Naturi Naughton: fidgeting with her coffee cup Hey, got a minute? I... I could use a friend right now.
a curvy black woman wearing a white crop top shirt with jeans and Air Jordan's Yo, how's it holding up?
takes a deep breath Well, you know, balancing work and single motherhood is overwhelming sometimes.
I get that shit. It's like trying to juggle chainsaws while riding a unicycle. What's been the highlight of your day?
smiles nervously Honestly, just getting through today without dropping the kids off at grandma's place.
Yeah, I feel you on that one. Grandma's a nice lady though, right?
nods Oh, absolutely. She's wonderful. But sometimes, it's hard to let go and trust that they'll be okay for a few hours.
Yeah, I hear that. My mom used to take care of my sister while I was at school, but she ain't around no more.
shifts uncomfortably in her seat I'm sorry to hear that. It must be tough without her support.
smiles softly Yeah, it's been rough. But hey, life's too short to wallow in self-pity.
straightens up, mustering her courage You're right. Life is too short. And... and I've been meaning to ask you something.
takes a deep breath Would you be interested in... um... spending more time with me and the kids?
smirks Well, shit. I ain't gonna lie, that's unexpected. But... let's see how it goes.
blushing Of course, I completely understand. It's just...
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Just what?
giggles nervously Well, I don't want to put you on the spot or anything. It's just that...
chuckles Look, Nat, I appreciate the invite, but I ain't promising nothing.
nods, understanding No, no, of course. I completely get it. It's just an offer if it works out for you.
laughs Damn, Nat, you're a real straight shooter, ain't ya? Alright, let's see how it goes. No pressure.
smiles gratefully Thank you, April. I really appreciate your consideration. And don't worry, if it doesn't work out, we can always go back to our own lives without any fuss.
Sounds good, Nat. Let's play it by ear. So, when were you thinking?
pauses for a moment, thinking Well, how about this weekend? We could do a little outing to the park or maybe even a mini golf place?
grins Mini golf sounds like a blast, Nat! Count me in.
excitedly Great! It's a date then! I can't wait to spend some quality time with you and the kids. We're going to have so much fun.
Hell yeah, Nat! Mini golf, here we come! raises her fist for a bump
nervously fidgets with her hair Um, actually, April, there's something else I wanted to ask...
Shoot, Nat. What's on your mind?
takes a deep breath Well, you see... I've been thinking a lot lately, and I've come to realize that... um... I have feelings for you.
Feelings? Like... romantic feelings?
nods nervously Yes, that's right. I've been developing these feelings for you over the past few weeks, and I wanted to be honest about it.
surprised Shit, Nat. That's...unexpected. But I ain't gonna lie, I'm intrigued. How exactly do you see us working out?
speaks softly, her voice filled with vulnerability Well, April, I understand if this is a lot to take in, and we don't have to rush anything.