“Like the situation with Rio?” Shay guessed. “Look, I'm not trying to be nosy but ever since Irish’s ugly ass came here telling your business, you haven’t been in good spirits. Did something happen between you and Rio?”
Rozalin rolled her tongue across her teeth, hating how distorted her reality was at the moment.
“Yeah, I feel played.”
“How?”
“He used me to get back at Cali and I was dumb enough to fall for it.” Bitterly, she shook her head. “I didn’t wanna believe that he used me as a pawn but it’s evident in how he handled me. As soon as Cali found out about us, he started distancing himself. Now we barely talk.”
“Girl, fuck that nigga and fuck Cali.” Shay sneered, crossing one leg over the other. “You don't need his ass. He don't get to pick you up and drop you off when he feels like it.”
Somehow, Rozalin could always count on Shay to hype her up. She had been a part of the bitter women club for years. Her ex-husband had moved on from her and Shay had been distraught ever since.
“I feel you but I caught feelings for that man. I won’t chase him but damn… I wished he would give a little fight for me, ya know. It’s like his interest is gone but then it isn’t.”
“Fuck that nigga.”
“I wish I could feel that way but again, I have feelings for him.”
Shay rolled her eyes. “You're too good for Rio. His ass ain't even all that.”
Rozalin flashed a knowing look. “Now bitch you going too far ‘cause that man is all that. Plus, the dick is bomb.”
“Okay, so what. He’s not the only man that has good looks and good dick. You need to move on and let that hoe have her dog back.”
Rozalin inhaled sharply, suddenly regretting confiding in Shay. She would never understand the bond she shared with Rio.
“Plus, you don't wanna fuck behind Cali anyway. She look like she don't clean herself good. Like she don't wash between her ass.”
Rozalin laughed while holding her stomach. “Why would you say that?”
“Because she’s a dirty-ass Black bitch,” Shay snarled. “A fucking black roach that deserves to get her ass whooped. You wanna go jump her for attacking you? My son is with his dad so I have time.”
Rozalin shook her head. “No, she moved away. I saw her sister post about her going away party some weeks back.”
Over the weeks, Rozalin’s contempt for Cali had increased to astronomical levels. Each time she thought of her, she remembered the pain from the blows to her head or the bruises that took weeks to heal. Rozalin would never forgive Cali for sneaking up on her. She didn’t give her a chance to fight one on one and for that, she would never respect her.
“What should I do?” she asked Shay.
“About what?”
“My situation with Rio. I don't wanna walk away just yet. How should I get his attention back on me?”
Shay’s gaze drifted to the window. “I don't know… have a talk with him.”
“I did. That got us nowhere. We both walked away frustrated.”
“Well, I think you should just move on. You're better than him anyways.”
Rozalin bobbed her head, pushing out a deep sigh. They had so much more gas in their tank and she wasn’t ready to pull over quite yet.
Eleven
Cali entered the establishment and was escorted to the highest floor. She smiled when she noticed Rule sitting in a circular booth with his inky arms stretched across the top. When his gaze landed on Cali, her body shuddered. His mocha eyes sparkled as she approached the table.
“Damn, girl.” He stood, towering over her five-foot-six frame. “You look sexy.”
Cali simpered, appreciating his compliment. Her outfit was a one piece that hugged every nook and cranny of her body. She felt her body jiggle with every step she took. It was daring and by the look in Rule’s eye, she knew he loved it.
