Page 46 of Rewind

“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.”

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.

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