-Elaine-
By the time Kave and I finally descended to the main floor, the dining table was empty. The scent of roasted herbs and garlic still lingered in the air, but the laughter and chatter of dinner had already migrated to the game room.
I immediately sought out Helen, guilt weighing down my voice. “I’m so sorry we missed the meal.”
Helen waved off my apology with a knowing smile. “Don’t worry about it, Elaine. There’s pasta in the fridge. Somehow, we still have leftovers, despite the best efforts of those two.” She gestured toward the pool table where Daniel and Franz were lining up shots, their grins stretching like mischievous boys caught sneaking cookies.
“We’re growing men,” Franz announced proudly, clapping Daniel on the shoulder. “Food is fuel—we need plenty of it.”
Daniel ch
