Cali’s mouth gaped. “Did you really?”
“Mm-hmm.” Irish nodded. “I read her ass down, and she didn’t even tell the others that she had gotten into a fight with you. She told them she had an accident. You know Clarice was eating up the tea.”
“Accident my ass. Bitch don't be shamed because you got your ass whooped. I really hate her ass.”
“Girl, fuck her.” Irish hunched one of her shoulders. “That relationship won’t last ‘cause Rio is still in love with you. I remember we were at Van’s memorial and he came up to Noble.He looked at you but you wouldn’t give him any attention. I swear that man’s eyes were begging to connect with yours. I know he still loves you.”
Cali wasn’t impressed with the idea of Rio still being in love with her, especially after she found out about him and Rozalin. She simply didn’t care anymore. She wasn’t foolish enough to believe the love she reserved for him had faded. It was still present but her contempt for him overpowered that emotion.
“Anyways,” she said, dismissively. “You need a break. You should come here and spend time with me. We can hang out, and get your mind right, so you and Noble can get back together.”
Irish pursed her lips. “I’m down for coming to see you but… I don't think me and Noble are getting back together.”
“Irish, please stop. You're really blowing me right now. I’ll book your ticket.”
“Girl, no. I got it. Just give me some time to make sure Ivory will be good.”
“Okay.” Just as she said that, Cali’s phone rang. Her lips stretched into a grin when she saw Rule’s name on the screen. “Okay, I gotta go.”
“Bye.”
Cali ended the FaceTime call and picked up her phone. “Hello?”
“What’s up, Cali?”
“Hey.” She smiled and fell back on the bed. “How are you?”
“Shit, I’m doing good now that I’m listening to this sexy-ass voice.”
Simpering, she countered, “How often do you use that line?”
“I don't. Nobody sounds as good as you.” He chuckled.
“Yeah, whatever.” She flipped over on her stomach. “So, what’s up?”
“Shit, I’m trying to see what you doing. You feel like meeting me somewhere?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll send the location.”
“Okay.”
Cali hung up and rolled over on her back. The excitement had come back into her life. Rule could be the perfect plaything if he played his cards right.
Rozalin sat inside her office, going through all the text messages between her and Rio. She couldn’t believe how fast their situation had ended. After a whirlwind affair fueled by lust, date nights, and overnight visits, they’d barely spoken since their last encounter at the restaurant. Rozalin foolishly thought they were moving toward being together. The chemistry was blazing and their attraction was thrilling. She loved his nature. Rio didn’t do too much. He never brought a lot of attention to himself and he was laidback. Rio was also respected in the city. Each time they were out, people approached him, showing love. He was that guy and Rozalin wanted to be his girl.
However, after Cali spotted them together, the dynamic had shifted. Rio moved about, mirroring a man that had gotten caught cheating. Rozalin couldn’t understand his behavior when it was Cali who had cheated on him. He didn’t owe her anexplanation. She didn’t deserve any loyalty from him. Rozalin assumed once Cali realized they’d been spending time together, it would bring them closer. Regrettably, that had driven a wedge between them and Rozalin was heartbroken.
A knock sounded on the door. Seconds later, Shay peeked her head inside.
“Can I come in?”
Rozalin nodded, closing her phone screen. Shay took a seat and smiled at her.
“Are you okay? I noticed you haven’t been in the best mood. What’s going on?”
A heavy breath pushed between her plump lips. “I’m cool… just been a lot going on.”
