Page 25 of Stoplight
“Are you serious?”
She finally faced her. “Yes, I can’t lose Braye. He’s tired of being on the side, and I’m honestly tired of not being with him. He’s who I want, so I’m going to officially request a divorce.”
There was an eerie awkwardness that invaded the car. Not even the sounds of the radio could compete with the stillness that had engulfed them. There was so much Irish wanted to say but she wasn’t certain of Cali’s mental state.
“I know you probably think I’m crazy but I’m following my heart.”
“But Rio loves you, Cali,” she stressed. “I need you to put that into your perspective.”
Cali pushed out a deep breath, slightly shaking her head. “I know and a part of me loves him too, but I love Braye more.”
Irish shook her head, rummaging through her thoughts, hoping to coerce her into some common sense.
“Okay, look, I know this thing between you and Braye is passionate, but Rio is your husband. He loves you so much, and I think you should consider him in this moment. You’re going to break him, Cali.”
“Irish, I’ve been considering people my entire life. When am I going to consider myself? What about what I want? Or what my heart desires? I want Braye. He makes me feel like I belong to him. He makes me feel like a woman.”
“And Rio doesn’t?”
Cali seesawed her head. “In a way, yes, but not like Braye.”
“Cali, I just… I really need you to think about everyone involved. You exchanged vows with Rio, and you promised to love him for eternity.”
“I didn’t mean them,” Cali confessed. “I was only fulfilling a duty. Rio was chosen for me. I didn’t get a say so and now that I’ve actually felt the love that Braye gives me, I don’t wanna be without it.”
“This is selfish.”
“I don’t give a fuck,” Cali countered. “Don’t you get to be with a man you love, Irish? How come I can’t?”
If Cali only knew the lonely nights that plagued Irish. Or how hollow she felt knowing that the only love she had truly experienced was Jovanis’ platonic version. Irish secretly envied Cali. She had a man that loved her wholeheartedly. She knew because Rio lost his way every time he gazed into Cali’s eyes. He honored her in the streets and respected her when she wasn’t with him. If she only knew how much Rio truly cherished her, then she wouldn’t have felt the need to rip his heart from his chest.
“Please don’t try to talk me out of this, Irish. My mind is made up,” Cali requested as her gaze fell to her lap.
“Okay, I won’t talk you out of this, but I will ask if you’ve actually thought this through. What if things don’t happen the way you plan? What if you’re not as compatible with Braye as you think you are? Have you thought about all the what-ifs?”
“I have,” she muttered. “I’ve been thinking about all of it lately. I know I’m taking a huge risk, but Braye is worth it.”
Irish wondered what it was about him that made Cali lose all of her self-control. How was his love any different than any other man walking St. Parklynn?
It gotta be the dick…
“Listen, I know this is a bit much but all I need from you is your support. I know what I’m doing is wrong, but I could use an ally in my corner, and I want that to be you, Irish.”
Without giving it a second thought, she nodded. “I got you. When are you going to break the news?”
“Tonight. I texted him and told him that I need to talk to him about something important. It’s time to get it over with.”
Irish exhaled. “That’s going to be heavy. Are you positive this is what you want?”
Peering deeply into her eyes, Cali confirmed with a nod.
“Okay, then I support you.”
However, Irish didn’t support her decision. Cali had a good man who she was trading in for a side quest that she hadn’t explored freely. Irish’s disapproval of her choice was ready to be unleashed but again, she held back because this was ultimately Cali’s choosing for her life.
“I appreciate that, Irish. I know I’m getting ready to cause a lot of bullshit, and I just needed to know that you will stand with me when the shit explodes in my face.”
Gently, Irish touched her shoulder. “I got you even though I feel this will not be as smooth as you think it will.”
