“Tell me about it. I miss my bed so much.”
The elevator doors opened, and they went to get some food. Wanting to take a minute, the duo decided to eat at the table.
“I’ll tell you this, nothing is worse than hospital food.” Ruthia scoffed, forcing herself to eat what looked like slop.
Cali chuckled. “Why do you think I’m sticking to snacks. I’m going to have my mama bring me some food later. I’ll make sure to have her bring you something too.”
“Please and thank you because this is awful.”
Cali finished her bag of chips before wiping the crumbs off her hands. “You know, Ms. Ruthia, I know you were here for Rio, but you helped me through this storm too. Watching you pray and have faith really kept me going because I was on the verge of a mental breakdown.”
She reached for Cali’s hand. “That makes two of us. You were here day and night for my son. You're devoted and I appreciate that because all I ever wanted for Rio was a wife who truly cared about him.”
Suddenly, Cali cleared her throat, praying her guilt would stay away for the duration of this talk.
“Honey, I’ll tell you this. I’m glad he’s up because I’m on the verge of losing my job.”
With a gaping mouth, Cali asked, “Why?”
“Because I’ve missed so many days being here. You know they only wanted to give me a week off.” She rolled her eyes. “How could they expect me to work when my son was in a coma? You know these jobs don't give a damn about nobody.”
“I swear they don't,” Cali added. “Thankfully, I can work remote, or I would be in the same boat you're in.”
“Yeah, well, I’m so behind on bills and don't have any money coming in.” Ruthia pushed her food around with her fork. “Of course, I’m not gonna lay this burden on Rio because he just came out of a coma. I can’t beg him after all he’s been through. Deasia is gonna try to help me but I’m sure she won’t have much since Rio was taking care of her, too.”
“Ms. Ruthia, I got you.”
The older woman quickly shook her head. “I can’t take from you, Cali. I know you’ve been under a lot of stress like me.”
“Listen, you can, and you will. Rio would be mortified if he knew that I didn’t help you out. Besides, we got it. Rio ain't no scrub when it comes to putting money up for a rainy day. He was already taking care of you so it’s no big deal. I’ll make sure your bills and anything else you need are covered.”
Ruthia had no idea that Rio made so much money with TLM that they had money stashed all over their house. Money would never be an issue because Rio stacked so much of it.
“Thank you so much, baby. I know I keep saying this but you're such a good soul. It’s hard to come by genuine people who have good intentions.”
“Ms. Ruthia, please don't.”
I’m not shit and haven’t been a good wife to your son…
Cali couldn’t take the praises from Ruthia because she was so unworthy of them. If she was aware of how badly she hadbeen betraying Rio, the woman would more than likely despise her.
“No, I won’t stop. You’re a great person, Cali. Rio has never had to worry about you being anything other than his loving wife. When you do right by my child, you’ll be in my good graces forever.”
Cali looked down, noticing her eyes well up with tears. The shame wouldn’t cease. What would it take for the burden of guilt to fall from her shoulders? When would she forgive herself for the damage she had done to Rio?
She sniffed back her tears and forced a smile on her face. “Thank you for your kind words. Are you ready to go back up?”
Cali needed to distract Ruthia before she went deeper into her speech. None of what she said applied to her. She was nothing more than a fraud who had the pleasure of sporting Rio’s last name.
The two headed back to the room. Cali was the first to walk in, remembering the guy who had come into the room before she headed to the cafeteria.
“Who was that that came in here when we left?”
“Somebody came in here?” Ruthia wondered aloud.
Rio shook his head. “…Nobody really… just somebody from the hospital.”
“Dressed in a suit?” Cali quizzed.
