Читать книгу Her Chance At Love - Nicki Night - Страница 10

Chapter 1

“You haven’t had sex in how long?” Alana Tate shrieked.

Cadence Payne recoiled as her eyes darted around the bustling coffeehouse and then landed on the shocked wide-eyed expression on her closest friend’s face. She couldn’t believe how loud she had just said that. “Alana!” she chided, embarrassed for both of them.

“Don’t Alana me!” she said, still speaking at the same volume that she had just used to let everyone in proximity know that Cadence hadn’t had any in a while. “What are you waiting for? Please don’t tell me you’re still pining over that loser Kenny. I thought you were over him!” she said, referring to Cadence’s ex-fiancé, Kenneth Dalton. “I still can’t believe he married that woman so soon after you two broke off the engagement. Jerk.”

“Shh!” Cadence waved her hand at Alana, urging her to lower her voice before the entire coffeehouse ended up knowing all her business. “It has nothing to do with Kenny,” she found herself whispering, then rolled her eyes and sighed. She knew Alana meant well, but she needed to reel her in before she went too far. Shaking her head, she took a sip of her chai latte. “I just haven’t found anyone that I’m interested in dating, let alone sleeping with.”

“That’s because for the past six months you’ve dated your job. With the time you’ve put into working, there’s no room for anything else.” Alana gave her a pitiful look. “You need to get out more.”

“Well, once I make senior counsel, then maybe I’ll have time for a date or two.” Yeah, right. She hoped her statement would be enough to get Alana off her back—even if she didn’t believe it herself. Cadence was hurt when Kenny abruptly ended their engagement. Not only did the breakup severely bruise her ego, but also she didn’t know love could hurt so badly. Then Kenny poured salt into her already wounded heart when he married another woman a few short weeks after. Cadence stood, indicating that it was time to go. Grabbing her empty cup, she started for the trash can, and then headed for the door. Cadence wanted to get out of that place and away from their topic as quickly as possible, adding distance between her and the notion of dating anyone. Alana was fast on her heels.

“You’re coming with me tonight!” Alana declared.

Cadence suddenly stopped walking, causing Alana to crash into her from behind. Clucking her teeth, she shook her head and started walking again. “Where are you going now?” she asked, digging in her oversize purse in search of her car keys.

“The NYAA mixer.”

Cadence spun around with her hands up in protest, “No!”

Alana took in a breath and exhaled. “I know you don’t like those kinds of gatherings, but you need to get out and meet some new people.”

Ignoring Alana, Cadence clicked the car alarm and slid into the driver’s seat. Alana sat next to her, on the passenger’s side. The last place she wanted to meet someone was at a mixer full of pretentious lawyers. They reminded her of high-profile cattle calls where arrogant men waltzed around in their tailored suits trying to one-up each other with their dossier of accomplishments, while the women shamelessly put their pedigrees and other things on display for all to see. Her last ill-fated relationship was with a lawyer. Needless to say, that was not a match made in anybody’s heaven.

Cadence never did fare well at these types of events. A self-proclaimed horrible networker, she shied away from them as much as she could, which is why she never joined the New York Association of Attorneys. She didn’t feel comfortable in the presence of these groups. Besides being somewhat of a loner, she was also the daughter of a senator and had experienced more than her share of inauthentic relationships. Now she just tried to avoid them at all costs.

Without another word, Cadence pulled off and headed back toward her home in Garden City.

“Cadence!” Alana yelled, turning toward her in the passenger seat. “I know you hear me talking to you. It will be fun. We don’t have to stay long. Besides, I’m on the board of the local chapter, so I have to at least show my face.”

“No, Alana! I’m not going.”

Alana grunted. “You really should give it a try. I’ve made so many great connections.”

“I have all the connections I need. My dad is a senator, remember?”

“Your own connections...” Frustrated, Alana shook her head. “Besides, it will be good for you to meet some of the members and see how we do things. You really should consider joining. You’d be a great addition.”

“I’m doing fine on my own. You know social groups aren’t my thing.”

“It’s a professional organization, not some social club.” Alana blew out an irritated breath. “Well, you owe me anyway! Come tonight and we can call it even.”

Cadence nearly slammed on the brakes. “Owe you for what?”

“Dragging me to your annoying cousin’s party.”

“Oh...that.” Cadence sighed, casting her eyes sideways. She had to admit, that event was a disaster. She’d felt obligated to attend because it was family but didn’t want to go alone, so she’d lugged Alana along with her promising that she’d make it up to her.

“So, yeah. You owe me.” Alana smiled, sitting up in her seat as if she’d just won a prize.

Cadence cut her eyes. “I still didn’t say I was going.” Alana turned toward Cadence and stared.

Cadence’s resolve collapsed as she pulled the car to a park in front of Alana’s condominium. “Okay. I’ll go.”

“Yay—” Cadence cut Alana’s celebration off with a narrowed eye and a pointed finger. “What?” Alana drew the inquiry out.

“I’m not staying more than an hour. So when I’ve had enough, you have to leave with me.”

“Trust me. You’ll have a blast.” Alana leaned over and hugged her friend. “I’m driving, so I’ll pick you up at six. We have to get to midtown before seven and I want to be sure to get a close parking spot.”

Cadence looked at the green digital numbers illuminating the dashboard. “It’s five thirty now! I have to get home, shower and find something to wear.”

“See you at six,” Alana reiterated with a huge smile, ignoring Cadence’s alarmed expression as she exited the car. “I have to get there early. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.” She slammed the door and then leaned over, gesturing for Cadence to roll down the window. Sticking her head in, she said, “Now that I’m getting you out, the next thing we need to do is get you a man so you can get laid.” Alana howled at Cadence’s twisted lips. Cadence rolled the window up on her and pulled off, watching Alana continue to laugh through her rearview mirror.