“Oh, and I’ve missed you, too.” Cecilia planted a kiss on her forehead. “How are you? You asked us to meet, and I can’t help but feel like you're in trouble.”
“No, I’m okay. I just wanted to talk to you guys about something. Where is everybody else?”
“They're in the dining room. Go ‘head and see them. Breakfast will be done in a bit.”
Bria strolled down the hall to the dining room where Cali, Enya, and Douglas sat. He was at his usual spot, which was the head of the table.
“Hey, y’all.”
“Well, if it isn’t Casper,” Cali snarled playfully. “You sprain your wrist and dipped out of town on us, Bria. You don't like us no more?”
Bria chuckled, bending down to hug her. “Cali, why do you always gotta be dramatic?”
“Because it’s in my nature. I heard you were in New York doing big things, my girl.”
Bria walked around the table to give her father a hug. She opted out of showing affection to Enya since she was still bothered about her telling her business.
“How are you, Daddy?”
“I’m doing well.” He grinned at her. “It’s nice to have you guys here with me. I didn’t realize how much I miss you girls living here.”
Enya scoffed. “Oh, please. You were the main one saying you couldn’t wait until we moved out so you and Mama can walk around the house naked.”
Cali gagged. “Enya, please. We’re about to eat. I don't need that visual in my head.”
“Cali, don't get slapped,” Cecilia warned, walking in with a plate of eggs.
Bria snickered as she sat next to Cali. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, toast, and hash browns were on the table along with orange juice. The aroma of the food immediately made her nauseous. Bria couldn’t wait to go to her first prenatalappointment so the doctor could tell her how to get rid of her symptoms.
“Let’s pray,” Cecilia suggested, grabbing Douglas’ hand and Cali’s.
They all bowed their heads.
“Lord, we thank you for the day. We also thank you for this meal. Please allow it to nourish our bodies. In Jesus’ name amen.”
“Amen,” they all spoke in unison.
Everyone piled food on their plate except for Bria. She opted for a piece of toast to nibble on.
“So, Bria, how was New York?” Cecilia quizzed, forking her eggs.
“It was good. I met a lot of nice people and teaching really inspired me. I think I want to open a dance studio down here.”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Cecilia said, “you’ll have so many young girls running to be taught by you, Bria.”
“How did the Nike campaign go? Were you able to be comfortable since your wrist was sprained?” Cali asked.
“It was cool. Not too bad. I’m so thankful that the sprain was only mild because I was able to heal faster.”
Douglas nodded. “Me too. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. Your marriage has been on my mind heavily. So, I was thinking of a way for you to be free. I think if we come up with a plan, you can get a divorce.”
Her brows furrowed immediately. “What do you mean get a divorce? I’m already locked in, Dad.”
“I know, and I feel horrible for putting you in this position. I knew Lo wasn’t the man for you when we first made plans. He has a horrible reputation in the streets, and I just didn’t see him fit to be your husband. I owe you an apology fornot choosing a better mate, and I feel obligated to help you out of it.”
“Yeah, the way he was acting at the hospital didn’t sit well with me at all. I can see him abusing you in the future,” Enya stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
Bria gasped at her statement. “Excuse me? Why would you say that?”
