“Cali cut the shit. I know that’s who you're with. He told me.”
“He told you?” she asked, appalled. “When did he tell you this?”
“A while ago. We had a conversation about you two and he let me know some things.”
“Like what?”
Douglas chuckled. “It’s between men, Cali. Don't you worry about what we discussed.”
“Wow, me and you are supposed to be besties, Dad,” she joked. “We tell each other everything.”
“Oh, please. You're the sneakiest of my girls so don't try and manipulate me. Just know that there’s an understanding. It’s one of the reasons why I’m not totally mad about you not being home for the holidays.”
“We’re taking it slow,” she stressed. “Nothing is set in stone. Just trying to reconnect and be friends again.”
“I understand. Just make sure you do things the right way, Cali. No more secrets or lies. On both of your parts ‘cause Rio isn’t a saint either.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Okay, well let me go. We’ve been trying to cheer Enya up since you-know-who cheated. I have to say.” His voice got lower. “She’s getting on my damn nerves with this whining.”
Cali cackled. “I already know. Knowing that she’s being miserable, I’m glad I’m not there.”
“Consider yourself lucky. Hey, your mother is ready for me to fry the turkey. I’ll talk to you later, baby.”
“Okay, bye.”
Cali sat her phone next to her and looked out at the ocean. What was better than soaking up the sun rays while peering at turbulent azure water? She missed her family but nothing topped this.
“Here.”
She turned and noticed Rio handing her some shaved ice.
“Ooh, thank you.” She dug in right away just as he sat next to her. Rio had his own serving that he ate without a utensil.
“This is so good,” she gushed. “Where did you get it?”
“On the other side of the resort. I saw a sign and had to try it.”
The couple sat in a comfortable silence while devouring their frozen treat. Sometimes, Cali thought this was too good to be true. How had she and Rio found their way back to each other after all the pain? Was this ordained by God, or were they forcing something that would never work?
“So, you spoke to my father?” she asked without looking at him.
“Yeah.”
Cali peered at him. “Why?”
“‘Cause I needed to… on some man-to-man shit.”
“Hmm, so that means you're not going to go into detail about it?”
“No.”
She smirked at him, taking in all the tattoos on his walnut skin. His upper body was toned with subtle muscles which Cali loved. She hated those overly bulky men but Rio was the perfect build. His wicks were pulled up with aviator shades shielding his eyes.
“How did Ms. Campbell and Deasia take you missing Thanksgiving?”
He shrugged. “Deasia wasn’t trippin’ but my mama was salty. I told her I was meeting you and she got happy.” He grinned.
