“You're not catching a train,” Douglas griped. “That’s why we’re here to get you a car today.”
Bria laughed. “You swear Cali is sixteen years old.”
“She’s a single woman in a new city by herself. I won’t rest well, knowing she’s traveling by a train. We don't know this place that well so, no, she won’t be getting on the train.”
Cali wasn’t going to argue with her father. There was no use when Douglas had his mind made up.
“You guys, I’m just so happy right now. I really think I’m going to love it here,” Cali gushed, gazing out the window.
This was exactly what she needed to mend her broken heart. A new scenery with a new job and people who she didn’t know. They wouldn’t know her sins. They wouldn’t judge her for her bad decisions. Cali had a clean slate. The stains of her past wouldn’t show up in Diamond Falls. Everyone would take her as she was and Cali looked forward to it.
“You definitely are going to thrive here,” Bria agreed. “There’s so many possibilities here for you.”
“As long as you stay out of trouble.” Douglas eyed her.
“I promise.” She raised her hand. “I’m going to be on my best behavior. No more bad decisions. I’m here to work and live just a lil’”
“Don't put so much pressure on yourself, Cali,” Cecilia told her. “You're human, we all make bad decisions.”
“I know, I just… I wanna make you guys proud.”
“We’re already proud of you,” Douglas assured.
“Are you sure, Dad? I know I’ve disappointed you the most.”
Douglas drew near to Cali and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Listen, you’ve made me very proud. What father can brag about having a daughter who is a software engineer? You're extremely intelligent and beautiful. I don't hold your mistakesagainst you and neither should you. All that other stuff is water under the bridge, okay?”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“Now, let’s go pick you out some furniture then get you a car.”
“Can I get a Porsche Panamera?” she asked, hopeful.
His lips pursed as he cut his eyes at her. “Don't push your luck, Calia.”
Bria chuckled. “You tried it.”
“I definitely did.”
Noble hiked the stairs just as the front door opened. Danira appeared, wearing a zebra print muumuu with a wine glass in her hand. She smiled at him when he reached the top step.
“What happened this time?” she asked, wearing a smirk.
Noble chuckled. “Let me in.”
Stepping to the side, she allowed him access inside her home. The aroma of food floated in the air as Noble went to take a seat on her leather couch. Solange’sBinzplayed in the background while a candle flickered on the coffee table. Danira took a seat in the chair and crossed her legs.
“So, what’s up, Noble? How can I be of service to you?”
His elbows were on his knees and his fingers were interlocked. It was going on month two of Irish’s depressive state and Noble wanted to save her. His Pumpkin was a fighter, trying her best to battle grief head-on but at times, she lost the fight.
“I need you to tell me how to help my girl out. She’s been grieving and… I don't know. I want to make her feel better.”
Danira’s head slightly reared, showcasing how his statement had caught her off guard. She was a therapist and a damned good one. If there was anyone who could give him tips on how to deal with Irish, it was her.
“Wow, um…” She placed her glass on the table. “I didn’t expect you to come on her behalf. Who is she grieving?”
“Her best friend. He got killed right in front of her.” The thought of that always made Noble’s jaw clench. He couldn’t wait to make Tuck pay for his sins.
