Page 185 of The Love of Priest

"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.

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