“You ain't have to show me that.”
“Actually, I did ‘cause you seem to think I’m a hoe and will give my pussy up to any man.”
Rio simpered at her attitude. “So you telling me that man that you took a picture with is nobody?”
“What man?” She scrunched her face.
“The nigga’s arm that was in your picture. Or you have that many on your roster that you can’t remember?”
“Oh, that.” She gave him a careless hand wave. “That wasn’t anything special.”
“Yeah, I bet.” He sipped his drink, attempting to flush images of Cali with another man from his mind.
“So.” She propped her hand on the table. “Did the fire blow out with you and Rozalin?”
Rio sank into his seat while taking in the details of her beautiful face. He knew most of her countenance but there were subtle things he rediscovered. Like how her cheek had a subtle dimple or the line in the middle of her bottom lip that made them poutier.
“I really don't want to talk about her. That was just something to do.”
“To get back at me, right?”
It was time to confess it to Cali since he had done it for Rozalin.
“Yeah, I did it to get back at you.”
She shook her head. “Your vindictive ass.”
“But I didn’t go after her, though. She approached me. Hell, she knew who I was when I didn’t know who she was.”
“Because she’s a desperate hoe and you fell for it. But whatever.” She hunched a shoulder, finishing her drink. “That shit ain't my business.”
Rio had to change the subject before they both fell into their comfort zone which was arguing.
“So, how you doing? You know, being in a new city.”
A smile surfaced on her lips, making him feel like puddy.
“I feel good. I’ve met some great people and I like my job. There’s so much to do here, and I’m determined to try everything.” She smiled. “St. Parklynn had become too dark for me. It’s like I couldn’t escape the mistakes I made.” Sighing, she continued, “I like it here, though.”
“It’s cold as hell up here.”
She twisted her lips. “Rio, it’s chilly not cold. You just a Florida boy who’s used to that hot-ass sun.”
“Maybe so.” He checked his surroundings then returned his attention back to her. “But I guess it’s cool. So you here for good?”
Silently, Cali pondered. “Possibly. I don't know. We’ll see how the first year goes.”
Suddenly, a somber feeling Rio couldn’t name overcame him. Cali had been a part of his existence for over five years. He had gotten used to her being in his life. Knowing she wasn’t in the same city as him left him glum.
“I’m happy for you.”
She kissed her teeth as an expression of doubt covered her features. “I don't believe that. You wanted me to kill myselfbecause of what I did to you. So, I’m not gonna believe you're overjoyed for me.”
“Stop that,” he scolded her. “I would never want you to do anything to yourself. Yeah, I’m mad about what you did but not mad enough to see you dead. The fuck.”
With her lips pressed together, Cali leaned back, staring at him. There was so much Rio wanted to confess but there was a part of his manhood that his pride was in charge of. Admitting she still occupied most of his mind each day was a no. Acknowledging that the love he had for her was still present was out of the question. Telling her how he hated that there were over 1000 miles between them would kill Rio. He couldn’t express any of that with his mouth. It had to be done another way.
Glancing at his watch, he checked the time. “Let me get you back to your crib. It’s getting late.”
