Page 187 of The Love of Priest

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.

---