“I didn’t ask you that.” He simpered. “I said who dat?”
“…My ex-husband.”
His eyebrows rose, making Cali smile. “Oh, so you were married. See, I know what I be talking about. What you do?”
It was Cali’s turned to laugh. She was in the small percentile of women who fucked up their marriages. Initially,she had been ashamed to admit it. Now that Rio had gotten his lick back, her wound wasn’t as raw as it had been.
“I cheated.”
“Word?” he asked, surprised.
She nodded. “Yep, I cheated, he left. The end.”
“Damn.” He pulled on his chin patch. “A lot of women don't admit when they fuck up. I respect you, Cali.”
“Yeah, thanks.” She nodded, finishing her drink. “Shit happens.”
“You ain't gotta tell me that. I know shit can really happen.”
Cali spotted Elara coming through the door. She waved at her as soon as she got past security.
“Hey, boo. Sorry I’m just now getting here,” she apologized. “Traffic was so bad coming from 95.”
“It’s okay. Mr. Rule was keeping me company.”
“Oh, hey, Rule,” Elara greeted him. “I didn’t even notice you.”
“What’s up?” he acknowledged her, but his gaze was on Cali as she stood.
Cali reached into her purse and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. Rule gently grabbed her wrist.
“You don't pay for shit when you know the owner, baby.”
Blushing, she asked, “Who’s the owner?”
Rule suddenly towered over her. “I think you know the answer to your question but there is something you can give me to cancel your debt.”
Elara chuckled at their interaction. “I’m going to go grab us a seat.”
Cali nodded before she walked away. She then placed her gaze on the handsome creature before her.
“Now I have a debt with you?” She eyed his neck tattoos, wondering what their significance was.
“Yeah, give me your number and your tab is cleared.”
Cali held out her hand, and he passed her his phone. Punching in her number, she made sure to call her phone so she could have his number as well.
“You're welcome.” She smiled, handing him the phone.
“Drinks on me for the rest of the night. Enjoy, baby.”
Cali flashed him her dazzling smile then walked to the back where Elara was. She was certain her charm had locked him in. For the first time in months, Cali was looking forward to connecting with another man who wasn’t Rio.
Rio sat across from Rozalin as she ranted about her long day at the salon. Her words had fallen on deaf ears because he had unashamedly checked out. For weeks, he had strived to keep the flame burning in their affair, but it had burned out the moment Cali discovered their fling. Inadvertently, Rio placed distance between them, making up reasons why he couldn’t spend time with her. The only reason he had met her at the restaurant because she’d made him feel bad about his lack of presence.
“I didn’t tell you this but.” Rozalin paused and inhaled deeply. “Irish came to my shop talking shit. I’m guessing Cali filled her in on everything.” She rolled her eyes, scoffing at the notion. “Like, I already was attacked and now I’m beingharassed. What should I do since you don't want me to go to the police?”
Rio picked up the rest of his drink and gulped it. The last thing he wanted to do was get in the middle of a beef between women. That shit wasn’t his style.
