Chapter Four
Cadence
As a child, wearing a poofy dress and having your make-up done was the closest you’d ever get to becoming a princess. But as an adult, it was as close as you could get to knowing what it felt like to be stabbed in the eye with a dull pencil.
Pretty freaking terrible.
But as I closed my computer at my desk and packed up my stuff, I was coming closer and closer to that reality.
Tonight, the city of Charleston was throwing a gala for the Lowcountry Orphan Charity. Of course, the event had a dress code—black tie—and only the most prestigious families would be welcome.
And somehow Elijah had convinced his family that I needed to be there with them.
Yay, me.
“I’m out, Rach. I’ll see you Monday,” I shouted to the cubical wall in front of me.
Rachel popped her head around the corner. “Have fun at the gala tonight. I hear it’s going to be the event of the season.”
Rachel was my work bestie and the person who kept me centered in the four walls of Powell Enterprises. My job title was ‘Financial Analyst’, but I was treated as a glorified HR Specialist. I handled payroll and other new hire duties. I spent my days staring at data and putting that finance degree to good use…not.
“Another reason for me not to go. I hate this stuff. Why can’t these rich families just donate the money without the big party? Seems like a waste to me.”
“Maybe you don’t understand the structure of the upper class, Ms. Copeland.”
My spine straightened as the deep voice of the finance director, aka my boss, Henry Trevino, rumbled behind me. He had a reputation for being unapologetically strict with his employees and upholding impossible standards. I thought I had stayed off his radar, but I didn’t like how he spat out my name.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Trevino. I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I only meant they could donate the money spent on the party to the children in need instead of spending it on glasses of fancy champagne.”
Mr. Trevino lifted his chin, studying me with a raised eyebrow. “It seems I’ll be seeing you tonight at the gala. Until then, Ms. Copeland.”
As he walked away from my desk, Rachel mirrored my wide-eyed gaze. She mouthed the words “What the fuck?” as I lifted my shoulders.
I didn’t have time to worry about that right now. There was somewhere I needed to be.
I stood and grabbed my purse and work bag. “I’ll give you all the gory party details on Monday. Let’s get lunch at that sushi place you like.”
“Deal.”
I left the office quickly. I needed to meet Elijah’s sister and mother at a salon downtown, and I’d be late if I didn’t hurry.
Pushing the pedal to the metal, I drove as fast as I could through Charleston. My hydro-blue Jeep Wrangler made it easy to weave in and out of traffic.
My phone rang as I entered the city proper.
“Hey,” I said as I answered Jade’s FaceTime call.
“Ooo. You’re making a face.”
I rolled my eyes. “Am not. I’m just in a hurry.”
Jade pushed out her bottom lip. “Well, I won’t keep you. I only wanted to ask if you changed your mind about coming to The Whiskey House tonight.”
I sighed. “You know I would if I could. But I have this stupid gala. Elijah will probably insist I stay there all night. I’m sorry.”
“Ugh. I know, I know. I was just hoping. Rebel Rebellion doesn’t come here often, and I’ll be sad to go to the show without you.”
“Oh yeah? You’ve been to plenty without me already.”
