Page 45 of Rewind

In the parking lot. On my way in.

She quickly pressed Ethan’s number.

“Hey, Amina. Is everything okay? Have you made it there yet?”

“Yes. I’m standing in the parking lot shaking. I’m trying to build up the nerve to go inside. I just wanted to hear your voice before I meet my doom.”

“Remember, I’m just down the road. I’m sitting at the bar in the Regent down the street.”

“That place is pretty fancy.”

“What can I say, it was close and they make an excellent dirty martini. Don’t worry, you got this and all you have to do is text 911 to me and I’ll be there in a hurry. Go get em.”

“Okay, I’m hanging up now.” She clicked off and took a deep breath.

She knew her outfit would cause some controversy with some of the party guests.

Amina sorted through her new clothes and settled on a strapless little black dress that cinched her waist and accentuated her figure. Paisley said that every woman needed a little black dress in their wardrobe.

Amina wasn’t used to wearing something so revealing. The outfit stopped mid-thigh showing off way more of her legs than she was used to displaying.

To give the dress a little more umph, she wore a pair of candy red, six inch, stilettos. Amina wanted to look her absolute best, so she finally took out her braids the night before, and visited the hair salon this morning.

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 littlemore 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.

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