Page 96 of Playing Pretend

Caleb

3 Months Later

I ADJUST MY TIEfor the millionth time, and glance around the packed ballroom. It’s filled to the brim with socialites, musicians from my record label, investors, board members and some of the city’s most well-known philanthropists. It’s another big night for Callahan Industries, but an even bigger night for me. I just hope it was worth the three months I spent putting it all together.

I greet people who stop to talk to me, all the while searching for one face in particular. Aaliyah told me Kadence was coming, but I won’t believe it until I see her for myself. She hasn’t spoken to Aaliyah in months, so I had to convince Annabelle to help me. It was quite a feat considering she hates me. I don’t blame her. As Kadence’s best friend, she’s protective, and after much groveling, she finally agreed to get Kadence to the event under any pretense necessary. That came along with a threat that if I fucked up again, Annabelle would have my balls on a plate. I didn’t for one second think she was kidding.

My Father, Lionel, steps up to my side, and claps me on the shoulder. “You ready?”

No.

“Is it already time?” I ask. I can’t help that my voice hitches a little. I’ve been doing a shit job of hiding my nerves.

My Father chuckles, and I try not to scowl at him. “It’s going to be fine, Son. You’ll see.”

I snort. “Easy for you to say, old man.”

“You’re my kid,” he retorts. “You can’t fuck this up.”

I try not to smile. My Father has become mouthy in his old age. When I told him about this project three months ago, he took one look at me and knew I was going to follow through, and rather than tell me I was fucking nuts, he supported me all the way. In fact, I remember him calling me a ‘fucking moron’ if I didn’t follow through. That in itself was surprising, but then he told me to let go of our past, and be with whoever made me happy. It was also my understanding that him and Kadence’s mother, Dalia, were both on my side. The fact that they have become friends again after all these years is proof that history is just that. History. If they can move past it, then so could I.

With a bit of luck, Kadence will feel the same way.

Aaliyah scurries towards me, her tight dress stopping her from moving any faster.

“She’s here,” she breathes, looking almost as frantic as I feel. My head whips up, and without hesitation I start scanning the crowd. My heart leaps into my throat, and I turn back to Aaliyah. “Are you sure?”

With an eye roll, she replies, “Yes! Now get up on that stage, you’re already running behind schedule.”

“Okay,” I exhale. I brush my hands down my suit jacket, and start weaving through the guests until I get to the stage. The Master of Ceremonies – some comedian who really isn’t all that funny – introduces me, and like many times before this, I take the stage with a certain amount of arrogance, and bravado. Only this time it really is for show. Sweat beads my forehead, and my pulse jumps erratically, while my shirt somehow feels like it’s getting smaller and smaller.

“Good evening, ladies and gentleman,” I start, gripping the podium with both hands. “And welcome to what will be the start of one of Callahan Industries’ biggest undertakings.”

Kadence chooses that exact moment to step into my line of sight, and for a moment I’m completely robbed of my ability to speak. Hell, it feels like I can’t even fucking breathe.

“Before I get into the details,” I continue, breaking eye contact with Kadence to read my speech. “I want to thank the numerous stakeholders who came on board with this project, and made it a reality. However, there is one person in particular I have to thank for making this all possible.”

I find Kadence again, and lock my gaze with hers. She looks fucking incredible tonight, dressed in a light purple lace gown that makes her eyes pop. Her blonde hair, longer than when I last saw her, hangs in tight curls down her shoulders. She’s a ruby amongst wanna-be diamonds.

“Kadence Kavanagh.”

Her mouth opens, but I continue. “You are the inspiration behind this initiative.”

The ballroom goes quiet.

“Without you, this would have never happened,” I pause, “So without further ado, I would like to announce the Kadence Kavanagh Scholarship Program for girls.”

I can see Kadence’s eyes gloss over as she lifts a delicate hand to her mouth.

“This program is designed for girls, and young women with extraordinary talent and a desire to make the world a better place.”

I try to continue, but then Kadence turns around, and starts pushing her way through the throng of guests. Without thought, or provocation, I jump off the stage and follow her. Being lithe, and as small as she is, she makes quick work of it. I lose her for a minute, but my feet keep moving until we’re outside. I spot her running down the street in this piss cold weather, and pick up my pace.

“Kadence!” I yell. “Please, stop!”

She doesn’t.

How the fuck is she so fast in heels?