Chapter 10 #2
“He’s been in contact with his ex. I called his ass out about it when I saw the text on his phone.”
Cali gasped and covered her mouth. “I know Noble not giving it up like that. He’s really fucking with his ex?”
“He claims he’s not. That he only went over there to ask her how to deal with me because she’s a therapist. Like I’m falling for that.”
“Yeah, why did he have to go to her house? He couldn’t call her and ask?”
“Exactly!” Irish snapped, rolling her eyes. “He’s really acting like I’m trippin’ for being mad. I told him that Jovanis said he would hurt me and he got all upset. Girl, he dumped me and told me to text him my next appointment.”
Cali pushed out a deep sigh, loathing how Irish was in this predicament. She’d lost her best friend/husband and now her relationship was done. On top of that, Irish was pregnant now facing single motherhood alone.
“Damn, you don't think you two were just caught up in the moment? Maybe y’all can talk once you're not mad at each other.”
Irish shook her head. “No, we’re done. I can feel it.”
“That’s hard to believe.” Cali smirked. “You two are way too in love to just end like that.”
“Love ain't got nothing to do with a man disrespecting me. I let Jovanis dictate our relationship for years. I was passive and allowed him to walk all over me. This time, I’m not doing it. I can’t be no punk-bitch for all of my life.”
“Girl.” Cali chortled. “You ain't never been no punk-bitch. Just a woman who is too loyal at times, that’s all.”
“Well, I’m not playing that game anymore.” She took a sip from her water bottle. “And I’m not chasing no man either. I don't care if I’m pregnant.”
“Have you told Ivory, yet?”
“No, I don't know why I’m dreading it. There have been so many changes in her life. I feel like I’m dogpiling on her. Plus, I still don't know why she left Miami. It’s a reason she’s not telling me.”
“Well, Ivory ain't no lil’ girl no more. Like she said, she’s a grown woman,” Cali joked. “She should be able to handle your new addition.”
“Yeah.” Irish exhaled. “I know. Well, what’s been up in your world? I didn’t mean to dump on you.”
“Oh, it’s been… different but in a good way. Diamond Falls is nothing like St. Parklynn. It’s a vibe here. The people are cool but blunt. Work is going great. I met a friend who is cool as hell. Oh, and I met a guy.”
Irish grinned. “A guy, huh? What’s his name.”
“His name is Rule and that man is fine. I can’t stay away from the men with locs. And I can tell he’s bossed up but there is a catch.”
“Oh, Lord. What is it?”
“He’s married but legally separated.”
Irish smacked her lips. “So, basically he’s married, but wants to cheat, so he’s telling you a lie hoping you’ll fall for it.”
Cali laughed. “Could be. You know my cheating ass already know the game. Wasn’t nobody slicker than me.”
Irish doubled over, chortling loudly. “Please stop. I have heartburn and you're going to make it worse.”
“Look, I gotta call me out on my shit sometimes.” Cali chuckled. “But I don't really care about him being legally married ‘cause I’m not looking for anything serious. I’m still not completely healed from my divorce, so I don't mind playing a bit. I hope he don't get hooked, though.”
“Right, ‘cause there is something about you that hook the men,” Irish teased, twirling her finger. “You really can’t get rid of ‘em.”
That used to be a compliment to Cali until she thought about the incident with Braye. He was one of those men that couldn’t let go and tried to destroy her life.
“Yeah, but I don't want another Braye, so I hope his ass knows that I’m not about to commit to anything. I just want to sit on his face here and there.”
“I feel that. Speaking of divorce, have you spoken to your ex-husband?”
Cali rolled her eyes at the thought of Rio.
She’d moved on, expecting to leave him behind but every time she checked her Instagram stories, she noticed he was always on the list of people who viewed it.
She wondered why he was even concerned about her.
According to him, she was a cheating bitch who almost got him killed.
“No, and I don't care to. We’re done.”
“So, the day of your going away dinner, I stopped by Rozalin’s shop and cursed her the fuck out.”
Cali’s mouth gaped. “Did you really?”
“Mm-hmm.” Irish nodded. “I read her ass down, and she didn’t even tell the others that she had gotten into a fight with you. She told them she had an accident. You know Clarice was eating up the tea.”
“Accident my ass. Bitch don't be shamed because you got your ass whooped. I really hate her ass.”
“Girl, fuck her.” Irish hunched one of her shoulders.
“That relationship won’t last ‘cause Rio is still in love with you. I remember we were at Van’s memorial and he came up to Noble.
He looked at you but you wouldn’t give him any attention.
I swear that man’s eyes were begging to connect with yours. I know he still loves you.”
Cali wasn’t impressed with the idea of Rio still being in love with her, especially after she found out about him and Rozalin.
She simply didn’t care anymore. She wasn’t foolish enough to believe the love she reserved for him had faded.
It was still present but her contempt for him overpowered that emotion.
“Anyways,” she said, dismissively. “You need a break. You should come here and spend time with me. We can hang out, and get your mind right, so you and Noble can get back together.”
Irish pursed her lips. “I’m down for coming to see you but… I don't think me and Noble are getting back together.”
“Irish, please stop. You're really blowing me right now. I’ll book your ticket.”
“Girl, no. I got it. Just give me some time to make sure Ivory will be good.”
“Okay.” Just as she said that, Cali’s phone rang. Her lips stretched into a grin when she saw Rule’s name on the screen. “Okay, I gotta go.”
“Bye.”
Cali ended the FaceTime call and picked up her phone. “Hello?”
“What’s up, Cali?”
“Hey.” She smiled and fell back on the bed. “How are you?”
“Shit, I’m doing good now that I’m listening to this sexy-ass voice.”
Simpering, she countered, “How often do you use that line?”
“I don't. Nobody sounds as good as you.” He chuckled.
“Yeah, whatever.” She flipped over on her stomach. “So, what’s up?”
“Shit, I’m trying to see what you doing. You feel like meeting me somewhere?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll send the location.”
“Okay.”
Cali hung up and rolled over on her back. The excitement had come back into her life. Rule could be the perfect plaything if he played his cards right.
Rozalin sat inside her office, going through all the text messages between her and Rio.
She couldn’t believe how fast their situation had ended.
After a whirlwind affair fueled by lust, date nights, and overnight visits, they’d barely spoken since their last encounter at the restaurant.
Rozalin foolishly thought they were moving toward being together.
The chemistry was blazing and their attraction was thrilling.
She loved his nature. Rio didn’t do too much.
He never brought a lot of attention to himself and he was laidback.
Rio was also respected in the city. Each time they were out, people approached him, showing love.
He was that guy and Rozalin wanted to be his girl.
However, after Cali spotted them together, the dynamic had shifted.
Rio moved about, mirroring a man that had gotten caught cheating.
Rozalin couldn’t understand his behavior when it was Cali who had cheated on him.
He didn’t owe her an explanation. She didn’t deserve any loyalty from him.
Rozalin assumed once Cali realized they’d been spending time together, it would bring them closer.
Regrettably, that had driven a wedge between them and Rozalin was heartbroken.
A knock sounded on the door. Seconds later, Shay peeked her head inside.
“Can I come in?”
Rozalin nodded, closing her phone screen. Shay took a seat and smiled at her.
“Are you okay? I noticed you haven’t been in the best mood. What’s going on?”
A heavy breath pushed between her plump lips. “I’m cool… just been a lot going on.”
“Like the situation with Rio?” Shay guessed. “Look, I'm not trying to be nosy but ever since Irish’s ugly ass came here telling your business, you haven’t been in good spirits. Did something happen between you and Rio?”
Rozalin rolled her tongue across her teeth, hating how distorted her reality was at the moment.
“Yeah, I feel played.”
“How?”
“He used me to get back at Cali and I was dumb enough to fall for it.” Bitterly, she shook her head. “I didn’t wanna believe that he used me as a pawn but it’s evident in how he handled me. As soon as Cali found out about us, he started distancing himself. Now we barely talk.”
“Girl, fuck that nigga and fuck Cali.” Shay sneered, crossing one leg over the other. “You don't need his ass. He don't get to pick you up and drop you off when he feels like it.”
Somehow, Rozalin could always count on Shay to hype her up. She had been a part of the bitter women club for years. Her ex-husband had moved on from her and Shay had been distraught ever since.
“I feel you but I caught feelings for that man. I won’t chase him but damn… I wished he would give a little fight for me, ya know. It’s like his interest is gone but then it isn’t.”
“Fuck that nigga.”
“I wish I could feel that way but again, I have feelings for him.”
Shay rolled her eyes. “You're too good for Rio. His ass ain't even all that.”
Rozalin flashed a knowing look. “Now bitch you going too far ‘cause that man is all that. Plus, the dick is bomb.”
“Okay, so what. He’s not the only man that has good looks and good dick. You need to move on and let that hoe have her dog back.”
Rozalin inhaled sharply, suddenly regretting confiding in Shay. She would never understand the bond she shared with Rio.
“Plus, you don't wanna fuck behind Cali anyway. She look like she don't clean herself good. Like she don't wash between her ass.”
Rozalin laughed while holding her stomach. “Why would you say that?”
“Because she’s a dirty-ass Black bitch,” Shay snarled. “A fucking black roach that deserves to get her ass whooped. You wanna go jump her for attacking you? My son is with his dad so I have time.”
Rozalin shook her head. “No, she moved away. I saw her sister post about her going away party some weeks back.”
Over the weeks, Rozalin’s contempt for Cali had increased to astronomical levels.
Each time she thought of her, she remembered the pain from the blows to her head or the bruises that took weeks to heal.
Rozalin would never forgive Cali for sneaking up on her.
She didn’t give her a chance to fight one on one and for that, she would never respect her.
“What should I do?” she asked Shay.
“About what?”
“My situation with Rio. I don't wanna walk away just yet. How should I get his attention back on me?”
Shay’s gaze drifted to the window. “I don't know… have a talk with him.”
“I did. That got us nowhere. We both walked away frustrated.”
“Well, I think you should just move on. You're better than him anyways.”
Rozalin bobbed her head, pushing out a deep sigh. They had so much more gas in their tank and she wasn’t ready to pull over quite yet.