a fatherly tone. "It's already filled up. Go take it for a spin with your girl. I'll see you later at home."

I patted his shoulder as I opened the passenger door for Emani. She hopped in, and I started the car up. I plugged in my aux cord and searched for a banger to play. I played DDG's Calabasas song, and Emani started rapping the lyrics.

"Balling since I was jit. Way before Oakland and filming the skits. I had a goal to get rich. Mama was struggling paying the rent. I couldn't help her with shit. Hate that I'm feeling so stuck in this bitch."

Loud laughter bubbled out of me. "E, I didn't know you listened to stuff like that. What would your bougie mother have to say?"

Emani chuckled. "I listen to all kinds of music, Lake. Anyway, I'm so happy you have a new car. My mom is throwing me a graduation party tonight. I know you don't like her, but she told me to invite you. I think she wants to apologize."

My stomach tightened. The idea of spending grad night with Mrs. Jefferson didn't appeal to me. The woman hated my guts, and I was tired of the bullshit with her. However, the look in Emani's eyes got to me, and I found myself nodding.

"Ok, I'll come but she better chill tonight. I'm in a good mood, and I want it to stay that way," I warned her. She nodded and kissed me on the lips. Her small hand stroked my inner thigh, and it took everything in me not to lay her on the backseat. Then she kissed my neck, and my eyes rolled back. "E, you're going to be the death of me. What is up with you?"

"Well, we haven't done it in a while, and I want some," she admitted, face turning red. I doubled over in laughter, and it made her blush even more. "Lake, stop laughing at my raging hormones."

"I've missed you too. How about we book a room for the night? We could get ready at the hotel and head to your mom's later."

"Okay," Emani replied. I was surprised that she went along with it. "I'll just have to get something to wear at Walmart. I'll tell my mom that I won't be home until later."

Fifteen minutes later, Emani and I were at Hilton Garden Inn. I helped Emani carry her bags, and we checked in at the front desk and headed up to our room. I took off my shoes and sat on the king-sized bed. She put two water bottles in the dorm-sized refrigerator, and I got up and wrapped my arms around her.

"I'm so glad you decided to stay with me tonight. I love you," I whispered in her ear. I unzipped her graduation gown, and she slid it over her head. I watched as she got undressed, and my body reacted to the sight of her nakedness.

"I love you too, Lake. Let's take a shower. I feel gross after being in the hot sun," she suggested, and I nodded.

Forty minutes later, Emani and I arrived at the party. She looked gorgeous in a pink maxi dress and gold sandals. Her hair was still damp from our shower, and I ran my fingers through her curly mane. I couldn't wait to get her back at the hotel tonight.

"You look beautiful, E," I said as we walked through the front door. "I like your hair curly."

She smiled and grabbed my hand. "Thanks. I always feel self-conscious wearing it natural. My mom hates it."

Of course, she did.

Mrs. Jefferson spotted us and shuffled over. Her long hair was pinned on top of her head, and she had on a turquoise off the shoulder bodycon dress. She took one look at Emani and frowned.

"Sweetheart, why is your hair like that? I would have straightened it for you. Oh well, you're here now."

"Mom, I like my hair curly. Anyway, don't you have something you would like to say to Lake?"

Mrs. Jefferson turned to me, guilt filling her face. "I want to apologize for my behavior at dinner. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. I want us to start over. I see how much you mean to Emani, and it's exhausting feuding with you."

I still didn't trust her, but I nodded. "Yeah, I would like that. Thanks for inviting me."

"I catered Texas Roadhouse. Enjoy your night, guys."

After her mom was gone, we made our way to the kitchen. I stuffed a buttery roll in my mouth and groaned. It was so delicious. Texas Roadhouse will always be my favorite restaurant.

"Your mom went all out," I said, scanning the countertops. My mouth watered at the flat sheet cake on the dining room table. It had Emani's picture on it and said congratulations in purple icing.

"Yeah, you know her."

"Hey Emani," a familiar voice said. I turned around, and Xavier walked towards us, holding an envelope and balloons. The moment he hugged Emani, my annoyance set in. He held on to her a little too tight for my liking.

"Hey, I didn't know you were coming. Feel free to eat as much as you want," Emani told him.

"Your mom invited me. I'm sorry I missed the graduation. I wanted to be there, but I had to take my little sister to soccer practice," Xavier said, handing her the gifts. He turned to me. "Oh, hey, Lake, I didn't see you there."

Bullshit.

"I didn't see you either," I replied, grabbing a Sprite from the fridge.

"Um, Emani, can I talk to you for a sec?" Xavier asked. Slowly his eyes met mine. "Alone."

I let out a snort. "Whatever you have to say to Emani, you can say to me."

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Lake and Emani are officially high school graduates! What did you think of this chapter? Also, what do you think Xavier has to say?? Keep reading to find out ‼️🤪