It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 5: Emani

Gunner and I held hands as we walked to the gymnasium for the pep rally. Sasha and Jason were walking behind us, arguing about his Facebook likes. Apparently, too many females hearted his posts, and Sasha is pissed. I rolled my eyes, wishing they would both shut the hell up.

Gunner squeezed my hand. "My parents are going out of town later. I'm throwing a huge party tonight. I expect you to be there, babe."

"I can't. I have to study for my biology test on Monday." I bombed the last exam, and I must pass this one.

Gunner stopped walking and peered down at me. "You have all weekend to study Emani. This party is the last bash of the senior year, and I want you by my side."

I knew I should study, but things have been tense with Gunner lately, and I didn't want to disappoint him. I'll just have to pull an all-nighter on Saturday and Sunday.

"Ok, I'll be there," I said.

He gave me a soft peck on the cheek. "Good girl."

"Can you guys quit being so romantic all the damn time?" Jason joked, playfully punching Gunner in the arm.

"Jason, they are cute; stop hating," Sasha interjected, lacing her arm with mine.

All of the bleachers were full in the gym, and I gulped. Even though I'm a friendly person, I still get nervous being around a lot of people. My nerves settled down when I noticed Lake sitting on the second row. He waved at me, and I smiled back. He looked nice in his red and blue plaid shirt and jeans.

"Emani, stop smiling at that loser," Gunner demanded, forcing me to face him. "I told you being friends with him is a bad idea."

Jason threw his head back, laughing. "It's obvious he buys his clothes at the Goodwill. Emani, you better stick to my boy."

I put my hand on my hip and glared at Gunner and Jason. "You guys are assholes! Lake is a nice guy and doesn't deserve to be bullied."

"Emani must be on her period," Jason remarked. "She's so sensitive today."

Gunner slapped Jason upside the head. "Really, dude? Shut up."

When I looked up, I realized Lake was still watching me as if he was trying to figure out why I looked so irritated. I stared back, flashing him a weak smile. The same smile, I give everyone every day. The one I hide behind.

Sasha pulled me off to the side breaking our staring contest. "Emani, I love you, but what are you doing?"

I frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Gunner just left, and you didn't even notice. He saw you still ogling Lake, and I don't blame him. You're officially treating him like crap."

I stood there, stunned. "We just happened to make eye contact. I'm allowed to wave at a friend Sasha."

"I get that, Emani. All I'm saying is you're going to lose Gunner if you don't start putting him first," she said, leaving without another word.

After school, I'm at my locker when Lake comes up to me.

"Sorry, I've been kind of MIA. I saw my brother yesterday and stayed at his place," Lake revealed sheepishly.

I was happy for him. "That's awesome, Lake. How did that go?"

He shrugged as we walked outside. "I think he misses me. He offered to let me stay with him."

"Do you want to stay with him?" I asked, unlocking my door.

"He has a baby and a wife. I probably will only go there on weekends," he said.

"Oh, ok. Do you want a ride? I have to pick Seven up from basketball practice, and then we can chill at my house," I offered.