Chances (Mystic Nights #1)(14)
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“Peter, it’s nice to see you again,” Aliya shook the man’s hand as he stood up from the table. She had chosen to meet him here instead when he’d called her this morning. She had also suggested lunch instead of dinner. Dinner seemed more like a date, and she was here to discuss business. She’d listened to Jonathan’s concerns with concerns of her own. She saw the man’s interest in her. But for Jonathan to tell her not to be alone with the man was taking it a bit far. She was an adult, and more than capable of taking care of herself. Plus, she needed Peter’s support if she were to get her studio on the reservation any time in the near future.
She was actually surprised he’d called so soon. Yes, last night when they talked after her performance he had suggested it, but then Jonathan cut them off and escorted them out while she waited for him to join her. That’s when Jonathan awkwardly brought up his concerns. And she read between the lines too. He was a bit jealous of the council members’ attentions. Whatever this was between them was confusing the hell out of her as well, so she tried to focus on what her goals were for her professional life.
“And it’s lovely to see you,” he offered, pulling her towards him for a quick embrace before letting go of her hand. Aliya frowned briefly over the man’s shoulder, but accepted the quick hug not wanting to embarrass the councilman. She hoped he would support her plea for the old bingo hall without having to play his old boy club games. When he parted from her, she saw the look on the man’s face and recognized it for what it was and held her internal misgivings in check. This man was not going to make it easy for her. Narrowing his eyes, he watched her too closely as she got comfortable in her seat.
He was assessing her, watching her every move and reaction. She would have to be blunt and up front with this man. She knew the type well from her years in Vegas. If it risked his support, so be it, but sometimes being forthcoming was the only way to deal with men like him. She needed to inform him right away that she was here for business purposes only so she forged ahead. “I’m so glad you called. I am very excited about this project. I really believe this is something that can benefit the reservation, especially our young people. But . . .” she paused before continuing, to choose just the right words. “Jonathan likes the idea as well. And, um, we are kind of seeing each other.” She saw Peter’s mask slip. Briefly. But his smile was in place before she could see how that news affected him.
“Kind of?” He laughed and sat back, taking the glass of water the waitress just set before each of them. Was this girl trying to tell him to back off? She was smarter than he had given her credit for.
Aliya nodded reaching for her own glass. She took a sip. “Yes. It’s new. I did not know if he had mentioned it. We have not made it public knowledge, but I did want to be upfront with you.” Direct. It was the only way.
His smile looked sincere. “Well, then I wish you well with that endeavor.” But his tone spoke volumes. Jonathan’s reputation was well known, and she had no realistic expectations where that was concerned. But, it was a way to let Peter know this was just business. The man had expressed interest in her, and none to subtly either. Wanting to be diplomatic, she used her new relationship status to deter any further plays on his part. She wanted no entanglements or mixed messages. Later, she would also have to mention it to Jonathan, and hoped he didn’t mind.
As soon as the waiter arrived, they both ordered sandwiches and she got straight down to business. She had a feeling though, that her confession had annoyed him. He was professional, but much cooler with her as the meal progressed and at times seemed distracted as she listed the benefits to having her studio on the reservation. Half way through her pitch, they were interrupted by his cell phone. He apologized as he glanced down to look at his phone. “I’m sorry Aliya, but I need to take this call.” His smile was shifting.
“By all means,” she assented her agreement, and nibbled at the other half of her sandwich, trying not to ease drop. He wasn’t on the phone for very long.
Slinging his phone into his inside jacket pocket, he picked up his napkin, dabbed at his chin, and then gave her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, but I am going to have to leave early. It was the council office. Apparently there has been an emergency meeting of the board of directors called at Mystic Nights. I need to attend that meeting. So, sorry my dear.” He stood and pulled his wallet from his pocket.
She rose with him as he dropped a few bills onto the table. “Oh, I hope it’s nothing too serious.” Her concern was genuine. The casino was the life blood of her people. They had invested heavily in its construction. It meant jobs, security, and would eventually help her reservation to thrive for all future generations. They had lived in poverty for so long. The success of the casino meant everything. But she couldn’t help her final pitch as he stepped away from his chair and began to tuck it under the table. “That’s why places like the one I want to open are so important. It will be educational, culturally influential, and provide a healthy service to our community’s youth.”
“Of course, of course.” He reached for her outstretched hand for a quick shake, but she could tell he was already distracted thinking about the meeting as he rushed off. The man may have been old school and she didn’t envy his position in politics; the entire reserve depended on his judgment for their livelihood. He, the chief, and the other council members had been busy these last few years. Jonathan and his family too. Her concern switched to him with that thought as she watched Peter leave. The man was in a hurry and her worries about what the problem might be at the Mystic were renewed as he dashed to the door. She waited until the waitress came, assured her everything was all right with the food and service, and then made her way out of the restaurant. With her afternoon still free, she wanted to work on improving her business proposal.