Page 98 of Stoplight
Irish couldn’t believe this was Cali speaking about Rio. Before, she never spoke about him in such a loving and endearing manner. It was all about Braye and while Irish would never condemn her friend for stepping out on her marriage, she was relieved she had come to her senses.
“He won’t.” Irish rubbed her exposed arms. “Just pray and ask God to protect him.”
Cali snorted. “Girl, God don't wanna hear from me, especially after what I did.”
“Girl, stop. He want to hear from all of us. We’re all sinners.” Irish waved her hand dismissively.
“Yeah, I guess. What’s been up with you, though? How are you and Jovanis? Ivory is back, right? How’s my girl been acting?”
“Ivory is being a social little butterfly while working for the store. She’s good. As far as me and Jovanis, we’re cool. You know us, we don't do too much.”
Cali took a seat on the chair. “Yeah, because y’all are the perfect couple. Do y’all even argue?”
Irish chuckled to herself. Many thought her and Jovanis were this perfect couple when they were the farthest thing from it. She wished she could confide in Cali about her love affair with Noble. That’s a topic she truly wanted to explore, considering she had blocked him two weeks ago. The night he hung up on her, she sent him a text, expressing how she was sorry for ignoring him. She fell asleep and hours later, she woke up to check her phone. When she realized he had ignored her message, Irish blocked him and vowed to let him go.
Truthfully, this had been the hardest two weeks of her existence. Irish yearned for him in ways that weren’t healthy. Noble even invaded her dreams at night. It took every ounce of self-control not to fold and reach out to him. Irish needed her dose of Noble, but he had disrespected her, and she had to teach him that his actions wouldn’t be tolerated.
“Me and Rio are supposed to have date night this weekend. You think you can help me pick out a fit?”
“Of course.”
“Okay, come on.”
Irish followed Cali upstairs into her closet. The girls put together three outfits for Cali to choose from includingshoes and accessories. After more girl talk, Cali led her back downstairs.
“Look at your greedy ass,” Cali fussed at Rio who ate the lasagna straight from the pan.
He grinned while chewing. “This shit so fire. Good looking out, sis.”
Irish chuckled. “That’s some fat shit you're doing. You can at least cut a piece out.”
“Right,” Cali agreed.
“This mine. I ain't gotta do shit,” he garbled with a mouth full of food.
“Well, let me get out of here.” Irish turned toward Cali. “I need to go do some laundry.”
The two shared a hug before Cali ushered her toward the front door. Irish was so thankful for Noble’s absence since she wasn’t certain she’d be able to keep her composure.
“I’ll text you what outfit I chose,” Cali promised.
“Okay, girl.”
Irish got inside her car and drove off. After remembering she needed some more laundry detergent, she pulled into a Value Haven’s lot and got out the car. Irish closed the door but stood frozen when she noticed a familiar truck pulling behind her car. Seconds later, the window rolled down, and Noble’s handsome face appeared.
“Get in,” he ordered.
Irish didn’t move. She stood there, wondering if she’d be able to keep up this armor she had placed before her. Noble was a weakness. A pure soft spot that would take years to harden.
“Don't make me get out,” he warned.
Irish crossed her arms over her chest, sporting a defiant expression. Noble put the truck in park and got out. He walked over to her, penetrating her with his intense eyes.
“I don't know why you think I won’t show out in this parking lot.”
She blinked while silently coaching herself not to fold.
“Get in the car, Irish.”
