Hearts on Fire (The Hunter Family)

by Ashley Blake

  I was really happy my mom was there to try to smooth things over, but I was worried that Zane had just lied to my family. This was the first I had heard that they were close to signing a record deal. The last I had heard from him the band had a meeting with a couple of execs but nothing came of it. I understood he was nervous, but lying to my parents was not the way to go.

  My dad still had a stern look on his face.

  “Zane, I am assuming this is how you make a living?”

  “Yes, sir. And I also bartend at night.”

  My dad clenched his jaw. “Oh, really? A bartender? Where did you go to college, son?”

  Oh boy, here we go.

  “I didn’t go to college, Mr. Hunter. I started working when I was 15 and I have been taking care of myself ever since then.”

  My mother jumped in with a worried look on her face.

  “You started working when you were 15, Zane, and you had to take care of yourself? What does that mean? Where were your parents?”

  I saw a pained expression on Zane’s face and I knew he was uncomfortable talking about this, but there was no escaping my parent’s questions.

  “They were working also. They worked long, odd hours and we didn’t have a lot so we all pitched in. The good thing about working at a young age is it teaches you about responsibility and having a strong work ethic.”

  My dad seemed to appreciate those words and I saw his expression soften, just a little.

  “You are absolutely right about that, Zane. So tell me, this band, is this your plan A?”

  Zane looked confused. “Plan A?”

  Dad looked slightly annoyed. “Yes, son, plan A. The main plan for your life.”

  “I guess I haven’t really thought of it in those terms, but, yes, this is what I want to do with my life.”

  Our chef’s assistant finally served our food and I was grateful for the short distraction as the chef explained what we would be eating. As soon as he was done my dad picked up right where he left off.

  “I see. So, if this doesn’t work out for you, what is the next plan?” He took a bite of his salmon and gave Zane a cool stare as he slowly chewed his food.

  Zane’s face was beet red and I felt bad that he had to go through an interrogation like this. I should have warned him how bad my dad could be but I was afraid if I did that, he wouldn’t want to meet my family. Besides, he would have to meet them sooner or later, and sooner was much better than later when it came to my family.

  Zane shifted in his chair, trying to get comfortable and glanced at me before looking at my dad.

  “Well, sir, I would like to open my own bar one day.”

  My dad seemed to perk up at the sound of that.

  “Really? A business owner? I think that is a terrific idea. There is nothing more rewarding than owning your own business, son. Make sure you have a business plan before you begin because that will save you a lot of time and help you avoid costly mistakes. It will not be easy, especially in such a competitive market, so be sure to do plenty of research. It’s hard work, but very worth it in the end to own your own business.”

  My mom seemed to have enough of my dad’s interrogation and just as he was going to ask another question, she interrupted him.

  “Joshua, let the man eat before his food gets cold.”

  He gave her a sheepish look and, just like that, the interrogation was over. It always amazed me the power my mom had over my dad. He was putty in her hands.

  Claire was abnormally quiet and I thought that was really weird. I thought she would at least say something to tell mom and dad that Zane was a good guy. I think she was so worried about what they would think about Logan that she just wanted to see how they would handle Zane before she said anything.

  After dinner we had mini desserts from mom’s favorite bakery and the conversation was much more relaxed even though Jonny couldn’t stop asking Zane about the band.

  “Zane, do you think I can get a copy of your first CD? I can’t find it anywhere.” Jonny’s eyes were as big as saucers and I had never seen him so in awe of someone or something in my life.

  Zane smiled at him. “Sure thing, bud. I’ll give it to your sister and she can give it to you.” He turned to look at me. “Is that okay, Abby?”

  I smiled at him. “Of course.”

  My mom smiled at us and then she looked at Claire, concern furrowing her brow.

  “Claire, you have as quiet as a mouse. Is everything okay?”

  Claire widened her eyes innocently and smiled at mom answering her with a bit too much eagerness. “Yes! I’m just thinking about the performance tomorrow.”

  I knew that wasn’t true but my mom bought it.

  “Oh, that’s right! Tomorrow is the opening matinee?”

  “Yes, and even though it’s going to be a short run, it’s a pretty grueling and technically difficult show.”

  “I’m sure you’ll do well, darling.” Mom smiled at her with pride.

  My dad also chimed in. “Yes, honey, you’ll be brilliant as usual.”

  I felt that stupid pang of jealousy again.

  Zane glanced at me and gently rubbed my back. “I’m looking forward to the day I can watch Abby on stage.”

  My parents were both quick to jump in.

  “Oh we feel the same way. It’s unfortunate that the girls belong to the same dance company because if they didn’t we know that they both would be the lead dancer.”

  And then Claire decided to offer her two cents. “Abby could be the lead if she put more time and effort into practice. I know you can be better than me if you just worked harder Abby. I think you are much more naturally gifted than me but you are not using your full potential. I don’t know why you don’t try harder.”

  Okay, how did this turn around to being about me? I instantly felt defensive but I knew that she was right. If I worked harder I could be the lead but, if I was honest with myself, I knew that the fear of being the lead was what kept me from working harder. I don’t think I had ever admitted that to anyone and I wasn’t about to do that at my parent’s dinner table with all eyes on me.

  “Abby will be the lead when she’s ready. She’s just not ready yet. Isn’t anyone going to ask me about the dance?” I wanted to kiss my brother for saying that and trying to get the heat off of me. He had always been my biggest cheerleader.

  “You never want to talk about your social life Jonny, but yes we want to know! How was the dance?” I smiled at him for changing the subject and for offering to talk about the thing he practically kept a secret. We knew when he liked a girl because he mentioned her name a lot, but if any one of us, including my parents, asked for details, he clammed up.

  “We had a blast, it was so much fun. Emily looked really pretty and we had a lot of fun dancing.”

  “Emily? What happened to Colleen?” Claire and I said it at the same time, which we did a lot.

  “I went with her to the dance a couple of weeks ago and she’s way too clingy. She wouldn’t leave my side the entire night. I didn’t like feeling like I had someone attached to my hip. Not cool.”

  My mom chimed in. “Okay, so Emily was not like that, I take it.”

  “No, she is super cool and really chill.”

  “Chill?” My father looked confused. “I don’t where these kids come up with these sayings these days.”

  “C’mon dad, you’ve heard that before. You’re not that old!” Jonny liked to give him a little bit of a hard time.

  “Yeah, honey, get with it!” My mom sounded ridiculous and we all rolled our eyes and laughed.

  I couldn’t stop giggling. “Okay, we better get going before you embarrass yourselves further with your outdated sayings!”

  “What do you mean? We’re hip and happening!” My mom was really being ridiculous now.

  I rolled my eyes and laughed as we all stood up. “Oh my gosh! Now you’re embarrassing me!”

  We all had a good laugh which was the perfect way to end an evening that started wi
th so much tension. I was really happy that Zane was able to see the fun side of my family and not just the rigid side.

  My mom hugged Zane. “Zane, dear, it was so nice to meet you and I hope we will see you again soon.”

  “Thank you for having me, Mrs. Hunter, I had a really good time.”

  My dad stood stern next to my mom and extended his hand. “Zane, nice to meet you. Good luck with your endeavors.”

  “Thank you Mr. Hunter.”

  Jonny stood there waiting like a puppy dog begging to be noticed, it was so cute how awestruck he was. Zane turned to Jonny and patted him on the shoulder.

  “Good to meet you bud, I’ll be sure to get that CD to your sister for you.”

  Jonny’s eyes were as big as saucers again and his grin was from ear to ear. “Thanks, man!”

  Claire and I said our goodbyes and we were out the door. Claire finally decided to speak once we were inside the car.

  “Well that went better than expected.”

  “Yeah, your dad is pretty intimidating but I think it went okay. What do you think, Abby?”

  “I think it was tough at first, but it’s kind of what you have to go through with my parents. Things should be much better after this. I think daddy was impressed by the bar idea.”

  “Yeah, and I hope it happens one day.”

  I looked at him and gently nudged him with my shoulder. “It will. I believe in you.”

  He smiled at me and kissed me. “Thanks, baby.”

  “Oh, totally. You and Logan are going to have the hottest bar in Manhattan one day. Super hot rock stars owning the hottest bar.”

  He looked at Claire and smiled. “That’s the plan.”

  Our driver dropped us off at home and Zane said goodbye to me at the door because Claire and I had to get our beauty sleep for the big performance the next day. His car was parked right in front of our building and I stood in front of him as he leaned against his car, crossing his arms, looking sexy as hell.

  “Your dad is something else.”

  I reached out and gently stroked his muscular arms.

  “I know, but he’s just being protective.”

  “I guess, but he’s a lot, Abby. Your mom was really sweet and your brother seems like a cool kid.”

  “I know my dad is a lot but I am really happy that you met him, it’s the first step in letting him see what an awesome guy you are.”

  “Let’s hope he thinks so. I should let you get upstairs, you need to get your beauty sleep for tomorrow.”

  I reached out and put my arms around him and he pulled me close. “Yeah, you’re right. Well thanks for coming tonight, Zane. It means a lot to me.”

  His eyes searched mine and then he placed a gentle peck on my lips. “Anything for you.”

  I wrapped my arms around him and we held each other for a minute and then I said goodnight and went upstairs. I just finished washing my face when Claire came to my room and leaned against the door frame.

  “Tonight wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Dad wasn’t nearly as harsh as he could have been.”

  “Oh, are you speaking to me now, Claire? Are we going to have more than a two word conversation?”

  “Yes, Abby. Sorry I was being such a brat, I was being selfish and I don’t want to lose Logan.”

  “Claire, you really need to calm down about Logan, even if dad doesn’t like him it doesn’t mean you can’t date him. We are adults, you know.”

  She kind of snapped at me. "I know that, Abby. But you and I both know that life is a whole lot easier for us if dad likes the person we are dating. I want him to like Logan.”

  “He hasn’t even met him yet! Seriously, you need to relax!”

  She narrowed her eyes at me and I could see that she was annoyed. "You know what? I'll talk to you when you are in a better mood. You better get some sleep, we have a big day tomorrow.” She turned and walked off in a huff and I just rolled my eyes. She could be so dramatic sometimes.

  Chapter 5

  Later that week we found out that our ballet company was putting on a performance of the Nutcracker, and I wanted the lead in that production more than I had wanted any other lead before. I don’t know if it was seeing how proud my parents were of Claire, if it was the talk I had with Zane about working harder or if it was Claire telling me I was more naturally gifted than her and I just didn’t apply myself enough. Whatever it was, a huge fire was lit under my feet and I was determined to practice my butt off so that, for once, I would be the lead and Claire would be my understudy.

  We had one more week of the current show and then I was going to be all about practicing for the Nutcracker. Zane was leaving the week after our current show ended so that timing worked out perfectly for me because I wouldn’t have him around as a distraction. I planned to do nothing but practice, sleep and eat for the next few weeks.

  Friday night Claire and I went to see Zane and Logan at the bar since we couldn’t see them during the week because our show went so late. My friend Tori and Claire’s friend Stephanie came with us and it was the first time any of our friends were meeting the guys. As soon as we walked in the guys were super busy behind the bar and, once again, some girl was hanging out by the end of the bar, flirting with Zane. I tried to ignore the jealousy I started to feel and I brushed it off as Claire and I pointed them out to our friends whose mouths literally dropped open.

  "Okay you guys, now I see why we haven't seen you both in a while. If I found a guy like either one of those guys, you wouldn't see me for months!” Tori was totally checking them out.

  I giggled at her. “You’re silly.”

  “Seriously Abby. Do they have any cute single friends?”

  Claire and I looked at each other and shrugged our shoulders. “Honestly, we don’t know. But we will definitely ask them.”

  “Yeah, let us know. It would be fun if we could all go out together. Have you guys gone on a double date yet?”

  I thought about that for a second and realized that we had not. “No, we have haven’t.”

  Claire chimed in. “Yeah, we both have been spending time with them by ourselves, you know, so we can get to know each other. I’m sure once we’re done with this production and they get back from their tour, we will all go out.”

  Stephanie looked at Claire. “How long are they going to be gone?”

  Claire looked at me. “I can’t remember, is it four weeks or five weeks? I don’t remember what Logan told me.”

  “I’m pretty sure it’s five weeks.”

  A spot opened up at the bar so we went over to order drinks. The girl at the end of the bar was whispering something in Zane’s ear and Claire looked at me with a “who the hell is that?” look. Logan smiled at us when he saw us and came over right away, leaned over the bar and kissed Claire. He reached out and slapped Zane on the arm.

  Zane turned to us and I could tell that it took a minute for it to register that I was standing in front of him, and then I saw it click in his eyes.

  “Hey! What a nice surprise!” He leaned across the bar to kiss me and the girl he was chatting with glared at me. I looked at him with cool eyes and turned my face so that his kiss landed on my cheek.

  He raised an eyebrow and gave me a curious look and I discreetly glanced over at the girl he had been chatting with. He leaned down to whisper in my ear. “She’s just a fan, that’s it. I’m just being nice.”

  How long would I have to listen to that as an excuse and how long would I accept it?

  I stepped away from him and turned to my friends.

  “Abby!” He reached out and grabbed my hand but I snatched it away.

  Logan was chatting with Claire and I tapped her on the arm.

  “Can you order a sparkling water for me?”

  She looked totally confused until she saw me glance at the girl at the end of the bar. Claire threw a nasty look at Zane and ordered for me from Logan.

  He looked at Zane who threw his hands up in the air and walked to the other side of t
he bar to help customers down there. After Logan handed me my water, he turned to the other girls.

  “Ladies, what can I get for you?”

  Tori and Stephanie were staring at Logan with total googly eyes, like starstruck teenagers.

  I nudged Tori. “Girls, what do you want to drink?”

  She snapped out of her little trance. “Oh, sorry, I’ll have a rum and Coke.”

  I looked at Stephanie. “And I’ll have a Lemon Drop Martini.”