“You should come visit me in Diamond Falls and we can celebrate then. I’ll look for something fun to do and we’ll fuck the city up one time.” Cali grinned.
“Okay, I’m down with that.” Irish smiled. “Well, give me a hug.”
Cali reached over and wrapped her arms around Irish. Leaving her behind was going to be difficult. This woman had been present for so many obstacles. She was a friend that every woman would be blessed to have. Irish was loyal, understanding, and honest.
“Girl, why your stomach poking me? You ate real good, huh?” she fussed and poked her stomach. “Your stomach is hard as shit. Irish, are you—”
“Shhh.” Irish placed her index finger to her lips and pulled Cali to a more secluded area. “Yes, I am but don't tell anyone.”
Cali gushed, covering her mouth with her hands. “Oh, my God. You're pregnant? Like why you didn’t tell me?”
“I wanted to wait until I got to five months. Not even Ivory knows. I’ve been sucking my stomach in and wearing oversized clothes to hide it.”
“Does Noble know?”
Irish smacked her lips. “Of course he knows. He knew before I could even tell him.”
“Aww, that man really is in tune with you.”
“Girl no, he’s just a nosy nigga who watches everything that I do.”
They both shared a laugh.
“Wow, you're really about to become someone’s mother. That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you. It’s time for you to get some sunshine since you’ve been experiencing so much gloom.”
Irish’s smile faded before she peered at her. “Yeah, the same could be said for you.”
Cali nodded. “I’m optimistic, so I’m looking forward to getting back to me. I want to excel at work and dine at the finest restaurants. I’m about to build up a roster and live my single life.”
“Ayyyeee!” Irish popped her fingers. “Getting back to bad bitch status.”
“Yep, and I can’t wait.”
Noble drove around Havenwood, looking for someone in particular. He hit the corner, driving near the park where he often played at as a child. He spotted a group on the block. They surrounded a car as loud music blared from the inside. Noble pulled up, inciting them to put their hands near their hip or inside their hoodies. When he rolled the window down, the suspicious expressions immediately vanished.
“Damn, I thought you was the law,” Ox said, approaching the window. “What’s up, gang?”
Noble slapped hands with him. “Where Jakai at?”
Throwing a thumb over his shoulder, Ox said, “In the courtyard. You want him?”
Noble nodded.
“Aye, Jakai! Noble over here!” Ox yelled.
Seconds later, Jakai jogged over, pulling up his sagging jeans.
“What’s up, big homie?” he greeted Noble.
“Come holla at me. Get in.”
Jakai got inside the truck right away.
“Aye, y’all stop all this posted up shit. You don't need no heat coming this way,” Noble advised.
Ox nodded. “I got you.”
Noble drove away and looked at Jakai, who was adjusting his seat. The small talk commenced for the short ride.
