Cadence was suddenly in her new room even though she couldn't actually remember walking up the stairs. So much had happened since yesterday morning, she was having trouble focusing. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of James. She shivered recalling their steamy grinding session that took place less than an hour before. It reminded her of being in high school, except she couldn't remember having quite that much fun dry humping when she was a teenager. This afternoon with James was anything but dry. Cadence remembered seeing the light sheen of sweat on his brow, further highlighting the intensity of his green eyes. Not to mention various other wet spots. She decided to shower before calling her mom in an effort to cool off and clear her head.
"Hey mom!" Cadence said brightly to her mother, Peggy. She was using the speaker phone setting on her cell so she could get ready while she talked. "Good afternoon favorite daughter" said her mother teasingly. "We've been through this mom, I'm your only daughter" she said gently squeezing her hair dry with a towel. "Fair enough. So, what's new honey?" Cadence inhaled deeply and let out a sigh in preparation of her answer, but was cut off by her mother. "Uh-oh. I know that sigh. What's going on? Are you pregnant?" her mom asked sounding worried but also a little bit excited. Cadence's mother never pressured her to get married but it was clear she couldn't wait to have grandchildren. "No, mom! Geez, why is that always the first thing you think of?" said Cadence with exasperation. "Cadencita, I still remember what you were like in high school. So don't blame me. How many boyfriends did you go through your junior year?" Cadence sighed in frustration. It was true, she had a very…active dating life back then. "Whatever mom. We're getting offtrack. I have a lot to tell you. You're going to have questions, but I'm begging you to wait until I'm completely done. Can you do that?" Cadence asked. "Yes, mija. Now, please tell me what's going on." Cadence told her mother everything. When she got to part about her and James grinding, she merely said "we kissed and stuff" which she hoped would be enough for her mother. "Okay, mom. That's everything. Bring on the questions" Cadence said. She felt relieved that she was no longer inadvertently keeping important information from the person she loved most in the world. There was a long pause as Peggy seemed to collect her thoughts. Then she asked "So what do you mean by 'and stuff' exactly?" Honestly, Cadence knew her mother would ask this question and replied bluntly with "We didn't have sex and we left our clothes on. That's all I'm going to say. Any other questions?" Peggy laughed slightly and said "Yes, but I'll save most of them for when I see you both at lunch tomorrow. For now, all I want to know is what you plan to wear tonight." Cadence smiled in relief. She was safe from her mother's inquisition - at least temporarily. "Well, I was hoping to get your opinion actually. I can't think of an outfit that works for both rock climbing and a fancy dinner" Cadence said, rifling through her new closet. "Hmm, if it were me, I'd wear nice leggings and a simple tank top for the rock climbing. Then, just bring a large purse and slip in some heels and accessories. Maybe even a spare top…something sparkly" said Peggy, sounded excited for her daughter. "You're totally right mom. Okay, I better go so I can get ready. I love you!" Cadence said. "I love you too mija!"
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James sat at the round breakfast table, sipping on water as he scrolled through the email on his cell phone. He wore black athletic shorts and a simple blue v-neck shirt. One of the nice things about living in Austin, TX was that even most of the fanciest restaurants in town had no dress code at all. He knew they wouldn't be the only ones wearing casual clothing, so he only had his wallet and keys with him. Hearing footsteps, James looked up to see Cadence walking down the stairs. She wore sleek black leggings that came down to her calves and a simple fitted purple tank top. Her hair was twisted into a high bun and she carried a large dark grey purse on her shoulder. His cocked twitched at the sight of her curves in such skin tight attire. Forcing his body to knock it the hell off, he stood to meet her. "Ready to go?" James asked, grasping her hand to kiss her fingertips. This affectionate gesture was already becoming a pattern for him and he hoped she didn't mind it. "Yeah, I'm ready" she said tightening her fingers around his.
James and Cadence made it to Crux Climbing Center around 5:45pm. They had to park near the coffee shop across the lot which drew both their attention. "We're just going for a quick climb today, so I think we'll have time for a drink there before we go to dinner" James said as he walked Cadence across the lot. Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden was one of his favorite spots to relax when he had the time. They had a unique drink selection and a few food trucks that were usually set up outside. Their outdoor patio had raised garden beds to grow the fresh herbs they used in their cocktails and vegetables that were put to use by the food truck chefs. They also had a pond, waterfall, and chicken coop. James loved going there in the fall especially. He would invite Daniel and they'd lounge by one of their fire pits and drink beer while talking football. James really liked the idea of introducing Cadence to all his favorite spots in town.
Once inside Crux, they paid and signed waivers at the counter before heading to the orientation required for all first time climbers. James had been observing Cadence throughout the process. She said she'd never done anything like this before, so he was worried that she might be nervous. However, when he looked at her face, he only saw unadulterated excitement. Her eyes were bright and wide, taking in her surroundings and watching other climbers. Her lips were slightly parted as she listened throughout the orientation, clearly trying to absorb all the information she could. They would be doing something called "auto-belay climbing" which allowed you to climb taller walls without advanced training. James rented their gear from the shop including climbing shoes and harnesses, but made a mental note to order some quality gear later if Cadence was really enjoying the experience.
James kept pace with Cadence, so he could easily check in with her as they started to climb. She was slow and cautious at first, but quickly found her stride and started moving more confidently. He couldn't help but be impressed with her willingness to dive into something new and unfamiliar. They reached the top of a sizable wall and James noted that Cadence was panting hard and grinning ear to ear. He moved as closely to her as possible, carefully shifting his hands and feet from rock to rock and leaned in to kiss one of her brightly flushed cheeks. When he pulled away, she looked up to meet his gaze and said "I think I'm ready for that drink now, James" with a smoldering look in her eyes.