Asher is going to have surgery on his shoulder. Since being taken out of the NFL from an injury, he's been itching to get back to playing and it looks like he may finally get his wish. First, however, they need to repair the nerve damage and see if it works.
“Mom, I need you to take me to Bryce's,” Cade demands as he walks in the room.
Nora doesn't even look up from what she's doing. “What's wrong with your car?”
He rolls his eyes. “It's making a weird noise. I dropped it off at the mechanic this morning. So, can you take me?”
She signs her name and then turns to him. “I'm sorry, hun, I can't. I'm taking Lennon dress shopping.”
Scowling, he glances at me and his upper lip curls in disgust. “She's like a gazillionaire. Doesn't she have enough dresses?”
“Not the point, Cadence.” Cadence? ”Graduation is a special occasion and deserves a special dress. You'd know that if you hadn't insisted on dropping out and taking your GED.”
He scoffs. “I'd rather spend my time surfing.”
“Obviously, but that doesn't mean everyone has your views. See if Bryce can just come pick you up.”
With that, it's clear the conversation is over by the way she turns away from him and grabs her purse. Cade sighs in frustration and storms out of the room, stomping up the stairs and slamming his bedroom door like a child having a temper tantrum. I can't help but laugh at his antics.
“I'm sorry about my son,” Nora apologizes. “He can be a bit of a handful.”
I giggle softly and shake my head. “Don't worry about it. He doesn't bother me.”
“I didn't think he would. You're tough. I don't think he stands a chance against you.”
I smile and shrug. “I don't think anyone does.”
We leave through the garage and climb into the new car my dad bought Nora a week ago. As she pulls out of the driveway, I text Francois and let him know that Cade needs a ride to his friend’s house. I know Nora wouldn't ask. She hasn't gotten comfortable with the staff yet. He texts me back with a thumbs up and I put my phone away, happy to be the bigger person—even if he doesn't deserve it.
TESSA AND I STAND in the middle of my room, checking ourselves out in my floor-to-ceiling mirror. It may be overkill, but I had a professional hair and makeup artist come to my house so we could look our best. What can I say? You only graduate high school once.
The two of us head downstairs where everyone is waiting. My dad and Cade are having a discussion in the kitchen, and I'm surprised to hear that it sounds relatively friendly. The second we walk into the room, however, everyone goes quiet.
“Wow,” Molly says, and it makes me laugh. She's an adorable little kid.
“Molly is right, sweetheart,” my dad chimes in. “You look beautiful.”
Cade is yet to say a word, but I don't expect him to. What I did expect, however, is for his eyes to be glued on Tessa. With her long brown hair and the way that red dress hangs perfectly on her body, the girl is a knockout. But that's not at all what he's doing. Instead, his gaze is locked on me—unmoving and unashamed.
“Are we ready to go?” I question, suddenly needing to get out of here.
Everyone gets up and heads for the door, except Cade. He made it very well known that he has no intentions of going anywhere near Haven Grace Prep. Not now. Not ever.
ONE OF THE BEST parts of having such a small graduating class is getting to sit with my friends instead of in alphabetical order. Tessa is to my left and Kellan is to my right, both holding my hands as Tess and I tear up at the speech Charleigh is giving. How that girl managed to become valedictorian is something I'll never understand.
“Before we start handing out diplomas,” Principal Hyland says, “there is an award that brings me great pleasure to present. This one is for our most improved student. Someone who has been through more than her fair share of struggles and still managed to come out stronger. Give a round of applause to the girl who deserves this most, Miss Tessa Callahan.”
Our whole class cheers as Tessa stands and walks up to the podium to accept the plaque, but no one is louder than Asher, Colby, and me—except maybe one. I glance over to the