Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74123 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74123 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
She turned on her heels knowing full well that Mark wouldn’t allow her to go.
Mark caught her by the wrist. “Hey, where are you going?” He leaned in. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately but you will not embarrass me in front of my parents.”
“You think I’m being embarrassing? The only one who’s causing a scene right now is you. Everyone is staring. Is this what you want?”
He took a quick glance around the room and pursed his lips. “We’ll have a discussion about this later. Let’s go greet my parents. They were nice enough to attend tonight even though you disrespected them by showing up so late.”
“You’re overreacting, Mark.” Amina then turned to Paisley. “Thanks for coming tonight. I really appreciate you showing up for me.”
Paisley gave her a bright smile. “That’s what friends are for. We support the people we care about even when they don’t always make the best choices.” The blonde’s smile completely disappeared when her blue gaze landed on Mark.
Mark rolled his eyes before pulling Amina away and dragging her to his parent’s table.
Mrs. Caldwell’s face was scrunched so tightly, one would think she’d been sucking on lemons. The Pastor’s nose was turned up and his lips were down turned, in a clear sign of disapproval. Amina wondered how their faces would look when Jasmine showed up.
She refused to allow these two hypocrites to get under her skin tonight. Amina slipped her arms through Mark’s and clung to him as tightly as she could and gave them a bright smile.
“Pastor and Mrs. Caldwell, it’s so lovely of you two to come tonight. Mark was just telling me what a big deal it was for you to be here. It’s such an honor that two esteemed members of our community have come to celebrate this momentous occasion.”
Mrs. Caldwell’s frown deepened, seeming to pick up on Amina’s sarcasm. “Young lady, just remember God is always watching. If you’re going to be our son’s wife, you’ll be an important member of the church and be an example to the other young women in the congregation. I know it’s popular these days to dress like those nasty women in rap videos but I’m surprised you would choose to wear something like this in public.”
This old bitch.
Amina kept the smile pasted on her face. “Well, God didn’t give me this figure to stay covered from head to toe. Besides, Mark likes it just fine. Why else would he be marrying me? Right, bae?” She glanced up and Mark and batted her lashes at him.
“Amina!” he said between his teeth in a warning. He attempted to pull away from her but she clung to his arm and leaned her head against his shoulder to further piss his mom off.
“Pastor Caldwell. I trust you’re doing well. Should we get one of the staff to turn down the heat? You’re sweating a lot. Or maybe you like my outfit. It’s okay if you do. Like father like son right?” She ran her hand over her hips suggestively.
“Amina!” Mark roared, drawing everyone’s attention in their direction.
Some of the church members scooted their chairs closer trying to hear what was being said.
Pastor Caldwell, cleared his throat. “You haven’t been in church for a while. I think you may be in need of the word. Of course if this marriage is going to happen, the two of you will definitely need couples counseling before I can consent to marry you in the church. Amina, I always thought you were a good, modest girl but your behavior right now is questionable.”
She blinked innocently and placed her hand over her chest. “You think my behavior is questionable? You mean ungodly like doing something against his word? Pastor, I’m surprised you’d say that. It’s not like I’ve ever been unfaithful to Mark. I’d be a real scumbag to cheat on someone I’ve made a commitment to, don’t you agree?”
“We-we-well, no one is accusing you of that,” he sputtered.
Mrs. Caldwell, turned a deep shade of purple. It was clear she was well aware of her husband’s philandering ways.
“We’re going to take our seats,” Mark cut in and dragged Amina to their table.
Once they sat down he leaned over. “What the hell was that about? Why did you say that to my parents?”
“Say what Mark? We were just having a conversation right?” Amina patted him on the arm. “It’s okay, no matter what happens, you’ll still be their golden boy, I’m sure.”
He narrowed his eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Amina picked up the water glass from the table and took a sip. “You’ll see.”
Just then her text tone blasted. She dug into her purse and saw a message from Jasmine.
There was a huge car accident on the road. The driver had to take an alternative route. He said it should be another twenty minutes. Hold tight, I’ll be there as soon as I can.