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.
***