Click (A Night Fire Novel Book 2) (12 page)

Chapter Eighteen

My parents arrived mid-morning on the Sunday after Curtis and Frankie's wedding. Being hung over and waiting like I was on death row was not fun. I'd attacked the pain relief about an hour ago, knowing that I had to start getting lunch ready. Heather and Neil had decided to go and see some friends for lunch and would return for a group dinner tonight. One that we were going out for. I was not going to stress over two damned meal in one day.

Lunch was easy. Heather suggested that I do up a quick list and she'd take me to the ideal place to go grocery shopping. Something that I clearly needed to know for the future now that this was going to be my home. It was a little crazy but I accepted it. Not willingly but it was a life with Austin in it so I said nothing.

I had bought everything on the list, cold meats, things to make a garden salad with and ingredients for cupcakes. Austin had very little in the way of pantry stock, notably there was a lot of potato crisps, corn chips, nuts, savory biscuits and bottled salsa dips. All food ideal for putting out when entertaining. There was nothing healthy, nothing even close to being a little healthy. He's going to get a rude shock when we come off tour.

I leaned on the bench in the kitchen after setting out the cupcakes onto the platter. The wall ahead of me held the oven and the stove and a long bench. On the other side of that wall was the bar and the entertainment area. There was space for a refrigerator, it would have to be a small one but it would be enough. In that he could keep whatever crap food he wanted to feed his friends and keep them all happy. It made more sense really, out there was the bar and the pool table, the large television screen. Why not have the food a little more handy?

With a sigh I tossed the kitchen towel onto the bench, I was over thinking things again. No doubt Austin would have thought about putting something in there and probably couldn't do it. A phone rang from somewhere in the lounge room, my heart thumped hard and felt heavy. I wandered to the corridor and saw Austin talking on a land line. With a smile at me he dumped the phone back onto the receiver.

“Guests.”

Then he turned to the entry and walked out of sight. I huffed low and scurried through the corridors, finding him at the main door waiting for my parents. He'd made an effort with his clothes, not that I could understand why. I loved him, not this fake him. But still, he put on a long sleeve shirt and dress pants. I mindlessly wondered if they were the pants that he'd worn yesterday at the wedding.

I rolled up his sleeves neatly, stopping at the elbows. It showed off one arm that had a tattoo sleeve that went just over the elbow, It was bright and colorful, a picture of a koi was the most prominent. The sleeve was a memory of their first world tour and the koi was a memory of their time in Japan.

I undid the top two buttons of his shirt, the edge of anther tattoo peeking out.

“You got these for a reason, do not be ashamed of them.”

“First impression.” he shrugged.

“You know.” I said with a smile. “The man underneath this stuffy shirt is the man that I fell in love with. Pretty sure I told you at the rave that if they didn't like it then it was their problem.”

He chuckled and pulled me into his arms.

“And that's why I love you too.”

The elevator binged and the doors slid open, my mother was the first to step through.

“Abbey darling.” she cooed as she opened her arms for a hug.

Happy mom was here today, no doubt the fire breathing dragon wouldn't be far away. Get the pleasantries out of the way and then scold Abigail for being a naughty child. I pulled out of Austin's embrace and hugged my mother, I didn't realize how much I missed her death like grip that she tried to pass off as a hug.

My father stepped out and the greetings were far more easier than I had suffered with Heather and Neil. Although the tension did rise a little, no doubt the concept of meeting the man that's doing dastardly things to his little girl wasn't on his list of fun things to do. My father wasn't adverse to shaking anyone's hand, maybe a friendly slap on the back, maybe even a pair of hands around the throat. Austin was lucky, he got a hand shake.

As they walked into the apartment Austin looked at his pale pink, nearly white hand with a frown. Yep, my father had a tight grip.

“What is it that your father does for a living?”

“That's highly classified, citizen.” I frowned with a cheeky grin.

“Really?” he asked, rather shocked.

I giggled and wrapped my arms around his waist as we followed my parents.

“Navy seal.”

“Oh great.” Austin mumbled. “Wish you'd told me that one a week ago.”

With feigned hurt I pouted at him and fluttered my lashes.

“Would it make any difference?”

Austin laughed as he shook his head. “No. I don't think it would have.”

We found my parents on the deck, looking at the view of Vegas.

“Why don't you show your parents around before lunch, I have to confirm the dinner reservations.”

“Sure.”

I narrowed my eyes at him as he grinned, kissing my cheek.

“I'll be in the study.”

He wandered off leaving me a mixture of emotions. Annoyed, frustrated, bereft.

“Come on, we'll start with the guest room.”

They followed me past the bar, my father eying off the scotch on the top shelf.

“The man has good taste.”

“Of course he does darling, he chose our Abbey.”

I giggled, taking their bags from them.

“Kitchen, formal dining room.”

“Cupcakes. Oh Abigail you sure do like to spoil your old man.”

“Made just for you daddy.”

He grinned broadly as we ventured past the informal dining room that was almost like a sitting room.

“So you guys are to the left, Austin's parents are in the other room.”

“Are they here?”

I shook my head as I opened the door.

“Gone to visit friends. We're having dinner with them tonight at some place that Austin was raving about.”

They inspected the room and all its grandeur. It wasn't as big as the master bedroom but it was certainly large. I dumped their bags into the walk in robe and led them through the place.

“How long is this going to last Abbey?” my mother asked, warily looking at the media room.

“What do you mean?”

“I'd hate for you to become accustomed to this life and it doesn't last. It's nice that he's able to keep a roof over his head but that won't help you if things go bad. Are you going to finish your education after spring break is over?”

Oh yeah. I guess I might have forgotten to tell them that I had quit the photography course as well. I was such a slacker. Once things settled down and Austin could guarantee sufficient time at home for me to complete it without interruption then I would start the course again. Only in Las Vegas. I'd miss Monique and Benny.

“That's a long distance to be apart, is he going to live in Boston for you?”

“I never asked for this lifestyle mother, it's just part of the package. If things don't work out then I will have to get used to it. Personally I hope that we last a lifetime. You should too.”

“Of course dear.” she smiled at me.

Yep. My mother was readying for a rant. My father rolled his eyes as he leaned on the wall, his arms crossed to indicate that he wasn't getting involved. That was his usual stance on things.

“Second of all, I've been offered a placement as the official tour photographer so I quit the course. When we are back I'll pick it up again with a transfer to here.”

“You quit another course?” she gasped.

My father lifted his bulky body off the wall, looking at me with a little shock.

“Tour?” he frowned. “With this band of his, for how long?”

“A year.” I shrugged. “It's only in the US, it's not international.”

“I don't want my little girl in some flea pit motel.” my father growled.

I looked at him with a little curiosity.

“Dad, look around. Do you really think that we'll be staying in motels?”

“Anyone can rent places like this.”

“This isn't a rental dad, Austin owns this place. Come, I want to show you something.”

They both followed me down the stairs. For once I had stunned my father into silence. The door to the back area of the second level.

“That's the master over there.”

I casually flicked my hand to the door, glossing over the love pit and the debauchery that happened in there. You know, daddy's little angel doesn't do those kinds of things. The door to the study was open, Austin sitting at the desk with his feet up on the wood. It was a modern mixture of brushed steel inserts and legs with a heavy stained wood panel. He nodded with a smile, continuing his conversation with whoever it was he was talking to.

“Do you see those pretty gold records?” I whispered.

They both nodded, I could almost see the gold glinting off their faces. The wall was covered in them, not a piece of wall to be seen.

“Does that answer your questions about the tour?”

“Yeah.” my father breathed the word, still in shock.

Austin hung up the phone, pulling his long legs from the desk. I hadn't been in this room much, considering that we had only been back a few days. The only reason I knew of the gold records was because I had asked Austin something about the tour itinerary and he had brought me into the room to look at it. But there was something new in the room. Something that was in a large white box with a black ribbon wrapped around it and neatly tied off in a bow at the top.

I didn't dare look at it for too long. Because I knew it was for me. Somehow he'd found out. Probably Monique the blabbermouth. Austin stood from his chair, smiling thinly.

“Everything okay?”

“Sure is. How about lunch?”

Austin seemed on edge, throughout lunch he seemed quiet and distant. More than usual. Luckily my parents didn't seem to notice. My mother was her usual overly chatty self and my father grunted because his mouth would be full of food. Austin's cell went off and nearly frightened the life out us all.

“Sorry.” he murmured. “It's probably the restaurant. Excuse me.”

He stood from the table and left the room answering the call from Eden. How did I know that? That would be because everyone that was in the inner circle had their own song for a ring tone. Anyone that wasn't in his inner circle was just a plain ring. Not sure on the reference but Eden was given the song
Paranoid
by Black Sabbath. And the lucky girl that I was, I was given
You shook me all night long
by AC/DC.

Austin knew it wasn't the restaurant. He knew it was Eden. So why hide it? Did he think that my parents would flip out at the thought of a woman calling him and worse yet, him answering the call? A simple explanation that she was his personal assistant would cover all questions.

My parents carried on as if nothing was wrong, to them everything seemed fine. Austin sat back down a few minutes later, yet again apologizing for the call.

“And how was the restaurant?” I smiled at him.

He stared at me blankly until his mind finally kicked in.

“Uh great. All organized.”

I pressed my lips together that formed a smile of sorts as I watched him. My hope was that he'd crack and tell me what he was up to. No such luck. He continued to eat his meal, refusing to look at me. Damn. It.

Chapter Nine
teen

We arrived at the restaurant which I had to say, it was a little peculiar. Austin had been talking about a restaurant but never mentioned that it was attached to a hotel. Of course, I could have misinterpreted what he was saying but it was still unusual. Especially given his odd mood this afternoon. The valet came rushing over, taking the keys to Austin's car. My parents were in an exceptionally good mood this evening, another curious occurrence. I couldn't help but worry for the night ahead.

Austin had tied his hair back like he had for the wedding. I don't know why he bothered really, his hair at the front was too short and always fell out. He'd changed into another dress shirt, this time he rolled the sleeves up. After seeing my father sporting a dinner jacket he wanted to change, insisting that it was the done thing for dinners. He would have too except his phone rang, this time it was
Blitzkrieg bop
a favorite of Evan's. The call consisted of Austin answering and saying okay and then saying goodbye. Who said that the art of conversation was dead?

I hadn't seen Heather and Neil yet, their visit to their friend had gone longer than anticipated and they were coming straight to the restaurant. My stomach became unsettled as we walked into the grand lobby of the hotel. The glossy tiled floor shone bright under the enormous lights. We took a sharp right to the restaurant, greeted by the maitre d'.

“Good evening sir, do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, Gibson.”

“Ah, the private dining room. Follow me please.”

Austin paced ahead, keeping up with the fellow. He was saying something to him and I looked at my mother.

“Everything okay darling?”

“Uh, yeah. Sure.”

My answer definitely lacked conviction. I pressed my hand to my stomach, feeling it turning over with nerves. The soft material of my summer dress pressed against my palm, it had been a reasonable choice for dinner with parents at a restaurant. Probably not for the unknown in a private dining room.

We reached the end of the short corridor, the maitre d' slid open the first of the double doors, then moving to the other side. I stared at the room that had a large table in the center, set with plates and glassware that glistened in the dulled light. Dozens of balloons filled with helium were scattered around the room, all of them had floated to the ceiling. Curling ribbon dangled down from them, making it look like a wonderland.

Austin took my hand with a shy smile.

“Was supposed to be a surprise but your lame ass friends are late. Happy early birthday.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging him hard and trying not to cry. It didn't help that my mother was already wiping the tears away. Damn her. My birthday was tomorrow but Curtis and Frankie were going away on their honeymoon and I guess Austin wanted to include them. Austin didn't have any siblings and the ones that Curtis had weren't great. In fact, they were awful. Frankie had told me about the dinner that they'd had recently, one that Austin had missed out on because he'd gone to the island. It hadn't gone well. In fact it was so bad that Curtis had cut off all contact from his parents and siblings. So in a way I guess that Austin was the brother that Curtis needed and he was the brother that Austin never had.

After hugging both of my parents we entered the room, Heather and Neil were waiting with hugs and Jaxon was asleep on a chair near a table laden with presents. And that white box with black ribbon was here too. Now I understood the phone call from Eden, she must have been on her way up to collect it and bring it here. Jaxon was sprawled out with his feet on another chair and his head tipped back.

“Oi, wake up.” Austin muttered as he kicked the chair.

Jaxon snorted awake, rubbing his eyes.

“Hey.” he crooned. “Birthday girl, come give us a birthday kiss.”

“Jaxon maybe you'd like to meet Abigail's parents.”

“Sure. I can give mamma a kiss too if you want.”

He grinned as he made smoochy noises.

“What about you pappa?”

My father twitched with an unsure smile. He knew Jaxon was just being a dickhead but didn't know how to react.

“Abbey!” I turned to the high pitched shrill of my sister.

Seconds later I was wrapped up in her arms and pressed against her oversized chest.

“Oo birthday girl, you never said you had a sister.”

Jaxon smacked his lips with anticipation as my darling sister pulled away from me.

“Cass this is Jaxon and Austin. Jaxon I will cut it off if you don't behave.”

“Mm-hmm, did you tell him daddy's a marine and we know all the great moves.”

“Navy seal.” Austin whispered as he leaned over to Jaxon, never breaking eye contact with us.

Jaxon waved his hand as if he didn't care. He probably figured he could out run my father. I didn't want to tell him that it was unlikely regardless of how lean he was.

“There you go darlin'.” Cass held out a little present. “Oh and this one.”

She rummaged in her pocket and pulled out another box.

“That's from Ick, he's arguing with the valet.”

“Ick?” Austin frowned.

“My brother Isaac. We call him Ick because boys are icky.”

“Icky?” the man grumbled, kissing our mother on the head. “Hey momma bear.”

Our mother smiled up at him. Isaac stood at over six feet, where that trait had come from no one knew. She wandered over to the table where my father had found himself a seat along with a glass of whiskey. Not sure where that came from, I don't remember seeing a waiter.

Isaac wrapped an arm around me and did his usual lame ass hug. I watched as the brother disappeared and the lawyer came out.

“Saw the pictures. What did your lawyers do about it?”

“A letter I believe. Not sure on the outcome, I can give you their details if you'd like to follow it up.”

Ick was a little shocked, not expecting for him to be so on the ball with it.

“Yes, that would be a good idea considering that you will be leaving soon.”

Cass rolled her eyes and walked over to the table, hot on her heels was a blonde man who had a hard time understanding what a disinterested woman looked like. Ick watched with dismay, following after the two of them. Lawyer boy was going to play father figure and give him a good telling off.

“Ab!” Monique squealed as she entered the room.

Another hard hug and another set of arms around me.

“Oh we missed you Ab.” Benny crooned. “Could use the extra hands in the shop, business is booming.”

“Then why are you here?” Monique muttered, muffled by the crushing hug.

“For a gambling, birthday holiday.”

With a swish of his hand he was off, finding the small drinks cart that was stationed on the other side of the doors. So that's where my father got his drink from. Monique shook her head at him, then turned back to me with a present in her hands.

“Gonna miss you girlfriend. Make sure you stop by and see me when you're in Boston.”

“Would I dare not come and see you?” I grinned.

“You could try but I might disown you.” she scoffed and turned to join Benny at the drinks cart.

Their manager Jerry arrived soon after with his wife El. I'd met El at the wedding, she was a wonderful woman who doted over these guys like they were her own sons. Evan brought his mother and her husband along, a little crazy when it was my birthday but I didn't care. Lola had been a part of Austin's life since he was a kid so she was like his family too. Somewhere in the growing gathering Eden had arrived, Fraser soon after. The lovebirds were the last to arrive which I guess was easily forgivable, they were in honeymoon mode and to actually leave the bedroom would be a task.

I put the present from Frankie and Curtis onto the table with the others, feeling the warmth of a wonderful man wrapping his arms around my waist.

“You keep a pretty good secret.” I hummed as his lips pressed against my ear.

I turned in his arms, resting my hands on his chest. He pressed his forehead to mine, staring into my eyes.

“Thank you, it's so thoughtful.”

“Anytime Abigail. My life is yours now, all that I want is you. To see you happy, to make you smile, to give you love both emotionally and physically, it's what I live for.”

“Not your music?”

He shook his head with a smile.

“I'd give it away in a heartbeat should you ask.”

“I would never do that.”

“Why?” he asked with a deep frown.

“Because it's what you love, deep down in here.” I moved my hand to his heart. “Your life is your music and Abigail. I am happy when you are happy and so long as you are making your music I know that you will be happy. If you gave it away you would be miserable, wouldn't you?”

Austin nodded with a lopsided smile, leaning in for a soft kiss that was completely guest friendly.

“Hey lovebirds.” Jaxon yelled out. “I'm hungry, stop smooching and get over here so they can start serving dinner.”

We looked at each other and giggled.

“Do you know why I love you Abigail Marshall?”

I shook my head, unable to stop smiling.

“Because of this.” His hand pressed to my sternum. “You love me with this and you love unconditionally. You accept that my life isn't perfect, it isn't easy. You accept that my music will always be a part of my life and will be a dominant part of it for many years to come.”

Slowly his soft touch worked its way to my neck, stopping under my ear.

“You have an amazing talent, this mind is an exceptional one.”

I grinned as he pressed a soft kiss onto my forehead.

“Eyes that can see beauty everywhere and you capture it for everyone to see.”

The smile faded from his face, his eyes darkened as a haunted expression crossed his face.

“I was lost. What you see in the others, that was me. Not so long ago I was like that and I didn't think that there would ever be a time where I would be content. That one person could fill my days with happiness. Not so long ago a crazy woman fell over me on the beach, she had no clue who I was.”

I giggled, tears that had been welling in my eyes fell onto my cheeks. Austin wiped them away with his thumb as a soft smile played across his face.

“I wasn't lost anymore. Reason for life was found, I couldn't escape my thoughts about her, I couldn't wait to see her again. And when I did see her again, I knew that I was in trouble. I knew that if I didn't wake every morning to see her in my bed then I'd never be happy again.”

With a restrained sob I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him hard.

“Do you have to be so sweet?”

“Yeah, I do. Love is sweet.”