When Cali spotted Irish coming toward the table, she immediately stood and fell into her arms. Suddenly, Irish’s embrace felt like the safest place on earth.
“Hey, it’s okay,” she soothed Cali, rubbing her back.
Cali didn’t believe that though. Nothing would ever be okay in her perspective.
“No, it’s not.” She pulled back, wiping her wet eyes. “I just had to curse Braye the fuck out.”
Irish’s eyes expanded. “Let’s sit and you tell me all about it.”
The two took a seat at the table. Cali grabbed a napkin and dabbed her cheeks.
“He’s so fucking inconsiderate. I told him what happened to Rio and his ass is still asking about us. Like I’m supposed to say fuck my husband and run into his arms.”
Irish had a crinkle in her nose when she said, “What the hell kinda man is he? Did you tell him that Rio is on life support?”
“Yes, I told him!” she snapped, becoming irate all over again. “He don't give a fuck… I swear if Rio makes it out of this shit, I will never look at another man again.”
“So, your choice has changed? You don't want Braye anymore?”
Cali sniffled, trying to put together the words to answer her question.
“I don't know, Irish. This situation has truly changed my perspective. I was living so foul before. Just being selfish for no fucking reason. I didn’t give my marriage a chance. Just went about doing my own thing like Rio wouldn’t be affected by it…” She paused for a second. “I’ve had so much to think about duringthis time in the hospital. I don't know, maybe God sent me a warning.”
“What do you mean?”
“To shift my focus back on my husband. You know how I was moving before. Barely wanted to spend time with Rio because I was so consumed with Braye. Don't get me wrong, my love for Braye hasn’t left but my love for Rio has increased drastically… Do you know he prepped Cee and Slime to take care of me in case something happened to him?”
“I mean, this is Rio we’re talking about. He always made sure you were good. I don't know if you were too wrapped up in Braye to see it, but he’s always been about you, Cali.”
That made an ache sit in the middle of her throat. She was so undeserving. So unworthy of Rio. Why did it take this tribulation to see the type of man she had? Her eyes had been shielded with glasses of lust and now that they had been snatched off her face, she’d been forced to see her reality. The one where Rio was the man who loved her beyond comprehension.
“You know they say God works in mysterious ways,” Irish noted. “Maybe this was your sign to end things with Braye and really focus on your marriage.”
Nodding, Cali sighed. “I think so, too.”
Irish grabbed her hand. “Well, just pray for forgiveness and be present for Rio. In the meantime, let’s get something on your stomach.” She slid the tray in front of Cali. “You really need to eat something.”
A small smile covered her lips. “Thank you for being here, Irish. I don't know what I would do without you.”
“Oh, honey, you’ll never know. Now eat up.”
Nine
Smoke sauntered from the grill, seasoning the air with a savory scent. Kids screamed and laughed with joy while sounds of Teena Marie’sI Need Your Lovin’blared through the park. Noble helped Kenji out of the truck before they walked over to the festivities. It was his Aunt Letha’s birthday, and they had given her a surprise party at the Toni Morrison Park.
“Ooh, Dad can I get on the bouncy house?” Kenji raved.
“Yeah, go ‘head.”
Kenji ran off toward the bounce house where the other children played. Even though Noble was stretched thin between his business and TLM, he still carved out time to be with his family.
“Hey, Nephew,” Letha sang with a beer nestled in her hand. “Thank you for coming.”
He gave her a hug and kiss to the cheek. “Happy birthday, Auntie. Did you get that Zelle I sent you?”
“Hell, yeah, I got it. I’ll be at the casino tonight. Thank you, Noble.”
He chuckled. “No problem.”
