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, dropping her bag on the seat in the booth and sliding over. “How’s it going?”

“Good, thanks.” Ashley seemed to relax only slightly. “How...