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)
The stylist deep conditioned her hair, and cut it into a chin length bob and gave her a silk press. Amina had to admit, the hair style suited her face, making her eyes look bigger and her cheek bones more prominent. She applied her newly purchased makeup just as she was instructed. To finish off her look she wore her grandmother’s pearl drop earrings.
She barely recognized herself in the mirror.
But one thing was certain, she was going to give Mark’s conservative mother heart palpitations.
The thought of that horrible woman losing it over her outfit put a smile on Amina’s face.
She took another deep breath and squared her shoulders. “Here goes nothing.”
Amina didn’t simply walk into the restaurant, she strutted inside, swaying her hips from side to side like a lioness on the prowl.
Someone had once said, fake it until you make it but with each step she took, her confidence grew. Amina started to feel herself. Heads turned.
She noticed from the corner of her eye that one guy twisted his body to stare at her for so long, his female companion popped him on the arm. Amina walked to the hostess stand.
The pretty redhead manning the stand gave her a polite smile. “Do you have a reservation?”
“My party should be waiting for me. I believe it’s under Caldwell.”
“Oh, yes, they’re in the private room in the back. I’ll escort you. Follow me.”
Several set of eyes followed her progress. Many of them were appreciative glances and boosted her ego. When she and the hostess arrived at the private room, however, the buzzing sound of joyous conversation halted.
The room was filled with people from Mark’s church. The old matrons stared at her with tight-lipped disapproval while the older men leaned forward to get a better look.
Mrs. Caldwell’s light brown skin turned a deep shade of red and her mouth gapped open. Pastor Caldwell adjusted his collar and visibly gulped. Amina winked at him and he quickly glanced away in clear embarrassment.
Judging from the reaction of the people in the room, one would have thought Amina was naked. Yes, the dress was a little more risqué than what she was used to but these prudes were definitely overreacting.
As Amina scanned the room, she noticed Aunt Sharon sitting at a corner table, stuffing her mouth with bread. Candace sat next to her with raised brows and eyes as wide as saucers.
The only person in the room who seemed to show any appreciation for her ensemble was Paisley who rushed over to greet her. “Ohmgee, Amina! You look so hot! I told you this black dress would look great on you. And your hair is so pretty.” Her friend gave her a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. People were staring at me like I have two heads.”
Amina took in the set up. The room was small with one rectangular table in the center surrounded by three circular tables on either side adorned with dark blue table clothes and white carnations centerpieces. There were two chairs at the rectangular table and she assumed it was where she and Mark were supposed to sit.
“Well, I’m glad you can make it.” Amina leaned forward and whispered in Paisley’s ear. “Order yourself a stiff drink, because the show is about to begin.”
Just as she finished speaking, Mark came barreling over with furrowed brows and flared nostrils.
He grabbed her arm with so much force, she nearly lost her footing. “What the hell are you wearing?” he whisper-yelled.
Her heart sped up and she froze. Was he going to lose control in front of all these people, and his parents?
She noted the partygoers staring at them and it gave her the courage to brazen through. “Let go of my arm Mark. Your parents are watching.”
He looked over his shoulder and saw several set of eyes on them. He slowly released her arm and backed away a couple of steps.
“This is very inappropriate, Amina.”
“I think she looks great!” Paisley chimed in.
“She looks like a street walker. And you’re wearing way too much makeup,” he criticized.
“Hey! That’s not nice!” Paisley stepped forward.
Amina wasn’t sure if her friend was going to get physical or not but Amina held her arm out. “It’s okay.”
In the previous timeline, these comments would have completely deflated her but right now she was angry. Having a friend to support her helped a lot. But what really gave her wings was knowing Ethan was waiting behind the scene to whisk her away if she needed help.
Amina wanted to make him proud and fight this demon on her own. She was certain Mark expected her to capitulate to his harsh words and apologize, but instead, she gave him a big toothy grin. “Aww, it’s too bad you don’t like my outfit because I do. But I could always just leave and that way you no longer have to worry about what I’m wearing.”