“Yes, she’s pregnant. This ain't no fling, Danira. Me and her are locked in for life. So, let go of thatget back togetherbullshit in your head. I came here thinking you would help meout but you still stuck in the past. I think it’s time to end this friendship ‘cause you don't know how to handle it.”
Noble headed for the door, and Danira was right on his heels. “Noble, wait. I apologize.”
He turned around just as he arrived at the front door. On his face was an impassive expression as Danira peered at him.
“I didn’t mean to let my emotions get the best of me. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable but what I feel is real. I, at least, wanted to let you know what it was between us. That’s all.”
His frown softened as he cupped Danira’s chin. It had to be agonizing experiencing a love that had been buried years ago. Although he didn’t share the same sentiments as her, he didn’t want to be totally dismissive. After all, they’d managed to share a friendship for the last fifteen years.
“Let it go, Danira. I’ve moved on and you should, too. I’ll always love you for being my first but it’s not the kind of love you're looking for. You deserve to have someone who’s crazy about you. I’m not the guy. I’m already crazy over another woman.”
She nodded as her head fell forward.
“I gotta go. Take care.”
Noble’s words were spoken in finality. This would be his last visit to Danira. She was in the deep end of the pool of second chance and Noble refused to get wet. He had a woman he adored waiting on him and he couldn’t go backwards. Not even for Danira.
“So, how’s it going out there?”
Irish stared at her phone screen while FaceTiming Cali. It had been one week since she’d been in Diamond Falls, and Irish couldn’t wait to get a more detailed update on her move. They’d texted the first three days and now Irish wanted all the tea.
“It’s so nice here. It’s really the East Coast. The row houses, boardwalk, and busy atmosphere is so different than home.”
“I bet it is.” Irish simpered, laying back in the bed. “So, how’s the job working out?”
“It’s cool. It has a much more laid-back atmosphere than my last job, which is why I chose to work from home a lot back then.”
“Mm-hmm.” Irish pursed her lips. “Your ass wasn’t even working from home. You were working that nigga.”
Cali chortled. “Bitch, I was doing everything but working. But that’s the past so let’s move on.”
Irish chuckled. “Yeah, okay. Is there any Black people at your job?”
“Yeah, it’s a couple. It’s this one girl who seems cool. She don't act like no square or anything so we’ll see. Maybe we can go hang out or something. I haven’t presented the idea because I’m trying to feel everyone out.”
“That’s smart. You gotta make sure she ain't weird.”
“Exactly. So, what’s been up with you?”
Irish’s chest inflated, thinking about her current mental state. “I don't know, Cali. Some days, I’m good and feeling like I’m getting better. Then, I wake up sad, like I’ve just realized that Jovanis is gone…” She paused for a moment. “I feel like I’m going crazy some days. I just want to get to the last stage ofaccepting that he’s gone. Not to mention, I’m still traumatized. Zavier is still taking me everywhere but what if the person who killed Van, comes back for me? I think about that every day.”
Nothing made Irish happy except when Noble was in her presence. Even then, somber thoughts battled for her attention. Her sadness came in waves like the sea, moving her from contentment to misery without giving a proper warning.
“That’s normal. I hear about how people mourn their loved ones for years. Grief don't ever go away so don't rush it. Just go with the flow.”
Her bedroom door opened and Noble walked inside. Irish’s lips stretched into a grin as she sat up. He was dressed down in a crisp white T-shirt, red designer shorts, and fresh Air Force Ones.
“Oh, damn, Noble must be there. I see all those damn teeth in your mouth,” Cali complained, causing her to laugh. “Call me tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
Noble kneeled down and kissed her on her lips. “I missed you, Pumpkin.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I missed you, too.”
Pulling her up, Noble held her while kissing her on the lips. “Did you go to your warehouse?”
She nodded, gazing into his eyes. “Yes, I was very productive today.”
