Alas, Shay had just knocked her back on the ground. She’d reminded Cali that she was a no-good bitch who cheated on her husband and placed him in danger.
“Bitch, fuck you! You don't get to throw shit in my face ‘cause you ain't God. You don’t even know the details of my situation so shut the fuck up.”
“Shay, you're out of line,” Rozalin reprimanded her. “You already caused me to lose one of my loyal clients, I won’t allow you to do it again.”
Gaping at Rozalin, Shay fired back, “I’m taking up for you.”
“I don't need you to take up for me. Cali wasn’t doing anything wrong. We were sharing friendly banter. There was no need to bring up her situation with Rio. You wouldn’t like it if someone did that to you.”
Shay cut her eyes at Rozalin. “Next time, I won’t try to defend you.”
“Bitch, she ain't need no defending!” Cali snapped, placing her hands on her hips. “Now watch your fucking mouth before you get your ass whooped for a second time.”
“Ain't nobody whooped my ass!”
Clarice snickered. “Chile, I beg to differ. Irish was mopping the floor with your ass.”
“Got the nerve to mention my ex when yours didn’t even want you,” Cali ranted, taking a seat. “I can walk away knowing I fucked up but yo’ nigga left you in the dust and didn’t even have a valid reason. He just wanted to get the fuck away from you!”
Cali felt victory when Shay’s eyes watered. If Cali had to feel the sting from Shay’s unkind words, then she would too.
Shay snatched her purse off the counter and stalked out of the shop. Cali had come in peace, needing some relief in her miserable life. Shay had turned an innocent trip to the salon to another self-pity party for Cali.
“I’m sorry about that.” Rozalin gently touched her shoulders. “Shay has been a riot, lately. I’m gonna have to sit her down and talk about her behavior.”
“Fuck her.” Cali snorted then smiled at her through the mirror. “Tell me about this mystery man.”
Rozalin grinned while grabbing her comb. “He’s great. Actually, better than I expected. He’s kind but rough around the edges. Most of all, he’s so cool. Like he makes my nervous system relax. He’s dominant but doesn’t wear it on his sleeve if that makes sense.”
Cali beamed at her. “Those are the best kind of men. The ones that don't do too much but will get in somebody’s ass if need be.”
Her thoughts went to Rio, wishing she could rewind the time when she belonged to him. He was stern but gentle; kind but didn’t fuck around when the time permitted it; laid back, at ease, and just an all-around good guy.
I miss him so much.
“Yes, girl he’s literally everything but I’m trying to take it slow and not fall too deep,” Rozalin gushed. “I can see myself with him for the long haul.”
Cali angled her head, beaming at the genuine smile on Rozalin’s lips. It had been so long since she’d had someone. Typically, she was the single one in the shop, declaring to wait until the right man found her. Cali was glad her patience had paid off.
“That’s what’s up, boo. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you, Cali, but enough about me. How are we doing this hair today?”
“I want something dainty. So, hook me up.”
“I got you.”
Sixteen
When Noble was at the head of the table, he was typically the person calling the shots. Or he would demand the plans of one of the lieutenants and confirm if that was the right thing to do. This time, he sat at the table, under the interrogation lights. Nuke and Vic sat on one side while Zayd and Wilde occupied the other side. At this table, he had to be transparent. This was more than TLM members. This was his family and he owed them an explanation.
“So, how long you been dealing with her?” Zayd asked, getting straight to the point.
They were at Noble’s home in Emerald Village, sitting at his dining room table. A toothpick dangled from his mouth as he leaned back in his chair. As uncomfortable as this position was, Noble still knew he was built for it. He never claimed to be perfect. Still, his family held him to a different standard and although unfair, he had to give them a reason for his actions.
“Right before Rio’s accident.”
Vic’s forehead creased. He was stunned by that admission. “Damn, it’s been that long.”
