15
LIGHTNING ILLUMINATED THE old Victorian stairway as Elena and Jake made their way downstairs. A flash rendered the salon in stark relief and she gripped the bannister.
A crack of thunder quickly followed, shaking the house.
The storm was getting worse, and as much as Elena loved being alone with Jake, she felt better that they were all together.
“Wow,” Jake said. “That was pretty impressive.”
“Hurry down,” Allison called out, pouring red wine into a pair of goblets. Candle flickered around the room, and a fire blazed in the corner, while music from a portable stereo made the atmosphere less scary and more festive. Looking apprehensive, another couple clung to each other on a sofa. Zach was busy spooning bouillabaisse into large soup bowls. “Figured we might as well make it a party.
