Chapter 34
Cadence
The following morning I’m not surprised to find that I’m in the apartment alone. I grab a bite to eat and slide on my dance clothes before calling Lauren.
“Wake up, sleepyhead,” I say to her as she groggily answers the phone.
“Why do you have to be so awake? It’s only nine,” she mumbles.
“What time are we going?” I ask her.
“Eleven.”
“Okay, I’ll see you there,” I say as I disconnect. I really wanted to talk to her about what happened with Dad last night, but I can see that’s out. What am I going to do for two hours? I watch TV and read before going to the subway.
As I walk the short distance, I look at the world around me. I notice that everyone here is in a hurry, people don’t smile, and that they expect others to move out of the way. I’ve never noticed that before.
I’m not surprised when I beat Lauren to the studio. She arrives shortly after I do with a coffee in her hand, and I can tell she’s barely awake.
“Girl, you better hurry up with that cup of joe. We’ve got dancin’ to do,” I say.
“You’ve got to stop being so excited this early. And did you just pull out a Southern twang? I’m seriously starting to worry about you.” She laughs.
We take our places and it feels amazing to stretch and dance with her. When we take a break, she asks if I want to see our piece now that it’s been modified into a solo. I feel uneasy, but agree.
Taking a seat on the wooden floor, I watch how the duet has been transformed to spotlight Lauren. It’s amazing and she is as flawless as ever, but the dark and twisted side it once had has vanished. It’s perfect for her but I’m sad that she didn’t keep some of my part in it.
“What did you think?” she asks when it’s over.
“I loved it for you, but I do miss the rawness it once had.” She pauses and looks at me. “What?” I ask.
“Nothing. I can’t believe you think I would have kept that part. That’s totally you.”
“I guess you’re right. So when we finish, do you want to hang out? I’m not going back to Dad’s until I have to.”
“Of course! There’s a huge sale at the mall. We should totally check it out, and I heard there’s a party tonight.”
“I’m game,” I say. We dance for another hour before we go our separate ways to get changed. Lauren says she’ll meet me at Dad’s.
Bimbo is there when I get to the house and she’s in a chipper mood, which crushes my good one. I ignore her and go get ready. I text Dad my plans and he tells me to take his credit card. I think I will.
Bimbo lets Lauren in the door and when she knocks on my bedroom door, her face says exactly what I’m feeling.
“What does he see in her?” she asks.
“No brain and a nice rack, I guess,” I say, shrugging my shoulders as I finish putting on my mascara. Lauren walks to my bed and notices the dress I bought for New Year’s.
“That’s fancy,” she says.
“Yeah it’s for New Year’s Eve. Do you like it?” I ask.
“Yeah, but aren’t you flying out that morning?” she questions.
“Um hum,” I say, focusing on the mirror.
“What aren’t you telling me?” she questions and is now looking at me in the mirror.
“I’m going out. It’s New Year’s,” I say like she should know that already.
“What? With who? Oh, please don’t tell me you’re hooking up with some redneck cowboy down there.”
“I’m not hooking up with a redneck cowboy. I’m going on a date with Barrick. You know, the guy who works for my Gran.”
“Oh yeah, you were supposed to send me a picture of him. Are you about ready? Just being near wannabe Barbie is driving me crazy. I can’t imagine having to spend time with her.” Lauren is right. I quickly grab my coat, purse and Dad’s credit card as we walk to the door.
“Where are you two going?” Bimbo asks.
“Dad knows,” I say without giving her time to respond or ask another question. I open the door and we walk to the elevator. Stupid bitch.
As we make our way to the subway, I realize I didn’t bring anything for tonight.
“Shit! I didn’t even pack clothes for tonight.”
“Guess that means you can use Daddy’s money,” Lauren states.
“Yeah, but I’d rather not.”
“What’s wrong with you? First you’ve got some secret party for New Year’s and now you don’t want to spend dear old Dad’s money? The Cadence I know never thought twice about swiping Dad’s plastic. Where is Cadence and what have you done with her?”
“Things are different. He can’t expect to buy my love, Lauren. That’s just wrong,” I explain. Lauren doesn’t say anything else but I know she wants to. I can guarantee that she will sooner or later.
We stop in all of our usual spots, but I see a section that has blinged-out denim and smile as I pause by the rack.
“What are you doing?” Lauren asks with her nose turned up.
“These are what everyone wears at Gran’s. I’ve never seen them here. In fact, I don’t even know the brand, it just looks like an ‘M’ on your ass.” Miss Me. “You want to try a pair on just for fun?” I ask.
“Hell no! Please tell me those hillbillies aren’t rubbing off on you,” she states and I laugh, but I realize I kind of want to try them on. What is wrong with me? I dismiss the thought when Lauren eyes a new Michael Kors purse, and it is to die for. The sales clerk lets us look at it and I would love to have it.
“You know you want it, Cadence.”
“Yeah I do, but I don’t want to spend my dad’s money,” I say flatly.
“What is wrong with you? You have a credit card with no limits, and you’re debating this? If I were you, I’d forget what he did and spend all of his money.” I’m appalled by her comment.
“You can’t be serious? He fucked around on my mom, made me move to the middle of fucking nowhere, and you think that a purse and a new designer outfit can fix it? I think not.”
“I think you’re wrong,” she says, taking the purse and telling the cashier we’ll take it. In this moment, I’ve realized that Lauren and I may be more different than I ever imagined. I take out my card and swipe it before telling Lauren Merry Christmas.
“So who’s having a party tonight?” I ask as we’re sitting on the subway scrolling through social media.
“Does it matter? It’s a party!” she states as she grabs my phone. “So is that one of the losers you’re dancing with now?”
“She’s not a loser. It’s Jade,” I state trying to hide the anger in my voice. I mean, I know I’ve said some ugly things to Lauren about everyone else in Delight, but I’m allowed. I’m the one that has to live there, but Jade is the most caring person I know.
“Sorry,” she states, scrolling down the feed. “Who is that?” she questions and I know without looking it’s Barrick.
“That’s Barrick,” I say trying to act like it’s no big deal. Looking at the date and time, I know that it was just taken. It’s obvious he’s been at Gran’s, and that smile is perfect.
“He is cute, but he looks like he’s been rolling around in dirt. Please tell me you don’t find that attractive. That he’s just a date to your little New Year’s party. I could never see you with a guy like that. You’re more of a businessman kind of girl. Oh, what if you tried to make him like the guys here? You know, like one of those crazy movies.”
“There’s no way I could change him. He’s pretty set in his ways, not to mention his ass looks fabulous in those jeans.” I giggle.
Lauren pauses and stares at me. “I can’t believe you even said that. You are so much better than him. I bet he doesn’t even know how to tie a tie.” She laughs and it pisses me off. Have I really been this judgmental before?
“Just give me my phone.” I don’t say another word the rest of
the way back to her apartment.
Once we’re dressed for the party, I take a look at us in the mirror. We both look polished and sophisticated. We’re two girls ready to take on the night, but I feel like something is missing. I realize that I’m missing the people who actually care about me the most.
“You ready?” Lauren asks.
“Sure,” I say with a smile.
The party is just a typical party with people drinking and acting stupid. Lauren and I have never been drinkers because of our dance regimen. We don’t have time to recover from a hangover or the time to work twice as hard to keep from putting on a few extra pounds. Needless to say, watching everyone around us is comical. These people think they have it all together, but as I look around I see miniature versions of their parents. They think that this world is only about what you have, and making yourself number one.
I have no idea what has come over me since I’ve been home, but I’m more aware of people’s behavior, and most importantly Lauren’s. Everything I’ve watched her do has a purpose to make herself look good. I still can’t believe she thought spending Dad’s money would make me feel better.
My phone buzzes in my purse and I take it out to look at it. Jade sent me a text picture. I crinkle my nose when I look at it. They are obviously having a wild night in Delight. Barrick and a few other guys are covered in mud and smiling from ear to ear. It makes me smile.
“What’s making you smile like that?” Lauren asks, and I show her.
“That’s God-awful. That gives a new meaning to mud facial.” She laughs.
“Lauren, get over yourself. Can’t you see how much fun they are having?”
“They might be, but we wouldn’t,” she states.
“How do you know that?” I ask her.
“You’re joking right?” I stare at her.
“I have no idea if it’s fun or not, but since I’ve gotten back I’ve realized how fake everyone is around here.” She gasps. “The Moore’s look like they have money, but I overheard my dad talking and they are about to file for bankruptcy, my dad cheated on my mom and acts as if he and Bimbo are a perfect little family without me, and you of all people should know how bad that hurt me. Instead, you think making fun of my new friends and spending my dad’s money is going to make me happy. It doesn’t.”
“Well, tell me what you really think, Cadence.”
“Lauren, you’ve been my best friend since I can remember, but everyone is human and we all like different things, and we need to be respectful of that,” I say to her.
“Cadence, I don’t know what the hell has happened to you. You used to be someone I understood, but this girl standing in front of me is a complete stranger.” I couldn’t agree more looking at her.
Lauren and I are relatively quiet the rest of the night, and I really want to go home… like to my mom, home.
Barrick
When Aaron called to ask Jade and I to go mudding, we couldn’t resist. We loaded up the four wheelers and took them down by the river, and by midnight we were all covered in mud and laughing our asses off. I saw Jade snap a picture and I hope she sent it to Cadence. I want to call or text her, but I don’t want to smother her. Jade slides her phone back in her pocket and we load up the trailer and drive back to the house.
We take showers as soon as we get home and then she comes into my room.
“So I’ve got a question for ya, bro.” I look at her and wait. “Are you planning something special for Cadence or is it just like any other New Year’s at The Loft?”
“I was planning on it being a normal one. Jade, it’s our first date. It’s not like I’m proposing or something,” I say, shaking my head.
“Well, are you getting her from the airport?” she asks.
“Her mom is doing that. Why all these questions?” I’m so confused right now.
“I thought I mentioned us picking her up. Maybe even Aaron could ride and we could grab something to eat in Charlotte before coming back here to get ready.”
“Don’t you have practice?” I ask her because she is always at the studio.
“No.”
“I don’t want to overstep where I’m not welcome.”
Jade starts to laugh. “Oh, you’re welcome all right.” I have no idea what she’s talking about. That girl is too much.
Lying on my bed, I take out my phone and debate calling or texting Cadence. I hate to wake her or bother her. Screw it. I do it anyway.
Me: Is it New Year’s Eve yet?
Cadence: I wish!
Something about that comment makes me think things aren’t going too great for her.
Me: How’s it going?
Cadence: Okay
Me: Just okay?
She doesn’t respond so I hit send on my phone and she picks up on the third ring. I can hear music and a lot of noise in the background.
“Hey, everything okay?” I ask her.
“I’m at a party with Lauren.” She doesn’t sound happy.
“Cadence, what’s going on?”
“Nothing,” she says and it’s obvious that something is bothering her, but I also know not to push it.
“Okay, well, I guess I’ll just see you Friday.” I’m worried about her.
Just as I’m about to hang up I hear, “Hey Barrick, can you call me tomorrow? I’m not somewhere I can talk.”
“Absolutely.” I hang up and wish I could be there with her.