“Oh, I’m aware. I just don’t care anymore.”
Irish nodded, understanding her sentiments. “Well, call me and let me know what happens.”
“I will.”
The two shared a hug and Irish got out the car. There was this ache in the pit of her stomach, alerting her that Cali was about to get herself into something that could potentially explode in her face.
Later that night…
Why did a storm have to make an appearance on such an ominous night? Cali looked out the window while gallons of rain hit the pavement as lightning danced through the horizon. The booming thunder felt as though God had heightened her anxiety on purpose. Did He agree with her decision? Probably not since Rio was her husband but she couldn’t do it anymore. The towel had been thrown into the air and Cali didn’t care where it landed. What she was certain of was that Braye had her heart and soon, he would have her body and mind as well.
Cali’s phone buzzed against the coffee table. Glancing at the screen, she noticed her sister, Enya calling. Reluctantly, she grabbed the phone and answered, “Hello?”
“Ew, why do you sound so down?”
“Because I’m about to end my marriage, that’s why,” she spat sarcastically.
There was no reason to sugar coat anything when Cali’s mind was set on leaving.
“Cali, what the fuck?” Enya yelled. “Have you lost your mind?”
“Actually, I found it.” She snickered.
“None of this is funny. How dare you make light of this situation?”
Enya was the older sister who thought she was Cali and Bria’s second mother. She always took herself too seriously and would judge them if she felt they were making foolish decisions. Cali wasn’t shocked by her reaction since this was typical Enya.
“Listen, I know this isn’t funny but I’m making the best of it. Don’t call me trying to preach ‘cause I’ll hang up on your ass right now.”
“Why are you leaving your marriage?” Enya interrogated, ignoring Cali’s warning.
“Because I’m in love with another man.”
“We’re still here? I thought he was a sneaky link. You’re seriously about to give up your marriage for a side piece? You’re stupider than I thought.”
“And you’re a fucking prude.”
“Why? Because I want to be a faithful wife to my husband. You and Bria really do bird shit.”
“Don’t bring her into this. This is why Bria don’t fuck with you now.”
“Who cares about Bria fucking with me? I don’t fuck with her after that shit she pulled on me. I’ll never forgive her for breaking the sister code.”
“Girl, you broke it first by telling Mama and Daddy her damn business. Let’s not forget you and Daddy were plotting on her husband, too.”
“Fuck that nigga and fuck Bria. Now back to you. I think you’re making a huge mistake. You’re going to regret letting Rio go, especially when he’s a good man.”
Cali rolled her eyes at thehe’s a good manspeech. “Well, you come marry him then since he’s so great.”
“You’re talking that shit now but just wait until you come down from that high. Reality is going to drag you, and you won’t have anyone to blame except yourself.”
The stoic front Cali had been holding up felt like it had been knocked out of her. She was now exposed, facing thoughtsthat she had been throwing out of her mind like trash. She couldn’t act like Enya’s warning didn’t scare the shit out of her. Would she regret this? That question had haunted her mind for most of the day. Cali had spent the last five years with Rio, investing into a covenant that she hoped would pay off one day. However, she didn’t even care about the time spent trying to make Rio her person. Braye was her love and finally, she was ready to choose him.
“Yeah, yeah, if I do, I’ll make sure not to call you.”
“Good ‘cause I don’t show up for dumb bitches who trade in their forever for a good time.”
On that note, Cali ended the call. She tossed her phone on the table and leaned back on the couch while awaiting Rio’s arrival.
