Cali chuckled. “Girl, if you knew the position I’m currently in, you would know that I don't have anyone to tell.”
“Well… I was dealing with Noble.”
“Bitch, Noble?” Cali gushed, smiling for the first time in days.
Irish chuckled. “Yeah… I was fucking around with Noble.”
“You one sneaky whore but tell me if the dick is hittin’.”
“Hittin’? Girl, I’m an addict.”
“Ooh, I knew it. A nigga that fine and powerful gotta have something lethal between his legs. Anyway, continue on.”
“So, Jovanis found out, and he got mad and roughed me up. He has never put his hands on me, so I was offended by that. He ordered me to stop dealing with Noble and I did but… it hurts so bad, Cali. I don't wanna be without him.”
“OMG, Irish did you fall in love with him?”
“Yeah, I did.”
Cali was stunned by the recent developments in Irish’s life. Who knew she and Noble had engaged in a secret affair? She remembered the thrill of fucking around with someone she wasn’t supposed to. It was exhilarating, yet dangerous, and even though their lives were in disarray, they did share some parallels.
“Damn, friend, we’re both in fucked-up situations. Don't feel bad, Rio found out about me and Braye and thinks that I set him up to be killed. Oh, and he put a hit out on me. I’m hiding out at Bria’s house.”
“What the fuck?” Irish yelled. “Set him up? He has to know that you wouldn’t do no shit like that.”
Cali looked over her shoulder to ensure no one was listening to her conversation.
“I didn’t tell my family this because it would make things worse but… I met up with Braye, and he pulled a gun out on me.”
Irish gasped, causing Cali to wince. “A gun out on you? What the fuck? That nigga is crazy as hell.”
“I was so scared.” Cali closed her eyes at the memory. The feeling of her skin sprouting goosebumps still sat in her reverie. “I thought that man was going to kill me, so I yelled and got the attention of other people. This nigga ended up shooting another man. The police are looking for his stupid ass. I hope they catch him.”
“Girl this is worse than I thought. I can’t believe this man did a 180 on you like that.”
“I can’t believe it myself…” Cali mumbled, feeling shame cover her like a blanket. “I’m waiting on my dad to figure thisthing out, you know, with the bounty. I’m so depressed right now. I think the worst thing for me is…” She cleared the emotion from her throat. “Knowing that my marriage is ending.”
“Aw, Cali, I’m really sorry that it’s come to that. Sometimes our lessons are painful and hopefully, you’ve learned yours.”
“Yeah, I learned never to cheat again. Shit, I’ll probably never get into another relationship after this. If it ain't Rio, I don't want them.”
“Wow, so how much is the bounty?”
“$100,000.”
“Damn that nigga want you gone,” Irish joked.
None of this was a laughing matter but Cali couldn’t help but chuckle. “That’s not funny, Irish.”
“It’s not but damn. If I was a shady bitch, I’d call Rio right now and tell him to come get your ass.”
Cali laughed harder with Irish joining her. She was so thankful for her friend. They were both trapped in the midst of raging storms but managed to find a sliver of humor. Cali found Irish’s conversation soothing. She helped her temporarily forget how badly she’d ruined her life.
“You would never switch up on me.”
“Never! Even when you make bad decisions, I’m still gonna be here telling you to think about what you're doing.”
Cali’s smile faded. “I wish I would’ve taken your advice.”
