I take it as a sign that our meeting is over, so I push back from the table.
“There’s one other thing.” He moves to stand, straightening his black suit jacket.
I stand too. “What is it?”
“My wife and I are hosting a dinner tomorrow night to celebrate Alexander Donato’s contributions to the Philharmonic.”
I nod and smile as if I know exactly what he’s talking about.
“I assume you’ll be there?”
I don’t know how to answer that. The guest of honor hasn’t invited me.
Cathleen pipes up as she shoves to her feet. “I forgot to mention that Olivia is my plus one.”
I shoot her a look of gratitude.
“Good.” Gabriel picks up the laptop. “I’ll see you both there.”
As soon as he exits the room, I turn my full attention to Cathleen. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Her hands land on my shoulders. “I saw that deer in the headlights look on your face. I have no idea what’s going on between you and the conductor, but we’re going to that party and we’re going to have a blast.”
I don’t argue. If she wants me there, I’ll be there.
Chapter 32
Alexander
What the fuck is this?
I thought I was meeting Gabriel Foster for dinner at Axel NY. It’s been a favorite restaurant of mine for years.
When he called me last week and suggested we meet up tonight, I was on board.
I don’t have a lot of friends other than Jack. I’m not on the hunt for new ones, but Gabriel has become one by accident.
Our shared love of classical music is the foundation for a burgeoning friendship.
r /> This isn’t a dinner between two friends.
This is some fucked-up surprise party.
It’s not my birthday. I didn’t win any awards. I have no idea why so many familiar faces are staring at me as I walk through the entrance.
“You’re here.” Isla Foster rushes toward me dressed in a light blue sparkly dress that makes her eyes pop. “We wanted to do something special to show our appreciation for you.”
A case of beer would have done just fine.
My gaze slides to where Phoebe is standing. She’s wearing the same black sheath dress and pearls she always does when there’s a special occasion.
I raise a brow to her for not telling me this was happening when I talked to her this morning. She tosses me a shrug and a smile.
I doubt like hell I look half as good as most of the people in attendance.
I’m wearing a navy blue suit and a pinstriped shirt.
I haven’t shaved since I took Olivia to bed. Part of the reason was that I wanted her scent to linger on my face the next day. Today, it was pure laziness that kept my razor in the drawer in my bathroom during my shower.