Noble continued to the back where Lyra’s office was. This wasn’t the place nor the time to discuss their issues. He knocked before letting his presence be known. Lyra ushered him in withthe wave of her hand while she was on the phone. He took a seat just as she ended the call.
“Did you get that email?”
She nodded. “I did, so you're about to add on another building?”
“Yeah, do you think you can manage both or should I hire a manager for that facility?”
Inhaling a deep breath, she replied, “I think I should be able to handle both.”
“I don't need you to think. I need you to know if you can take on this load because I got a feeling that this building is going to grow fast. It ain't no problem for me to hire someone else.”
“…Noble, can we talk about what happened?”
“No!” he snapped. “Why y’all can’t let that go? Damn!”
Noble wasn’t in the mood for this shit. He just wanted to discuss business and nothing more.
“I can’t get you on the phone. I’ve been texting you for a month straight, asking for you to call me. I won’t show up at your house because I’m scared of what your reaction will be. We don't need to be conducting ourselves like this.”
He peered at the woman who carried him for ten months. Lyra used to be the apple of Noble’s eye. She was flawless to him; without fault and stood on a pedestal he had created just for her. Sadly, he knew those feelings, those emotions for her would never return. She’d showed her hand with him. Like the old people said, her slip was shown. She’d chosen Bernard over him. It was a hard reality to accept but Noble did it. Lyra seemed to think she could have it both ways—please her husband while remain in Noble’s good graces—but life didn’t happen that way for him.
“You remember why we’re here?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Of course.”
“I don't think you do. You forgot how that man tried to ruin me…”
Lyra clamped her lips shut as her gaze cast over her messy desk.
“I feel like you’ve forced that memory out of your mind. It’s like you forgot how severe this shit could’ve been, Ma. If I’m disappointed in anybody in this situation, it’s you. You didn’t move how I thought a loving mother would move. You want me to forget how you didn’t have my back and just move on like you did. Well, I’m not set up that way. You're my mother so I’m going to always hold you to a higher standard. You let me down, and I don't think our relationship can be repaired.”
A single tear dolloped on Lyra’s cheek. He spotted the regret swirling in her eyes. Noble wished things could’ve been different. He wished he could’ve pardoned her actions but if he did, she would think it was a gateway to continue fucking him over. Noble couldn’t allow that. Lyra would be held to the fire just like all his other enemies.
He stood, not bothering to bid her farewell. Lyra needed to sit in the puddle of remorse and really ponder her actions. Walking back where Wilde and Kaliste were, Noble signaled for him to follow him outside.
“Aye, I came here to tell you that that nigga Jakai still be talking to Tuck’s bitch-ass.”
“Word?” Noble faced him.
“Yeah, one of the homies told me the other day. Every time that nigga call, he step away and shit. I bet that’s who Tuck sent to murk Jovanis.”
Noble nodded, considering what Wilde had told him. He knew it was someone on the inside, someone that he didn’t think would make that move. Jakai was the perfect candidate. He was an under performer. A weak link that would do anything to prove his worth.
“Yeah, a’ight. Get one of the jits to keep a close eye. I want to know what the fuck he’s doing from the time he wakes up until his bitch-ass goes to sleep.”
Wilde nodded. “I got you.”
“I heard you been on your shit ever since you took over Jovanis’ role. I’m counting on you so keep working, my nigga.”
“Man, I got this,” Wilde assured.
Wilde had been improving ever since Noble checked him about his lack of effort. He’d been reliable and showing up when necessary.
“I gotta go pick Kenji up. I’ll holla at you later.”
They gave each other a brotherly hug before parting ways. Noble was still irritated with his mother, so he felt spending time with Kenji would cure him of his irritation.
Cecilia had turned the backyard into a private oasis. Lights strung between the palm trees, giving a golden glow to the atmosphere. A long table was set with candles and roses. Tiki lights lined the yard while a rustic bar was set up by the pool. Big balloons floated that spelledgood luck. Cali smiled at all the people in attendance for her going away dinner. Initially, she protested when Cecilia presented the idea. Now, she was elated to be around her close friends and family. A few of her cousins,who she hadn’t seen in a while, came along with her aunt on her mother’s side.
