Page 83 of Stoplight
Cali’s head jerked back a bit, shocked by his revelation.
“W-what?”
“Yeah, I heard your voice. I don't know if it was actually you or I just had your voice in my head. I heard you though andyou were the biggest reason I didn’t get swallowed up by that darkness.”
“I was talking to you every day. That was me.”
“Yeah, I heard you, baby, and I didn’t want to leave you behind. I almost let go a few times though. That shit got to be too much. I really can’t explain it, but I was right by death. It had a hold on me, but I kept fighting back.”
Cali was so taken aback by his words that she had to clear her throat before she broke down.
“Wow, I didn’t know you could hear me.”
He smiled. “Yeah, I heard you begging me to hold on. So, I did.”
She blinked away more tears and professed, “I love you, Rio. I may not have done a good job at showing you before, but I really do love you.”
“I know, baby.” He kissed her hand. “I love you, too.”
The waitress approached the table, interrupting the sentimental moment between the couple. Once their orders were recorded, she promised to come back right away with their drinks.
“I guess when you go back to fulfill your duties with TLM, then I should go back in the office as well.”
“About that… I was—”
“Calia, I thought that was you.”
Cali peered up at the figure standing by the table, feeling her mouth suddenly become dry.
“Oh, hey, Braye.” She swallowed hard. “How are you?”
The smirk on his face gutted her because she knew he wanted to see her squirm. Braye was dressed casually in awhite T-shirt and maroon shorts with the matching Dunks. He was still handsome, but Cali had no feelings reserved for him anymore. Rio had resurged and taken them all.
“Shit, I’m straight. I miss seeing you at the office.” He smirked.
Cali’s gaze traveled to Rio, whose spidey senses had alerted him. He was always suspicious being that he lived life in the streets.
“Who dis?” he asked Cali, angling his head.
Before she could respond, Braye extended his hand toward Rio. “Oh, I’m Braye. Me and Cali used to do some work together.”
You mothafucka…
The taunting from Braye almost caused her to scream out. Why couldn’t he just leave her the fuck alone? Yes, she had hurt him but that didn’t give him a right to keep toying with her.
Reluctantly, Rio shook his hand but didn’t offer his name. Braye turned back to her, wearing a smile that saidYeah, bitch, I got you.
“So, when do you think you gon’ come back. You know, to the office.”
Cali smiled, propping her chin on her closed fist. “You know, I was thinking that I may not come back. I like being available to my husband. You know, making sure he has everything he needs. I really love being a devoted wife to him.”
Braye’s smile faded before he nodded. Cali loved seeing him defeated. She refused to let him get one up on her, especially in front of Rio.
“Yeah, I feel that.” He scraped his teeth against his bottom lip. “Say, bruh, you got a good one. She really knows how to work hard and get the job done.”
He’s such a bitch-ass nigga…
“I’ll see you around.” Braye smirked before walking away.
