Lace

by Deborah Bladon

  He knows me by name, but we’ve never had a conversation beyond a short one about the weather in the elevator.

  “He came here to see Mr. Foster?” I question in an effort to gain even an ounce of understanding about what Alexander is up to.

  “Gabriel’s wife is the second principal violinist with the Philharmonic.”

  I didn’t know that.

  “So Alexander was here to talk about Mrs. Foster?” I clench my teeth. I’m sliding into territory that I don’t belong.

  It doesn’t matter why Alexander was here. It shouldn’t be piquing my curiosity as much as it is.

  “Gabriel wanted to offer his assistance in the event that Alexander needed anything.” She bows her head. “You know how gracious he is.”

  Not really.

  “Gabriel told me that your name came up and Alexander had only complimentary things to say. He told Gabriel that you helped him out of a difficult situation after he walked into the store on Fifth Avenue. I believe his exact words were that ‘Olivia Hull went above and beyond the call of duty.’ Gabriel is impressed.”

  That’s a point for me in my quest to land an office on this floor one day.

  “I’m glad I could help.”

  Cathleen pushes to stand. I follow suit because I know it’s a sign that she’s moving on to the next thing on her to-do list for today.

  “There’s one other thing, Olivia.”

  “What’s that?”

  “A position in the corporate office in London is opening up.” Her eyes lock on mine. “Your name has come up.”

  No freaking way.

  I know exactly what job she’s talking about.

  Regional Director of Operations.

  It’s a step up from what I’m doing now and it entails all of our European locations.

  “You’re open to relocating, aren’t you?”

  I nod. I don’t have any ties to New York City other than Trey and a handful of friends. I know that he’d love to visit me in London. Kate would too and my mom has always talked about going on a European vacation. This would be her chance to do that as often as she likes.

  “We’re going to send out an interest form to everyone who is qualified within the next few weeks.” She looks down at the large calendar on her desk. “I’m encouraging you to seriously consider throwing your hat into this ring.”

  I know it’s not a firm offer, but I take her words at face value. She believes I have a chance to land the job.

  “I will.” My mouth curves into a smile.

  “Good. I trust you’ll keep this to yourself for now.” She taps her hand on her desk. “I’ve got a meeting to get to. I’m glad you stopped by.”

  I am too.

  It may not be an office on this floor, but it’s just as good. It’s London.

  I never imagined that was within my grasp. Cathleen just showed me that my dream is closer than I ever thought it was.

  Chapter 11

  Alexander

  “Send a pair of tickets to Trey Hale and a pair to his agent Buck Remsen. Also, I want two sent to Olivia Hull.” I glance out the window of my apartment at the rain pelting Manhattan. “I’ve sent you an email with all of their contact information. Invite each to the reception after the performance.”

  I end the call with Vito, my manager, before he can get in another word.

  He’s already talking about my next venture. According to him, I should accept an offer to guest conduct in Australia early next year.

  I’m not feeling the pull that I usually do when a new opportunity crosses my path.

  My connection to Alvin is growing day-by-day. We spent hours talking about the World Series and I was his first call when it was over.

  I could hear Phoebe in the background cheering, but Alvin’s voice broke when he told me he was proud of Trey and his teammates for winning the series. The kid’s birthday gift sparked a new connection for us.

  I’m still just Alex to him, but I don’t care. I’m finding a spot in his life that I can fill and that’s good enough for me.

  “I don’t get to see you on opening night?” Jack walks into the main living space with two beers in his hands. He shoves one at me. “I’m not a hometown hero like Trey Hale, and my name isn’t as cool as Buck Remsen, but I thought I’d score a set of tickets.”

  “Go to hell,” I joke. “I had two sent to your office yesterday.”

  “That’s what was in that envelope?” He drops onto my leather couch. “I should pay more attention when I get a delivery from you.”

  “Who are you bringing?” I take a pull from the beer.

  Jack brought six bottles over. It’s good. I don’t drink often, but when Jack and I get together, a bottle of imported is usually in each of our hands.

  “I haven’t decided yet,” he mutters. “I’ll surprise you.”

  I move to sit on the chair opposite him. “You’re coming solo, aren’t you?”

  “And waste a ticket?” He shakes his head. “No way in hell. I’m still considering my options.”

  “Bring your assistant.”

  “Everly?” He huffs out a laugh. “She doesn’t strike me as the symphony type, Alex.”

  She’s his type, even if he can’t see it.

  “Forget about Everly. Let’s talk about Olivia Hull.” He places the beer on the wooden coffee table in front of him. “Who is she?”

  I follow suit and put mine down too. “Trey’s cousin.”

  “Ah.” He leans back on the couch. “So she’s the one who came to your rescue when your one-night stand fucked off with the autographed jersey?”

  “That’s her.” I nod. “She went to Trey, his agent got involved and the rest is history.”

  “So the tickets are just your way of saying thank you to her?”

  I shrug. “I gave her flowers. The tickets are another way to thank her.”

  He sets one ankle on the opposite knee. His gray suit is expensive, his shoes more so. It looks like handling my money is paying off for him. Although, I’m only one of the dozens of clients he has.

  “You’re interested in this woman, aren’t you?” He reaches forward to grab his beer.

  “She’s interesting,” I counter. “She’s not impressed by who I am.”

  “You make it sound like that’s rare.” He laughs. “Do women fall at your feet when they realize you’re the Alexander Donato?”

  They do. More often than he’d realize.

  “Olivia is a good person.” The words leave my mouth before I think them through. “She did me a huge favor. I don’t think a lot of women in this city would be willing to go to that much trouble to help a stranger.”

  “You don’t think she did it because of who you are?” He tips his bottle toward me. “Maybe she’s looking for a hook-up with the master conductor.”

  If she is, she’s doing a hell of a good job playing hard to get.

  “She did it for Alvin.” I glance down at the screen of my phone when it chimes. “The pasta I ordered is here.”

  “It’s about time.” He finishes what’s left in the bottle in his hand. “I’ll grab us another beer.”

  ***

  Trey: Hey Alex! I got the tickets. I’ll be there. Thanks, man!

  I smile at the text message.

  It’s been days since Vito send out the ticket packages to Trey, Buck and Olivia.

  Buck called me the next day to thank me for the invitation. He’s bringing his ex-wife in an attempt to rekindle the fire.

  If I can play a part in a reunion, I’m happy to oblige.

  I type out a response to Trey.

  Alexander: I’ll see you then.

  My fingers hover over the screen. I’m tempted to ask about Olivia. I haven’t heard anything from her since the tickets were delivered to her office. I have no idea if she’s even a fan of the symphony.

  I press send as the sound of elevator doors opening draws my gaze up.

  “Mr. Donato?”

  I look her over. She’s wea
ring a pale pink skirt and a sheer black blouse. Her hair is pulled back into a messy knot at the base of her neck.

  Olivia Hull has to be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.

  “Olivia,” I greet her as she takes a step off the elevator. “It’s good to see you.”

  She adjusts the black trench coat slung over her forearm as she looks around the lobby of the Foster Enterprises building. “What are you doing here?”

  I could lie and say that I’m here to see her, but I doubt that would earn me a smile.

  I can’t tell if she’s as attracted to me as I am to her. The puzzled look on her face at the moment isn’t helping.

  “I’m here to see Gabriel Foster.” I watch as the elevator doors slide shut. “We’re meeting for lunch.”

  She nods, her teeth tugging on the corner of her bottom lip. “I need to go. I have to be uptown in ten minutes.”

  “Did you get the tickets to the symphony and the invitation to the reception?” I ask casually as she turns to walk away.

  Her eyes scan my face. “I did. It wasn’t necessary, but thank you.”

  “You’ll come?”

  A blush blooms high on her cheeks. If I knew her mind was going to wander there, I wouldn’t have phrased it as a question.

  She’d come with me. I’d make it my mission every time I fucked her.

  Her hand darts to her cheek, her fingers feathering a path over her smooth skin. “I’m not sure. I have to check my schedule. I think I may have plans for that night.”

  My gaze glides over her left hand.

  No ring.

  She’s not married or engaged.

  If there’s a boyfriend, I’ll back off.

  I fish for more. “If you do have plans, perhaps you and your boyfriend could at least make time for the performance. I promise it will be a night to remember.”

  She takes a deep breath. “I’ll have a closer look at my schedule. I do need to run now, Mr. Donato.”

  “Alexander.”

  “Alexander,” she repeats back softly. “Goodbye.”

  I don’t respond.

  I watch her walk away, wondering if another man is going to have her in his bed tonight.

  If that’s the case, I hate the lucky son-of-a-bitch.

  Chapter 12

  Olivia

  “Hypothetically speaking…” I trail my words. Looking in Kate’s direction, I smile while I wait for her response.

  “Olivia.” She reaches for a lace veil before she turns to face me. “Don’t. Just tell me what it is. I already know it’s about you.”

  “And you,” I counter as I smooth my hand over the long train of a bridal gown.

  I met Kate here at her store, Katie Rose Bridal, after I was done work. She’s still on the clock. Her mission at the moment is to select dresses and veils for a celebrity bride-to-be who has a consultation booked with her tomorrow morning.

  “Me?” She hangs the veil on the silver garment rack that she’s been wheeling around the store. “How does this involve me?”

  “Do you like the symphony?” I ask with a wide grin.

  “I like that pink skirt you have on.” She laughs as she looks down at the black jumpsuit she’s wearing. “Can I borrow it sometime?”

  She already knows the answer to that question. We’ve been passing clothing items back and forth between our apartments for the last few months. Sometimes when I get dressed in the morning, I’m not even sure if the clothes I’m putting on belong to her or me.

  “Anytime.”

  “Thank you,” she mouths.

  “The symphony, Kate.” I glance at an off-white wedding dress that’s covered with feathers. “Do you like it?”

  “I’ve never been. I’m not sure if I like it or not,” she confesses with a wink. “Is this related to Alexander Donato?”

  My eyes widen. “You’ve never been to the symphony?”

  “Nice try, Liv.” She picks up a crown veil and holds it in the air, examining it from all angles. “Don’t skip over my question about Alexander. Is this conversation about him or not?”

  I move to where she’s standing and run my fingers over the edge of a vintage veil that’s been embroidered with crystals. “He sent me two tickets to his first performance and an invitation to the reception after the show.”

  Her gaze darts to my face. “We’re going. No question.”

  “No question? You’ve made up your mind?”

  She picks up the veil I’ve been admiring. “This is perfect. Why didn’t I notice this one?”

  I shrug. “I haven’t decided if I want to go to the symphony.”

  “No.” Her voice is firm. “You haven’t decided if you like Alexander or not. I think you do, but that’s not the point.”

  I can’t hold back a small laugh. “What’s the point?”

  “The point is that we have an opportunity to go to the symphony and to what will probably be a fancy ass reception afterward. How can we turn that down?” A smile spreads across her face. “It’s way better than another night of Netflix and popcorn. It’s an adventure for the two of us, so let’s do it. What is there to lose?”

  My heart.

  I have no idea why that thought crossed my mind.

  I’m not going to lose my heart at the symphony. I may lose a couple of hours of my life, but that’s the only risk I see.

  “Once I’m done here we can go back to your place and choose dresses to wear.” She claps her hands together.

  “My place?” I laugh.

  “You must own at least twenty little black dresses.” She rests a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll pick dresses from your closet, and accessories from mine.”

  “Deal,” I say, dropping into a chair. “I’ll sit and wait patiently until you’re done your work, Katie Rose.”

  She turns back toward the rack of wedding dresses. “One day I’ll be doing this for you. I’ll find the perfect wedding dress when you’re ready to make it official with the man of your dreams.”

  “Slow down.” I cross my legs and lean back in the chair. “Give me a chance to meet him first.’”

  Glancing over her shoulder, she winks at me. “Maybe you already have.”

  I point at my watch. “If you can get this done in the next thirty minutes, I’ll buy us both dinner before we go shopping in my closet.”

  “Challenge accepted.” She laughs. “We’ll be out of this place in fifteen. You know I can’t resist free food.”

  ***

  “It looks like the gang’s all here,” Kate says as she slips her leather jacket from her shoulders. “Is he the reason why you wanted to come to this pub?”

  “Trey?” I ask with a straight face. “I had no idea my cousin would be here.”

  It’s the truth.

  I also didn’t have a clue that Alexander Donato would be sitting next to him at the bar.

  They haven’t noticed us yet and for that I’m grateful. All I wanted was a bowl of clam chowder. Easton Pub makes the best in the city, but I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.

  “I’m not talking about Trey.” She folds her jacket over the back of a chair next to a wooden table. “I’m talking about the conductor.”

  “Let’s go.” I grab her jacket. “There’s a great sushi place by our building. I think you’ll like it.”

  “I’d like a bowl of chowder.” She plops herself down on the chair. “It looks like Trey and Alexander are deep in discussion so you can wipe that look of panic off of your face.”

  I laugh, even though I know I look stressed. I didn’t plan on running into Alexander twice in one day.

  When I left him standing in the lobby next to the bank of elevators hours ago, I felt flushed. The man does something to me even if I’m not ready to admit it to myself.

  I fold both of our coats over the back of my chair before I take a seat.

  A female server approaches with two menus in her hands. “Good evening, ladies. I’m Kora. Welcome to Easton Pub.”

  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.”