Hours later…
Cali surveyed her appearance in the mirror, checking all angles. After work, she followed Elara to the salon where her stylist, Esha, did her hair. She slayed it so well that Cali considered her to be a better stylist than Rozalin.
“Rozalin who? Bitch, Esha killing you, hoe,” she muttered, fingering her curls.
Her pixie was styled to perfection in pin curls that mirrored waves. Esha had done so good that Cali made sure to tip her well. After the salon, she and Elara went to grab something to eat before parting ways. They made plans to meet up later at the lounge. Now that the time had come, Cali was a ball of nerves, but she looked good so that made her uneasiness simmer a bit.
Clad in a pink leather mini dress with cris cross detailing in the back, platform Prada pumps, and small Alyak bag, Cali felt amazing. Her makeup was soft, bringing out the sparkle in her eyes. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she snapped a few pictures and posted them on her Instagram. Cali grabbed her perfume, sprayed it liberally, and headed out the door. Getting inside her car, she punched the address of the lounge into her GPS and drove off.
While driving, Cali’s mind took a detour in her recollection. After the year she’d had, she just wanted ease. She yearned to take the liberty to live life however she saw fit. She was free now. The bounds of marriage had been broken. Depression still hung over her head but instead of it being a gloomy cloud, it was now one with a bit of sunshine peeking through. After her confrontation with Rio, Cali had forgiven herself. Unbeknownst to him, he’d aided in her making that happen. She’d even taken the advice from Carrie at the Stoplight Booth and began journaling. Life was on the up even though it wasn’t perfect. Cali had made terrible decisions, but she was determined to make choices that would leave her happy.
Cali was relieved to see that the lounge had valet parking. She pulled up, got out the car, and passed her key to the attendant. With her head held high, Cali entered the lounge as Jill Scott’sMe 4floated through the air. All heads turned including women, wondering who this cacao beauty was. A subtle smirk was on her lips as she headed to the bar. She sat down, immediately drawing the bartender’s attention.
Yeah, I’m still a nigga magnet…
If Rio only knew how many men she’d turned down on behalf of him. Yes, Braye had slipped through the cracks at a time when Cali didn’t feel appreciated by her husband. But forthe most part, Cali had been faithful. She honored him loudly when men refused to accept that she was taken.
“What can I get you, beautiful?” the bartender asked, simpering.
“She looks like a vodka girl,” a deep baritone said.
Cali turned to her left, wondering who had spoken for her. Instantly, she had fallen into a trance. He was a soul snatcher. She could tell because just one look from him alone had the seat of her panties welcoming her wetness.
“Now how would you know what I like?”
He smirked, showing a subtle dimple in his cheek. “I don’t know. You just seem like a vodka type.”
“Well.” She smirked, activating her charm. “You're wrong. I’m a tequila girl.” Cali looked at the bartender. “Let me get a tequila espresso martini.”
He nodded. “I got you.”
Cali crossed her leg, pulling the soul snatcher’s attention toward her shimmering skin.
“You new ‘round here, huh?”
Cali took her time answering his question while silently studying him. He was handsome in a rugged kind of way. His skin was the shade of cedar with a lining that was lined flawlessly. A mustache and chin patch were his only facial hair and Cali liked that. It was groomed perfectly, showing off his blemish-free skin except for the tattoo above his walnut-toned eye.
“Why would you think that?” she flirted, admiring his neat locs that were pulled back.
“Because I know everybody and I ain't never seen someone as gorgeous as you.”
Rolling her eyes, the bartender placed the drink in front of her and she picked it up, taking a refreshing sip.
“You need to fine tune that game of yours.”
“This ain't game.” He grinned, leaning back. “I’m serious. Diamond Falls has a lot of beautiful women, but I swear you in my top five dead or alive.”
Cali smirked at his wordplay. “What’s your name?”
“Rule. What’s yours?”
“Cali.”
He extended his hand, highlighting a diamond watch that sparkled under the dim lights.
“It’s nice to meet you, Cali.”
She shook it, making note of how big his hand was. That was a feature she appreciated on a man; large hands that could handle what she dished out.
