“On a brighter note, I applied for a job in Diamond Falls, and they requested a phone interview.”
Irish’s ginger brows lowered as she quickly sat on the sofa. “Diamond Falls? Where the hell is that?”
“East Coast.”
“No, Cali, you can’t leave me.”
She tittered and replied, “Girl, it’s just a phone interview.”
“But what if you get the job?”
“And what if I don't?”
“Cali,” Irish groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. “This is very selfish of me to say but I need you to be here.”
I’m married and pregnant by a man who’s not my husband…
Irish wasn’t ready to reveal her pregnancy yet.
“I’m here, Irish, you know that. You’ve been my rock through everything. And although I shut you out after my divorce, you were still there for me when it mattered. I’ll never forget how you showed up for me when Rio was in a coma. I’ll never leave your side off that deed alone. No matter where I am, I’m here for you.”
Irish pursed her lips. “Heffa, don't try to sweet talk me. I still don't want you to do this phone interview.”
Cali chortled just as the elevator doors chimed open. Looking over her shoulder, she spotted Ivory walking inside with awe in her eyes. Two large suitcases rolled across the dark hardwood floor while Ivory’s sandals created the flip flop sound.
“Hey, Cali, I’m going to call you later tonight. Ivory just got in.”
“Okay, girl.”
Irish hung up and shuffled over to the foyer where Ivory stood.
“Is this our new spot? If so, I’m in love,” she gushed.
“No, this is Noble’s place.” She grabbed the suitcase handles from her. “Did you get my toiletries and facial products?”
“Yes.” She rolled her eyes, walking toward the windows. “I got everything on your list. I don't know why you just didn’t get it yourself. It’s not like Jovanis has been there.”
Irish placed the suitcases in the corner. “I didn’t want to take any chances.”
She joined her sister in gazing at the view of the city. Their silence was comfortable as they stood next to each other.
“So, it’s real, huh? You're really leaving Van?”
Irish sighed, creating a cloud of breath on the window. “Yeah… am I a bad person?”
Ivory gave her a quick glance. “No, well, I don't think so. I mean, you're married but it was open. He left the door open for you to fall for someone else. However, I do have reservations.”
Turning toward her, Irish asked, “Like what?”
“Like what if this Noble guy isn’t a good man? What if you leave and Noble doesn’t love you like Jovanis does? You really think this guy is worth it?”
Irish’s gaze traveled back to the sky that held an overcast. Ivory’s questions were valid and with logic. Still, Irish was ready to take some risks. All her life she had been led by someone. First, it was Daisy, then Emanuel came in and took over. Once he was gone, Irish followed Jovanis around like a lost puppy. He led them everywhere and she trailed behind, not questioning anything.
Irish wanted to make her own decisions and mistakes. She needed to learn from life. Afterall, it was the best teacher. If it didn’t work out with Noble, she would be crushed but she would have some solace in knowing she had made a decision to love him on her own free will.
“I do think he’s worth it. I feel so valuable in his life, Ivory. The love he gives me is something I've never experienced before.”
Her gasped filled the room. “Not even with Van?”
