“Thank you, Dad.”
Enya shook her head and stood. “I don't agree with this. You're being a coward by running to another city. Stay and figure this shit out with Rio if that’s what you truly want.”
“Figure what out?” Cali flailed her arms, frustrated with her whining. “We’re divorced, you idiot.”
“Then, fight for him!” Enya bellowed.
“There’s nothing to fight!” Cali matched her blaring tone. “That man don't want me. He hates me. I would be fighting a losing battle. We’re done, Enya.”
She pressed her lips together before a snort came through her nose. “I never took you to be one that’ll just lay down and take it. You were always the feisty one who refused to lose. You need to find that girl again.”
Enya stormed out of the dining room and seconds later, the front door slammed. Cali pressed her hand against her forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
“I think she’s just gonna miss you and don't know how to tell you that.” Bria sighed.
Cali peered at her mother. “Mama, tell me you understand. Please give me your blessing to move on. I just want to feel better. I thought a new scenery would do me some good. All I want is peace again. You get it, right?”
Cecilia smiled at her with wet lenses. “I understand and I’m here for you every step of the way. I’m just sad because I will miss you.”
Cali’s gaze drifted to the table. She too would miss her family, but she missed the girl she once was even more. She had to find herself again before it was too late.
Douglas lifted his glass in the air. “To Cali and her new beginning.”
Cecilia and Bria followed suit. Cali smiled as she grabbed her glass of water and held it in the air. They all touched glasses before taking a sip.
“Thank you, guys, for everything. I really mean it. I’m sorry for all that I put the family through. I never meant to bring any shame to any of you. I haven’t always made the right decisions but I’m trying to now. I hope it’s not too late.”
“Oh, honey, you're never too late to make a change that’ll be beneficial to your overall growth.”
Douglas reached over and squeezed her hand. “You’ll always have us no matter what. I’ll rescue you from anything. I’m rooting for you, Calia.”
“Yeah, I am too.”
Nineteen
Noble was seated in the chair as his barber finished up his haircut. He was set to meet with his business manager in an hour so they could discuss him expanding his logistic company. With the twenty-five percent growth for the year, it was time to purchase another warehouse. Glancing at his phone, he noticed the time and also a text from Irish.
Pumpkin: I’ve decided to talk to Jovanis and request a divorce. I’ll call you afterward.
Noble snorted, immediately dialing her number.
“Hey, did you get my text?”
“Yeah, I got it but don't be texting me that shit like you're sending me off.”
“What?” She giggled. “How did you get all that from that text?”
“It was too vague. Call me and tell me that. Don't text me.”
“But you don't like talking on the phone, remember?” she teased him.
“I told you I’d make an exception with you. Call always, Pumpkin, especially when it’s important.”
“Copy.”
“So, now what’s the plan? Where y’all meeting at?”
Typically, Noble wasn’t a nosy man. He liked to give Irish room to handle her business, but this was different. Jovanis had been a crash-out lately, and he wanted to ensure her safety.
