"Remember the deal Kadence." Sienna said, "Run in, drop the key off and then come right back out. You can not be off schedule today. Sabian will kill both of us if this watch party doesn't go off without a hitch."
Kadence nodded, "I know Si and trust me I wish I didn't have to do this today but I've been putting this off for way too long."
And that was true.
It'd been almost a month since she moved out of her old place and into Sabian's and the key she held in the pocket of her jeans was the only thing holding her back from closing the door on the old Kadence completely.
"I know and I know that this has a lot to do with closing the door on your past and that's why we're here." Sienna said, as if she had been reading Kadence's mind.
Kadence smiled, "Thanks si, be right back."
Getting out of the car Kadence rushed into her old apartment building heading straight for the all too familiar reception area.
Olivia, the receptionist smiled as she watched Kadence approach the front desk, "Hey Kadence."
"Hey Liv, how have you been?" Kadence smiled
"I've been good and I don't even need to ask you. I know you've been good." She smirked
Kadence chuckled, "I can't complain."
Olivia laughed, "I hear that but what can I do for you today?"
"I'm just here to finally drop off my key." Kadence pulled it out of her pants pocket, "I didn't mean to keep it for so long."
"Girl no problem, we've changed the locks already." She chuckled, "But Brian will appreciate you bringing it back anyway."
"Just wanted to cross all my T's and dot all my I's you know what I mean."
Olivia nodded, "Absolutely."
Kadence nodded, "I have to go but it was nice seeing you."
"You too and congratulations on your new show. I'll be tuned in tonight."
Kadence smiled and waved before heading for the front door, almost colliding with the person in front of her.
"Oh shit. I'm so sorry." Kadence took a step back, her expression immediately changing once she realized the person she had run into.
"Kadence?"
"Amir."
Kadence hadn't seen her old fling since he had gifted her the flowers responsible for her and Sabian's very first argument and although she had no ill feelings toward him she didn't exactly want to run into him. Going down memory lane wasn't her thing.
"KD...it's been a long time."
"Indeed it has. What are you doing here?"
"Relax, I'm not stalking you or anything." Amir chuckled
"Hey you said it, not me." Kadence teased, "But it wouldn't matter though I don't live here anymore."
Amir nodded, "I know."
Kadence's eyebrow spiked.
"That came out wrong." He threw his hands up, "Funny thing, the girl I'm seeing just moved into your old unit so that's how I know."
It was Kadence's turn to chuckle, "That is funny and a little creepy but mostly funny either way umm I hope she loves it as much as I did."
"Won't shut up about it."
Kadence shrugged, "She clearly has immaculate taste."
Amir rubbed his head awkwardly, "So umm how have you been?" I hear you're gonna be on tv soon."
"Tonight actually. I'm a coach on NBC'S Revolution of Dance."
Amir smiled, "Look at you out here doing big things."
"I'm lit right."
"Yeah you're lit KD." He smiled
"I know." Kadence smiled back at him, "But thank you."
Amir nodded, "Honestly I don't know if me saying this means anything but I'm super proud of you KD. You did all of the ground work and you came out on top. That's tough."
"Thanks Mir. I really appreciate that."
As silence ensued Kadence looked down at her watch. She had indeed been in the building too long and although Sienna wasn't blowing her up she knew it was only a matter of time before she started.
"I hate to cut this short Mir but I really have to go."
Amir scratched his head, "Well before you go let me just apologize about how everything went down between us. I wasn't a very good friend to you and you didn't deserve that."
Kadence shook her head, "No hard feelings. I think we both ended up right where we belong."
He nodded, "Good luck to you KD and don't be a stranger."
"Didn't you hear, I'm kind of a celebrity now. I can totally be a stranger."
Amir laughed, "It's good to see the best parts of you are still the same."
Kadence chuckled, "Bye Mir."
"See you later KD." Amir waved, "Oh and tell your man he's got a certified classic on his hands."
Kadence smiled once again before rushing out of the building and straight for Sienna's car. She was in such a rush that she hadn't even noticed the person leaning up against the car behind Sienna's until it was too late.
Kadence groaned, "Today must really be my lucky day."
"I guess, no I know I deserve that."
Kadence crossed her arms, "What are you doing here mom?"
"Your dad told me you'd be here dropping off your key."
"And you decided to pop up?"
"Well I don't have your new address so it's the only way I could see you."
"I have a phone."
"Would you really have answered?"
Kadence stayed silent because she knew she'd avoid a call from her mother like the plague.
"Look I'm not sure why you're here but I really have to go. I have a lot to get done today and fortunately for me arguing with you isn't on that list. Get home safe."
"Kadence, I came to apologize!"
This statement stopped Kadence in her tracks. Never in her twenty-two years of living had her mother uttered the word apologize let alone to her.
"This won't take long and I'm not expecting you to forgive me. I just have to get this off my chest." Farrah said
Turning to face her mother Kadence nodded and while she wasn't exactly thrilled to be having an eat, pray, love moment in the middle of the sidewalk she knew that if she didn't hear her mother out, it'd eat at her for the rest of the day.
"From the moment you were born Kadence I knew you were different, special and that may sound cliche but it's true. You've always moved to the beat of your own drum and to be honest I'm really not sure why I thought that would change when you got older." Farrah chuckled sadly, "It's just that I grew up a certain way. I was born into a wealthy family and then married into one. I was programmed to think that there wasn't any room for imperfections and your carefree lifestyle went against everything I was ever taught and everything I had ever known, and I had raised your siblings the same way. Dare I say all of us may have become a little envious of you."
Kadence shifted uncomfortably as she watched her mother find the words to express her feelings. Something she definitely wasn't used to seeing.
Her former inability to express her own feelings was the one thing she had inherited from her mother so this was without a doubt new territory for them both.
"It wasn't until your father compared me to my own mother and threatened to leave me that I realized I didn't recognize who I was and neither did my own husband. Hell, even your boyfriend's last words to us stung."
"Mom."
Farrah held her hand up, "You're my daughter Kadence and you deserve my support whether I agree with what you're doing or not. I know you have to go and as I said before I don't expect you to forgive me but you deserved this apology. I really am so sorry for any pain I've caused you. It was never my intention, I just wanted the best for you and in that I lost sight of what was truly best for you and I pushed you away, but no matter the behavior I displayed before I truly do love you Kadence and I am extremely proud of you. Always remember that."
Kadence wiped a tear as she watched her mother walk away from her. Never in a million years did she think her mother would admit the things that she did today but it felt good to know that she was finally taking the first step in mending the broken relationship with her. They had a long way to go but Kadence couldn't help but think that maybe they weren't doomed after all.
✨✨✨
Kadence stared at her reflection in the mirror inside her and Sabian's bathroom and while she was satisfied with her look she couldn't rid herself of the angst sitting on her chest.
A part of her wanted to forget all of the wrong her mother had done to her and start over while the other part of her didn't trust that she had changed in such little time and the mental battle was now affecting the pure joy she had been feeling since she had finally released herself from the shackles of wanting to please her family and the general public.
"Even in deep thought you're breathtakingly beautiful."
Pulled back into reality, Kadence looked over at Sabian who was standing in the doorway. She wondered how long he had been there watching her silently beat herself up.
"Been there long?" She asked.
"I was coming to see if you were ready. Now I'm wondering if everything is okay?"
Kadence chuckled dismissively, "You know me, always daydreaming."
Sabian shook his head, "Don't do that babe."
Tearing her eyes from Sabian she began to clasp her necklace, "Do what?"
Walking over to her, Sabian moved her freshly done braids out of the way and planted a kiss on her shoulder.
"Si told me you ran into your mom today. You wanna talk about it?"
"Not really."
"Why not?"
"Because we shouldn't be dwelling on my drama when you've planned this event for me." Kadence shook her head, "Especially not when this event should be for you."
Their eyes connected in the mirror for a few seconds and Sabian could see how torn she was.
He hadn't seen that look on her face in weeks but a run in with her mother was guaranteed to have her insecurities rearing their ugly head.
"You just dropped this amazing album last night as an independent artist so why aren't we going to a party I planned for you? Why is my success being highlighted and not yours?"
"Let me stop you right there." Sabian turned her to face him, "For the last few weeks before the album dropped you've stayed up with me when I went back and forth with myself about each song, you rubbed my back when I stayed in the studio finalizing things til the wee hours of the morning, you gave me your honest opinion every time I asked. Let's not forget I almost pulled the plug on the entire project but you didn't let me do that. You spoke sense into me and you spoke life into my craft. You stuck by me like you always do. I've had years of success, I've had years of people highlighting it. It's your turn and I'm damn glad to have you sporting me on your arm as you bask in it."
Kadence couldn't help but smile. Everyday she asked herself what she did to deserve a man like Sabian. He understood her like no other. He was patient with her. He taught her. He grounded her. He was her Superman.
"I'm sorry it's just this conversation with my mom that has my emotions all over the place." Kadence admitted, "I'm overwhelmed and it's easy to beat myself up even over things that have nothing to do with the conversation I had with her."
Sabian nodded, "I get that but before I let you do any more stressing, did she seem genuine? I mean do you feel like it's different this time?"
"She did and it did and that's what's overwhelming me. My mom and I have always had a weird relationship. I don't know at all how to have a normal one. Do I reach out next? Do I start attending girls' days with her and my sisters? Do I call her and talk about you?"
"Hey, calm down." Sabian squeezed Kadence's shoulders, "You do what you're comfortable with, it's no secret that you all have a long way to go so don't rush the healing process. Everything will happen naturally and you'll know exactly how to navigate the relationship with your mom when the time comes."
Kadence nodded, "You're right. It's just that for the first time in my life I really believed she was proud of me and I can finally admit that, that was all I ever wanted."
Sabian kissed Kadence's forehead, "I'm glad you were able to get that from her and even this doesn't end how you want it to. You'll always have that."
"Leave it to me to force us to have such a serious moment when we should be celebrating." Kadence chuckled as she wiped away a stray tear.
Sabian laughed, "Ain't nothing like our moments of revelation. Romantic movie couples ain't got nothing on us."
Kadence smiled, "I love you so so much."
"And I love you. Now finish getting ready with your fine ass. Tonight's all about you Queen."
Once Kadence was ready, the two headed out to the rooftop cinema Sabian had rented for all of Kadence's closest friends and a select few of her family including her dad.
The paparazzi were posted outside of the venue when they arrived. And while it wasn't exactly a surprise both Kadence and Sabian were unclear on how they found out about the private event. However, just as promised Sabian played the role of the supportive boyfriend.
By the time they made it up to the party Kadence was in much better spirits and as she watched herself on a huge screen helping a team of people she considered to be the most talented people she had ever encountered her heart was fuller than ever before.
The first episode was specifically highlighting Kadence's career, her team, their backgrounds, one on one rehearsals and their road to the live shows. Everyone seemed to be loving every minute of it.
"So tell me Kadence what do you think the best part of this competition will be?" The host, Nina Martin asked in a behind the scenes interview.
"Hmmmm....me." Kadence laughed, "No I'm just kidding. I think this competition is proving that dance is still very much alive. Being creative is alive. Believing in a beat and setting your mind to a set of steps that you've worked so hard on is still alive. Much like music, dance is universal, it does so much and means so much to people for so many different reasons and that's the best part of this competition. Dance will never not matter in the world and you can quote me on that."
"Okay and what will your team be bringing to the live shows?"
"Poise, confidence, storytelling, and the ability to accept that to be the best you must be willing to learn. I have a team of super talented individuals and every one of them deserves to be here."
"You guys heard it here first. In just three weeks the people that some of the best dancers and entertainers in the industry have deemed to be the best of the best will be competing for your love and votes. Tonight we highlighted team Kadence, the presumed underdog of the competition. Tune in next week for the next team."
As the credits began to roll everyone was standing and clapping, happy tears burned Kadence's eyes.
"Speech!" Cash shouted, and everyone joined in until Kadence was standing in front of the now blank screen. She couldn't help but chuckle when Crystal handed her a microphone.
"I don't even know where to begin." Kadence shook her head, "Just at the beginning of the summer I was just like the talented people I've had the pleasure of getting to know and work with. I was working toward a dream just like them and now as the year dwindles down and we approach a new one I've accomplished more than I could have ever expected to in such little time and to think it all started because of a random rapper wandering into a dance studio."
Everyone chuckled, including Sabian who was staring at Kadence with so much love in his eyes.
"Many of you know the story of Sabian and Kadence but a lot of people leave out the fact that Sabian saw me dancing through a window one night and immediately saw the potential I had been begging people to see for years, a potential I often didn't see myself. Fate definitely wasn't something I used to believe in or rely on but that night was nothing but fate. Babe you allowed me into your world and since that night you've helped me reach goals I've had my whole life, you've introduced me to people I'll cherish forever. I mean this speech is about my journey but can we just talk about my man."
Everyone cheered, encouraging Kadence to continue. She knew this night was about her but there was no way she would let the opportunity to give Sabian the flowers he so desperately deserved pass.
"Not only did he throw me this amazing watch party tonight but he dropped an amazing album last night. His numbers are going crazy, the thirsty ass media is going even crazier and that's with no promo, and no rollout. Just pure talent."
"Talk yo shit sis." Sienna shouted
Kadence laughed, "This night is about me but it's about you too. Time and time again you deliver projects people love, and they love it because of how authentic you are, you remain true to yourself and you remain true to me."
Kadence gestured for Sabian to join her and without a thought he took his rightful place next to her.
Holding his hand Kadence continued, "I am so beyond blessed to have Sabian and every single person here. To my dad who despite the things we've gone through never stopped loving and supporting me, to my best friend and my sister Sienna who has had my back since the day she met me, to Cash who took on the role of a big brother when I needed it most, to Madison who just like Sabian saw potential in me and took a chance on me and to Crystal the best manager a girl could ever ask for I just wanna say thank you. I wouldn't be here without any of you. I love all of you. To team Kadence."
"Team Kadence!"
After such an amazing night of celebrating their accomplishments and love, Sabian and Kadence couldn't keep their hands to themselves. They relished the taste of one another's lips the entire ride home - Hennessy being the main ingredient in between them. When the driver dropped them off in front of their door, Sabian didn't allow Kadence's feet to touch the driveway; he scooped her up, trying his absolute best to resist the urge to kiss her while trying to get his keys out.
Kadence didn't make it any easier as she nibbled and sucked on his tattooed neck, running her thumb across the art before tracing it with her tongue. Sabian was scraping against his zipper, and if she didn't stop, they would probably be fucking right there on the doorstep.
"Damn baby, let me get us in first." Sabian finally got the door open, and kicked it a little with his foot to push it back.
When he put Kadence down so he could rid himself of his shoes, she didn't waste any time stripping herself naked in the middle of the walkway. Her silk dress fell to her feet, and Sabian smirked devilishly as she climbed out of it with her heels still on.
Her eyes were low and glossy, and he knew his baby was blissfully drunk. He couldn't wait to do some things to her that he knew she only allowed when she was feeling like she was tonight.
"What are you waiting for?" Her words slurred, "Take me to our room already. Mhhh. It sounds so good to say that, our room."
Sabian chuckled at her, and to be honest - he was just as drunk. He just happened to have something else on his mind, and while he wanted nothing more than to wreck her right there, he had something on his heart that was begging to come out.
He hooked his arm around her bare waist and closed in the space between them. When she looked up to him with wonderment, he covered her mouth with his once more - kissing her so passionately that she started whimpering.
"I love you, you know that?" he asked in between kisses.
"Yes," Kadence answered, slightly frustrated, "We've been saying it all night. Now I just want you to show me."
Sabian reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box. Kadence was in such a trance that she didn't even notice until Sabian popped it open - revealing a twenty-carat diamond that couldn't be ignored.
"Does this show you?" he asked. He looked confident, but deep down he knew that Kadence was a wild card. He wasn't sure what her answer would be, but he hoped it was that she was ready to spend the rest of her life with him.
"Sabian." She said just above a whisper.
Her eyes shot from him back to the ring multiple times.
He laughed nervously, "I couldn't wait. I've been planning on doing this longer than I'd probably like to admit, or else you'd think a nigga is crazy. That lets me know that there's no one else out there for me, and I'd be stupid to wait any longer. Like you said, we've confessed our love to each other enough tonight, so the only thing left to say is...Will you marry me?"
Kadence thankfully didn't make him suffer any longer. She nodded excitedly, "Yes!"
Sabian slipped the outrageously expensive ring on her finger and kissed her hand gratefully.
"I can't believe you proposed to me while I'm standing naked in the living room," Kadence sniffled, shaking her head with a laugh they both shared.
"I've come to peace with the fact that we don't do things the normal way." Sabian shrugged.
Kadence secured her arms around his neck, puckering her lips for her first kiss with her fiancé, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Good, because this is just the beginning, Mrs. Savage."
"Well I'll be here the entire ride, Mr. Savage."
Sabian didn't need any other convincing that he had found the one. After years of feeling like something was missing when everyone thought he had it all, he finally filled that empty hole. Now he really did have it all. The riches, his freedom, and his woman - one hell of a woman at that.
Kadence deserved the world, and he was honored to be the man to give it to her.
The end
Bre and I just want to thank everyone who has been on this long journey with us. We got this book finished as quick as we could which was not quick at all BUT we truly appreciate everyone who stayed with us until the very end.
Pressure will always be special to us!!
Stay tuned for a surprise at the end of the week!