Rio watched until he disappeared out of the restaurant. “Who the fuck is that for real?”
Cali was nervous as she took another gulp of saliva. Taking note of her body language, she forced a smile on her face and held Rio’s hand.
“A loser I used to work with. He used to get on everybody’s nerves because he didn’t know when to shut up.”
“I don't like that nigga,” Rio confirmed. “Coming up to my fuckin’ table being friendly and shit. I didn’t like the way he was looking at you either.”
“What do you mean?” she feigned ignorance.
“Like he wanted to fuck you.”
Waving her hand dismissively, Cali laughed. “Rio, you think everybody wanna fuck me.”
“Look, I’m a man, and I know when a nigga want my lady. Watch his ass before I sit him down for good.”
“I don't need to watch him. I don't work with him anymore.”
Cali felt like a piece of shit for lying again but she couldn’t let Rio find out about her affair. It would kill him and her too.
“Good, ‘cause I ain't trying to put nobody down right now.”
“I know somebody you can put down.” She grinned.
Rio licked his lips. “Listen, I know it’s been a minute ‘cause a nigga body ain't been right but I want your pussy so bad, baby.”
“You can have it, Rio. I’m over here ready to burst just from one look at you.”
He licked his lips, inciting a pulsation to grace her center. Cali’s attraction to Rio had grown so wild that hearing his voice could make her cum. It almost seemed like she had been wearing eyes that didn’t belong to her. How could she not see the beauty in Rio up until now? Why did it take so long for Cali to fall into a love pit for her husband? She was so unworthy of him but made a vow to make things right, even if Rio wasn’t aware of her betrayal.
“I got you, baby. I promise.”
“Can we talk about my hours?” Ivory asked.
Irish rolled her eyes, not in the mood for her sister’s demands. The summer had approached, and she was back in St. Parklynn full time. Usually, when Ivory came home from school, she worked for Irish’s online store. She shipped orders, answered emails, and made sure inventory arrived. She was always a big help because Irish then had time to design more pieces for her collections.
“What, Ivory? And don't say nothing crazy.”
“Okay, so, I was thinking Monday through Friday ten to two.”
Irish shook her head right away. “No, ten to four. Working four hours a day is crazy.”
“Come on, sis,” she whined. “I’m trying to enjoy my summer too. I don't want to be stuck working all summer.”
“Girl, it’s only six hours a day. Your lil’ lazy ass is really trying it.”
“Okay, hear me out.” Ivory lifted her hand to silence Irish’s rant. “How about I do ten to two but then come in on Saturdays and work ten to three? That way I can make up for the hours from the week.”
Irish loathed being a big sister because that meant she always folded even when she tried her best to be stern. Ivory was her baby. She had literally raised her as her own so there was a sweet spot reserved just for her.
“Please, sis.” She pressed her palms together, batting her lash extensions.
“I’ll think about it.”
“Yes!” Ivory clapped. “You really are the best big sister ever.”
“Girl, I said I’ll think about it. So, don't get excited. And what plans do you have for the summer because I don't want you getting in trouble, Ivory?”
Ivory dumped the box of product into another one while she pursed her lips.
