“What do you think I'm going to do? I’m leaving his punk-ass.”
Cali snorted. “Well, good luck, sista.”
“You know, you and Bria are some of the worst sisters ever. I call to gain some kind of consolation and you two act like I just told y’all about a walk in the park. This is my life, Cali. My marriage is ending and all you have to say is good luck?”
Looking at her nails, Cali was so unmoved by Enya’s pain. Who cared that her husband had cheated on her? To Cali, people got cheated on every day. What made Enya so special that she thought the world was supposed to stop because of her husband’s infidelity?
“What else do you want me to say? Maybe you should've been paying more attention to your husband than portraying that you're in a healthy marriage.”
“You know what? Fuck you, Cali. The next time you fuck up because we know you will, I won’t be there to help you through it. I’m gonna watch you drown in grief while I laugh in your face, bitch.”
“God bless you on your journey.” Cali ended the call and smiled.
She finished the rest of her lunch then placed the empty contents in the garbage. Just as she prepared to go back to work, her phone buzzed.
“Well, hello,” she answered, smiling.
“Man gone,” Rule fussed. “Why you stand me up that night?”
She had forgotten about the plans she made with Rule the night of her birthday. Rio’s impromptu visit had stolen all of her attention.
“I’m sorry. That was the night of my birthday so something came up. Forgive me.”
“Damn, why you ain't tell me it was your birthday? I would’ve went all out for you, baby.”
She simpered, not buying his charm. “Rule, please. Go all out is a stretch, besides I had an amazing birthday with my best friend.”
“That’s what’s up. I wanna see you, though. Can you make time for me tonight?”
“Sure, Rule. Where you want me to meet you at?”
“Nah, I’ma come get you.”
“Okay,” she teased. “A man with a plan. I like that.”
“Oh, yeah?” he flirted. “You should see what else I have planned.”
Cali relished how good his voice sounded over the phone. “Oh, I’m sure it’s something exciting.”
“Always, baby. Send me your address. I’ll pick you up around six.”
“Okay, I got you.”
“I’ll holla at you later.”
“Bye.”
Cali went back to work. A night out with Rule would be just what she needed to start her weekend off right.
Later that evening…
“Damn, Cali, you look better and better every time I see you,” Rule complimented her.
Cali blushed, appreciating how he looked at her. She wasn’t even dressed to the nines. She wore a tan, oversized LV shirt that she tied at the bottom, crème-colored leggings, and mink boots. One of the perks of living in Diamond Falls was the fall attire she never got to wear in St. Parklynn.
“Thank you.”
He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. Riding shot gun with Rule felt like she was in a music video. His car smelled new and the tints on his windows made her feel invincible.
