Page 97 of Use Me

“Anything you want to share?”

She smirked. “About what?”

I put the tube of mascara down and turned toward her. “You know how Rhys and the guys have poker every week?” I leaned a hip against the makeup vanity and crossed my arms.

She nodded.

“And you know how I live there now?”

She nodded again.

“Well,” I chuckled and shook my head slightly in amusement, “to give the guys time alone to play, I go in the bedroom and read or do whatever, but I can still hear them.”

“Okay …”

“And you know what I heard on Wednesday night?”

Abby started to smirk slowly as though she knew what I was going to say. “Do tell.”

“Let’s just say that I know Kenny’s not sleeping at home.”

She shrugged. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

I laughed. “Apparently Kenny does.”

Abby started to walk away. “Men!”

I turned back to the mirror. After fluffing my hair, I made my way to get mic’d and then I took my seat next to Everett, the current lead anchor for the evening news. Once he retires, I’m in line to take his position just like I had when Barbara signed off.

“Have big plans this weekend?” Everett asked, smoothing down his suit jacket.

“Don’t think so. Rhys and I will probably catch up on The Blacklist.”

“Ah. Good show.”

“Hey, Everett?” I heard our Producer, Chantel’s voice in my ear.

“Yes?” Everett answered back.

“We have breaking news of a shooting that just happened thirty minutes ago. We’re going to start with that.”

“Sounds good,” he responded and then looked at me. “Want to take it?”

“Really?” I grinned.

“Sure, why not?”

“Thanks.”

“We’re live in five,” Chantel said again in my ear.

I cleared my throat and waited for the signal.

“Good evening, I’m Everett Johnson.”

“And I’m Ashtyn Valor.” I read the monitor not knowing what the story would be about, “We start tonight with breaking news out of the River North area. A man driving a red Ford Mustang opened fire on another vehicle before speeding away. Authorities are on the lookout and have asked for you to contact them if you have any details on his whereabouts. The victim driving the black Mazda …” I trailed off as I caught a glimpse of the car with a Blackhawks sticker on the back that was being shown on live TV. My heart started to beat faster.

“Ashtyn,” Everett whispered.