I giggled. “You draggin’ it. But honestly, I didn’t want to tell you before Pryce knew. You know I never wanted to put you in the middle of us.”
“Ahhh, shit,” she said, craning her neck to scan the house. “Where he at? Upstairs?” She started for the steps.
“He left not too long before you came.”
Turning back to me with her hand in her purse, she cocked her head to the side. “Left like momentarily and he’s coming back? Orleftleft?”
“Key, what the hell isleftleft? He said he was leaving and to call him if I needed anything.”
“Oh, okay. I brought this just in case,” she said, casually pulling out a blinged out stun gun.
“Bitch, for what?” I couldn’t stop laughing.
“In case he was still here with that same energy he had on the phone.”
“Yo’ ass is insane. He would’ve whooped our ass.”
She snickered. “We would’ve been good,” she assured, dropping the stun gun back in her purse. “I would’ve told my uncle. You know how he comin’ bout me.”
I knew she was referring to Pryce’s dad, Princeton. He was overly protective of the women in the family. That protection was extended to me too once me and Pryce locked in.
“But forreal though. How did he take the news? Was he hurt? Mad? Did all hell break loose?”
“Everything you said except for the last part.”
She nodded. “I figured since all your shit was intact that he didn’t flip. You know Mr. Grinch don’t play.”
“I mean, he flipped, but I’m sure he held back due to my current state.”
“Yeah. Well, let’s get in the car so you can give me the short version while we drive.”
“Okay. It’ll just be me and you. I was too caught up with Pryce to text Ebone.”
“That’s cool. Come on.”
I locked up the house, and we hopped in her car. On the way to the destination she had yet to disclose to me, I gave her a brief synopsis that included Pryce coming over, me confirming I was pregnant, his reaction, and some things in between. Key listened the whole time without interrupting. That let me know she was paying attention and taking in what I was saying. When I stopped speaking, she nodded slowly.
“Damn. Now I feel bad for wanting to tase him. I see both sides though.”
“I was wrong, Key. In hindsight, I could’ve handled this better. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so broken.”
“Yes, you were wrong,” she agreed. “But what happened happened. And you can’t expect to be forgiven if you keep hanging what you did over your own head. What matters now is that you’re here and he knows now.”
“Dammit, Key. Don’t make me cry.” Looking up, I fanned my eyes.
“Uhn uhn. We don’t have time for all that. We got a food tasting to go to, and I don’t need them thinking that they can play on your pregnant emotions. Get your shit together, boo. Everything gon’ be fine.”
Hearing food, I perked up a little despite myself. “I’m okay.”
“Okay, good. Tomorrow is the party. Let’s table the situation with you and Pryce until after. Cool?”
“Ummm. Honestly, Key, I don’t mind helping you out today, but I think it’s best that I stay out of Pryce’s way for now.”
“Oh, bitch, please. Just like I told him he can’t miss the party, neither can you. Plus, you’re carrying a special guest.” She reached over and rubbed my belly. “You gotta be there. It’s a family affair, and you family. End of story.”
I sighed and shook my head. While I enjoyed a Sullivan gathering just as much as the next person, I didn’t want my sudden resurgence to be the topic of conversation. I didn’t want six months of silence sitting between us, stifling the air, and killing the vibes. However, Key had made a valid point — I was family. This child I carried was family. And I knew stepping into Grandma Lettie’s party would be me reentering a life I never stopped belonging to. I didn’t know what that meant for me and Pryce.
CHAPTER 8
