Chapter Thirteen #2
“Oh, so I’m the only one who has to relax today?” Cade shouts, spinning in his salon chair. “That doesn’t seem fair to me, Agent Shay.”
My arms cross defiantly. “I have a job to do.”
“Maybe, but I heard something important the other day. Someone I admire told me it’s okay to step away from the job sometimes. I think she might need some help taking her own advice though.” The grin across his face is equally smug and tender.
Somehow, using my own advice against me works.
“Fine, but I’m keeping my laptop.”
Within seconds, a drink is pushed into my hands as Lula leads me to an empty chair. It’s far enough away from Cade and the camera crew, but close enough for him to keep an eye on me.
“Ever had a client and agent spa day?” he asks.
Unlocking my computer, I take a swig of juice. “Can’t say I have.”
“So, this is a day of firsts, huh? First skipped practice. First spa day.”
Instead of answering, I focus on the endless emails awaiting me, but it is a day of firsts.
Cade was honest with me.
Me
Cade’s interview is almost over. Should be done in an hour
Mally?
I guess I’ll hitchhike
“How long have you been using Loc & Key products?” Lula asks, the final question on the list I provided.
Cade leans forward in his seat, and dark locs hang over his shoulders, perfected by Emma’s hands. “Since I was eighteen. I started my loc journey right before college. I would’ve started sooner, but my mom was adamant I wait until I was an adult because locs are a long-term commitment.”
Lula’s rich laugh fills my ears. “Ain’t that the truth.”
Their conversation has flowed easily over the last half hour, but that’s how it is with Cade. Everyone he meets walks away thinking they’ve made a new best friend.
“When you moved to California, did you see a different loctician?”
Cade’s smile deepens when Emma shoots him a glare. “I did have to see someone else, but he was Emma-approved, and I’m thankful he squeezed me into his tight schedule. Now that I’m back, it’s Emma or nobody.”
“You’ve got that right!” Emma shouts, and a wild howl of laughter rips out of him.
This is the Cade I remember. The sunshine that lit up every room he walked into.
People are often drawn to golden people.
The ones who look like they don’t have a single care in the world.
The ones who shine bright, even if the world is crumbling around them.
The ones who feel like they can’t be themselves until everyone around them is happy.
But as beautiful as the sun is, I’ve always preferred cloudy days.
I spent so long hoping Cade’s clouds would appear, saturated and heavy with all the things he kept pent up until they finally fell, released like a torrent of rain.
Not because I wanted to see Cade sad, scared, or angry, but because I wanted to see the real Cade.
Like the one I saw earlier.
“This is my last question for the day.” Lula tosses me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry I didn’t run this question by your team first, but I’m feeling snoopy.”
Frustration sends me to my feet and my phone clatters to the ground, capturing Cade’s attention. His head turns enough to meet my eyes, but when he nods, I sit back down.
He faces Lula. “You better be glad I like you.”
She giggles like a schoolgirl. “Everyone wants to know if you’re available. You haven’t been publicly tied to anyone before, but is there a special someone in hiding? I’m dying to get a little more information about the golden boy.”
I should be annoyed, but for some reason I want him to answer. I have no idea what Cade did after we split up, and I refused to ask Mallory for updates. Hearing he moved on would’ve wrecked me.
“Ah.” A slow smile takes over his face. “There was someone very special to me. Still is, if I’m being honest, but that’s something that’ll stay between the two of us. And for those wondering, no, I’m not available or looking.”
My breath hitches when his eyes dart to me for half a second.
Lula slaps her thigh. “A good man! Thank you for speaking with me today. I’m sure our partnership will be fruitful.”
As the camera crew cuts, my phone vibrates against the plastic table, and I rush outside. I can’t miss a Garrett Blane test, but when I check the caller ID, it isn’t him.
“So, I have good news and bad news,” Mallory whispers after I answer. “Which do you want first?”
I’m feeling oddly positive, so I say, “Good news.”
“Dr. Darleen Johnson, diabetes research queen, invited me to get coffee and discuss post-grad opportunities! Should I be normal and get hot chocolate or be cool and get coffee?”
She’s so cute when she’s nervous. “Be yourself and get hot chocolate.”
“That’s why you’re my best friend,” She takes a deep breath. “The bad news is I can’t take you home because I’m meeting her right now. I’m sorry.”
I’m too excited to care. “Don’t stress. I’ll get a ride. Text me updates later.”
“I will strangle you if you hitchhike, Shaylene!” she screams before clicking off.
Within thirty minutes, the studio is cleared out. After finalizing the shoot’s details, thanking the millions of people on set, verifying the endorsement contract one last time with Lula, and ordering my ride home, I breathe in the crisp afternoon air.
“Hey.”
I bristle at Cade’s voice, surprised to see him leaning against the building. “Are you waiting for something?” I ask.
“Yes.” He straightens. “You.”
My glare is cutting. He walked out of the studio with Emma soon after recording finished, yet here he is.
We might as well review today’s interview.
“Are there any questions you want removed from the final cut?”
Locs thump against his cheeks. “Nope. Lula can keep them all.”
“Even the dating one?”
“Absolutely. I’m unavailable, and I’d like that to be publicly known.”
A surprised cough bursts out of my chest, sharp and way too loud. “Got it,” I choke out. “Well, enjoy your afternoon. I’m waiting for my ride.”
“A ride?” Cade’s jaw clicks. “Why didn’t you ask me to take you back to Clear Lake?”
“Why would I?”
The good energy between us dissipates as he marches away, leaving me alone on the sidewalk. His steps are agitated, but I don’t call for him. It’s better this way. Today was nice as agent and client. There’s no need to ruin it with a silent and awkward thirty-minute drive home.
My rideshare app chimes, alerting me that Teela’s silver Subaru is five minutes away. Then I’ll be home and safe from Cade and his random confessions.
“Get in the car.”
Red fills my vision, a mix of rage and the red minivan beside me. “Excuse me?”
Cade pushes his elbow out of the open window. “You’re not being driven home by some stranger, so get in the car.”
“In your dreams.” I flick my hand, shooing him away. “Go home, Cade. I’m fine.”
Naturally, like the stubborn man he is, he does the exact opposite. The ancient minivan groans as he pushes it into park. “What are the odds you let me drive you home?”
“Rule three!”
“Fine.” The door creaks open, and he swings his legs out.
“Shaylene Joy Turner, you have three options.” My blood drops at the use of my full name.
“One,” he continues, “you break the rules and play our game. Two, you be the angel I know you can be and get in my car. Or three, I’ll put you in my car.
The only downside to option three is that I’ll make a big scene.
And I’d hate to ruin that beautiful hair of yours. ”
“You wouldn’t dare.” My hands fly up to shield my perfectly puffed afro.
He cocks his head and smiles. “Try me.”