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He really didn’t think she was trying to stay clean. But he didn’t want to punch her while she was down. “I know, Daph. But for your sake, you’ve got to stop with the drugs. They’re not good for you.”
“I know.” Her lower lip trembled. “I haven’t had anything in two days. Not since they told me you were here and I didn’t even realize it.”
“That’s good,” he told her. “That’s a start.” Mentally, he wanted to wring her neck. Two whole days and she was acting like it was something impressive? “Keep going in that direction.”
“And you’ll help me?”
“As a friend? Of course.”
She laughed as if he’d said something funny. “Oh, Cade. We’ve always been more than friends.”
Maybe once. Not anymore. So he simply gave her a faint smile and repeated himself. “As a friend.”
NINE
Thursday
Cade: I feel like we should talk about last night.
Kylie: What’s there to talk about?
Cade: Daphne confessed to me that she’s been clean for two days now. Two days . . . isn’t much. Can you keep an eye on her? Let me know if she starts making lots of emergency trips to the bathroom or hiding out in corners with the wrong kind of people?
Kylie: Of course.
Cade: She’s a really old friend and I’m worried about her.
Kylie: You don’t have to explain anything to me.
Cade: Don’t I? I’m pretty sure you weren’t happy with me when you left.
Kylie: Why would you say that? I am neither happy nor unhappy with you. I don’t have a claim on you.
Cade: Don’t you?
Kylie: Not in the slightest. You’re free to do as you choose.
Cade: I thought it was pretty obvious who I choose.  Someone with a warm smile, a great laugh, and the softest skin I’ve ever experienced.
Kylie: Are you flirting with me?
Cade: Possibly? Is it working?
Kylie: Cade . . . I really like you. Really really like you. But I can’t fight with Daphne over you.
Cade: No one’s fighting. We’re just talking, right? Friends talk. We can be friends, right?
Kylie: . . . I suppose so. Do you tell all your friends they have soft skin?
Cade: Only the ones I’ve slept with.
Kylie: Why am I laughing at that?
Cade: I don’t know, but it’s clear I’ll have to make you laugh more so you don’t avoid my texts.
Kylie: I have to go.
Friday
Cade: So how was the concert tonight?
Kylie: Good! Daph got a standing ovation. Little surprised to come into the greenroom and not see you here.
Cade: Couldn’t make it today. Will try to be at the next one, promise. Will you be there if I am?
Kylie: Duh.
Cade: Duh? Ouch.
Kylie: But not because of you. Because I, yanno, work for Daphne.
Cade: Double ouch. How is Daph?
Kylie: I think she’s clean. But it’s hard to say. Sometimes she’s in a great mood, and sometimes she’s . . . not.
Cade: Well, I’m glad.
Kylie: I’m glad for you two also.
Cade: What about us?
Kylie: There is no us.
Cade: I think there should be.
Kylie: I think I should be a size four, but we don’t always get what we want.
Cade: I don’t know why you’d want to be a size four. I think you’re gorgeous.
Kylie: You’re just blinded by my soft skin and enormous tracts of land.
Cade: God, yes I am. Now I’m picturing you in my mind and it’s getting a little hard to concentrate.
Kylie: You’re welcome.
Cade: You’re flirting with me. I’m breaking down your barriers.
Kylie: Good night, Cade.
Cade: It is now.
Kylie: It is what?
Cade: A good night.
Saturday 1 A.M.
Daphne: Hey Cade!! Missed u tonight, bb. U coming to see me? Will save u spot in greenroom 4 my favorite man. Xoxoxo
Cade: Can’t tonight, Daph. Busy. We’ll talk soon ok?
Daphne: K
Cade: Stay clean for me?
Daphne: Fine fine. Quit acting like my mom.
Saturday night
Cade: Hey.
Kylie: Hi there.
Cade: Where are you at tonight?
Kylie: Concert in Louisville, KY. You coming in to say hello?
Cade: Wish I was. I am currently in Botswana.
Kylie: I . . . don’t even know where that is? Why are you in Botswana?
Cade: It’s north of South Africa. Very pretty country. One of my organizations is opening a new HIV clinic and I wanted to be here. It’s a good cause.