“And I liked him. He was really cool. He passes.”
I whipped my head toward Liam, but he’d already started walking away. “What?” I called out.
But he raised his hand over his head as he continued toward his rental.
“What did he say?” Blake asked, coming up next to me.
“He said, ‘he passed’.”
“Aw. Big brother Liam approves.”
I bumped against Blake with a scoff as Jamie stood on the other side of me, putting his arm around my shoulder. “Seriously, Cadence. If I need to come down to Charleston and beat some ass, just let me know. Don’t let Elijah disrespect you. You deserve better than that.”
“I know. I won’t. And you’re not the only person to offer, either.”
“You don’t want me to unleash my fiancée on his ass, either.” Jamie said.
“He’s not wrong. I’d light him up.”
I reached around both of them, pulling them into a hug. “I love you, guys.”
Somehow, I’d forgotten how much support I had in Fayetteville. In Charleston, I only had Jade. Here, I had the love of my mom and all my friends.
Deep down, I knew that no matter what happened with Elijah, I’d always have a place to call home.
The cemetery was oddly quiet.
I shivered in the cool breeze as it caressed my exposed skin. A sure sign winter was right around the corner.
Pulling my light jacket tighter around me, I tried like hell not to break down as I looked at the fresh dirt atop Noah’s grave.
How was it possible that I would never get to hear his laugh again? Or his voice as he tried to reason with us to stay out oftrouble. Or when he’d eventually say “screw it” and join us despite the risk.
Since I was an only child, I’d found siblings in my friends and Noah had always been like a brother. He was dependable, but never afraid to let loose and have some fun. Kindhearted and sweet, he never took life too seriously and did everything with a smile.
But it was his sense of justice that made Noah truly special. He always did the right thing, no matter the cost.
We hadn’t talked for a while, but that didn’t mean our friendship had suffered. It only meant that our friendship was one of the good ones. When we’d run into each other, it was like no time had passed.
Heaven had gained a true angel.
I sank to my knees in the dry grass, tears streaming down my face as anguish consumed me.
A searing pain shot through my chest as my breath came in short gasps.
I didn’t get to say goodbye to one of my best friends, to someone I’d known for so long, and I’d never have the chance again.
I let Elijah take that from me.
Chapter Seventeen
Cadence
Jade
Today’s the day, right? You’re coming home? Call me crazy, but I’ve missed you.
Yep! I’m about to head out. Want to plan lunch soon?
