Cadence arrived at the restaurant, which was really more like a fast food joint with some healthier choices on the menu, a good five minutes early, but Ashley was already there and waved at her from a booth up close to the counter. She had a broad smile on her face but looked a little nervous as well. Remembering what she’d promised herself, Cadence took a deep breath and returned the smile, hoping she didn’t look like a snarling Vampire about to attack.

“Hey,” Cadence said, ...