Actually, I’ve been in Noble’s world…
“I’ve been cool. Working and supporting Cali while taking time out for myself, ya know.”
Before Jovanis could respond, the doorbell rang.
“Are you expecting someone?” she asked him.
“Hell nah.” He got up and headed for the door.
Irish craned her neck, trying to see who it could be. Jovanis talked for a few moments before he grabbed something and shut the door. Irish’s eyes expanded when she spotted the bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries.
“Who is that for?” she wondered aloud.
Jovanis sat the bouquet on the island and reached for the card. His eyes scanned it before his mouth transformed into a crooked grin.
“What the fuck you got going on, Irish?”
She snatched the card, wondering what he was referring to.
You deserve something sweet, Pumpkin…
Irish laughed, not believing Noble had sent a treat to her home, knowing Jovanis had access to it.
I love a bold man…
“So, you been holding out on me, huh?”
She peered at Jovanis’ amused expression before she chuckled again.
“Don't laugh, ‘cause now a nigga feel slighted. You know we tell each other everything.”
Grinning, she read the note again before giving Jovanis her full attention.
“What do you wanna know?”
“Who is this nigga and why is he calling you Pumpkin?”
Because he loves my pumpkin spice…
“He’s someone new.” She made sure to watch her words. “Someone that I’m getting to know. Nothing major.”
Irish had to downplay it since telling Jovanis that Noble had captured her attention wasn’t wise at the moment. She didn’t think she would ever have the gall to reveal that his general had her smitten.
“And you couldn’t tell me?” His voice sounded wounded.
“Jovanis, you know I don't hold out on you. I was going to tell you once I knew that it was serious.”
He stared at her before his gaze went to the edible arrangement. “I think it’s serious, Irish. The nigga sending shit to the house and giving you a pet name. Does he know about me?”
“Of course, he does. I would never hide you.”
Angling his head, he questioned, “So, he knows you're married?”
She nodded.
“And that his place in your life will never be number one?”
Number one… Jovanis claimed that spot in her life, but she wasn’t sure if he’d be able to reserve it forever. What if she wanted children or to be loved wholeheartedly from a man? There would be a clash of lovers. A platonic one and a romantic one. Irish couldn’t fathom that reality but wondered if it was inevitable.
