AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 1
Cadence
The beat of the music pounds through the speakers. It’s so loud I can feel the vibration in my chest. Then again, maybe that’s the alcohol or possibly the fact that I’m done. After four long, grueling years, I’ve graduated from college. Not only am I a college graduate, but I got my results back today. I passed my boards. I am officially an occupational therapist. It’s time for me to enter the world of adulting, and I’m ready. I am so ready. I’ve busted my ass for this.
“Drink!” my best friend, Shelby, screams over the music. I nod my agreement, link hands with her, and follow her through the throng of people on the dance floor. “This place is on fire tonight,” she says once we reach the bar.
“That it is,” I agree.
“Two waters.” She holds up two fingers when the bartender finally reaches us.
“I can’t believe I convinced you to come out with me,” she states, pulling me into a sweaty hug, making me laugh.
“You act like I never go out.” She gives me a look that says “you never go out,” and she’s right.
“You were the most dedicated student I know.”
I nod. She’s not wrong. I put everything into studying—no time for partying or skipping class. I needed to know that I was on the right track to a career where I would always be able to take care of myself financially. Luckily, my nose-to-the-grindstone determination in high school landed me scholarships. Add in my part-time job at the coffee shop, and I’m not only a college graduate, but I’m also debt-free. That’s almost unheard of—especially someone with my background. Hell, few in the foster care system make it to college. At least not the ones that I know. I, however, was determined. I am determined to make something of myself and my life.
“Now, if I could just convince you to find you a hottie to go home with, I’d call this night a success.” She wiggles her eyebrows, handing me a bottle of water.
“You know casual isn’t my thing.”
“You don’t have a thing,” she counters. “Besides, look around you, Cadence. You can have your pick. You’ve got the eye of every man in this room.”
“Uh, that would be you, my friend. Guilty by association.” Shelby is what most men, even most women, refer to as a blonde bombshell. She and I are the same height at five foot six, but my hair is dark to her light. Her eyes are an exotic brown, with gold hues, and her skin flawless. Whereas my eyes are a light blue, and my complexion fair.
“Don’t even,” she warns me. A slow smile crosses her face, and it’s one of mischief. I know it all too well. We’ve been roommates since our freshman year of college, and that look, that smile tells me she’s up to no good.
“Excuse me.” She places her manicured hand on the shoulder of the guy next to her. “I was hoping you could help me with something,” she coos. Yes, coos. The sound of her voice alone could have him eating out of the palm of her hand. “My friend here, she’s just gone through a bad breakup.” Lies. “He told her, well, let’s just say she’s feeling down about herself. What do you think? She’s beautiful, right?” she asks him.
His eyes rake over me from head to toe, stopping a little longer at my chest, making me regret the spaghetti strap form-fitting tank top I decided to wear tonight. I knew this place would be packed, and if Shelby and I agree on anything, it’s hitting the dance floor.
“She’s a fucking knockout,” the guy slurs.
“Thanks, sugar.” She winks at him, drops her hand, and focuses her attention on me. “Told you.”
“He’s drunk.”
“Drunk or sober, I’d take you home with me,” he chimes in, still listening to our conversation.
I give him a kind smile, grab Shelby’s arm, and pull her away from the bar, and to a small table that surprisingly is vacant next to the dance floor. “So, where’s Matt?”
“Who knows.” She rolls her eyes.
“Are you guys broken up again?” Shelby and Matt have a long history of on-again, off-again. It started our freshman year, and they’re still doing… whatever it is they do. One day they’re happy and moving forward. The next, they hate each other, and it’s over. I live with her, and I have a hard time keeping up.
Her shoulders slump, and the look in her eyes is defeated. “I don’t know, Cadence. I love him, but we’re toxic for one another. I want us to work, but I just don’t know if we’re able to get through all the bullshit and make it happen.”
“Maybe letting him go, I mean, really walking away for longer than a few days is what you guys need?”
