Chapter 18
Eighteen
The deep cerulean water was the perfect introduction for Cali to enter into the new phase of her life.
The mountainous setting gave her a view that not even the greatest painter could capture.
She never thought she’d spend her Thanksgiving on an island.
She was supposed to be surrounded by her family and friends, feasting on food made with love.
Not sitting in a bungalow that was in the middle of the Atlantic ocean.
Ever since Cali’s game of pool with Rio, her mind had gained the clarity she’d been praying for.
They spoke on the phone multiple times a day.
They conversed about topics that they’d never explored before.
It felt like Cali had gotten to know Rio all over again.
What she’d learned the most was that they weren’t the same people from five years ago.
They had grown more, mentally. Rio’s outlook on life was different due to him almost dying.
His mentality had changed and Cali could say it was for the better.
When they weren’t talking on the phone, they FaceTimed. Rio would guide her on how to cook certain dishes and she would pick out his outfits for the day. She felt like a teenager who had just discovered her first crush. It was sickening how giddy she’d get when she saw his name on her phone.
Virtually, they’d attended one counseling session with a therapist. It was intense hearing Rio’s deep perspective on how Cali’s bad choices had gotten him hurt. He’d professed to forgiving her and she vowed to never step out on Rio again.
Taking it slow had turned out to be beneficial for them. There was no animosity between them. No bitterness. Just good vibes and laughter.
The ringing of her phone brought her attention toward her lap. She smiled when she saw Douglas’ picture on her screen.
“Hey, Dad. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Well, it’s not that much of a happy one because you're not here. What’s going on, Cali? I was looking forward to seeing my girl.”
Beaming, she told him, “I know but I wanted to try something else for the holidays. I promise to be there for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The twins made me pinky promise on FaceTime.”
“They're persistent,” he kidded. “So where are you?”
“Nirvana Sky Island.”
After visiting with Irish and Noble for her birthday, Cali wanted to experience the island from a lover’s aspect. When Rio asked her to pick a spot for them to go, this place was her first choice.
“Hmm, what’s there?”
“Beautiful ocean views and great food. I’m going to send you a picture of the bungalow I’m staying in. It’s so gorgeous.”
“You sure that’s it?”
Her lips pursed at his question. “Where are you getting at, Dad?”
“You sure Rio isn’t there with you?”
Cali’s mouth gaped as she sat speechless. No one knew of her reconnection with Rio because she wanted to be sure that it would last. Not even Irish knew that she had been conversing with the man she swore to never be with again.
“Rio? What made you ask about him?”
“Cali cut the shit. I know that’s who you're with. He told me.”
“He told you?” she asked, appalled. “When did he tell you this?”
“A while ago. We had a conversation about you two and he let me know some things.”
“Like what?”
Douglas chuckled. “It’s between men, Cali. Don't you worry about what we discussed.”
“Wow, me and you are supposed to be besties, Dad,” she joked. “We tell each other everything.”
“Oh, please. You're the sneakiest of my girls so don't try and manipulate me. Just know that there’s an understanding. It’s one of the reasons why I’m not totally mad about you not being home for the holidays.”
“We’re taking it slow,” she stressed. “Nothing is set in stone. Just trying to reconnect and be friends again.”
“I understand. Just make sure you do things the right way, Cali. No more secrets or lies. On both of your parts ‘cause Rio isn’t a saint either.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Okay, well let me go. We’ve been trying to cheer Enya up since you-know-who cheated. I have to say.” His voice got lower. “She’s getting on my damn nerves with this whining.”
Cali cackled. “I already know. Knowing that she’s being miserable, I’m glad I’m not there.”
“Consider yourself lucky. Hey, your mother is ready for me to fry the turkey. I’ll talk to you later, baby.”
“Okay, bye.”
Cali sat her phone next to her and looked out at the ocean. What was better than soaking up the sun rays while peering at turbulent azure water? She missed her family but nothing topped this.
“Here.”
She turned and noticed Rio handing her some shaved ice.
“Ooh, thank you.” She dug in right away just as he sat next to her. Rio had his own serving that he ate without a utensil.
“This is so good,” she gushed. “Where did you get it?”
“On the other side of the resort. I saw a sign and had to try it.”
The couple sat in a comfortable silence while devouring their frozen treat. Sometimes, Cali thought this was too good to be true. How had she and Rio found their way back to each other after all the pain? Was this ordained by God, or were they forcing something that would never work?
“So, you spoke to my father?” she asked without looking at him.
“Yeah.”
Cali peered at him. “Why?”
“‘Cause I needed to… on some man-to-man shit.”
“Hmm, so that means you're not going to go into detail about it?”
“No.”
She smirked at him, taking in all the tattoos on his walnut skin. His upper body was toned with subtle muscles which Cali loved. She hated those overly bulky men but Rio was the perfect build. His wicks were pulled up with aviator shades shielding his eyes.
“How did Ms. Campbell and Deasia take you missing Thanksgiving?”
He shrugged. “Deasia wasn’t trippin’ but my mama was salty. I told her I was meeting you and she got happy.” He grinned.
“I miss my girl. I don't think Deasia likes me anymore, though.”
“She ain’t said so but I don't care.”
“Not even with Slime and Cee?” she questioned. “Cee hired a private investigator on me, remember? I’m sure he won’t be thrilled about us reconnecting.”
“Who gives a fuck? That nigga don't run my life and I don't live for his approval. I make my own decisions,” he ranted then calmed a bit. “Niggas know not to come to me on some slick shit, especially about you.”
Cali looked forward. “This feels like a dream and not the good dream, but one where I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. It’s not quite doom but it’s like I can’t get too happy. I feel like I’m in a waiting room.”
Rio gently grabbed her chin and turned her face toward his. “What you worried about? I’m here and me and you both made a promise to give our best effort for this. You don't need to be waiting on anything except for me to love you.”
This man virtually made her heart smile.
The sincerity of his eyes spoke volumes that were sometimes too loud for her to receive.
Under all the healed parts of Cali was a tiny piece that felt unworthy of another chance.
She didn’t want to acknowledge it but it was there, attempting to bribe her into self-sabotage.
“You're right.”
“I know I am.” He kissed her lips. “Positive shit only, Cali. No more negative talk.”
“Okay.”
Cali inhaled a deep breath while preparing her mind for their next discussion. Grabbing her phone, she tapped on an app and passed it to him.
“What’s this?”
“My period app. I’m four days late and there’s no sign that it’ll be here soon. I always spot a couple days before my period and I’m clear as shit. Oh, and before you ask, you were the last person I had sex with.”
Rio looked at the phone then back at her. “I wasn’t going to ask that.”
“Why not?” she quipped. “You were calling me all kinds of hoes and friendly pussy-ass before. Why wouldn’t I think you would question the paternity if I were pregnant?”
“That was back then when I was in my feelings about not having you. I know it was immature but that’s how I chose to deal with our separation. I wouldn’t question you now, Cali. So, stop bringing up old shit.”
Raising her hands to submit, she replied, “Okay, I’ll stop.”
“Now do you think you're pregnant?”
“I don't know. I don't have any pregnancy symptoms. Just a late period. Maybe I should wait it out. I’m probably not even pregnant.”
“Well, we about to figure it out.” He stood.
“Where you going?”
“To find a pregnancy test.” He tossed Cali her phone. “I’ll be back.”
“Wait, I wanna come, too.”
“Nah, just relax and let me take care of you.”
Blushing, she agreed, “Okay.”
Rio left the bungalow while she sat in great anticipation. A pregnancy would disrupt her life right now. She was in a new city with a new job. Rio was all the way in St. Parklynn. She wasn’t certain how they would make it work with a new addition.
“I’m probably not even pregnant. Let me chill out.”
An hour and fifteen minutes later…
Rio had declined Cali’s offer to come with him to the store because he needed time to think.
Over a month ago, Rio had created a plan to get back into Cali’s life.
Witnessing her move on left him desperate which led him to plot.
Still having access to her period app, he figured out the week she’d been ovulating which was her birthday week.
Rio purposely went to see her with one objective in mind.
Cali would probably be mortified if she knew he had planned to get her pregnant.
She’d curse him and leave him again for his devious actions.
It was toxic. It was cunning. Rio was aware of this to be true but he couldn’t take back what he had done.
If he’d known he’d be able to get her back without his underhanded plan, Rio would have never committed the sin.
That was why he’d never reveal what he’d done.
Not a soul could know about his desperate lengths to get his wife back. He would take it to the grave.