Irish’s nose wrinkled at that. “Well maybe he’s bisexual.”
“Nah, he’s in denial. Those are the worst type of men because they're fucking delusional. But I got that nigga back, so it’s fuck him forever.”
“Are you the person who put the pictures out?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I did it and I don't give a fuck. He deserve all that shit.”
“Van,” Irish scolded him. “You know that wasn’t right.”
His red-rimmed orbs cut into her. “But it’s cool for him to play with my feelings and lead me on, knowing he didn’t love me like he said?”
“I’m not excusing his behavior but it’s not right to out him. You don't know how it made that man feel. I know you're hurt but you could’ve handled it better than putting his business out for the city to clown him.”
“It’s done, Irish.” He shrugged. “I just feel like I’m not gonna find a love like that again. He was it for me.”
“You will find a love like that. You have it in me.” She smiled.
Jovanis tried to hide the smirk that formed on his lips. “It’s not the same.”
“You're right because a love like ours never end. You’ll always have me, Jovanis.”
“Does Noble know that?”
“Yes, he does.”
He snorted, gnawing on his bottom lip. “That man is gonna hurt you, Irish.”
“I don't think so.”
“He is. When he was done with Tuck, he abandoned him. When he didn’t want his wife, he got rid of her, too. He walks away from anything that doesn’t serve him.”
Irish had never thought about that angle pertaining to Noble. She hated to admit that it made her think.
“He don't know what to do with a gem like you. Niggas like him fumble good girls all the time. I’m not wishing it on you but… Noble’s gonna fuck up and when he does, I’ll be here to pick up the pieces.”
Irish had faith in her relationship with Noble. Jovanis wasn’t aware of how good he loved her. They both had taken risks to be together, and she didn’t think he would fumble her.
“So, now what?” he asked when she didn’t respond to his last statement.
“We both move on and get a divorce. I’m still your best friend, if you’ll have me.”
He sighed as his gaze cast toward the chipped wood. “I need you, Irish. Always will.”
“And you have me. I just can’t be your wife anymore. I need to stand on my own two and live life. I’m here, though. You never have to worry about me abandoning you.”
Jovanis stood and gestured for her to do the same. Irish rose from the bench and walked into his awaiting arms. Closing her eyes, she inhaled his scent as he kissed her forehead.
“You know you're my baby, Irish. That’ll never change.”
Drawing back, she peered into his eyes. “I know that, Van. You're my best friend and my protector. I appreciate you so much.”
Jovanis hugged her tighter and planted a kiss on her cheek.
“Make sure that man takes care of you. As a matter of fact, raise the bar on his ass.”
Irish snickered. “Sure, Van.”
“I’m serious. You deserve the very best.”
