Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Alexander
I didn’t expect to see Olivia tonight.
When Jack suggested we meet at Easton Pub for dinner, I was on board.
After my lunch with Gabriel, I spent the afternoon working. Readying for my tenure as the conductor of the Philharmonic is stressful, but satisfying.
I’m confident that I’ll be in sync with not only the orchestra but also the audience when I take the stage.
“I can’t believe I ran into Alexander and you here.” Trey squeezes Olivia’s shoulder, drawing her gaze to his face. “The chowder is irresistible, isn’t it?”
Her eyes shift from Trey to me. “You know how much I love it.”
“Jack Pearce.” Jack’s hand darts past me as he extends it toward Olivia. “I’ve heard only good things about you from these two, Ms. Hull.”
“I prefer Olivia.” She takes his hand for a light shake. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“I’m Kate Wesley.” The pretty blonde who arrived with Olivia shoves her hand into Jack’s. “Olivia and I are friends. We live in the same building.”
“This is Alexander Donato.” Jack elbows me. “He’s usually not this quiet.”
Everyone but Olivia laughs.
“I’m heading out.” Trey moves to kiss Olivia on the forehead. “I’m flying to Hawaii in a couple of weeks. You’re welcome to tag along, Livi.”
Livi.
A blush creeps up her cheeks as she taps him on the hand. “I have to work, but give them both a kiss for me.”
Trey straightens and turns to face Jack and I. “Our moms are sisters. They hang out in Maui when the temperature dips in the Northeast.”
He’s a good guy. That’s evident in the way he speaks of his family. I spent the last hour listening to him talk about his two older brothers and his late father.
It gave me insight into the man he is. He’s also an uncle, and from what I’m learning now a devoted son and cousin.
“It was good to meet you, Trey.” Jack shoves his hand into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and pulls out a business card. “Let’s meet up for a beer once you’re back on the mainland.”
I’m not surprised by the suggestion.
Jack is always on the hunt for new clients and Trey would be the ultimate.
“I’ll drop you a text when I’m back.” Trey takes the card and heads for the door.
I glance down at Olivia. Her eyes are pinned to her friend.
Again, I have no fucking idea if she’s happy to see me or if she wishes I’d go straight to hell.
She’s a hard read.
“Do you want to join us?” Kate asks with a smirk. “We ordered the chowder, but I can flag down the server and get her to bring two more bowls.”
“We actually just…”
Ate is the word about to leave Jack’s mouth, but I stop it with a hard bump of my shoulder against his.
“We’d love to.” I pull out the empty chair next to Olivia and sit. “I’ve never had the chowder here. Is it good?”
Jack huffs out a laugh as he slides into the chair opposite me. “I had it very recently and it was incredible, Alex.”
I respond with a raised brow and a scowl.
I don’t give a shit that he ate two bowls while we sat at the bar talking to Trey. I’m full from the club sandwich I downed in record time.
Olivia Hull is a mystery to me and I want to know more.
I watch her as her gaze travels the room before it lands on me.
“Olivia and I are excited about the symphony.” Kate rests her elbows on the table. “We’re both looking forward to it and the reception too.”
“You decided to come?” I turn and look at Olivia’s profile. “And you’re bringing Kate?”
She nods but doesn’t say a word.
If there’s a man in her life, he’s failing miserably at being available for her.
“Hello again.” Kora’s distinctive voice rises above the background noise as she approaches.
She’s been our very attentive server all night, even though we tried to order food from the bartender. He called her over to take care of that. It paid off for her.
Jack tipped her well when he closed our tab.
“We’re going to need two more bowls of clam chowder,” Kate says. “What are you two drinking?”
“More clam chowder?” Kora eyes Jack. “You’re sure about that?”
“You heard the woman.” Jack smirks. “Chowder and four beers. The night is young.”
“We have plans after dinner,” Olivia blurts out. “Kate and I made plans.”
Kate’s brow furrows as she looks across the table at her friend. “We’re not in a rush, Liv. Let’s enjoy our dinner and the company.”
She’s a wise woman.
I plan on enjoying every moment of this dinner. I haven’t spent more than a few minutes with Olivia, but there’s something about her that makes me want to know more.
“I’m done.” Kate pushes her bowl away from her. “If I eat another bite I won’t fit into the dress I’m planning on wearing to the symphony.”
A smile spreads across Olivia’s mouth. “Didn’t we have plans to pick out dresses tonight, Kate?”
Kate’s gaze falls to her phone. “We did, but I have to stop at the boutique first. I’ll meet up with you in an hour at your place.”
A rise of her shoulders and a soft sigh are the only reply from Olivia.
“No rest for the weary.” Jack pushes back from the table. “I need to meet a client to go over something pressing.”
I predicted as much when I noticed him texting non-stop during our second dinner. Jack is respectful enough to put his phone away unless it’s an emergency.
This must fall into that category.
“It was great meeting you both.” Jack stands. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“It was good meeting you too,” Olivia calls after him.
“Thank you again for dinner, Alexander.” Kate reaches for her purse. “I’ll be at your place in an hour, Olivia.”
Olivia nods as her friend gets up and walks away leaving the two of us alone.