It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 22: Lake

Two weeks went by, and I rejoiced at the thought of Larry behind bars. He was found guilty and got sentenced to ten years at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. He tried to spit on the jurors and was dragged out of the courtroom kicking and screaming. I heard a rumor that a prisoner gave him the Coronavirus, and when I told Jordan, he laughed and said good riddance.

"At least we don't have to deal with his shit anymore. I'm glad that the world knows that he's an asshole," Jordan said on the way back from the BMV.

"Me too. I heard he's on a ventilator."

"I don't feel sorry for him, Lake. Anyway, are you excited to drive tonight?"

I just got my driver's license, and I'm pumped. I thought I failed, but the lady passed me on the cones even though I knocked one over. Jordan promised to let me drive his car tonight to pick Emani up.

"Yeah, I'm glad I can start taking Emani on dates now."

I was anxious. This was the first time I'd see Emani in two weeks since we slept together. She went out of town to visit her family in Toledo and was set to return this evening. While she was gone, we texted and talked on the phone a lot, but it obviously wasn't the same. I couldn't wait to go to the airport and see her beautiful face.

I dropped Jordan off at home and headed to the airport. Traffic was a nightmare, and I blew my horn at so many people that kept cutting me off. I finally arrived around six, and Emani texted me that her plane just landed. I waited for her outside, turning the radio to hip hop. I was about to pull out my phone when a knock on my window startled me. I turned around, and Emani smiled at me, holding her duffle bag. She was wearing sweats and a hoodie. Her hair was in a messy bun, and I gently tugged on it, earning myself a glare.

"Lake, it took me all morning to get this bun just right," Emani complained, swatting my hand. "You're messing up my sexiness."

I laughed as I put her luggage in the trunk. "You still look gorgeous, E. Now get your big head in the car."

She laughed, and I opened the door for her. "Such a gentleman."

I looked at her, stroking her cheek. She winced from my touch, and it was then that I noticed a small bruise.

"Who did this?" I asked, pursing my lips as I watched her.

"Nobody," she said in a soft tone. "How was your week Lake?"

I rolled my eyes. "E, answer my question. Who the hell did this?"

Emani's eyes lowered, and she sighed. "Baby, can you just drop it. I'm not ready to talk about this." Her pleading eyes had tears in them, and I nodded, starting the car. It stung that she wasn't opening up to me and the ride to her place was awkward. She didn't say anything, and her hands were shaking in her lap.

Once I parked in her driveway, I hugged her tightly. "I didn't mean to make you cry, but the thought of someone hurting you pisses me off."

Emani leaned her head back, adjusting her seat. "I got into it with Travis, and he hit me. My other uncle and Travis ended up fighting, and the police were called. I didn't know he would be at my grandmother's house, or else I wouldn't have gone."

I gripped the steering wheel hard, anger surging through me. "That asshole! Are you ok?"

Emani nodded. "Yeah. It felt good to let the entire family know what happened years ago. They were shocked, and my grandmother didn't bail Travis out of jail."

I kissed her forehead, and she leaned into me. "I'm so proud of you, E. Hopefully, that jerk stays away from you."

Emani smiled. "Let's forget about him. I see you got your driver's license congrats Lake."

"Now I can drive us on dates. I thought we could go to Olive Garden. They have this new stuffed pasta, and I can put in my application."

"Sounds like a plan."

Emani squeezed my hand and didn't let go. "Thank you for always being there for me."

I kissed the top of her hand. "Always."

Emani went into the house to change and do whatever girls do. She emerged fifteen minutes later in a cream-colored sweater dress and ugg boots. Her hair was bone straight, and I couldn't wait to run my fingers through it. It amazed me that she didn't have to do much to look beautiful. She blushed when she noticed me watching her.

"What?"

"I just never thought I would be with a girl like you. I never thought I was good enough."

"You're good enough, Lake."

With a smile, Emani got into the passenger seat, and I drove to Olive Garden. We stepped out of the car and into the restaurant a few minutes later. An older man with gray hair guided us through the room to our table. I pulled Emani's chair out, getting a nice view of her butt. She caught me looking and giggled, her face turning red. Then I heard a familiar deep voice. I turned around and saw Gunner sitting at a table with his family. This couldn't be happening. Why couldn't Emani and I have a good date? I thought after the Travis situation, the night would be perfect, but I guess not.

His cold eyes fell on Emani and me. I stared back at him, not backing down. He better not try anything, or I might get arrested tonight. I wasn't in the mood for his shit. After a moment of hesitation, Gunner approached our table, and Emani didn't make eye contact with him.

Good girl.

"Emani, can I talk to you for a second?" Gunner asked, surprising me. Emani shook her head, and I smirked.

"Gunner, I don't have anything to say to you," Emani replied in a clipped tone. "You betrayed me, and I'll never get past that."

"Emani, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have sent those pictures around. I was just hurt. I still wasn't over you, and I let my anger get the best of me. I still love you."

"Gunner," I said in warning. He was really pushing it now. Emani was mine now. He lost his chance a long time ago.

Emani's voice broke as she said, "Gunner, you ruined my life. What don't you understand? We are over. I can't even be your friend at this point. Too much has happened."

Gunner touched Emani's cheek, and it took everything in me not to cause a scene. "I will always love you, Emani. In my heart, I know we belong together."

"Gunner, that's enough. You need to go. She doesn't want to speak to you, and I don't blame her."

With a sigh, Gunner walked away, and I released the breath I'd been holding. Emani pretended to be immersed in the menu, but I knew Gunner being here bothered her. I wish this town weren't so small and we could start over somewhere else.

"Are you ok?" I asked her, reaching for her hand across the table. "We can leave if you want."

"I'm fine."

"F this dinner. I'll just make you something."

Relief flooded her face. "Ok."

Later that evening, I looked on Pinterest and found a stuffed shells recipe and baked some garlic bread to go with it. Luckily Jordan was out with his wife and baby, so we had the place to ourselves. I wanted Emani to have an amazing night and didn't care what I had to do to make it happen.

"So, I have something important to tell you," Emani began. She was pacing back and forth in the kitchen.

"E, what's up?"

"I got accepted to New York State University. They gave me a scholarship, and I might go."

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Uh oh, it sounds like Lake and Emani might be in a long-distance relationship soon. Do you think she will go to New York? Also, Gunner seemed apologetic in this chapter. Do you believe he is truly sorry? Let me know!

Happy New Year 🎆