I could feel a small lump forming in my throat, and I looked down at my drink to hold back any tears that were trying to form. Then I remembered Dexter's words. I am more than enough. I was the best thing that happened to Lawrence, and he knew that. Hell, that's why he kept sending me money so that he could stay comfortable with my dad's connections until he used them for his own leisure. Not anymore. I was tired of playing this game with him.
Natalie
I tooka deep breath and grabbed my wine glass and the spoon on the table.
“Can I get everyone's attention?” I said, tapping the utensils against the glass. As the room quieted down, I looked down at Lawrence. “Babe, can you believe this is the fourth birthday that we've spent together? I remember when I tried to make you a homemade triple-layer coconut cake the first time we were celebrating together.”
Lawrence chuckled. “You somehow got cake mix all over the kitchen and in your hair.”
“And then she called me panicking, so I had to run and help her,” My mom chimed in.
“And Mya and I had to pick up y’all’s dinner because she forgot to make the reservations,” Amanda added, causing everyone but Sandra to laugh. She was glaring at me and how Lawrence's hand sat at the small of my back.
“Yes,” I nodded. “You were the first man that I tried to go all out for celebrating your special day, and I figured I could do it all on my own. That's the problem with trying to be in control all the time: you miss your blessing when you don't use your support group around you. That day, my mom and I built a stronger mother-daughter bond. She showed me all of our family’s recipes that had been passed down for generations. I learned that Mya was opening up her own restaurant, and Amanda had so many connections in the restaurant and travel industry that she was starting up her own company as well. I say all that to say, Lawrence, over the past year, I've been missing out on my blessings because of you.”
The room became still as I removed his hand from my lower back.
“Son, what is she talking about?” Mr. Freeman asked.
“Lawrence, remember what you had texted me the other day?”
His eyes widened, and a look of desperation filled them. “Natalie, sweetie, maybe we should talk about this later?”
“What did he text?” Sandra asked, glaring at him.
“Well, he said he missed me and decided to show me a few pictures. Mom, Dad, they were completely PG.”
“Horseshit!” Sandra shouted, jumping out of her seat.
Pulling out my phone, I waved it in the air.
“Natalie, please,” Lawrence pled.
“What is going on?” my dad asked.
“Yes, I would like to know as well.” Mr. Freeman chimed in.
"I, I mean, we have been lying to you all. Lawrence and I-"
“Babe, you've had too much to drink,” Lawrence interrupted, standing up to block my view. “Let's get back to the party. Sandra, can you go check on the food?”
“The fuck?” she said, smacking her lips.
“Sandra, stay put.” I winked at her.
“Natalie, that is enough!” Lawrence hissed.
“Yo,” Leonard barked, rising from his seat. “I suggest you back up and let my sister speak.”
Leonard's jaw ticked, and I could see Ricky already on his feet, ready for me or his brother to give the word to pounce. My dad had his arms crossed with an eyebrow arched as he examined Lawrence. My dad taught Leonard and Ricky how to fight and protect their families. While he looked calm and collected, I knew for a fact that he'd beat both Leonard and Ricky to get to Lawrence to lay hands on him. Fear flashed across Lawrence's face as he quickly looked at all the Hunter men around the room. He looked down at his dad, who had an amused look on his face. Mr. Freeman admired my family, and I highly doubt he would help his son. Not because he was mean, but he tried to instill in Lawrence that if he couldn't cash a check that his ass got him in, he was better off keeping his mouth shut. After a few beats, Lawrence slowly sat back down in his seat, but not before crossing his arms.
I mouthed a thank you to my big brother and cleared my throat. “For the record, I am not drunk,” I said, glaring at Lawrence. “Anyway, as I was saying. Lawrence and I have been lying to you all. The truth is, we have been broken up for over a year now.”
“What?” my mom asked, clutching her chest.
“I am sorry, but it's true.”
“Well, what happened? Maybe you two can work things out,” My mother suggested.
