Braye passed the flowers to her, and he began walking toward Cali. Her stare was fierce as he gave her a friendly hug. It was one that didn’t alarm the others that this had been her beau for the last three years.
“How are you?” he quizzed, smiling like this was a normal occurrence.
Didn’t Braye know that Cali was on the verge of a mental breakdown? Was he not aware that she was broken because her husband was on the brink of death? How could he do this to her? Showing up like this was a game was the quickest way for Cali to crash out.
“I’m great,” she managed to say through her fog of anger.
“You look beautiful.” He examined her before he peered at Rio. “So, what the doctors say?”
“Braye, can you walk to the cafeteria with me?” she asked but didn’t wait for an answer as she headed toward the door.
Cali stepped out of the room and walked down the hall. She knew Braye was behind her because she heard his heavy footsteps. She was so incensed that sweat beads formed on her nose. She approached the elevator, pressing the button. Seconds later, the doors opened, and she and Braye stepped on. Once they closed, Cali turned to him, flashing him with eyes that could set him on fire if she tried. She swung and hit him in his chest.
“Have you lost your fucking mind?” she blared, repeatedly swinging her fist at him.
“What?” He held her arms, matching her attitude. “You fucking blocked me and got the nerve to be mad that I showed up here? What the fuck is your problem?”
“Yeah, I blocked you because I’m a fucking wife who’s trying to make sure my husband comes out of a coma. What aren’t you comprehending, huh?” She snatched out of his grasp. “Where, in your fucked-up mind, did you think it was cool for you to bring your ass here?”
“I fu—”
The doors to the elevator opened and a woman stepped on, silencing Braye’s rant. They remained silent, chests heaving while looking forward. When they arrived on the main floor, they all stepped out, and Cali led Braye outside to the parking lot.
“You got some fucking nerve being mad ‘cause I showed up. Like you ain’t sell me this dream about us being together. You go from promising me you gon’ leave his ass to blockin’ me? What kind of shit is that, Calia?”
“Keep your voice down,” she gritted, looking around.
There had been so many members of TLM making their rounds that she didn’t want to risk anyone hearing Braye confirm their affair.
“Or what? You don't want people knowing you a cheating-ass bitch that sell dreams to a nigga and block him?”
Cali couldn’t believe her eyes. What used to be a man who she adored with everything in her being was now a man that she couldn’t stomach. Everything about Braye disgusted her. He was emotional, reckless, and inconsiderate of her position.
“You know what?” She squared her shoulders, holding her chin up while her eyes slightly narrowed. “I am a cheating-ass bitch who had an affair on my husband. Yes, I was going to leave him to be with you but that’s not happeningever.”
Braye’s head drew back as his thick brows crinkled. “Word? Ever?”
“Yeah, that’s right. I took vows with Rio and I wanna honor them. You have no place in my life right now. I have to remain committed to my husband, and you need to accept that.”
“Accept?” He cocked his head. “Bitch, have you lost your mind? You don't get to lead me on for three years then back out like I’m a fucking plaything.”
Braye was right; Cali had played with his feelings for three long years. She had promised him a future with every intent on keeping her word. Nonetheless, the script had flipped. Their movie was no longer a love story. It had quickly turned into a horror film, and Cali was the one running away to safety. Rio was her safe haven. She hadn’t realized it when he was well, but he was who she felt safest with. He needed her and she couldn’t bear to walk away.
“Look.” She pressed her palms together. “I apologize for whatever pain this may have caused you. I understand your frustrations and yo—”
“You don't understand shit,” he interrupted her. “You don't give a fuck about anybody but your got damn self. You think that God created the world for you and you only? You think you the only motherfucka that matters? I can’t believe your selfish ass.”
Cali had enough self-awareness to know that she was in the wrong. It wasn’t fair to Braye for him to be dismissed at a moment’s notice. He was entitled to some sort of closure. He hadbeen wrapped in Cali’s chaos for years and didn’t deserve to be thrown away like trash.
“Listen, Braye”—her voice staggered with emotion—“I’m sorry. I really am. I wish this didn’t happen. I wish Rio was awake, and I wish you didn’t have to deal with this rejection. I get it. I’m a horrible person. I led you to believe that we could be together and I had every intention on making it work. Truth is, I can’t walk away from Rio. He needs me and I need him.”
Braye snorted a laugh. “You really the worst bitch in the world but it’s cool.” He nodded. “Have a good life, Calia.” He walked toward her and wrapped his arms around her body.
Not even his touch felt the same. It was like a mark of death. One that made her shudder with shame instead of goosebumps.
“If you think you're about to get a happily ever after, think again,” he whispered, pulling back.
Cali’s eyes dilated as she gaped at Braye. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
