THE CHURCH GIRL

chapter 46

*****NAOMI'S POV

''So Ken, how long have you known Naomi?'', Devon blurted out halfway through a quiet dinner with an undivided attention from everyone. He was still waiting for his answer from an awkward looking Ken who cleared his throat and glared at Devon.

''We went to the same school and practically grew up together'', he said sternly and went back to his food. The room became quiet again with Sonia making faces and waiting to stir up some heat.

''So Ken, are you back for good?'', Sonia blurted with a smirk on her face waiting on Ken to reply.

''Yes, for now hopefully'', Ken smiled a little and went back to his food. Ken and I stopped chatting and just ate quietly while Julia was still sharing with Ryan. Andrew went back to asking Devin questions about his work and singing as well as his donations. I was even more annoyed he and I kept exchanging stares each time our eyes met. He wasn't avoiding mine, but I was avoiding his. Ken's mom cleared her throat like she wanted to get everyone's attention for just a few of us turned in her direction.

''Ken wants to win Naomi over and hopefully he does that on time too'', Mrs. Crews, Ken's mom announced sweetly getting a head nod and an awkward smile from my father and a stern glare from my mother. Looks like Ken had not updated his mother that he was rejected and ready to move on. Naomi choked on her food as concerned looks came turning to her but an angry glare from Devon. I turned to look at Devon to make sure he doesn't loose his cool or start asking random more awkward questions but Julia already took the floor before he could.

''I don't think Naomi has ever told Ken she liked him or showed any interest. She respectfully declined multiple times including the night he showed up to A function he wasn't invited to'', Julia said satisfyingly and enjoyed the gazes she was getting. She beat Devon to it hoping that could make him sheath whatver sword Devon was going to unleash and she was already annoyed with the constant press on about it but I looked at Ken and he looked embarrassed and defeated. I felt bad for him. No need to kick him while he was down.

"Okay Naomi is sitting right here and she can speak for herself so if you can all just leave it alone. This is between Ken and I and we can make our own decisions as adults without anyone interfering or speaking for either one of us", I chimed in trying to close the whole topic entirely.

''Looks like Naomi may have someone else in mind she likes. Do you mind sharing that information too dear sister?'', Andrew pushed further and I smiled at him sarcastically.

"Why don't you ask your wife instead, she knows everything about everyone anyway", he frowned and went back to his food while Sonia glared at me.

''Naomi, honey is there something you want to share with the family? Anything you would like us to know?'', My father said gently folding his fingers under his chin while he stared at me. He was trying to get them off my back by making me say what is on my mind so they all settle. He was trying to help but this was a difficult position to put me in with Devon present as well.

"No Pa, they don't need to know my business and if I want to let you and Mama know, I will do just that", I smiled and he nodded back satisfied. This didn't sit well with the boys so they decided to keep poking.

''One thing for sure, you never introduced this your friend here. Yes most of us know him already but that's just from tv and other stuff he does but who exactly is he to you?", Jose' thought he was so smart bringing up Devon because the Ken drag didn't work. Devon was about to speak and I quickly cut in.

"Like he said this morning, he is my friend. If you still don't know what does means big bro, ask google or wiki", I smiled at him earning a glare from him.