Page 3 of Use Me
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Why would I be kidding?” He yanked the door open. “I’d just rather stay home and watch the game.”
During baseball season, it was hard to get Corey away from the TV because the Cubs weren’t all that bad nowadays. I thought that would end when the season was over, but then hockey started. Hockey seemed to be a whole new level of addiction for him. Granted, we lived in Chicago and hockey was huge in this town, but Corey never missed a game.
I didn’t have a problem with sports. In fact, I had to know the basics for work. What I had a problem with was that it was Corey’s priority and I wasn’t. On Saturdays when the Cubs had day games, Corey would take me out to dinner. Those were the times I longed for. Now he was being a jerk about meeting my friends for dinner.
“Fine. Forget it.” I turned on my heel and started to walk back to my bedroom to change. I was a few steps away when he spoke.
“No, wait. I’m sorry. I’ll go. Are you wearing that though?”
What. The. Hell?I slowly turned around to face him. “Yes.”
“Don’t you think it shows too much skin?”
My brows furrowed. “I’m wearing jeans.”
“I mean your shoulders.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“I just don’t want people staring at what’s mine.”
I laughed sarcastically. “They’re shoulders!”
Corey’s face started to redden, and then he took a deep breath. “Fine, but grab a jacket.”
“Whatever,” I hissed as I grabbed my leather jacket. I was already planning on it anyway since the weather was crisp.
We didn’t speak as he drove us to the restaurant. I’d never heard of someone not wanting to get to know their significant other’s friends. Maybe after they’d met them and didn’t get along, but not beforehand. However, when we strolled into the restaurant, I put a smile on my face. As soon as I saw Jaime, we rushed to each other and hugged.
“How are you?” I pulled back and looked at her slim body. “You look amazing!”
“Thank you.” Jaime beamed, her hazel eyes glistening from the white decorative lights that hung around the trim of the room. She brushed her blonde hair behind her shoulder. “You too.”
I turned to her husband. He had short, black hair and crystal blue eyes that looked almost exotic. Jaime didgoodscoring him. I gave him a hug. “It’s good to see you, Chase.”
“You too, Ashtyn,” he said.
“Corey, this is my best friend, Jaime, and her husband, Chase. Guys, this is Corey.”
All three shook hands with each other. We waited a few more minutes to be sat at a table. Corey and Chase talked about sports while Jaime and I caught up about anything and everything. The food was delicious and everything was going okay until the bill came.
“Since it was Ashtyn’s idea to have a date night, it’s only fitting she pays, right?” Corey laughed.
I glared at him, but then quickly smiled and agreed so I didn’t cause a stink. Chase tried to offer to pay, but I waved him off. Corey was right. Itwasmy idea, and I was okay with paying because I made enough to not have to depend on a man.
“I’m Ashtyn Valor. Thank you for watching. Have a good night, Chicago.”
Another week was in the books at work, and another flower delivery arrived on Monday.
Ashtyn,
When you smile, it lights up my TV.
-SA
When I arrived home that Friday, I was surprised to find Corey there. We didn’t live together, and tonight I thought he had to work, so I wasn’t expecting him for a few more hours.
