Save Your Exclusive for Her

Ethan Blackwell was among the most powerful men in New York business, and he had never once given a public interview.

For six years, I'd been his secret. I figured that had to count for something.

When I asked to interview him, he turned me down. He didn't do interviews, he said. Then he made an exception for her.

The station manager stood at the head of the conference table and announced Vanessa's promotion.

"After looking at everyone's overall performance, we've chosen Vanessa Carter as our new prime-time anchor."

"Vanessa also landed Ethan Blackwell's first public interview for the station. With that, I think she's more than earned the spot." His eyes found mine and held there a beat too long. That last part was meant for me.

The room erupted. The manager himself started a second round of applause, and everyone clapped for her.

"Vanessa, you're incredible!"

"Blackwell's first interview? How did you pull that off?"

Near the back, someone murmured, "Wait, wasn't Claire supposed to get this?" Someone else shushed them.

She glanced my way and smiled, just wide enough for me to see how pleased she was with herself.

My heart dropped. I kept my face still and clapped along, because what else could I do?

I'd given this station six years, and everyone had watched me work for it. That anchor chair should have been mine a month ago. Then Vanessa showed up, and out of nowhere I had competition.

After the meeting, she came over, all warmth and sweetness, and leaned in close to my ear. Her perfume was sweet and heavy, and her voice stayed soft enough that no one else could hear.

"Claire, you've been sleeping with Ethan for six years, and he still won't tell anyone you exist. He won't even give you an interview."

"You're cheap, you know that?"

"Everything you've scraped and clawed for, I get without even trying."

"Did you really think he'd marry you?"

My chest tightened, and the ache spread slowly outward. I didn't trust my voice, so I said nothing.

Under that smile, she was gloating, and nobody else could tell. She stepped back and raised her voice so the whole room could hear.

"Claire, I'm counting on you to show me the ropes! You've been here so much longer, and I have a lot to learn from you."

"There'll be other chances on the show. Let's work hard together!"

She gave me a playful little wink. She looked completely sincere.

If I showed one flicker of anger, everyone would write me off as a sore loser.

People lingered after the meeting, crowding around Vanessa to kiss up to her.

"So, Vanessa, how do you know Ethan Blackwell?"

She arched an eyebrow. "We're childhood sweethearts, basically."

A fresh round of squeals and envious looks followed. Over their heads, her eyes found mine again.