Chapter 12
Twelve
Irish flexed her sweaty hands and exhaled a deep breath.
Her stomach fluttered, making her gaze down and smile.
The baby always seemed to know when she needed extra love.
Stepping in the Stoplight Booth, she sat down, thinking about all that she needed to release.
It had been on her mind to visit the booth ever since Jovanis’ murder but she had been too hurt to speak on it.
Now that her life was in shambles, Irish needed some professional guidance on how to gain control of her life.
Picking up the receiver, she sighed and cleared her throat.
“Hello?”
A faint smile covered her lips. “Hi, Carrie. It’s me, Irish. You know the girl who was married but started an affair with my husband’s associate.”
“Ah, yes, I remember. Irish, how are you?”
“Well.” She cleared her throat. “I’m not good. I think I’m in the worst position of my life.”
“Oh, no. Tell me what’s going on.”
“My husband was murdered in front of me. I watched him take his last breath.”
A gasp made her pause.
“Oh, my God. Irish, I’m so sorry to hear that happened,” Carrie sympathized. “I can imagine life has been so difficult after experiencing that.”
“Yeah, I wake up still in disbelief that my best friend is gone.”
Each time she saw a semblance of hope, her heartache snatched it away. Irish couldn’t enjoy a piece of toast without feeling guilt. She had survived but somehow Jovanis didn’t. It had been an agonizing way to live.
“On top of my grief.” She licked her lips. “I suffered a break up with the guy I had been dealing with.”
“Did the breakup have anything to do with your husband’s murder?”
Irish gulped while tightening her grip on the phone. “Not quite. I found out he went to see his ex-girlfriend behind my back. He insisted that the visit was innocent. I guess she’s a therapist.” She shrugged. “He supposedly asked her how to help me through this mourning period but I don't know.”
“Has he been dishonest with you in the past?”
Irish mulled over her question for a moment. “Not that I can think of.”
“Then, why is it so hard for you to believe what he says is true?”
“I don't know… maybe because he hid it and something happened but I don't know what it was. In the text message I saw from the girl, she apologized for something. He claim he handled it but I don't know. I don't want no man who sneaks behind my back.”
“I understand how you can interpret his behavior like that. You had to find out that he went to see another woman. He didn’t tell you upfront, so I get it.”
“I know my brain is probably altered because of the grief but I’m glad you can see that I’m not trippin’.”
“Can I ask you this… do you miss him?”
Irish almost teared up from that question alone.
She missed Noble so much that saying his name caused her heart to ache.
A week had passed and it had been radio silent on both ends.
She was in agony not being able to be with him but Irish didn’t want to be a fool for another man.
Jovanis had stolen so much from her. He had taken advantage of her loyalty and while she loved him, she regretted being so loyal to him.
“I miss him every second of the day but I have to take a stance. Besides, I said some things that upset him. I know he’s probably mad at me, too.”
“What did you say?”
Irish stalled, ashamed of how she’d let Jovanis’ cursing words leave her lips. She’d been in the midst of wrath. She hadn’t been in her right mind when she said it. Irish regrettably wished she could take the words back because Noble didn’t deserve it.
“Right before my husband died, he told me that Noble would hurt me. I repeated it back to him in my rage, and it pissed him off.”
“Ah, I get it. You both were in fits of rages. That’s what happens when emotions ride high; people say things they don’t mean. It’s unfortunate but it happens a lot. How do you feel about what you said to him?”
“I wish I never told him that. When my husband said it, I was adamant that he was wrong. I can’t believe I even let those words come from my lips.”
“Listen, Irish, give yourself grace. You're mourning the death of your husband. I’m not sure if you're aware but grief alters the brain chemistry by reducing prefrontal cortex activity. It heightens emotional responses and impairs decision making. Your mind isn’t sound right now. That’s not to say that something is wrong with you but your brain has been rewired.
So, don't beat yourself up about what you said.
You're going through a rough time and deserve grace.”
Irish swiped a tear that had rolled down her cheek. More than anything, she wanted to move past this phase of grieving. She wished to get to the stage where she accepted that Jovanis was no longer hurting or living a front. She just wanted to move on so she could gain her sanity back.
“There’s another part of this dilemma that I haven’t told you.”
“And what’s that?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Wow, congratulations, Irish,” Carrie raved. “How far along are you?”
“I’m four months. I’ll be five in a few weeks. I should be in bliss, but I’m carrying a child while grieving, and I’m not with their father. I never thought my pregnancy would be this way.”
“Again, Irish, I need you to give yourself grace,” Carrie reminded her.
“Life will not always be the way we envision it to be. It doesn’t work like that.
The best thing you can do is move forward and keep yourself busy.
There’s no escaping the grieving stages.
You have to go through the motions but try to keep yourself healthy, especially for your little one. ”
“That’s so easy to say when you're not in it.” Irish closed her eyes for a moment. “I didn’t come here thinking you would cure me from this heartache. I just need some joy. Maybe a slice of peace. I just wish I didn’t have to go through this,” she groaned.
“Irish, I’m here for you. You take all the time you need to mourn your loss.
It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to feel confused.
What you're going through is a normal response to your situation. It’s abnormal to witness the murder of a loved one.
I, too, wish you didn’t have to experience such a devastating loss but know that I’m here for you whenever you need me, okay? ”
Irish nodded. “Sure.”
“Is there something you can do to lift your spirits? Maybe go for a drive or go on a getaway? It can even be a small as enjoying ice cream.”
“Well, I’m leaving tomorrow to go see my best friend. She just moved to another city, so we’ll be celebrating our birthdays together.”
“That’s great. I think the change of scenery will do you some good.”
“Yeah, me too,” she mumbled.
“Is there anything else you want to discuss? I’m open to talk about everything with you.”
Irish smirked. “No, Carrie. I’ve taken up enough of your time. I appreciate you for listening. At least I know now that I’m not going crazy.”
“Of course, you're not going crazy. You're just grieving right now. That’s all. The pain of losing your husband will probably never go away, but I feel like time will help you cope with your loss.”
“I hope so.”
“Me, too, Irish. Thank you for coming to see me. You have fun on your trip and safe travels. Please come see me when you get back to St. Parklynn.”
“I will, Carrie. Thank you for listening.”
“No problem. That’s what I’m here for.”
“Bye.”
Irish hung up the receiver and stood. Walking out the booth, she inhaled the muggy Florida air. The talk with Carrie was much needed. She put a lot of things into perspective for her. Now, she was ready to leave St. Parklynn behind so she could see what the hype was for Diamond Falls.
Noble walked into the nail shop on a mission. Every woman seemed to turn their head at his presence. He caught a few of them batting their extended lashes and inviting him with their eyes. However, Noble hadn’t come to flirt, he came there to make a move.
“How can I help you?”
He looked at the beautiful brown skinned woman, who wore her hair in a high ponytail. His gaze went down to her vest where her name tag read Hallie.
“I need a manicure.”
“Okay, one of the nail techs will be available soon. You can have a seat there.”
Noble shook his head. “No, I want you to do it.”
A friendly beam graced her full lips. “I’m actually in the middle of some paperwork right now. I can assure you that my nail techs will take great care of you.”
Noble leaned against the counter, drawing near to her face. Her gaze was locked into him as he studied her features.
“You come highly recommended, Hallie. Therefore, I want you to take care of me. You think you can make that happen?”
She nodded as if she was in a daze. “Uh, yeah, yeah, I’ll do it. Follow me.”
Noble ambled around the front desk and followed Hallie to her station.
All the patrons watched his lean frame walk while whispering to the technician that serviced them.
Noble took a seat as Hallie grabbed a towel and laid it across her station.
She was a cute girl with a slim build and subtle curves.
She sat down, swarming the area with her amber scent.
“So, you said I came recommended, huh?” she asked.
“Yeah, I heard you're the girl to see when it comes to nails.”
She simpered, grabbing his big hands. “Your nails actually look like they’re in great shape. Are you sure you want a manicure?” She jokingly narrowed her eyes.
Smirking, he replied, “Yeah, I’m sure.”
“Okay.” Grabbing her file, she began buffing his nails.
Noble looked at the pink and yellow color scheme then leaned a bit to look at the back of the salon.
“How long you been here?”
“About two years. The shop was actually a present for my birthday.”
“Oh, yeah?” He smiled. “Who got it for you?”
She glanced at him. “Someone special.”
“Word? That man must love you.”
She nodded. “He does. He tells me every day but you know how men can be, though.”
“No, enlighten me.”
She twisted her lips before saying, “Men say one thing but do another. Sometimes, words are empty with them. I’m sure you know all about that.”
Noble chuckled, wondering if it was Tuck who made her jaded or someone from her past.
“I actually don't know shit about what you're talking about.”
“I doubt that.”
She got up and went to the back. A minute later, she came back with a bowl of warm water. She placed Noble’s hands inside the bowl and pulled out other instruments from the drawer.
“If a man bought you a business, that means he believes in you. If he believes in you, he loves you.”
She nodded, smirking at him. “I guess you're right.”
“How long y’all been together?”
Picking up his hand, she started pushing his cuticles back. “For about two years.”
Noble was amazed by how much this girl revealed to him. He would’ve been pissed if his woman had run her mouth like this.
“He’s a lucky man.”
Hallie gushed, trying to hide her smile. “Why do you say that? Because I’m pretty? What if I’m difficult or don't listen? I could be a cheater and you're talking about him being lucky.”
“I see a hard-working woman who’s running a business that…” He looked around the shop. “…seems to be doing well. I may be off but you seem to work for what you want. Now am I wrong?”
“No,” she replied shyly, “you're not. It’s been my dream to own a nail salon. Although it’s not easy running a business, I love being a business owner.”
“That’s what’s up.”
The conversation came to a halt as Noble watched her dry his nails off. While people surrounding him thought he had come for a standard manicure, Noble was casing the place. He counted six nail technicians, two exits, and a parking lot out back that he spotted before he walked inside.
“What about you? Is there a lucky woman in your life?” she asked, grabbing his attention.
He shook his head as Irish surfaced in his mind.
For most of the day, he had done well with not thinking of her.
It was at night when she barged inside his mind, forcing him to miss her.
A whole week without her touch, voice, and scent made Noble a mad man.
He was snappier and more impatient because his Pumpkin wasn’t in his life anymore.
The only time he showed any semblance of happiness was when Kenji was in his care.
“Yeah, there is.”
“Oh, really? That’s good. Just don’t mess it up,” she teased.
He chuckled. “Why would I do something like that?”
“‘Cause men can be stupid at times and fumble good women.”
“You're a lil’ jaded, huh?”
Hallie smacked her lips like he had said something appalling. “No, I’m not jaded but I know how men are. Contrary to what you believe, though, I’m in a very healthy relationship now. He’s the best and will do anything for me.”
“That’s what’s up. So, that means wedding bells are on the way, right?”
Her mouth opened but her words stalled. Noble snickered inwardly because there was no way Tuck was going to marry her. She was just a front since his real preference was men.
“Yeah, but he’s kind of away right now. I have to wait for him to come home for that to happen.”
“Oh,” he drawled. “I get it. Is he worth the wait?”
She nodded. “Yes, he’s my forever and ever.”
Noble resisted the urge to snort. This woman had no clue who she was connected to. He wondered if she knew about the recent exposure that had happened to Tuck. They continued small talk while she finished his manicure. Once she was done, he took a look at his clear coated nails and nodded.
“I ‘preciate this.”
“No problem. It was my pleasure to service you.”
“How long do the shop stay open?”
“Um,” she hummed, “until eight.”
“Damn, so you not getting off until later, huh?”
She shook her head. “Yeah, this is my day to close. So, I’ll probably be here until nine since I have to clean everything.”
Got damn this girl be oversharing like a mothafucka…
Tuck hadn’t taught Hallie shit about being discreet. Noble reached into his pocket and pulled out some cash. Removing the money clip he peeled off two hundred dollars.
“Keep the change, beautiful.”
“Wow, thank you so much.” She picked up the money. “What’s your name?”
He grinned. “Anthony.”
“Okay, Anthony. You enjoy that manicure and make sure you tell someone about us, okay?”
He nodded. “I will. Have a good day.”
Noble exited the shop and got inside his car. He dialed Wilde’s number as he started the engine.
“Yo?” he answered.
“Tonight.”
“Word?”
“Yep, shit is too easy.” Noble peered at the shop.
“A’ight.”
Hanging up, Noble drove away and went to the other side of town so he could knock out the next thing on his to-do list.