Reaching over the table, he grabbed her hand. “You know I love you. I want the best for you. If you meet somebody and you want to go all the way with that nigga, I promise I won’t interfere. Just give me a heads-up. I don’t want you to be lonely. I want you to find someone that brings out the best in you. I want you to fall so deep in love that you feel like you’re drowning and don’t wanna be saved.”
Irish grinned, swooning over his words. “Your wordplay has always been sickening. You should’ve been a writer.”
Jovanis waved his hand dismissively. “I’ma fucking hustla. Fuck a writer.”
“Whatever.” She playfully rolled her eyes. “You’re the bestest friend a girl could have.”
“Even though I pushed you in the pool and you had just got your hair done for eighth grade graduation?”
Irish’s smile turned into pursed lips as he burst out laughing. “Don’t bring that up. I had to beg my mama to get my hair done again because of you. Do you know how long I had to hear her mouth?”
“My bad.” He snickered. “I wasn’t shit for doing that to you.”
“You damn right.”
Irish cherished moments like these. Where she and Jovanis could trap themselves into their bubble and talk about anything they wanted. Or they would reminisce on their youth when their bond was established. Life back then was hard. Like a horror movie that she never wanted to watch again. Every day, she thanked God for bringing her out of darkness. Life wasn’t perfect but it was better than what she had once dealt with.
“What’s on the agenda today?” he quizzed, walking her to the car.
“I’m going to meet up with Cali and possibly get my hair done.”
Jovanis eyed her mane. “Yeah, get that carrot top did.”
“Shut up.” She chuckled.
“Aye, let’s go to the movies. Just me and you.”
Nodding, she replied, “Okay, which theater?”
“Parkland so I can order me some food.”
“Your greedy ass,” she jested. “But I’ll look up the showtimes and see what’s playing. Then, I’ll let you know.”
“Yep.”
When they approached her car, Jovanis gave her a hug and kissed her cheek.
“I’ll holla at you.”
“Bye, Van.”
He walked toward his car while Irish got inside hers. Before she drove away, she texted Cali asking her to meet at her small warehouse. Sounds of MonaleoPutting Ya Dineblasted in her car as she drove out of the parking lot. Feeling full of her meal and excited for her time with Jovanis, Irish rapped along with the lyrics as if she had written the verse herself.
It took about thirty minutes for her to arrive at the warehouse. When she pulled in front, she noticed Cali’s Porsche parked near the door. Cali never requested to meet up on short notice so Irish knew something was off. Strutting toward her car, she got inside and immediately smelled the scent of marijuana.
“Oh, this must be an emergency if you’re smoking,” Irish noted.
Cali scoffed. “This shit ain’t doing anything for me except wrecking my nerves.”
They had become friends over the years due to their husbands working in close proximity. Cali was a fun girl who loved to hang out and enjoy her life. Irish was the same, and when they found out their shared similarities, they bonded.
“What’s going on?”
Cali exhaled deeply, looking forward while Irish waited in great anticipation.
“I’ve decided that I’m leaving Rio for Braye.”
Irish’s ginger brows hiked while gawking at Cali, who avoided her eye contact.
