Our voices rang out as wide smiles fell across all our faces. As soon as the bright flash from the camera went off, I dropped my smile to relieve the pain in my cheeks.
“That’s enough pictures, love,” my mom said, walking towards my dad, who was trying to get the camera set up again.“Ricky, since you have packed your things, ride back with us, and we can all go out for dinner when we return home.”
“I thought y’all were going out to celebrate later tonight?” My dad asked, putting away his camera.
Ricky smirked and wrapped his arm around both my and Leonard’s necks. “Yup! Hunter kids only, parentals. I’ll still be back home tonight; it’ll probably be late.”
My mom’s lip stuck out and I could tell she was about to pout. “Where are y’all going out to? Why can’t you celebrate with all of your family?”
“Quick,” Ricky whispered. “Everybody say cheese to distract Dad and get Mom all emotional to see her kids taking a picture together, then we can leave.”
I smirked before we all yelled cheese. Our parents loved and treated us all the same with love, but Ricky was definitely the baby of the family. Meaning, he knew how to manipulate our parents enough to get what he wanted or to de-escalate a potential problem. My mom was on the verge of causing a potential problem.
“Aww, my babies!” Mama cooed as Dad snatched up his camera and took a few more shots of us.
“We’ll all be there Sunday for brunch after church! In the meantime, I’m going to ride with Leonard and get set up in the guesthouse at y’all’s place. I still have a copy of the key,” Ricky said, turning us around and heading towards the parking lot.
“I can’t believe that still works,” I laughed, pinching his side.
“Don’t hate the playa! Now, get home and take a little nap because we’re going to Rue’s Lounge at eleven.”
“Eleven!” Leonard and I said in unison.
“Yes! Y’all are both grown but have bedtimes of 9 p.m.” Ricky laughed. “Look, y’all can stay up tonight for me. Leonard, since you’re the oldest, you can sleep in the car and I’ll drive. That should be more than enough time to rest your old bones.”
“I got your old!” Leonard laughed, playfully putting him into a headlock. “Is D coming out with us?”
“He doesn’t have a choice,” Ricky chuckled, pushing away from Leonard.
“Who’s D?” I asked, texting my friend Mya. She agreed to come out to celebrate with us tonight, and we had planned for her to meet at my house.
“Oh, that’s my best friend! You’re always gone when he comes around, so you’ll finally get to meet him.”
“Cool!” I said, walking towards my car. “I’ll see y’all in a few. I need to get on the road so I can take my nap.”
“With your old ass,” Ricky called after me.
“Richard LaVonte Hunter. I know you didn’t curse!” my mother shouted.
“No, ma’am!”
I held onto my sides as I laughed at my brother. It didn’t matter how old we were; Mama better not catch you cursing. I waved goodbye before hopping into my car. I could’ve ridden with my parents, but I liked the privacy. Plus, it gave me time to think.
Lawerence and I were still lying to everyone about our engagement. The more I was forced to be around him, the more I couldn’t stand his ass. Yes, a few months ago, I was trying everything in my power to win back his affections but fuck that. What do I look like begging some cheating ass nigga to take me back? I knew I was a catch, and he was the dummy that fumbled me. It wasn’t easy being alone at first, but I’ve come to enjoy it. Relearning to love myself reminded me not to settle for anything or anybody. As I drove back home, I made up my mind to tell the truth soon. I didn’t care if Lawerence was ready or not.
Natalie
“Girl,are you sure I should wear this?” I asked one of my best friends, Mya, as I examined myself in the mirror.
Mya had talked me into wearing a burgundy, fitted one-piece that tied around my neck. Since the back was out, I couldn’t wear a bra, which caused my triple D breasts to damn near hang out of my top. The one-piece outfit hugged my body in the most flattering way, showing off all my curves. I finished the outfit with a pair of black heels.
“Hell yes! You’re sure to be bent over by the end of the night in that outfit. I know it has been a minute for you.”
I snorted as I examined myself one more time in the mirror. “Girl, I hope so! I promise there are cobwebs on this cat.”
“I’m not about to play with you!”
“Speaking of getting some,” I beamed, staring at Mya. “Girl, you look good as hell!”
