Chances (Mystic Nights #1)(9)
He looked between them as he explained the purpose of his tour to Aliya wanting to see if the interest Peter was expressing was returned in any way. “The councilman are here to see the theatre while I explain the differences there will be in the new theatre. I’m trying to help them visualize it.”
Peter’s perusal continued. The man was practically eye-f*cking her. Jonathan felt his blood begin to boil.
“It will be great. We have a packed house every night. I’m sure we will easily be able to fill the seats in the new theatre.” Her tone was enthusiastic. Bubbly almost.
Mrs. Croatan, not only a council woman, but one of the village elders, nodded appreciatively. “I can see why. I saw your show last week. I love the changes you have made to the routines, including more elements of our traditional ways.”
Aliya beamed and decided to jump in. This was great news. “Oh, I’m so glad you think so. For a long time, I’ve wanted to come home and teach our younger generation our songs and dances.”
“Really?” Mrs. Croatan seemed pleased and interested. Her position on the council was very clear. She’d always been a traditionalist. Anything that supported helping to maintain the Eastern Pequots cultural identity was surely a cause she was bound to support.
“Yes, in fact, I’ve nearly finished with my business degree, and I hope to meet with the council soon, to ask for permission to open up a studio on the reservation.”
Peter rubbed his stubbly jaw bringing the focus to him as he cleared his throat. “Space is tight right now. Funding for construction, won’t be . . .” Peter started.
“I’m thinking about the empty bingo hall on Rapp St.” Jonathan was lost. What had been about the casino’s newest construction projects turned into something else he hadn’t been prepared for and had no knowledge of in the least. He had no idea Aliya was thinking about opening a dance studio, let alone that she was finishing up her business degree. He needed to control the situation.
“I’d love the chance to meet with the council to discuss it. I’ve been putting a proposal together.” Aliya looked at both the council members hoping she wasn’t surprising them and being too forthcoming with her ideas.
Peter intervened before Jonathan could get in a word. “That space is kind of small for a studio. But, we would love to hear more about it.” He glanced at Myrtle on his right and she was in full agreement. “We can’t make any promises, but why don’t you head down to the tribal council and make an appointment.”
“I’ll do that. Thank you so much,” Aliya gushed. She had been planning on doing that when her degree was finished, but space on the reserve was limited. She already knew there was talk about turning the old hall into a clinic or youth center for the children. She might as well give it a try now. It could be years before another space became available.
“How perfect.” Jonathan tried to mask the sneer that he normally would have made under these circumstances. Instead he turned from the gushing Aliya giving her his back and effectively cutting her off. She was practically fawning all over the middle aged councilman. But now he knew her motives, and that helped him to put her into perspective. He knew why she didn’t have time now.
Aliya shot daggers into Jonathan’s back. His tone told her he was perturbed with her. And if her eyes weren’t deceiving her, she would swear he appeared somewhat jealous of Council member Sebastian. His tone was definitely one of anger, but his face quickly masked his feelings. A sexy smile soon took its place as he turned his attention to Myrtle.
Aliya couldn’t blame Jonathan for being angry. When she was hired she signed a contract. She hadn’t let them know in the interview process that she only planned to stay that long. For her it had always been a temporary gig. But that was her business. Yes, she planned to fulfill her obligation to the casino, but six months, maybe six more and that was it. She was nearly thirty, and could not dance here forever. He had to realize that. Dancer’s careers lasted only so long. She wanted to open her own studio. She had been saving for the last four years to do just that. She’d worked in Vegas nearly a decade, trying to escape her past, and after five years knew where she belonged. Home. Even her parents had moved back to the reservation after she’d given up her schooling in New York at nineteen because she had fallen in love.
She shook those negative thoughts away. That was another time. Another place. Something she did not like to dwell on for long. The regrets there ran deep.
“I must say, we are glad you and your family have returned to Lantern Hill, Aliya.” Peter was still gushing over her, and Jonathan’s stomach rolled.
She stepped out from behind Jonathan. “Thank you. And I’m glad to be back. I want to give back to my community. Teach the younger generation about our culture through song and dance. Give them a healthy alternative to other recreational activities on the reserve.” Jonathan wanted to tell her to save her pitch for the council meeting, but Myrtle Croatan was nodding vigorously.
“Those are great aspirations,” Jonathan purred, taking Myrtle’s elbow. Ignoring Aliya now, he continued, “Let’s move along. I still have a great deal I want to show you before I take you into the construction area.”
Myrtle nodded at Aliya once over her shoulder, her brown eyes sparkling, as Jonathan escorted them back the way they came. He couldn’t get out of there quick enough.