Excerpt
Tabitha, I made an appointment to take TJ in for a DNA test next week, Hunter says as he shovels macaroni and cheese into his mouth. About five forks drop in unison as Faith and Danielle both gasp. I almost dont even want to look Tabithas way because I am embarrassed for her.
You can go straight to hell, Hunter, she replies in a surprisingly calm voice. All eyes turn to Hunter, but I can see Tangela is very uncomfortable. I quickly glance at Myles, and he doesnt seem surprised by this turn of events at all. I kick him under the table, but he ignores me.
No need to ruin everyones dinner with foul language. I just wanted to tell you while it was fresh in my mind.
I close my eyes and shake my head because I cannot believe Hunter has decided to drop this bomb in front of all these people. Apparently he and Myles have discussed this already because they are the only two people still enjoying their food.
One monkey dont stop no show, Hunter. I will pack up my son and move to Savannah so fast it will be like you never existed. She leans forward as if shes going to stab Hunter with her fork, and I hear her glass shatter as it hits the table. Im not about to allow these fools to break up all my Lenox China.
All right now, I state as I stand up. Tabitha can I please speak to you in the kitchen? I pinch Myles arm as hard as I can, but he doesnt make a sound. I cut my eyes at Hunter and he sheepishly drops his head. I am going to kill them when this is all over.
Tabitha and I leave the dining room, and as soon as we get into the kitchen I see the tears in her eyes.
I dont appreciate you inviting me over here for the ambush, Coco.
Tabitha, I swear to God I didnt know anything about this.
Im just going to leave, Coco. Can you help me gather the babys things?
Dont let Hunter ruin your Christmas. I love him to death, but we both know he has no tact. I dont think he meant to embarrass you, hes just an idiot.
She laughs a little and I am glad.
There is no doubt in my mind that Hunter is TJs father. I will take a million tests if thats what it takes to prove it to Hunter.
Hunter knows TJs his son. Hes just an attorney trying to cover all his bases, I state. Tabitha nods her head as if shes considering what I just said. Before she can reply Tangela enters the kitchen with TJ in her arms.
Somebody wants his mama, Tangela says as she hands the baby to Tabitha. He smiles as soon as he sees her eyes.
I dont know where this paternity test stuff came from, but this is the first Ive heard of it, Tangela continues.
Tabitha is in her own little world cooing at TJ. I hope shes going to stay. Myles enters the kitchen carrying the pieces of the glass Tabitha broke.
Is everything okay in here? he asks.
I cannot even bring myself to say anything to him because I am so angry. He wraps the glass in paper and then puts it in the trashcan. Tabitha and Tangela both go back into the dining room. I turn to follow them, but Myles grabs my arm.
Coco, dont be that way. I swear I had no idea he was going to drop that bomb today.
But you knew he was planning to do the test and you didnt tell me.
What was telling you going to do? he asks.
Probably nothing, but that isnt the point.
So thats how it is, Myles. Keeping Hunters secret is a priority now?
Baby girl, youre reaching. Hunter told me months ago he was going to do a DNA test when the baby got here. It seemed like a no-brainer. Then Ma died and things got crazy. I thought hed changed his mind until he mentioned it this morning.
I dont appreciate Hunter dropping a bomb like that at the Christmas table. Do you know how embarrassing that was? I reply.
Embarrassing? So thats what this is about? Youre mad because Hunter ruined your B. Smith moment.
Dont try to play me, Myles. It was embarrassing for Tabitha, and it made Hunter look like a jerk. He had no business calling her out like that in front of all those strangers. She didnt deserve that, Myles, and you know it.
Coco, I had nothing to do with that. You know Hunt is crazy and is liable to do anything to get a reaction, he replies as he pulls me into a hug. Besides, Hunter is a lawyer, and he never lets anything slide. Hes been fuming at her for a while since she initially wasnt going to let TJ spend Christmas with him.
But she changed her mind, and Hunter has had TJ all day. Why is he still mad?
Look, Coco, I love my brother, but that doesnt mean I understand him. He does what he wants to do.
Well I have a trick for him when this is all over, I reply as I pull away from the hug.
By the way, Coco, people in glass houses should not throw stones, Myles whispers in my ear.
What are you talking about? I reply with a puzzled look.
Im well aware that Hunter told you Tabitha was pregnant before he told me, and you didnt open your mouth.
Touch.
We both laugh as we walk back into the dining room. I cut my eyes at Hunter as I take my seat. I will deal with him and his foolishness later.
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