Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
Cadence
I’d just got in my car from leaving my last class when I got the email that made it a lot easier for me to breathe.
Dear Ms. Mitchell,
This email serves as confirmation that the outstanding balance on your student account has been paid in full.
As of October 15, 2026, your account reflects a zero balance, and all financial holds have been removed. After reviewing your account and academic record, we can confirm that you have met the financial requirements necessary for graduation.
You are officially cleared to participate in commencement exercises and receive your degree pending final certification of degree requirements by the Office of the Registrar.
An updated account statement is available through your student portal for your records.
Congratulations on this accomplishment. We wish you continued success as you complete your studies and prepare for the next chapter of your career.
Sincerely,
Karen WhitmoreStudent Accounts CoordinatorOffice of Student Financial ServicesCannon Hills State [email protected](555) 410-2287
I wiped the lone tear that fell from my eye. Just weeks ago I was wondering how I would be able to continue my education and graduate, and here goes this superstar football with hoe tendencies coming to save the day. I would forever be grateful to Titan for doing this for me.
Pulling out my phone, I sent him a quick text.
Thank you.
I put my phone in the cupholder and headed home. I was off tonight, and I was going to take full advantage of it.
By the time I got home and settled, my phone dinged indicating that I had a text. When I picked up my phone, I saw Titan had responded to my text.
Titan: You got it, Tink.
Before I could respond, another text came through?
Titan: Let me take you out tonight... to celebrate and shit.
I stared at the text, not knowing what to say. I did agree to be his fake girlfriend, but I didn’t think my role would start so fast.
Titan: You’re thinking too much. Let me take you out... I’ll be on my best behavior... I promise ????.
I cackled because this nigga didn’t know anything about being on his best behavior. That’s why he’s in this shit now.
I’m off tonight, so I guess I can do that. Where do you want me to meet you?
I saw the dialogue bubble pop up, letting me know he was typing.
Titan: Don’t play with me, Tink. I’ll pick you up at 7. Where something sexy ??.
This nigga.
I don’t know about all that, but I’ll see you at 7.
I closed my text thread and went to Nae’s contact.
What time do you get off today?
While I waited for her to text me back, I went into my room to find something to wear tonight. I didn’t feel the need to go overboard, but I did want to look nice and own up to my role. I heard my phone ding while I was rummaging through my dresses.
Nae Bae ????: My last appointment is at 3 so I should be out of here no later than 4-4:.....0…wassup.
Titan asked me on a date tonight and told me to wear something sexy.
I bet her eyes were popping out of her head at my revelation. Instead of calling, she FaceTime’d me.
“Bitch, are you for real?” She damn squealed.
“Could you calm down and yes, I’m for real. You think I should go?”
Nae knew all about our arrangement, so she knew what I was dealing with.
“What do you mean, should you go? If you don’t... I will. Besides, going on this date will solidify your agreement, and he’ll go ahead and pay your tuition.” She shrugged.
“He already paid the tuition. I got the email right before I left campus,” I informed.
Nae’s damn eyes almost popped out her head when I said that.
“Well, bitch, you answered your own question. Yes, you should go on this date probably suck some dick, too.” She gawked.
I just shook my head because it was no use in trying to get her to have some sense.
“Bye, fool. Let me go find something to wear on this date.”
“Mhm... go touch that kitty up, too. She might get smacked on too... you never know.”
We both fell out laughing, and I hung up on her ignorant ass.
She always thought about somebody fucking on something, and that was the farthest thing from my mind.
Titan had entirely too much going on for me to get caught up in his lifestyle, but a deal is a deal, and I needed to do my part.
I just hope I don’t regret this shit later.
***
I was currently in my room losing my damn mind. Nae was on FaceTime trying to help calm my nerves, but that shit wasn’t working. I already let her talk me into wearing this short ass dress, but the copper color did look good against my warm bronze complexion.
“Bitch, look good as fuck. Titan might fuck around and forget that all this is for play-play,” she laughed, and I joined in.
“You get on my damn nerves. I’m not trying to give him any ideas. I just want to make sure I look convincing enough.” I turned from side to side, going over my appearance for what was probably the millionth time.
“Cady, please. You look good and you know it. Fake or not... that nigga should be honored to be seen with you tonight. I’ve seen the hoes he’s been caught with, and you, my girl, are definitely great for his image,” Nae praised, and I nodded.
She was right. Who cares that he was Titan Samuels. Top five wide receiver in the NFL and Mr. Franchise. I was Cadence Nicole Mitchell... and I was that bitch.
“You’re right. I’m just in my head and thinking too much. It’s just dinner, and that’s it,” I coached myself.
“I mean... it wouldn’t be that bad if it was more. When was the last time you had some dick?” Nae smirked into the phone just as there was a knock at my door.
“Bye, bitch,” I cackled.
“Bye... have fun and if that nigga wants to sniff the coochie... let him. Love you.” She hung up before I could curse her ass out.
After looking at myself again in the mirror, I grabbed my clutch, phone, and keys. When I made it to the door, Titan wasn’t there but a big ass nigga was instead.
“Ugh... can I help you?” I asked.
“Titan sent me up to walk you down,” was all he said.
“And who are you?” I was already reaching clutching my keys that had my mace attached. I would mase his big ass then beat the fuck out of him.
“I’m Graves... Titan’s security. I can call him for you if that’ll make you more comfortable.”
“Yeah... do that.”
I watched as he placed a call and told who I assumed was Titan that I didn’t believe him. I saw him place the phone on speaker before I heard Titan’s voice come through the speakers.
“Tink...” he called out.
“Yes?”
“Stop giving my mans a hard time. He’s going to escort you downstairs to me,” he informed.
I looked between the phone and Graves before I responded.
“What’s your name?” I asked Graves.
“Graves,” he countered.
“No, nigga. What does your granny call you and I know it ain’t no damn Graves,” I sassed, throwing my hand on my hip.
I heard Titan laugh along with Graves before he responded.
“My name is Malik,” he offered.
“Damn, Tink. You need that man’s government?” Titan quizzed.
“I do, because they need to know who to look for or inform about his big ass body if I go missing,” I confirmed.
“Man, bring your little feisty ass on so we can go. Gone have us late with your bullshit,” I heard Titan say before the call disconnected.
I gave Malik one last look before I shut my door and locked it.
He informed me to walk ahead of him, and I did.
When we made it to the bottom, I saw Titan get out of the driver’s side of the same Range Rover he was in when he came to my school.
I caught myself staring as I approached him because he looked good.
He had on an all-black dress shirt that he left open at the top to reveal his chains.
Black slacks adorned his bottom half and fit him perfectly.
He complimented the look with black loafers that I knew were just as expensive as everything else he had on.
The watch he wore looked like it cost just as much as my car.
“Damn, Tink. Why you have to give my man a hard time?” He asked once I got close, and he opened the door for me.
“I’on know him. His big ass could’ve been trying to hide me in his basement or some shit.” I frowned.
Titan and Malik both laughed, but I was dead ass serious.
“Man, Graves is my bodyguard. I asked him to come get you since I didn’t want your neighbors to see me and ambush a nigga,” he explained.
“You’ve been to my apartment before,” I countered.
“I had a hoodie on, too. Now, can we go?” I watched him as he let his eyes scan my body.
I got in the truck and waited until he closed my door before getting in on the driver’s side. I looked in the mirror and saw Malik get into a black SUV and followed behind us.
“You look nice,” Titan complimented.
I turned toward him and responded. “You do too. I didn’t expect you to get all fancy on me.”
He looked at me and licked his lips.
“Hell, I didn’t expect you to do all that either, but I appreciate it.” He gave me a smoldering look that caused my breathing to hitch and my thighs to clench.
We didn’t talk much on the way to the restaurant.
I guess this was new for the both of us.
I never read about him dating anyone in particular, so he was probably out of his element as well.
I noticed we were pulling up to The Velvet House, and I was impressed.
I’ve never been, but I heard all good things about it.
He pulled up to the valet and parked before looking over at me.
“You’re ready to do this?” he asked.
“I mean... it’s too late now if I wasn’t,” I responded.
“No, it’s not. If you’re not comfortable, we can leave.”
“No... I’m fine.”
“Aight. Just be yourself... well maybe not yourself because you’re mean as fuck,” he laughed.
“Boy, fuck you,” I laughed right along with him.