“God that was such an awful experience,” Irish admitted once they were outside.
“I know. There’s something eerie about planning someone’s ending.” Cali gave Irish a contemplative look. “What do you need?”
“I need a moment to cry.” Her words ceased as they headed toward the car where Zavier was waiting. “Damn, I’m so tired of crying.”
“It’s natural, Irish. You can cry as much as you want to. Let’s go to the beach where you can sit in front of the ocean waves and cry your heart out.”
Irish chuckled on the verge of another breakdown. “You're really going to sit next to me on the beach and watch me cry?”
“No, I’m going to stop and get me something to eat on the way, pig out, then join you to cry ‘cause as you know, my life has been some bullshit.”
Irish tittered. “You really are the best, Cali.”
She winked at her. “Oh, I already know. Let’s go.
One month later…
Noble: Open the door.
Irish wiped her hands on the towel then traveled out her bedroom and descended the stairs. With her townhouse being three levels, her room was on the third floor. She stopped at Ivory’s room, noticing her put on a pair of platform heels.
“Where you going?”
“Out with my friends from Miami.”
Irish’s brows rumpled. “You're driving there?”
“No, they're here to see me.” She grinned. “You know I’m such a light in people’s life.”
Playfully Irish rolled her eyes. “Girl, please. Be safe and don't do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Yeah, whatever.”
The two of them descended downstairs together, and Irish opened the front door. Noble stood on the other side; his cologne greeted her before he could open his mouth. All day, she’d been waiting to see him. Her days were filled with crying then yearning then back to crying again. Noble’s presence always gave the soothing her heart needed.
His chocolate coating looked edible. With a fresh haircut and freshly lined beard, Irish felt the familiar tingle that hadn’t been present since Jovanis’ passing.
“I've missed you,” she cooed, and he pulled her into his body. His arms felt the safest.
She pulled back, kissing his lips with passion.
“Y’all are disgusting.” Ivory faked gagged. “I’ll be back later.”
“Oh, you can't speak,” Noble teased.
She smirked at him while walking out the door. “Hi, Noble. Bye, Noble.”
“Don't be drinking and driving!” Irish yelled out to her.
Ivory put her thumb up and got inside her car. Noble closed the door with Irish still nestled in his arms.
“You had a good day?”
The invisible balloon seemed to pop and her sadness surfaced. It was never too far away. Only hiding in the shadows, making Irish believe that she was getting better.
“I’m trying,” she answered honestly.
Noble kissed her lips. “That’s all I need. As long as you're trying, then you’ll be good…” He studied her for a moment. “Something on your mind, huh?”
