Page 25 of No Holds Barred

“Cadence…” Angelica rolled her eyes and tightened her shoulders. “You’re coming into this show two seasons in, and I strongly suggest you keep that in mind as you navigate thedynamics that have already been built.” That was the best non-answer that she could give.

Her watch buzzed. Angelica glanced down, expecting some type of text involving work—either one of the hotels she managed or the production with the show, but it was Hope.

Hope: I stopped by your room to talk, but you weren’t there. Lyric said you’re out with Cadence.

Then there was nothing else added on. Angelica pressed her lips together hard, debating on whether or not she wanted to answer. She couldn’t fathom why Hope was even interested in where she was or why she’d work so hard to find an answer. She picked at the burger in front of her, barely eating a fry when another text popped in on her watch.

Hope: I hope you’re being safe tonight.

Oh, now she was just picking a fight. Angelica clenched her jaw and looked directly at Cadence. Hope was jealous, and after everything they’d been through and everything Hope had pulled in the last year, she had absolutely no right to be jealous. And if she’d paid attention at all, she’d know that Cadence wasn’t someone that would interest Angelica in any capacity.

“Struggling with a breakup?” Cadence asked.

“Excuse me?” Angelica furrowed her brow, looking directly at her.

“You’re not eating, you keep staring at your messages, and you seem so despondent compared to how you were when we met.” Cadence tapped her finger against the table. “Either way, I can try to set you up with someone. That honey over at the bar keeps looking at us.”

“That’s because you scream lesbian no matter what room you walk into.” Angelica lifted her pint to her lips. When she met Cadence’s eyes, she nearly choked on a laugh. “I didn’t mean?—”

“No, you’re right. I just didn’t expect you to be so direct.”

“I’m not sure why. I’m a very direct person. I can either be honest or nice, and you won’t have both.” Angelica spun her beer between her fingers before deciding to finish it off and order another.

“Oh, I like the way you think.” Cadence ordered shots for them and another beer for herself.

By the time she was halfway through her burger, Angelica had two beers and two shots in her, and the alcohol was going straight to her head.

“Oh, oh, oh!” Cadence bounced on her stool. “Honey is coming over to us.”

Angelica laughed, brushing her hair behind her ear as she shook her head. “For you, not for me. Trust me on that one.”

Were her words slurred a little? She bit her lower lip and rolled her shoulders, watching as the young woman with short brown hair stalked toward them. Oh, she was definitely coming for Cadence and not Angelica. Anyone a mile away could see that.

“Hey there,” Honey said. “I couldn’t help but notice you.”

Angelica nearly laughed. It’d been a long time since she was picked up in a bar, but the awkwardness never got any better. “This is Cadence.” Angelica pointed at her. “We work together.” She was determined to make this as clear as possible.

They were not together.

Cadence was absolutely free for the taking.

Angelica suspected that Cadence would jump at the opportunity if it came her way.

“We do.” Cadence sent Angelica a curious look. “And it’s been a long week of work. I think we both could use some relief.”

“I’m Hannah.” And she had eyes only for Cadence.

Angelica had called that one in a flash. They waved the waitress down and ordered more drinks for everyone. Angelica played the role of the best wing-woman she could, pushing Hannah and Cadence together until they dipped toward the bathroom. Cadence leaned over and dropped the keys to the car in front of Angelica.

“I’m being presumptuous, but I’ll find my own way home tonight.”

Angelica laughed lightly. “I figured you would.”

“Night, boss.”

Cadence had a skip in her step as she followed Hannah toward the front door of the bar. Angelica paid the tab without even glancing at the bill. It had been worth it in the end. Cadence had been right—though Angelica would never tell her that to her face. The break had been exactly what she’d needed, and getting a little intoxicated had done her well in the long run.

The only problem was that she didn’t drive for a good reason.