Page 66 of Use Me

When I finally made it to my desk, I realized that Abby was right. The flowers looked different. They were in a clear vase, and there were only a few stems, not the usual twelve. I stepped a bit closer. The flowers were made out of icing. I furrowed my eyebrows and pulled the card out.

I clutched the card to my chest as though someone was reading the note over my shoulder. All worries about the mysterious flowers disappeared, and an instant smile spread across my face. Rhys had sent me a bouquet of cupcake flowers that looked like purple petunias, and that was one more reason why I loved him.

I thought about the revolution and realized I did, in fact, love Rhys Cole. I wasn’t only falling. I’d fallen, and I was completely in love. That was better breaking news.

Breaking News: Ashtyn Valor is in love with Rhys Cole!

“Are those cupcakes?”

I looked over to see Abby walking up behind me again. “Are you a ninja today or what?”

She chuckled. “What are you talking about?”

“Always coming up behind me.”

“You’ve never hidden the notes before. Rhys write you a dirty note or something?”

“Nooo!” I lied. “You just keep popping up out of nowhere.”

“I just want a cupcake.”

“Later.” I laughed. “It’s time for our meeting.”

“You’re killing me. I’ve been smelling these for an hour.”

“They were here when you got here?” I asked as I grabbed my notepad and pen.

We started to walk to the conference room. “Okay, fine. I know all about them. Rhys asked me to pick them up for you.”

“So you know what the card says,” I stated.

“No, I swear I didn’t look.”

We walked into the conference room. “I’m not sure I believe you.”

“I promise.”

“All right. Does that also mean that you know I need a ride home since you’ve been talking to my boyfriend?”

“Yeah, and I’ve got you covered.”

“Thank you.” We took our seats, and the daily meeting commenced.

After we went over everything for our broadcast and leads for stories we wanted to break, everyone started to gather their belongings until Leonard spoke again.

“Before everyone goes I have an announcement. Barbara came to me this afternoon and gave her notice.”

Everyone gasped and looked over at the greying woman. She smiled tightly.

“What station are you moving to?” Mitch asked.

Barbara shook her head. “I’m not. It’s time to retire.”

“Wow!” I breathed. I knew the time would come, I just didn’t expect it to be so soon. Barbara had been doing the evening news for as long as I could remember. Even before I’d graduated from college.

“So we all know what that means, right?” Leonard asked.

My eyes widened with hope. Did it mean what I thought it did?