It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 12: Lake

Emani was in a weird mood, had been ever since school let out. I tried to gauge her emotional state on the drive home, but her face was blank. She hadn't said much, and it worried me. I wasn't sure if she was just overwhelmed with her family stuff or something else. Did I do something to screw this up already? This was my first relationship, and I had no clue what I was doing.

I squeezed her hand at the red light. "Are you ok?"

She glanced at me. "Yeah, just thinking."

"About?" I prodded.

"Gunner cornered me in the locker room today."

Bastard. "Did he hurt you?"

If he did, I'd kill him.

She shook her head, and I relaxed a fraction. "He begged me to take him back, but I said no."

"I'm sorry you had to deal with that. He should have left you alone,"

Emani gripped the steering wheel hard. "It's crazy that he thought I would want him after he jumped you. He's tripping." I smirked as Emani pulled into an empty parking lot, and I gave her a questioning look. "I want to teach you how to drive. You should learn before college."

"I'm not going to college."

"And why is that Lake?"

"I would never be able to afford it, and my grades aren't top-notch. I just started pulling B's this year. It's too late," I said with a shrug.

Emani's eyes darted to mine. "Lake, you never know what could happen, and there's always financial aid and grants. If money wasn't an issue, what would you study?"

I hadn't given it much thought. I always figured I'd be lucky to graduate high school. Larry always told me I wouldn't amount to anything, and his words stuck with me over the years. I guess if people put you down long enough, you start to believe it.

"I like to draw. I thought about architecture."

Emani's eye lit up, and she flashed me those pearly whites of hers. "See! You're college material Lake. Now let's practice driving."

"I don't even have a car to take the test in," I said eventually.

"You can take the test in my Jeep." She unbuckled her seatbelt and hopped out. "Let's switch seats."

I shook my head. "I don't know. Your mom will kill me if I crash your truck."

Emani crossed her arms over her chest. "Lake, you will be fine. We can practice with the cones in the parking lot."

I had to adjust the seat and mirrors before putting the truck in reverse. I concentrated on the first cone and whacked it within seconds. Emani held back a smile, and I drove forward and tried again. This time I managed to pull back without hitting it and Emani gave me a high five.

"Yay, you did it, Lake!" she cheered, kissing my cheek.

My face felt hot, and I wondered if I would ever not feel nervous around Emani. "Thanks for letting me practice."

"No problem! I think we should practice at least twice a week for a while." I nodded, and Emani checked her phone. "Sasha wants us to double date with her and some guy she met on tinder tonight."

"Don't tell me you're actually considering it?" I asked.

Emani held up her hands. "Well, at least it's not Jason. They are on a break."

Finally....

I sighed. "I guess. What are they trying to do?"

"Sasha's dad owns a cabin an hour from here, and we could chill there for a little bit," she offered, giving me puppy dog eyes.

A cabin with Emani sounded awesome, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to be around the popular crowd. "Is your mom ok with it?"

Emani rolled her eyes. "Yes, but I did leave out the part about guys coming."

She was trying to get me killed by her mom.

"It will be fine, Lake," she assured me, resting her head on my shoulder. "I'm excited to get away. I need this."

I squeezed her knee. "Ok, tell her yes."

Hours later, I'm in Sasha's tiny Chevy Spark with Emani and the Tinder dude. I found out the guy's name was Adam and he was in a rock band. He resembled Aaron Carter with his short blonde hair and light brown eyes. He talked our ears off about different types of music and had us follow his YouTube channel. I liked him better than Jason, and so did Emani.

Sasha was driving like an old lady, and people were honking their horns at us. Adam flipped them off, and they sped around us. At this rate, it's going to take us all night to get to the cabin.

"Sasha, this isn't driving, miss daisy. You can go faster, you know," Emani barked beside me. "Old people are passing us!"

Sasha rolled her eyes at Emani and fiddled with the radio. "I just got my license this month. Lay off, Emani."

I swear they fight like sisters, but it's funny.

Sasha stopped for gas, and I got out to stretch.

"Do you want anything, Lake?" she asked me, grabbing her wallet.

I shook my head. "I'm okay, thanks."

"So Lake, how long have you been with Emani?"Adam asked, stepping beside me.

"We just started talking."

He nodded. "Did you get some yet?"

I take back what I said about Adam. He's a tool.

I glared at him. "What did you say?"

Adam chuckled, lighting a cigarette. "Emani is fine as hell. I know you must be hitting that. I wouldn't blame you. I'm trying to nail Sasha tonight. Do you have any condoms?"

I was just about to tell him to go fuck himself when Sasha came out of the gas station. She had a big smile on her face, holding a Twix candy bar. Adam pulled her against him, nuzzling her neck. I got tired of watching them make out and opened the car door.

"Lake, what were you and Adam talking about?" Emani asked when I slid beside her.

I took her hand in mine and kissed the top of it. "Nothing, E."

As we drove away from the gas station, Adam said, "Sasha, you look gorgeous tonight, sweetheart."

I rolled my eyes. He was trying to get into her pants, and I hoped she didn't fall for it.

"Thanks, Adam," Sasha replied, squeezing his hand. "Guys, we are here!"

The log cabin was small but cozy. There was a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and spacious living room on the first floor. The wood-burning fireplace brought warmth to the spacious living room, and we all sat in front of it, rubbing our hands.

Sasha pointed to the deck. "The hot tub is out there."

Adam wiggled his eyebrows. "I want to get in the hot tub with this sexy lady."

Barf.

Sasha's cheeks darkened. "Let's go."

Emani walked over to the window overlooking the lake. "It's so beautiful here, Lake. I would love to live in a cabin."

I walked up behind her wrapping my arms around her. She smelled so good. "Maybe one day, we will."

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Hey guys! Do you think Lake should tell Emani what Adam said or just keep it to himself? See you next chapter ✨