Chapter 16 #3
“God bless you on your journey.” Cali ended the call and smiled.
She finished the rest of her lunch then placed the empty contents in the garbage. Just as she prepared to go back to work, her phone buzzed.
“Well, hello,” she answered, smiling.
“Man gone,” Rule fussed. “Why you stand me up that night?”
She had forgotten about the plans she made with Rule the night of her birthday. Rio’s impromptu visit had stolen all of her attention.
“I’m sorry. That was the night of my birthday so something came up. Forgive me.”
“Damn, why you ain't tell me it was your birthday? I would’ve went all out for you, baby.”
She simpered, not buying his charm. “Rule, please. Go all out is a stretch, besides I had an amazing birthday with my best friend.”
“That’s what’s up. I wanna see you, though. Can you make time for me tonight?”
“Sure, Rule. Where you want me to meet you at?”
“Nah, I’ma come get you.”
“Okay,” she teased. “A man with a plan. I like that.”
“Oh, yeah?” he flirted. “You should see what else I have planned.”
Cali relished how good his voice sounded over the phone. “Oh, I’m sure it’s something exciting.”
“Always, baby. Send me your address. I’ll pick you up around six.”
“Okay, I got you.”
“I’ll holla at you later.”
“Bye.”
Cali went back to work. A night out with Rule would be just what she needed to start her weekend off right.
Later that evening…
“Damn, Cali, you look better and better every time I see you,” Rule complimented her.
Cali blushed, appreciating how he looked at her. She wasn’t even dressed to the nines. She wore a tan, oversized LV shirt that she tied at the bottom, crème-colored leggings, and mink boots. One of the perks of living in Diamond Falls was the fall attire she never got to wear in St. Parklynn.
“Thank you.”
He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. Riding shot gun with Rule felt like she was in a music video. His car smelled new and the tints on his windows made her feel invincible.
“So, how many niggas on your roster, Cali?”
“Now, why would you need to know that?”
“Because.” He glanced at her. “I’m trying to see who I gotta bully.”
Smirking, she shot, “Now why would your very married ass need to bully anyone on my roster? Did you forget you belong to someone else?”
“No, I didn’t forget.” He adjusted his diamond watch on his wrist. “But that shit ain't relevant right now.”
Her brows peaked on her lightly made-up face. “Oh really?”
“Yeah, baby. I told you we legally separated. That shit has paperwork on it.”
“You still that lady’s husband,” she joked.
He grinned, causing her to laugh harder. “Don't get fucked up, Cali. I know what I am but I’m not focused on that right now. I’m concern with this bad-ass chocolate girl who got my fucking nose wide open.”
Cali was smitten but she had to remind herself that this man was just a temporary wave she was riding.
“Where we going, Rule?”
“To a place where you can relax and have fun. You cool with that?”
Bobbing her head, she replied, “Sure.”
While Rule navigated the streets of Diamond Falls, Cali took in the city, marveling at all the new gems she’d discovered. Rule pulled in front of a club where the line was around the building. He got out and helped Cali out of the car.
“What is this?” she asked, grabbing her jacket from her seat.
“A comedy club,” he answered, leading them to the door.
Rule shook hands with the guard and was granted access.
The place was filled with beautiful Black people that were dressed in the finest threads.
While they maneuvered through the packed club, people made it their business to greet him.
Men and women smiled in his face, hoping to gain some of his attention.
Rule found them a table in the corner of the room.
They weren’t too far from the stage but wasn’t first row either.
“You good, Cali?” he asked, adjusting his diamond chain.
“Yeah, are you? You real popular tonight.”
He smacked his lips. “I’m popular every night. I keep telling you I’m the mayor ‘round this bitch.”
Playfully, she rolled her eyes. “Your cocky ass swear.”
“You know what it is.”
The drinks flowed like water while they nibbled on appetizers. The comedians were entertaining, pulling several laughs from Cali. After the comedy show, the couple left and went to Rule’s lounge where she got to indulge in hookah.
“You trying to spend the night with me, Cali?”
Slitting her eyes, she asked. “Is it safe?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Because you're not a single man. Your wife could have access to your place, and I don't need to be caught up in no situation.”
He laid his hand on her thigh. “I ain't no messy nigga. When I say my place that means mine only. I’m the only person who has access, so, yes, you're safe.”
She nodded. “Okay, cool.”
“Look, I got some shit to handle so I’ma drop you off. When I’m done, you can meet me at my spot. I know your ass wanna be able to leave when you want.” He smirked.
“Look at you. Learning my program,” she teased.
“Man, gone.” He laughed. “But you good with that?”
“Yep.”
“A’ight, let’s go so I can drop you off.”
Rule grabbed her hand and led them out of the lounge. The ride to Cali’s loft was about twenty minutes. He bumped Jay-Z’s Song Cry the entire way, pushing her thoughts to Rio. Swiftly, she cleared her mind just as he parked in front of her place.
“I’ll walk you to the door.”
Cali watched him get out the car and walk around to open her door.
“You're such a gentleman,” she teased.
“Always, especially for beautiful women like you.”
Cali led the way toward her front door but stopped when she heard a car door slam.
Looking to her right, she quietly gasped when she noticed Rio.
He bopped over quietly, tucking his hands in a Gallery Dept.
hoodie that she wished she could steal. As if Rio had a remote control and had pressed pause, Cali was stuck gaping at him.
He approached her, smelling like his favorite cologne.
Rio’s presence prompted her heart to skip a beat.
She loathed the effect this man still had on her.
When he was away, Cali thrived. Yet when he was in her presence, she was still that woman who was raw for him.
“Who the fuck is this?” he asked in an even tone.
Cali gulped, trying to find words to respond to his question.
“I’m Rule, nigga. You ain't gotta ask her who I am when I’m right here.”
Oh shit…
Cali swiftly took control before the situation set into a blaze.
“This is Rule, Rio. Rule this is my ex-husband, Rio,” she introduced them, hoping they would halt this dick swinging contest.
Rio snorted. “Why this nigga here?”
“Fuck you say?” Rule questioned with an expression that went grim.
A sinister smirk covered Rio’s lips. “You hard of hearing?”
Cali stepped aside, not bothering to try and control their banter. This wasn’t a fight she would referee. In reality, she didn’t owe neither one an explanation. So the fight was all theirs.
“Aye, Cali, you better tell this nigga that he’s on my turf and shit can get real fucking ugly if he want,” Rule snarled.
Rio stepped into his personal space. “Let’s get ugly then, bitch.”
They eye warred with each other while Cali stood back, impressed. Both men were holding their own, not backing down on each other’s offer. No one showed a sign of weakness. They were ready, waiting on the other to make the first move.
Rule chuckled. “Man, you a lil’ nigga to me.”
“Nah, I’m that nigga with big talk and big bullets.”
“Fuck outta here.” Rule snorted then looked at her. “I’ma let you handle your business, Cali. Hit me up when you get rid of this lame.”
“That call ain't happening tonight. Say goodbye ‘cause you’ll never see her again,” Rio assured, causing Cali to smack her lips.
“Call me, Cali, baby.” Rule winked at her then walked to his car.
As soon as he drove away, Cali glowered at Rio. “You hopping on a plane to come here like it’s around the corner. What are you doing here, Rio?”
“Who the fuck is that?” He ignored her question. “And why it look like he was about to come in?”
“That’s none of your business. I don't owe you shit!” she hissed. “I ain't never met a man that divorced someone and can’t leave them alone. The fuck!”
She stomped up the stairs and unlocked her front door. She went to slam it on Rio, but he blocked the door and barged inside.
“Why you trying to lock me out?” He chuckled.
“‘Cause I don't want you here. I thought I made it clear during our last conversation that we should part ways? Besides, go check on your new baby mama. I’m sure she could use some crackers or ginger ale.”
Rio sucked his teeth while expelling a heavy breath. “Her ass not even pregnant. She posted her cousin’s sonogram being messy and you fell for it. I told you I didn’t get her pregnant.”
Cali didn’t know how to feel about Rozalin’s thirst trap.
On one hand, she was relieved but on the other hand, she didn’t know why.
This man wasn’t hers yet she was glad that he wasn’t creating life with her ex-hairstylist. It could’ve been her ego or the part of her heart that Rio still owned. Cali wasn’t certain.
“I didn’t fall for anything. You’ve been fucking her and she posts a sonogram picture. Anyone would think she was pregnant by you. So don't act like I’m green and gullible.”
Rio leaned against her island and cupped his hands in front of his pelvis. His contemplative expression caused Cali to wonder what he was thinking.
“Can we talk on some real shit?”
Cali’s eyes rolled while mulling over his request. The talks with Rio had been heavy.
They were filled with pain, regret, and burdens that she wasn’t strong enough to carry.
They’d talked about everything so far and she didn’t think they had more topics to discuss.
In spite of Cali’s hesitancy, she gestured with her head to go to the living room.