“I just want you to leave me alone for a while.”
He shook his head. “No, I don't wanna do that. Let me make you feel better. Tell me what you need.”
“Space.” She huffed with finality.
Unwillingly, he nodded. “A’ight, I’ll do that, but I won’t stay away for long. You got me, Irish. Tell me if I still have you.”
She paused for a moment while he held his breath. Jovanis would lose his mind if she finally decided that their journey had come to an end.
“You know you got me.”
Discreetly, he exhaled before leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Call me if you need me.”
Irish ignored him and turned over on her side. She pulled the covers over her head and made it clear that their discussion was over. Jovanis wanted to do more for her. He wished to pull her out of this slump, but she didn’t want him around. The only solace he had was knowing that Irish’s love affair with Noble had come to an end. It was selfish to celebrate but he couldn’t lose her to another man, especially one of Noble’s caliber.
Six
Bryson Tiller’sTeach Me a Lessonflowed through the car while Noble drove on the interstate. Rarely did he enjoy R&B tunes but on this particular night, he needed to feel something other than rap. Life after Irish had been a big blur. She had been such a staple in his life; her presence left a void that could’ve been felt on the other side of the world. Thoughts of her played like a movie inside his head. Noble had never been so lovesick in his life. Not even Daysha had the ability to pull such emotions from him.
Noble replayed his argument with Irish and wished he could go back and edit some things he’d said. He was harsh only because she had hurt his feelings. Irish hyped him up to believe they would finally give their relationship a go. She made it seem like Jovanis wasn’t a factor anymore, only to pull the rug from his feet. He’d virtually fallen backwards, his back hitting the floor as she stood over him with his heart in her hands. Noble couldn’t keep holding on. He had never given her an ultimatum but after their revelation of love, he figured the inevitable would’ve happened.
They were supposed to be submerged in bliss right now. Irish should’ve been in his arms while he showered her with love that was reserved for only her. Instead, Noble journeyed to a comfort zone that he wished didn’t exist.
Pulling into a subdivision, he parked and got out the car. Walking up the stairs, he noticed her standing in the doorway. A subtle smirk rested on her glossy lips as he approached her.
“What did you do?”
He smirked at her sassy tone. “Why you think that?”
“Because I know your ass. What did you do or who hurt you?”
“Let me in and I’ll tell you.”
With pursed lips, Danira stepped to the side and allowed him access inside the home. His nose was hit with the scent of peaches as tunes of Mary J. Blige softly filled the room. Noble took a seat on the couch as Danira sauntered inside, wearing a silk robe with her natural hair pinned up. The history between them spanned over fifteen years. She had been the first girl he gave his heart to. Back then, she was his safe place. A person he could confide in when the pressure of his life had become too much.
“So, are you going to fill me in?” she asked, lighting a joint and sitting on the chaise across from him.
“Why I need a reason to see an old friend?” He grinned, toying with her.
A knowing look covered her face as smoke lingered from her nostrils. She was still as beautiful as the first day, he’d laid eyes on her. It was ninth grade in social studies class when he first noticed her. She was a petite, chocolate tone woman with big fluffy hair and a smile that brought the strongest man to his knees. Back then, Danira was the most beautiful girl in his world until life happened.
“You know we don't do these social calls without a purpose. One of us is either in distress or in pain when we come see each other. So, tell me what’s up, Noble?”
He sighed, ready to unleash his problems. “I fell in love with somebody.”
Danira grinned and clapped her hands. “Congratulations.”
“But I had to let her go.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s married to her best friend that’s… he got some shit to him.” Despite his disdain for Jovanis, he still couldn’t out him. To Noble, that was some hoe shit to do.
“So, it’s a marriage of convenience?”
He nodded.
“And she wouldn’t choose you?”
