Chapter 9
Nine
Cali sat at her desk, scrolling through Instagram, looking for a hairstylist. She’d managed to maintain her pixie by molding it down but she needed it styled.
It had been a week since she moved to Diamond Falls, and she enjoyed the experience so far.
The people were kind, and the vibe was fast paced.
Her job was laidback with people who were very knowledgeable and respectful.
Douglas got her a car—a Lexus to be exact.
Her furniture was set to arrive the following day.
In the meantime, she’d been buying knick-knacks and sprucing up her place to her liking.
It had been so many years since Cali lived on her own.
She didn’t know what to do with her time.
Being single was a huge contrast to the married life she once lived but she embraced it.
Cali noticed every time she posted a story on Instagram, Rio watched it.
He’d be one of the first, and she couldn’t understand why he was suddenly keeping up with her.
It was still fuck him. He’d crossed the line.
His actions showed just how vindictive he was.
Setting out to hurt her when she was drowning in a pool of regret was so cruel to her.
“Hey, girl. How’s it going so far?”
Cali peered up at Elara, the only other Black woman in the office.
She’d been kind when Cali first arrived, giving her pointers she would need in the future.
She was short in stature. If Cali had to guess, maybe five foot one.
Her hair was styled in a long ash-blonde bob with aquatic green eyes and small lips.
“It’s cool. Just trying to look for a hair stylist. You got any recommendations?”
“Oh, girl, yes. You can go to my homegirl, Esha. I’m actually going to get my hair done since we got a half-day. You can go with me, and I’ll see if she can squeeze you in.”
“Really?” Cali gawked. “You think she would take a walk-in?”
“Yeah, and if she can’t, I’m sure one of the other stylists will.”
“Are they good with pixie cuts though? You know everybody can’t slay a pixie.”
Elara nodded. “Yeah, Esha, is so picky with her stylists that she requires them to know how to do everything in order for them to work at her shop. So, I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.”
“Thank you so much ‘cause I was just searching for someone. I’m so particular with my hair that I ain't trying to kiss a few frogs before I find the one,” Cali joked.
“No problem, boo. I’m picky with my hair, too.” Elara leaned against the cubicle wall. “I originally came over here to invite you out. I know you're new to town, and I wanted to show you how fun it is in the city. There’s this lounge that I go to. It’s real grown and sexy. You wanna go?”
Cali was up for a night of fun. She’d been so consumed with getting her place together that she hadn’t had time to unwind.
“Yeah, I’ll go.”
“Cool.” Elara smiled. “I’ll send you the address and we can meet there. In the meantime, after we get off, you can just follow me to the shop.”
“Alright. Thank you so much.”
“No problem, girl.” She leaned in close. “You don't know how happy I am to have another Black woman here. Working with the others is exhausting,” she whispered.
Cali chuckled, shaking her head. “I know exactly what you mean. That’s why at my last job, I opted to work remote.”
“Listen, I wish that was an option but whatever.” She shrugged. “Let me get back to work. I’ll see you in a minute.”
“Okay.”
Cali smiled, looking forward to a night out.
Hours later…
Cali surveyed her appearance in the mirror, checking all angles. After work, she followed Elara to the salon where her stylist, Esha, did her hair. She slayed it so well that Cali considered her to be a better stylist than Rozalin.
“Rozalin who? Bitch, Esha killing you, hoe,” she muttered, fingering her curls.
Her pixie was styled to perfection in pin curls that mirrored waves.
Esha had done so good that Cali made sure to tip her well.
After the salon, she and Elara went to grab something to eat before parting ways.
They made plans to meet up later at the lounge.
Now that the time had come, Cali was a ball of nerves, but she looked good so that made her uneasiness simmer a bit.
Clad in a pink leather mini dress with cris cross detailing in the back, platform Prada pumps, and small Alyak bag, Cali felt amazing.
Her makeup was soft, bringing out the sparkle in her eyes.
Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she snapped a few pictures and posted them on her Instagram.
Cali grabbed her perfume, sprayed it liberally, and headed out the door.
Getting inside her car, she punched the address of the lounge into her GPS and drove off.
While driving, Cali’s mind took a detour in her recollection.
After the year she’d had, she just wanted ease.
She yearned to take the liberty to live life however she saw fit.
She was free now. The bounds of marriage had been broken.
Depression still hung over her head but instead of it being a gloomy cloud, it was now one with a bit of sunshine peeking through.
After her confrontation with Rio, Cali had forgiven herself.
Unbeknownst to him, he’d aided in her making that happen.
She’d even taken the advice from Carrie at the Stoplight Booth and began journaling.
Life was on the up even though it wasn’t perfect.
Cali had made terrible decisions, but she was determined to make choices that would leave her happy.
Cali was relieved to see that the lounge had valet parking.
She pulled up, got out the car, and passed her key to the attendant.
With her head held high, Cali entered the lounge as Jill Scott’s Me 4 floated through the air.
All heads turned including women, wondering who this cacao beauty was.
A subtle smirk was on her lips as she headed to the bar.
She sat down, immediately drawing the bartender’s attention.
Yeah, I’m still a nigga magnet…
If Rio only knew how many men she’d turned down on behalf of him. Yes, Braye had slipped through the cracks at a time when Cali didn’t feel appreciated by her husband. But for the most part, Cali had been faithful. She honored him loudly when men refused to accept that she was taken.
“What can I get you, beautiful?” the bartender asked, simpering.
“She looks like a vodka girl,” a deep baritone said.
Cali turned to her left, wondering who had spoken for her. Instantly, she had fallen into a trance. He was a soul snatcher. She could tell because just one look from him alone had the seat of her panties welcoming her wetness.
“Now how would you know what I like?”
He smirked, showing a subtle dimple in his cheek. “I don’t know. You just seem like a vodka type.”
“Well.” She smirked, activating her charm. “You're wrong. I’m a tequila girl.” Cali looked at the bartender. “Let me get a tequila espresso martini.”
He nodded. “I got you.”
Cali crossed her leg, pulling the soul snatcher’s attention toward her shimmering skin.
“You new ‘round here, huh?”
Cali took her time answering his question while silently studying him.
He was handsome in a rugged kind of way.
His skin was the shade of cedar with a lining that was lined flawlessly.
A mustache and chin patch were his only facial hair and Cali liked that.
It was groomed perfectly, showing off his blemish-free skin except for the tattoo above his walnut-toned eye.
“Why would you think that?” she flirted, admiring his neat locs that were pulled back.
“Because I know everybody and I ain't never seen someone as gorgeous as you.”
Rolling her eyes, the bartender placed the drink in front of her and she picked it up, taking a refreshing sip.
“You need to fine tune that game of yours.”
“This ain't game.” He grinned, leaning back. “I’m serious. Diamond Falls has a lot of beautiful women, but I swear you in my top five dead or alive.”
Cali smirked at his wordplay. “What’s your name?”
“Rule. What’s yours?”
“Cali.”
He extended his hand, highlighting a diamond watch that sparkled under the dim lights.
“It’s nice to meet you, Cali.”
She shook it, making note of how big his hand was. That was a feature she appreciated on a man; large hands that could handle what she dished out.
“Likewise, Rule.” She sipped.
“Who you here with?” He licked his lips, not hiding his attraction for her.
Sitting her glass down, she answered, “I’m actually meeting someone from work. I’m not sure if she’s here yet.”
He nodded, studying her like she was a test for his final grade.
“Where your man at?”
Cali angled her head. “How foolish of you to assume that I have one.”
When he smiled, his eyes turned into slits.
“I know you somebody’s wife. You can’t tell me that a woman like you just walking around with nobody claiming her.”
She leaned in closed, piercing him with her eyes. “What if I told you that I’m nobody’s wife. Just a woman who’s enjoying her own company.” She reclined, biting her bottom lip while observing the tattoo that was on his left ring finger. “But I can bet you have someone to call your own, right?”
Rule shrugged. “Shit, I do—well did.” He made a gesture with his hand for the bartender to come to him. “Get me a Henny on the rocks.” He then turned his attention back to Cali.
“Why such a confusing answer? You're either in a relationship or you're not.”
Interlocking his fingers, he confessed, “The shit is complicated. I’m married but we’re legally separated.”
“Ooh,” she drawled. “I get it… so, what you do?”
He chuckled, flicking his nose with his thumb. “Why it always gotta be the man who fucks up? You do know women fuck up too, right?”
“Oh, I know.” She laughed to herself. “Believe me, I know but back to you, what you do?”