Lace (Just This Once 4)

Kate smiles u

p at the pretty brunette. “Please tell me that you have clam chowder tonight.”

“Every night.” Kora holds the menus in the air. “Are you going to need these or is it chowder for the both of you?”

“Chowder and two glasses of water with lemon.” Kate looks at me. “Unless you want something stronger, Liv.”

I shake my head while I try to keep my gaze focused on her and not the movement at the bar that I’m catching out of the corner of my eye. “Water is fine.”

Kora leaves in a rush, headed straight toward the kitchen.

The distinctive smell of chowder fills the air around us.

I first fell in love with this place when Trey asked me to meet him here for lunch last winter. I wasn’t a seafood fan before that snowy day, but I converted as soon as I had my first taste.

I’m not surprised that he’s here. It’s one of his favorite places to eat.

“Alexander, Trey and some super hot guy in a suit are headed in this direction.” Kate’s gaze wanders toward the bar before it settles back on my face. “Things are about to get interesting.”

Chapter 13

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.”