Connections Read Online Free PDF Page B

and Olivia easily pictured his infamous temper.   His hazel eyes—so much like Alex’s, yet so vastly different—were hard, as though they were carved from stone.   His mouth was drawn in a straight, grim line, almost as if it had been painted on his features.
    And it only grew more grim at Alex’s words.
    In the background, the band ended a song.   There was a brief pause as they adjusted their music sheets in front of them, but it made the uncomfortable tension between father and son more pronounced.   When the soft lure of violin and bass notes started back up again, Alex’s father smiled, but it wasn’t comforting.   It was harsh.
    “I see you haven’t lost that tongue of yours,” he said lowly.
    Olivia could feel the fury building in Alex.   She thought that the others must’ve sensed it too.   It was so transparent.   But then she remembered his words to her in the car.   That he was worried they would fight.   And it was clearly about to happen.
    Olivia reached out to touch Alex’s hand, before he said something he’d regret.   He didn’t respond at all.   He didn’t even look at her.   But the action seemed to interest his father because he drew his gaze away from his son and pinned her to the spot.
    “And who is this?” he asked, his tone deceptively light.   Olivia wanted to break his gaze, but he held her eyes.
    Olivia waited a few moments for Alex to introduce her, but he remained silent.   Swallowing her hurt, Olivia was about to respond to the intense man who only stood a few feet in front of her when an older woman appeared next to him.
    She smiled softly at Alex and came forward to embrace him.
    His mother .
    Olivia recognized the older beauty straight away.   She had the kind of beauty that made people stare, but Olivia noticed the hesitant, almost timid way she held herself, almost as though she was expecting those around her to strike.   But, despite her timidness, she was made up and dressed flawlessly.   There wasn’t a hair out of place, nor a wrinkle on her skin.
    Alex’s mom whispered something in his ear that Olivia couldn’t make out, but his arms came around her much smaller frame a second later, returning her tight embrace.
    A lump lodged itself in Olivia’s throat as she watched Alex.   Something about it was truly heartbreaking.   It was in the way he clutched his mother to him and breathed her in.   He’d clearly missed her.   One of the few photographs in his house was of her.   Yet, he felt that his relationship with his father didn’t allow him the rightful amount of time with his mother that he deserved.
    Olivia realized the tension had almost dissipated.   It seemed his mother had a calming influence.
    Turning her head slightly, she smiled at Olivia and simultaneously broke away from her son.   She leaned forward to kiss Olivia’s cheek and said softly, “And you must be Olivia.   Welcome to our home.”   Olivia didn’t know how Alex’s mother knew her already.   As far as she knew, Alex hadn’t spoken to his mother in a while.   She figured Beth or his aunt must have told her.
    “Thank you,” she murmured, searching for something to say, all too aware that everyone around her was silent.   “Your house is very beautiful,” she finally settled on, glancing at Alex.   She added, “And I’m glad I get to see where Alex grew up.”
    His mother smiled kindly.   “Alex will give you a tour later, won’t you dear?” she asked, turning to her son.   He nodded, still silent, but Olivia wished he’d help her out a little.   Everything was too overwhelming already and they’d only been here for fifteen minutes.   A feminine voice rang out loudly over the lawn and his mother turned her head and delicately waved at a couple just arriving.   “Please excuse me, I have to go say hello.   You two will be staying though?” she inquired, glancing at Alex for confirmation.
    Alex stepped closer to Olivia…finally.   Nodding his