Page 27 of Fire

It’s usually something we love to tease her about relentlessly. But right now, I feel kind of bad, because this has got to be mortifying.

Even I’m a little embarrassed for her.

“Hey, man.” I step forward, offering my hand, when it’s clear that my little sister has entered a state of full paralysis at that point. “Good to see you.”

“You too,” he replies, taking my hand. “Lance has been trying to get me over for dinner for a while. Glad I could finally make it, and we’re thrilled you’re joining us on tour.”

“Me too. Although I wish it were under better circumstances,” I say. He nods in agreement, his eyes briefly shifting to Merc before focusing back on me.

“It is what it is,” he says, running a hand through his unruly dark hair. “We’ve all been working nonstop for what feels likeforever. I’m glad Evans is taking some time for himself. He needs it.”

Zander catches my gaze, and his eyes dart to Mercury as if to say, “What the fuck is wrong with her?” and “Do something before it gets weird.”

I make a mental note to kick him later because why the hell doesn’t he just do something?

“Uh, yeah. That’s awesome. Hey, have you met my sister Mercury?” I blurt out, feeling like an asshat.Good job, Hen. Put the focus on your statuesque little sister. That will make things better.

Zander stares at me, the corner of his mouth twitching as if trying hard not to laugh at my slip-up.

Asshole.

Mercury, suddenly cured of her temporary paralysis, turns her head to the side to stare at me with a look of horror and betrayal.Sorry, sis.

“No,” Asher grins, clearly unaffected by my sister’s discomfort and my sudden lack of social skills. “Can’t say that I have had the pleasure. Nice to meet you.”

Did I mention that Asher is Scottish? He comes from one of those snobby families that have fancy titles and castles. Pretty sure he’s a lord or some shit, but he left all of it behind to become a musician. I’ve never really heard the whole story, but I don’t think he keeps in touch with the mom and pops anymore.

You can still hear it in his voice, though. The hint of aristocracy. The impeccable manners.The charm.

Mercury swallows audibly and turns to face him.

“Mercury just graduated last May and is working at the recording studio.” My dad beams. Mercury’s cheeks flame red from embarrassment. “She’s become quite the asset over there.”

Ash’s brow furrows. “Wait, did you work with Mason’s Revenge?”

“Yeah, a couple of months ago.” Mercury answers, which is a bit surprising. I was starting to wonder if she had forgotten how to speak. “Wait, you know the guys from Mason’s Revenge?”

He grins. “Yeah, I met Mason a couple of years ago at a festival when he was in a different band.” He shakes his head, amused. “They were terrible, but Mason is fucking brilliant. Didn’t know it was you they were working with over at Creed’s.”

She manages a shrug, acting more like herself now. “I use my mom’s maiden name when I’m at work. I want people to listen to me because I know what I’m doing and not because my name is on the door.”

“Why can’t it be both?”

“It can be,” she agrees, and I find my eyes darting between the two of them, before turning and walking over to Zander. “It should be, but right now, I need to be sure.”

“What the fuck is up with that?” Zander says under his breath, pointing to Asher and Mercury.

I shrug. “What do you mean?”

He stares at me for a beat and then just shakes his head, just as the doorbell rings and pizza arrives.

After the dozen or so pizzas were hauled in, the whole family pitched in by grabbing plates and napkins and then helped themselves to drinks.

Family dinners at the Creed house are never formal occasions.

Cash and Taylor arrived at some point during the mayhem, and the presence of a three-year-old only intensified the craziness.

“Are you glad Elena and Marisa stayed home?” I ask Zander as we dig into the pizza. I do my best to cram three slices onto my plate, while he sticks to two.