“It means you don't get to sow bullshit and expect a harvest. Good luck, baby. I hope that nigga wakes up and see you for what you really are.”
Braye walked away, leaving Cali speechless. His words haunted her, making her feel like he had spoken a curse over her life. She already had to deal with the guilt from her actions. Cali had no mental space to ruminate over his words. Her actions had been detrimental to her mind and her marriage. What would she do if she couldn’t have Rio and right her wrongs?
Cali stood in the parking lot for a while, trying to gain some mental clarity. Braye’s unpredictable visit had rocked her being. At her wits end, Cali wished she could clock out on life for a while. Her bed had been calling her name. She just wanted tobury herself under her duvet and wake up when her life wasn’t in shambles.
The sliding doors to the hospital opened, and Irish stepped outside. Her ginger brows were scrunched as she approached her.
“What’s going on?”
Leave it to Irish to know something wasn’t right. Braye’s presence had stunned her too badly to try and play it off with her.
“That was Braye,” she admitted in a mumble.
Irish gasped before covering her mouth with her hand. For a few moments, they stood in silence, staring at each other.
“What the fuck, Cali? Why did he come here?”
“To fuck with me. He’s mad I blocked him and now he’s showing up to terrorize me. I don't know what to do.” She exhaled, pacing back and forth.
“Oh, my God, Cali, you gotta do something. You can’t let people find this shit out. You’ll be killed.”
Cali quickly snapped her head at her. “You think so?”
“You know how loved Rio is, especially in TLM. Those young niggas wouldn’t hesitate to honor him by taking you out. That’s the biggest theme in TLM. Loyalty is what drive those niggas and if they found out you had your side dude come to the hospital, they would see that as disrespect. You gotta stop his ass.”
“What do you think I’m trying to do!” she bellowed, planting her hand on her fresh pixie. “I’m trying, Irish, I swear.” Her voice softened as an ache choked her. “I don't know what to do. The walls are closing in on me. I’m this close to checking out.”
Irish quickly embraced her. Cali was tired of being hugged and she was tired of being told she was strong. Cali was flat out fatigued with life. She needed some relief before she burst from all the pressure built up inside of her.
“I know, friend,” Irish murmured, cupping her face. “It’ll all be over soon. Our prayers will be answered. Just keep holding on and remember I’m right here with you.”
Cali nodded, but weakness spread all over her body. Her faith had unexpectedly been emptied from her tank, but she would keep holding on for Rio’s sake.
“Do you hear me?” Irish asked.
“Yes, I hear you.”
“In the meantime, you gotta keep that nigga away from you. Should I send some people to see about him?”
Cali read between the lines and knew that wouldn’t be a good idea. Braye was a man who was hurt, and she had inflicted his pain. Bringing harm to him would make her feel worse than what she did, so she shook her head.
“No, I think he’ll stay away. I hurt him too badly for him to show up here again.”
“Are you sure?”
She bobbed her head.
“Okay, well, I’m gonna head out. It’s Wilde’s birthday, and Jovanis invited me to the club. Unless you want me to stay with you.”
“No, Irish. You’ve been such a blessing. Don't let me stop you from having fun. Make sure you have a drink for me too.” She smirked.
“I got you.”
The women hugged once more before they parted ways. Cali entered the hospital feeling as if she weighed over a ton. Life had been so cruel to her, but she couldn’t bask in her agony because Rio was in far worst shape.
Twelve
The only time Noble hung out at clubs was when it was someone’s birthday. Today was Wilde’s birthday, and he was celebrating at Club Karma. Noble sat in the section, sipping from his double cup with dark Prada glasses shielding his eyes. Nuke was to his right, like always while Zayd and Vic sat to his left. Wilde hugged all the women who vied for his attention. His little brother loved women like him. He attracted them because of his status in the streets and good looks. However, women had been a downfall for Wilde ever since he got his first taste of pussy.
