Windswept (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Diana MacArthur Page B

blushed and smiled at him.
    “Ah, Carl,” Anna said glancing over Cadence’s shoulder. “Cadence has just told me she’s joined these two in their trio. You must be so proud!”
    Carl Bennett nodded at Anna but didn’t smile. “I’m just concerned for her studies, Anna,” he replied. “She can’t afford to lose focus now.” He looked pointedly at Cadence.
    “With all due respect, sir,” Ryan said quietly, “Cadence is the most focused young lady I have met. Her dedication is obvious in her playing. And she was told today that her recital is ready.”
    “She was?” Carl said, though it sounded more like a statement than a question. Then he glanced down and saw the wine glass in Cadence’s hand. “What is that?” he demanded.
    “A Riesling, I’m afraid,” Ryan interjected. “And not a great vintage, but it’s hard to get quality at these functions.” Cadence bit her lip to hide her smile.
    “You know how I feel about you drinking, Cadence,” he said. He tried to take the glass from her, but Cadence pulled back. He looked shocked. Hardly believing her daring, Cadence raised the glass and drained it.
    Her father’s eyes grew wide with anger. “What the hell are you doing?” he hissed.
    “Trying to enjoy myself,” Cadence retorted. “Papa, you try to control too much.” He opened his mouth to interrupt, but the wine had Cadence feeling bolder, and she stopped him. “No interruptions!” she cried. “You never let me finish a sentence!”
    Carl wasn’t the only one staring in shock at his daughter. Those nearby had turned to watch when they heard her outburst. “Cadence, be quiet!” he said.
    “No!” she shouted. “I am sick of being quiet! So you are going to listen to me now! I have worked my ass off all my life trying to be everything you wanted me to be. You’ve pushed and pushed, and I hate it! It’s time I started doing things because I want to do them. I want to be a part of Windswept. Chris and Ryan have been completely accommodating of my school schedule. You need to just trust that I can make decisions for myself now!” Cadence’s voice had risen steadily, and she became aware of everyone in the room looking at them now.
    Carl Bennett stood staring at his daughter in shocked silence. His eyes were blazing, and he opened his mouth to say something.
    “Don’t bother, Papa,” Cadence cut him off before he could start. She set her glass down on a nearby table and turned to Chris. “Chris, I’m ready to go home now,” she said. The two men quickly moved up to either side of her and guided her out of the room. By the time they reached the car, Cadence had tears running down her face. She had never before stood up to her father like that, and she was regretting it now. She had let her anger get the better of her, and she knew that she had hurt her father. Chris pulled her into his arms and held her while she cried. After a few moments, she pulled back. “Let’s go,” she said quietly. Chris kissed her gently and helped her into the car before climbing in beside her.
     
    * * * *
     
    Cadence spent Saturday practicing. She went through her recital pieces, and the three of them practiced for their upcoming concert. Then they began preparing for their dinner with Andrea. As Ryan set the table, Cadence looked down and counted the five place settings. “I’m not sure if we need five or six settings,” she said.
    “Why six?” Ryan asked.
    “Andrea and Tim will be here for sure,” Cadence said. “But recently James has been with them a lot. I don’t know if she plans to bring him or not.”
    “Who’s James?” Ryan asked as he set an extra place.
    “He’s Tim’s roommate, and they’ve kind of…” Cadence wasn’t sure how to end the sentence.
    Ryan smiled. “Got an arrangement like ours?” he guessed.
    Cadence nodded. Just then, the doorbell rang, and she went to answer it. Andrea had indeed brought both her men. She smiled at Cadence.
    “I figured I wouldn’t