“He claims he’s not. That he only went over there to ask her how to deal with me because she’s a therapist. Like I’m falling for that.”
“Yeah, why did he have to go to her house? He couldn’t call her and ask?”
“Exactly!” Irish snapped, rolling her eyes. “He’s really acting like I’m trippin’ for being mad. I told him that Jovanis said he would hurt me and he got all upset. Girl, he dumped me and told me to text him my next appointment.”
Cali pushed out a deep sigh, loathing how Irish was in this predicament. She’d lost her best friend/husband and now her relationship was done. On top of that, Irish was pregnant now facing single motherhood alone.
“Damn, you don't think you two were just caught up in the moment? Maybe y’all can talk once you're not mad at each other.”
Irish shook her head. “No, we’re done. I can feel it.”
“That’s hard to believe.” Cali smirked. “You two are way too in love to just end like that.”
“Love ain't got nothing to do with a man disrespecting me. I let Jovanis dictate our relationship for years. I was passive and allowed him to walk all over me. This time, I’m not doing it. I can’t be no punk-bitch for all of my life.”
“Girl.” Cali chortled. “You ain't never been no punk-bitch. Just a woman who is too loyal at times, that’s all.”
“Well, I’m not playing that game anymore.” She took a sip from her water bottle. “And I’m not chasing no man either. I don't care if I’m pregnant.”
“Have you told Ivory, yet?”
“No, I don't know why I’m dreading it. There have been so many changes in her life. I feel like I’m dogpiling on her. Plus, I still don't know why she left Miami. It’s a reason she’s not telling me.”
“Well, Ivory ain't no lil’ girl no more. Like she said, she’s a grown woman,” Cali joked. “She should be able to handle your new addition.”
“Yeah.” Irish exhaled. “I know. Well, what’s been up in your world? I didn’t mean to dump on you.”
“Oh, it’s been… different but in a good way. Diamond Falls is nothing like St. Parklynn. It’s a vibe here. The people are cool but blunt. Work is going great. I met a friend who is cool as hell. Oh, and I met a guy.”
Irish grinned. “A guy, huh? What’s his name.”
“His name is Rule and that man is fine. I can’t stay away from the men with locs. And I can tell he’s bossed up but there is a catch.”
“Oh, Lord. What is it?”
“He’s married but legally separated.”
Irish smacked her lips. “So, basically he’s married, but wants to cheat, so he’s telling you a lie hoping you’ll fall for it.”
Cali laughed. “Could be. You know my cheating ass already know the game. Wasn’t nobody slicker than me.”
Irish doubled over, chortling loudly. “Please stop. I have heartburn and you're going to make it worse.”
“Look, I gotta call me out on my shit sometimes.” Cali chuckled. “But I don't really care about him being legally married ‘cause I’m not looking for anything serious. I’m still not completely healed from my divorce, so I don't mind playing a bit. I hope he don't get hooked, though.”
“Right, ‘cause there is something about you that hook the men,” Irish teased, twirling her finger. “You really can’t get rid of ‘em.”
That used to be a compliment to Cali until she thought about the incident with Braye. He was one of those men that couldn’t let go and tried to destroy her life.
“Yeah, but I don't want another Braye, so I hope his ass knows that I’m not about to commit to anything. I just want to sit on his face here and there.”
“I feel that. Speaking of divorce, have you spoken to your ex-husband?”
Cali rolled her eyes at the thought of Rio. She’d moved on, expecting to leave him behind but every time she checked her Instagram stories, she noticed he was always on the list of people who viewed it. She wondered why he was even concerned about her. According to him, she was a cheating bitch who almost got him killed.
“No, and I don't care to. We’re done.”
“So, the day of your going away dinner, I stopped by Rozalin’s shop and cursed her the fuck out.”
