Chapter 15 #3
Cali handed Clarice her phone and went to take a seat in Rozalin’s chair. Her thoughts immediately drifted to Rio and what he thought about Tuck’s exposure. They had been close before Tuck went away. She wondered if Rio was aware of his extracurricular activity.
“All these niggas be gay, though,” Clarice declared.
“They sholl do,” Quisha added, filing her client’s nails. “It be the ones you least expect, too.”
Clarice detangled her client’s hair and popped her lips. “If they always wanna hang with their homeboys too much, that means he’s fucking one of them.”
“Not always,” Rozalin defended. “You can’t just throw the gay card on every man.”
Clarice gave her a knowing look. “Girl, they be out here taking more dick than us. Miss me with that shit you talking about.”
Rozalin turned Cali’s chair to face the mirror. “Hey, have you heard from Irish lately?”
“I talked to her not too long ago. Why?”
Shaking her head, she reached for the tub of relaxer and propped it on her station. “I’ve been trying to call her so we can talk. Things were intense last time we saw each other, and I wanted to check the temperature.”
Irish hadn’t really mentioned Rozalin but if she knew her friend like she thought, their relationship was more than likely over.
“Yeah, I don't know. I’ll tell her to call you next time we talk,” Cali offered, not really having faith that Irish would reach out.
“Please do because I don't like how things played out. I didn’t want to choose between her and Shay. I just wanted her to leave that day so I can get the shop back in order.”
Cali nodded and noticed the bouquet of roses sitting on the counter. “Ooh, those are pretty. Are they for you?”
“Yeah, they're for her sneaky ass,” Clarice answered, ear hustling from across the shop. “She’s got somebody she’s trying to keep on the low, but you know me, Cali. I’m going to find out who he is.”
When Cali looked at Rozalin through the mirror, she blushed. “Oh, you must like this one. Why can’t we know who he is?”
“Because it’s new and… I don't know. I don't wanna jinx it.”
Cali noticed the card on the bouquet and reached to grab it. Before she could clasp it with her fingers, Rozalin snatched it from her.
“Aht, aht, aht.” She wiggled her finger. “Y’all being too nosy.”
“Wow,” Cali feigned offense. “So now I can’t see the card? Girl, you are too sneaky for me.”
“Let Rozalin have this to herself, damn,” Shay complained. “Y’all don't need to be in her business like that.”
Cali swiftly turned around, grimacing at the bitch. “Who you talking to?”
“I’m talking to you.” Shay snaked her head. “You being way too invasive when you need to be worried about not cheating on your husband. Oops, I forgot, your ex-husband now.”
“Ooh, chile,” someone said.
It felt like everyone’s gaze centered on Cali, awaiting her rebuttal.
Lately, her mental had been stable, only crying at night when the ghosts of Rio haunted her.
She missed him terribly but each day that passed, the pain became more bearable.
She’d never get over her true love, but her mind had begun to accept that he was gone for good.
Alas, Shay had just knocked her back on the ground. She’d reminded Cali that she was a no-good bitch who cheated on her husband and placed him in danger.
“Bitch, fuck you! You don't get to throw shit in my face ‘cause you ain't God. You don’t even know the details of my situation so shut the fuck up.”
“Shay, you're out of line,” Rozalin reprimanded her. “You already caused me to lose one of my loyal clients, I won’t allow you to do it again.”
Gaping at Rozalin, Shay fired back, “I’m taking up for you.”
“I don't need you to take up for me. Cali wasn’t doing anything wrong. We were sharing friendly banter. There was no need to bring up her situation with Rio. You wouldn’t like it if someone did that to you.”
Shay cut her eyes at Rozalin. “Next time, I won’t try to defend you.”
“Bitch, she ain't need no defending!” Cali snapped, placing her hands on her hips. “Now watch your fucking mouth before you get your ass whooped for a second time.”
“Ain't nobody whooped my ass!”
Clarice snickered. “Chile, I beg to differ. Irish was mopping the floor with your ass.”
“Got the nerve to mention my ex when yours didn’t even want you,” Cali ranted, taking a seat. “I can walk away knowing I fucked up but yo’ nigga left you in the dust and didn’t even have a valid reason. He just wanted to get the fuck away from you!”
Cali felt victory when Shay’s eyes watered. If Cali had to feel the sting from Shay’s unkind words, then she would too.
Shay snatched her purse off the counter and stalked out of the shop. Cali had come in peace, needing some relief in her miserable life. Shay had turned an innocent trip to the salon to another self-pity party for Cali.
“I’m sorry about that.” Rozalin gently touched her shoulders. “Shay has been a riot, lately. I’m gonna have to sit her down and talk about her behavior.”
“Fuck her.” Cali snorted then smiled at her through the mirror. “Tell me about this mystery man.”
Rozalin grinned while grabbing her comb. “He’s great. Actually, better than I expected. He’s kind but rough around the edges. Most of all, he’s so cool. Like he makes my nervous system relax. He’s dominant but doesn’t wear it on his sleeve if that makes sense.”
Cali beamed at her. “Those are the best kind of men. The ones that don't do too much but will get in somebody’s ass if need be.”
Her thoughts went to Rio, wishing she could rewind the time when she belonged to him. He was stern but gentle; kind but didn’t fuck around when the time permitted it; laid back, at ease, and just an all-around good guy.
I miss him so much.
“Yes, girl he’s literally everything but I’m trying to take it slow and not fall too deep,” Rozalin gushed. “I can see myself with him for the long haul.”
Cali angled her head, beaming at the genuine smile on Rozalin’s lips. It had been so long since she’d had someone. Typically, she was the single one in the shop, declaring to wait until the right man found her. Cali was glad her patience had paid off.
“That’s what’s up, boo. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you, Cali, but enough about me. How are we doing this hair today?”
“I want something dainty. So, hook me up.”
“I got you.”