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Chapter Forty-Six

Priest leaned back on the loveseat in his bedroom, watching as Britain stepped into her heels. As always, she was looking gorgeous. The days had rolled by, and Seven's birthday had come quicker than Britain could even blink.

Britain believed there couldn’t have been a better time to introduce Priest to her family. It was perfect to piggyback off her mother's birthday dinner so there wouldn't be too much attention on Priest, who her family called her boy toy. Britain was a bit nervous since this was the first person she had introduced to her family since the puppy love relationship she shared with a boy during her junior year of high school. Cameron never allowed Britain to introduce him to family, but she was sure he had left a long-lasting impression.

She envied how relaxed Priest was and his ability to just take everything with a grain of salt. He had no nerves, nor did he have any expectations. Whether they loved him or not was all on them.

"Priest, are you even listening to me?" Britain pursed her lips as she now stood before him with her arms folded across her chest.

Priest snapped out of his distant thoughts as he licked his lips. "Sorry," he apologized for zoning out. Reaching out for her, he pulled her down onto his lap so she could join him on the loveseat. "What were you saying?" he asked her.

Britain let out a sigh. "I was requesting that you not mention Remy at the dinner. It just wouldn't sit right with my pops," she reiterated for Priest.

Priest nodded. "What's his beef with Rem? He does know that your moms broke up with Rem far before they even got together, right?"

Priest knew it would bring some awkwardness to the celebration if he mentioned Britain's biological father. Britain had expressed to him on multiple occasions how odd she felt mentioning her stepfather to her biological dad and vice versa. It was evident that Henderson was holding much more of a grudge than Remy, though. Priest just didn't understand why since he was the one with the woman, but to each his own.

Britain sighed heavily. "I think he's more bothered by the fact that my dad is causing chaos in his life that used to be so peaceful without even introducing himself. He now has to share me, the stepdaughter he's taken in like his own, and not to mention, he just found out my mom and dad had a phone call not too long ago," she explained.

Priest chuckled lightly as he placed a subtle kiss on Britain's neck. "Sounds to me like your stepdad needs get the fuck over it and stop letting everyone see his insecurities."

Britain's shoulders were tight in nervousness, but the affection Priest was giving her made them relax. "P, I think you're being biased because you know and love Remy."

Priest scoffed lightly. "I'm not being biased. It's just my opinion as a man.”

Britain smiled lightly, finding it amusing how defensive he got on Remy's behalf. Leaning in, she pressed her lips against his. "As much as I appreciate your opinion, just take my pops's feelings into consideration," she suggested. "How would you feel if you were him in this situation? My mom is using coparenting me, a 28-year-old woman, as an excuse to keep talking to her baby daddy.” As Britain put it into perspective for Priest, she couldn’t help but find her parents’ situation comical.

Priest joined in on her laughter with a shake of his head. "I hate when you're right.”

"So, basically always?” she heckled him.

"Don't get too ahead of yourself," he warned her jokingly before kissing her lips once more.

She was so appreciative of him at the moment. He just knew how to put her at ease with little to no effort. Britain was sure she would have paced a hole in Priest's floor from all her worrying had she kept obsessing over the minor details of the night.

Figuring it was time to leave so they would get to the venue of Seven's dinner on time, the two got up from their seat and began gathering what was needed to go.

Seven, who was big on birthdays, decided to bring in the anniversary of her life with a rooftop dinner and party that she had been planning with her girlfriends for months. The all-white soirée would be filled with family and longtime friends, along with a few of Seven's and Henderson's colleagues. Britain was used to being in the family that hosted every event, holiday, or party, so she knew what to expect. However, Priest wasn't. He had his fair share of hosting events, but they were nothing like Seven's.

Britain was just a mixture of different emotions that were shaken up in a bottle which could burst at any given moment. Her excitement stemmed from being able to hang out with her family since they never really got to see each other often, while her nerves were mostly from the fact that everyone was about to pass judgement on her relationship with Priest. Then, she also felt a bit hesitant and dreadful at the thought of how much shade she would be getting thrown her way for not pursuing a career in medicine, despite having the number one ranking orthopedic surgeon in New York as her stepfather and a general surgeon attending as her mother.

As always, Britain was the sore thumb out of the group, picking journalism as her niche while her youngest sister, Brea, was off at John Hopkins Medical School and her little brother, Brixton, was studying to get into anesthesiology. The Jewel family was just a family full of doctors or soon-to-be doctors who lived for medicine. Unfortunately, Britain's last name was Demings, so she didn't necessarily make the cut for medicine.

Priest led the way out of his bedroom, Britain following close behind with her mini bag in hand. As they exited Priest's bedroom, Jazzy was exiting hers.

"You look cute, Britain," Jazzy complimented her with an infectious smile.

"Thank you, and so do you." Britain smiled back at her as she smoothed her hand down the front of her dress before reciprocating the compliment.

"Where you headed, kid?" Priest cut straight to the chase as he noticed Jazzy dressed in full attire with her hair and makeup done.

Jazzy shrugged slightly as she made her way down the hall of the penthouse alongside Priest and Britain. "Just out with a friend," she responded to him vaguely. "Where you two headed?"

Priest smirked as his eyes peered down at Britain in amusement. "Gotta go meet the Huxtables," he joked, causing Britain to swat at his chest lightly while chortling.

"If they're anything like the Huxtables, watch your drink," Jazzy entertained the joke Priest made while in laughter herself.

As the three stepped into the elevator, Britain shook her head as her laughter digressed. "You guys are horrible."

"We're just fucking with you," Priest assured Britain. "We're just not used to having a close-knit family like yours," he explained with a light shrug as the elevator swiftly took them down to the parking garage.

Priest was pleased to see that Jazzy had already made arrangements to have security with her. "Stay safe." Priest shared a quick hug with her after she said goodbye to Britain.

"Good luck with the Huxtables," Jazzy teased both Britain and Priest while making her way to the awaiting car where Cyro was already holding the door open for her.

Both Priest and Britain shared a laugh as they made their way to Priest's Porsche Cayenne. Per the usual, Priest aided Britain with getting into the car before going around and getting into the vehicle himself. With the press of a button, the engine purred to life smoothly.

"I know you could probably care less about what they think of you," Britain sighed, causing Priest to chuckle lightly. "But I do. I love you, and I want them to love you too. I'm not advising you to go out of your way to impress them but play nice."

A smirk gravitated onto Priest's face as he reached over the console, grabbing ahold of Britain's hand. He brought her hand up to his lips to kiss it gently. "I'm gonna be good. You've got my word," he promised her, causing Britain's lips to curl into a smile. "Plus, I got Seven a good-ass gift.”

Britain sighed at the thought of Priest's gift. Her mother was over the top, so she knew she would love it, but she didn't want others thinking Priest was trying to swoon her mother with a gift. Britain knew Priest was just really invested into gift giving, but everyone else didn't.

"You're gonna have her wrapped around your finger once you give that to her," Britain warned him. Priest had shopped and gotten Seven a dazzling tennis necklace with matching diamond stud earrings.

Jokingly, he shrugged. "I like older women," he jested.

Britain gasped as she snatched her hand from his and hit his arm. "Priest!"

"I'm playing," he disclaimed while still in laughter.

Britain rolled her eyes as she tried her best to suppress her own laughter. After surviving the intense traffic on a Saturday night, Priest and Britain eventually arrived at the venue. Priest parked the car, helping Britain out of it before grabbing their gifts from the back seat.

"Remember, P, stay calm, cool, and collected," Britain reminded him.

Priest chuckled as he cupped her hand into his. "Take your own advice, Gioia."

They entered the venue, checking in to get access to the rooftop. Once the door of the elevator that led them to the rooftop glided open, both Britain and Priest were in awe at the party’s beautiful decor.

Everyone seamlessly blended with each other with their all-white attire. The aesthetic of Seven's birthday was beautiful. The tables were decorated in white tablecloths and name plates so everyone would be seated where they were appointed. Bright lights streamed throughout the rooftop, brightening it up, despite it being dark out. Seven had perfectly coordinated white with soft shades of taupe and small details of artificial grass and palms. It brought a sense of tranquility to the atmosphere, and Britain loved it. Off to the side, Britain spotted her mother taking pictures right in front of the giant white illuminated letters that spelled out her name.

The gift table was piled with an abundant number of gifts that Britain was sure would compare to the gifts she and Priest got her. Seven's friends were just as over the top and filthily successful as she was, so Britain wouldn't have been surprised if they all tried to outdo each other.

"She got all these folks here and still couldn't invite Remy," Priest mumbled, causing Britain to stifle a laugh while slightly elbowing him.

Priest laughed as he shook his head. "You want to tackle her head on or go meet my pops first?" Britain asked Priest to help him feel comfortable.

"Gioia, she already rolled up on me strapped. What more could she do to scare me off?" Priest joked.

Britain laughed, recalling the first encounter Seven had with Priest. The two seemed to hit it off well the first time, so she was hoping things wouldn't change. He allowed Britain to lead the way toward her mother. He had no worries about tonight. He and Britain were a perfect match for each other— at least that was what he thought. He was willing to defend their relationship against anyone, so he was really hoping no one stepped out of line.

At the sight of them approaching her, Seven halted from posing for her pictures. A jubilant smile stretched across her face as she opened her arms for an embrace. Britain hugged her mother, swaying side to side in the embrace.

"Happy 21st Birthday, Ma," Britain laughed, teasing her mother since she refused to celebrate the fact that she had now turned 50.

Seven appreciated the fact that Britain didn't blast the fact that she was 50, unlike how her son, Brixton, had. "Thank you, Mocha," she said as she accepted the gift from her daughter.

Britain then stepped aside, allowing her mother access to Priest.With a light smile on his face, Priest greeted Seven, sharing a hug with her. "Thank you for coming and courting my baby girl," she expressed her gratitude to Priest.

"No issue," Priest assured her with his charming smile. "Happy Birthday, Mrs. Jewel."

Inwardly, Britain was applauding Priest for playing it cool and addressing her mother by her last name. "Boy, don't treat me like a senior. I'm still young, so call me Seven." She laughed as Priest handed her the gifts and flowers he had gotten for her. Seven gasped lightly, in awe at the beautiful bouquet of her favorite pale pink peonies Priest had just given her. "How'd you know?" she asked with a look of fulfillment.

Priest's dark orbs trailed down to Britain, which was a dead giveaway. "Okay, I might've blabbed to him, but he did shop for the gifts himself," Britain admitted, causing the three to share a laugh.

"I appreciate it, Priest. I really do." Seven shared another hug with him.

Eventually, Seven was pulled away by some other guests, leaving Priest and Britain to make their way around the party alone. "That went good." Britain excitedly clapped her hands as if she had accomplished the unthinkable.

Priest chuckled. "It did. It went the way I knew it would," he smirked.

She reached up, cupping his face and causing him to crane down a bit to meet her for a kiss. "If I haven't told you yet, you look gorgeous tonight," Priest complimented Britain as he used his hand to steer her head up so she would continue to look up at him.

Britain couldn't contain the smile that stretched across her face as Priest gazed down at her. "Thank you, P," she gushed in an endearing tone before they kissed once more.

Britain and Priest helped themselves to a drink before they jumped back into introducing him to everyone else. Setting his alert eyes across the rooftop, Priest was shocked to see Jadey was in attendance, along with Kaymen. Britain, who was enjoying her mojito, glanced up at Priest after he tapped her waist gently.

"Jadey's here," he informed her while gesturing his head lightly in Jadey's direction.

Britain let out a light groan. She should have known her mother had extended an invite over to Jadey.Because she wasn’t in contact with Jadey, it completely slipped Britain's mind that her mother would still invite her. She hadn't gotten the chance to tell her mother what happened between herself and Jadey, and she honestly didn't think she ever would. There was no use in telling anyone else. Although she was upset with Jadey, she didn't want her family's perception of her to change.

"It's like I can never get away from her," Britain huffed in frustration.

Priest draped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer so her rear would be connected to his front half. "The more you procrastinate having a conversation with her, the harder it's gonna get," he warned her.

"I'm gonna go over there," she muttered.

Priest smiled as he hooked his arm around her neck loosely. "I'll be your moral support," he encouraged her.

She smacked her lips while rolling her eyes at Priest. "You just wanna go talk to Kaymen."

They made their way across the roof top to where Kaymen and Jadey were seated having drinks with each other. They caught their attention as they approached, causing Jadey and Kaymen to smile at Priest and Britain lightly.Kaymen and Priest greeted each other with their usual handshake while Britain shared a quick hug with Jadey. Britain definitely felt odd, but she didn't feel forced. She then went ahead and greeted Kaymen.

"Can I steal her for a sec?" Britain asked Kaymen, referring to Jadey.

A relieved smiled flashed across Kaymen's face as he eagerly nodded, causing Priest to laugh. Whenever he and Kaymen linked, he always told him how stressed Jadey was about her and Britain's friendship falling to shit. Priest could tell just by their extravagant weddings alone that Jadey was a demanding girl, so he couldn't imagine how much more demanding Jadey was when she was sad. Jadey was shocked that Britain was initiating a conversation with her that didn't end at hello. She felt a bit stuck. When Britain wasn't bothered to have a conversation, Jadey had all these things to say. Now that Britain was willing to talk, her mind seemed to go completely blank. She was just ready to take full responsibility.

"Thank you for getting into her head." Kaymen slapped hands with Priest, thinking he was the one who convinced Britain to lighten up on Jadey.

Priest scoffed. "Britain does her own thing. Can't really convince her to do anything." He couldn't take the credit, simply because when he did try his hand at convincing Britain, she shut him down. Priest was sure the only reason Britain was even talking to Jadey now was so that her family wouldn't sense any tension between the two.

"Sounds like your stubborn ass," Kaymen said with a shake of his head.

Priest laughed. He couldn't help but agree with Kaymen. The two men stayed off to the side, having conversation with each other while keeping a close eye on Britain and Jadey. The last thing they needed was for the conversation to go left between the ladies and they end up never talking to each other again. Britain was a bit nervous, but she knew in order for Jadey to understand how much she had hurt her, she had to lead the conversation.

"I missed you at the wedding," Jadey said to Britain with a nervous smile etched on her face.

Britain let out a sigh. "Yeah, sorry about that. I just wouldn't have felt right being there when we weren't on the best terms," she admitted. "Priest told me it was beautiful, though."

"I'm really sorry." Jadey hung her head in sorrow as she blurted out her apology. "Britain, I fucked up so bad, and I could understand if you never want to be my friend again?—"

Britain interjected Jadey's apology before she could get the chance to ramble on and on. "Can I tell you how I feel before you apologize? Your apology wouldn't be worth anything if you don't understand how bad you hurt me."

Jadey cleared her throat as she shifted in her seat and nodded. "Yeah, go ahead."

Britain inhaled a deep breath before glancing down at her hands to maintain her composure. "I'm hoping that this can reconcile us so I can have my friend back. When I found out I was pregnant, the first person I told was you. Jadey, you, of all people, knew how much that time of my life affected me in more ways than one, so I don't know what possessed you to be so careless about it. What you told Caroline was something I had yet to even come to terms with myself. You completely disregarded my trust, any type of loyalty I thought you had for me, and my confidence in you," Britain vented, letting her emotions speak for themselves and not harboring them like she usually would. "The more I talk about it, the angrier I get, and I begin to think that maybe this was a bad idea and I'm not ready to talk," Britain sighed.

"She's about to cry," Kaymen pointed out, referencing the look on Jadey's face. Kaymen was overprotective of Jadey, despite how independent she was. He sat his drink down, on the verge of going over to the ladies before Jadey began crying. Priest halted him by placing his hand on his chest, preventing Kaymen from walking any further.

"Let them be. Your shorty's tough. She can handle Britain's nice ass," Priest chuckled. To Priest, Britain didn't have a mean bone in her body. Even when she snapped on his mother, he could hear a slight level of genuine concern in her voice. She was just an overall nice and bubbly girl. Even though Jadey did look like she was about to cry, he didn't think Britain was being too hard on her. Jadey's guilt was just making her sensitive.

Despite the blow that hearing Britain was considering never being her friend again was to her stomach, Jadey understood. "You have the right to feel how you feel. What I did was completely wrong,"Jadey assured Britain, taking full accountability for her actions.

"Why'd you tell her, Jadey?" Britain asked with her head tilted to the side in question. She knew if she didn't cut to the chase, Jadey would just apologize and get them back to the same place they used to be.

Jadey ran her fingers through her hair, clearly stressed. "I didn't tell her just to tell her. Caroline and I never had that type of friendship where I would just pour your business out to her," Jadey explained to Britain.

"Then what happened?"

Jadey let out a deep breath. "You went from being at every event, whether it was brunch or a game night, to not showing for anything. She asked why you weren't coming around, thinking it had something to do with her, but I knew you were pregnant, so I would always dismiss it. At that time, I was starting to sleep over at your place with you just to make sure you were okay, and you knew my job was like an hour away from your place, so I was always tired at work. I was tired for weeks, Brit, and although that was no excuse, it just slipped out. I instantly regretted it and made her swear to me that she wouldn't tell anyone until you were ready to reveal it to everyone else.”

Britain could recall the entire month when Jadey had basically moved into her apartment to help her cope with her depression during her pregnancy. She was so grateful and appreciative that Jadey had not only sacrificed being home to be with her, but she had also sacrificed time with Kaymen.

"Well, she broke that promise, Jadey," Britain stressed. "She told Priest, a complete fucking stranger. Imagine who else she told."

"Britain, I know no matter how many times I apologize, it'll never fix what I did, but please forgive me. After I found out what Caroline told Priest, I cut communication with her instantly. Britain, you're my sister. I would never intentionally try to hurt you with pains of your past. What you went through is something we went through together. I would never use that against you," Jadey expressed to Britain. She just wanted her to understand that Caroline knowing about the situation was no ill intent on her part.

Britain let out a deep sigh. "I understand that you weren't intentionally trying to hurt me, but you did, whether it was malicious or not. Jadey, I don't know if I can trust you with things like that anymore. Me losing my child tore the life out of me, and you told someone who I barely speak two words to. Then, she told a man she barely even knew for an hour. Do you understand how hard it was to open up to Priest about that? I couldn't just leave him without an explanation," Britain huffed in frustration. "Jadey, you broke my trust. I will never say there isn't a chance of getting it back, but it's a long road from here to where we used to be."

Jadey was just grateful that Britain didn't dismiss her all in all. "Brit, you're the sister I never had. I've known you since I was a kid. I just don't want this to be the end of us," she sighed desperately. "Do you forgive me?" Jadey asked with pleading and hopeful eyes.

Britain couldn't help but think of how long the two had been friends. Priest was right: forgiveness was all about what you can and cannot tolerate. For Jadey, Britain was willing to tolerate certain levels of things.She was the girl who wiped her tears when no one cared to listen to her and celebrated whenever she achieved the smallest accomplishments.

Britain nodded her head. "I forgive you."

Jadey felt her heart free itself from the heaviness that surrounded it since her situation with Britain came about. Getting up from their seats, the two shared a hug. "I slashed her tires and threw a brick through her windshield. Kay helped," Jadey confessed, referring to Caroline.

Britain laughed as they remained in the embrace. "Maybe if you would've invited me, we would've reconciled a lot sooner.”

"I'm glad to have you back. I won't do anything stupid ever again," Jadey assured Britain.

The two eventually made their way back to Kaymen and Priest, who had proud smirks plastered across their faces. "Everything all smoothed out?" Priest asked after taking a sip of his drink.

Britain nodded as she placed her hand back into his. "Yup." She smiled with a nod of her head. "Well, we'll be back to you guys after Priest goes and makes friends with my pops." Britain reached her free hand up to cup Priest's face.

Kaymen and Jadey both laughed at the relaxed look that etched his face. Absolutely nothing could shake this man. "I would wish you luck—" Kaymen began but was interrupted by Priest.

"I don't need it," he asserted confidently once he finished off his drink, which drew some more laughter out of Kaymen and Jadey.

Amused, Britain rolled her eyes as she began leading Priest toward her father. Henderson was in conversation with Britain's brother, Brixton, who had his daughter, Denim, perched on his side. Their approach halted the men's conversation as the attention casted onto Priest and Britain.

"Princess, when did you come in?" Henderson opened his arms for a hug from Britain.

"Not too long ago. I talked with Ma already, though," Britain informed him as she transitioned to greet Brixton and his daughter.

"Guys, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Priest," Britain introduced him with a confident smile. Priest stuck his hand out for Henderson to shake. "P, this is my dad, Henderson, and my little brother, Brixton."

"Nice to finally meet you, man."

Henderson smiled his charming smile. He had definitely read up on Priest far before tonight. The photo of Britain and Priest at the gala had circulated itself to his attention. Henderson was a pretty traditional man. He did think Britain should have introduced Priest to her family before their photo circulated around the media so quickly.

"Pleasure's all mine," Priest told Henderson before he went ahead and offered a handshake to Brixton.

"Who's the little one?" Priest asked with a light smile, referring to Denim.He was handling everything so well. Britain couldn't even wipe her smile off her face.

A smile surfaced on Brixton's face as he sat Denim down since she was leaning toward Britain. "My daughter, Denim," Brixton enlightened him as Britain lifted her up in her arms.

"Look, Denim. Auntie Brit finally snatched her up a man," Britain teased, causing the men to laugh at how silly she was.

Denim waved her little hand at Priest, causing a smile to stretch across his face. "Hey, I'm Priest." He gestured a high five, which Denim granted him with a cute smile.Henderson was enjoying the sight. Priest seemed like a down to earth guy, but he still wanted to know his intentions. All men had intentions.

Denim leaned over from Britain, heading straight into the arms of Priest. The four laughed as Priest now held her in his arms. He wasn't sure if he just had a way with kids or if Denim just wanted to play with his jewelry around his neck. Either way, it was making him look great in front of Brixton and Henderson.

"So, Priest, how long have you and Britain known each other?" Henderson asked. Priest knew that tone he was using all too well. He was playing nice and friendly, but he was still being protective over Britain. Priest couldn't blame him, though. After all, Britain was his daughter.

"It's going on seven months now," Priest told him.

Henderson nodded. "Wow, I do wish we could've met sooner." Henderson chuckled as he glanced down at Britain.

Priest chortled lightly. "Yeah, but that's just Britain being Britain."

"Dramatic as always," Brixton mumbled, causing them to laugh since she could be a bit dramatic without trying.

Once their laughter settled, Henderson let out a small sigh. "Look, Priest. You seem like an overall great guy, but I have my concerns," he admitted.

Priest shrugged. "Lay them out. I'll clear them up for you.”

Henderson's concerns most likely were everyone's concerns. Priest had saved his ass from scrutiny more times than once, so he could handle any curveball that Henderson was getting ready to throw.Nervous as she could be, Britain opted out of interjecting in the conversation. She was going to let men be men and sort it out amongst themselves, especially since both of their egos were on the line due to Henderson being her father and Priest being her man.

"I can't lie and say I haven't seen what the media has been saying about you," Henderson stated.

Priest expected this. "Everyone has," he nodded. "The media plays their little game of making me look worse than I am. I'm no saint, but at the end of the day, I know right from wrong. If it's Britain you're concerned about, I understand, but I assure you she's in good hands," he asserted, causing Britain to inwardly applaud him. One thing about Priest was that he laid everything out in plain sight. He never hid his hands, no matter how filthy or bruised they might've been. No one had any ammunition to use against him because he was always honest from the start.

Henderson’s eyes shifted from Priest to Britain. She seemed sure of him; she lacked uncertainty when it came to Priest. If Britain was happy, then so was he. "I respect that Priest," Henderson commended him as they slapped hands."Take care of my daughter, and we won’t have any issues."

Priest nodded before placing his right hand over his heart. "You got my word, man.”

As they concluded the conversation, a woman approached the group. "Why is it every time there's a party, you guys are huddled up in the corner chatting and not dancing?" Brea, the youngest out of the bunch, asked as she stale-faced her siblings and father.

Although Britain was the sibling who stuck out like the sore thumb, Brea was surprisingly the wild child. She was able to balance a hyper-energetic personality, all the while remaining focused and fixed on her career. She was always the busy one and the one out of reach since she temporarily lived in Maryland for school. It was expected for her to liven the party up whenever she came around, simply because she never got the chance to just chill and hang out due to her intense schedule.

Brea shared her hugs with Henderson and her siblings before she halted at Priest. "A new face." She eyed him up and down. "I'm Brea. You are?"

"This is my boyfriend, Priest," Britain introduced him as they shook hands.

At the mention of Priest being Britain's boyfriend, Brea glanced at her sister with widened eyes. "He's fine," she mouthed to Britain right in front of Priest, complimenting his good looks.

Britain laughed before mouthing, "I know right," back at her sister.

"Y'all do know we see y'all, right?" Brixton pointed out, causing Britain and Brea both to shrug.

After some light conversation, Brea convinced everyone to join her to dance alongside Seven, who was living her best life on the dance floor that was put on the rooftop. Priest was using the fact that Denim was too engaged in his chains as in excuse not to join them in dancing, but Britain had him hand Denim over to Henderson. As always, she was making him step out of his comfort zone and put down that tough wall he always had up.

The DJ had the rooftop blaring with “Feel So Good” by Mase. "P, I know you know this!" Britain laughed as she urged him to loosen up a bit.

Priest chuckled as he placed his hands at her hips as she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. " Buy an E, get a key, to the Lex. To hold, East, West, every state. Come on, bury the hate. Millions the only thing. We in the area to make. Better friend or ex-friend. In a Lex or a Benz. Let's begin. Bring this BS to an end. Come on ," Priest smoothly rapped along to the lyrics of the song, causing Britain to smile from ear to ear.

" Bad, bad, bad, bad boy. You make me feel so good. You know you make me feel so good. You know you make me feel so good ." Britain cupped her hands around his face as he smiled down at her. " Bad, bad, bad, bad boy. I wouldn't change you if I could. I wouldn't change you if I could. I wouldn't change you if I could. "

Leaning down, Priest pressed his lips against Britain's for a light kiss. She was truly a breath of fresh air, and even though it felt like she was pulling his teeth to do things that he usually would turn the other cheek to, Priest had to admit that she made him have fun. She stripped away his worries, even if it was just for a couple of minutes. She showed him a good time, and that was all that mattered.

The song ended, and Britain had Priest in laughter at the little shoulder dance she was doing as she tried to mimic Mase from the song’s music video. Eventually, everyone was told that dinner would be served, so the guests all took their appointed seats. Priest and Britain were seated amongst Seven, Henderson, Brea, Brixton, Jadey and Kaymen. The vibe was comfortable, and the conversation was seamless.

With a champagne glass in hand, Seven rose from her seat, prepared to thank everyone. "Thank you, guys, for showing up and showing out for my 21st birthday tonight," Seven began, causing everyone to laugh and cheer on the fact that she was so head strong about this being her 21st birthday, not her 50th. "It shouldn't be that goddamned funny to y'all," she warned jokingly, causing the laughter to intensify.

"On a serious note, I really appreciate you all for coming out with so much positive energy and happiness. This night will go down in the books for me. I have a quick little announcement to make before we can all enjoy dinner," she announced as her soft brown eyes glanced from Henderson to her children. "As you all know, I've been taking a long break from the hectic duties of being a surgeon. Although I've been living my best life running my private practice and not being in an operating room, I have to admit that I miss the thrill. I've decided to return to my surgical duties and head back to the hospital full time," Seven announced, causing an array of claps to fill the roof top.

Seven was a damn good surgeon, so when she took her little impromptu break and opened up a clinic, everyone was confused. Britain believed her mother was just having a midlife crisis, but she seemed content. Her decision to head back to the hospital was definitely unexpected, but everyone was happy for her.

"So, that means Brix and I are like out of a job?" Britain asked jokingly as her mother concluded her announcement and took a seat.

Laughter surrounded the table at Britain's question. Seven shook her head at her daughter. "No, Mocha," she laughed. "Pops and I hired someone else to run the clinic full time.”

Priest chuckled as he tossed his arm over Britain's shoulder. "Your family's cool," he leaned in and whispered into her ear. His confession caused a smile to flash across Britain's face while her eyes lit up.

Britain angled herself to wrap her arms around Priest in an embrace. "They like you too," she whispered back to him. "All the ladies think you’re fine.”

"Word?" Priest raised a brow in amusement.

She playfully rolled her eyes. "Don't get all big headed on me now."

"I'll leave that to you. You're the one with the fine man." He licked his lips.

Britain eyed him, her cheekbones perked high as a contagious smile plastered her face. In bliss, she let out a laugh. "I love you," she professed.

"I love you too," Priest replied to her before leaning in and pecking her lips lightly.