Ashes

Chapter 46

Ashanté left the office feeling like a fraud. She wasn't addicted to anything. She just needed a crutch when she had to perform.

If they didn't make me go onstage, I could quit this very instant.

But if white boy wanted to take her to a movie every time she had a craving, then she'd be glad to have cravings.

In fact, maybe it'd be a good idea to make a list of movies she'd like to see and places she wanted to go. That seemed like fair payment for putting up with rehab for a month.

Wait, what does he expect me to do when the month is up?

Did he seriously think she was going to sing in front of crowds numbering in the thousands without a bracer after that?

Ha! Ain't gonna happen, white boy.

Never mind; she'd worry about that in thirty days. For now she had a monthlong vacation from touring.

W00t!

Bryce gave her a ride home after work, and told her to call him day or night if she needed a drink or a fix.

"I will. Thanks for the ride, Bryce."

"Sure. I'll keep my phone turned on and charged."

Ashanté blanched but nodded, climbing out of the car. It sounded as if he'd be disappointed if she didn't call.

Maybe he thinks it would mean I didn't trust him?

Once inside the apartment she called him, saying, "Just checking to make sure I have the right number."

"Heh. Yup, this is me. Try to have a good night, Ash."

"I will. I don't want to ruin your night. I know you probably have a date."

"Don't worry about that. I'm not seeing anyone, and I don't have anything planned after five any day of the week for the foreseeable future. My assistant can attend any bookings of our other acts."

"Okay."

They hung up, and Ashanté wondered whether maybe she'd sounded a little too happy at the news that he was free. Well, there was no time to fret about that. She had to take a shower, put on some flattering but casual clothes, and find out what movies were playing tonight.

Later when she went through her sock drawer hunting up a pair to wear with her Tommy Hilfiger ankle booties, she found the new bottle of pills she'd hidden there a few days ago. After a moment's deliberation she moved them to the back of the drawer just in case Bryce was ever in a position to see inside.

I'm not going to need them for another month anyhow.