Everyone was already seated around the round dining table at the center of the room. Franz sat to Arianne's right. Kept silent. Listened. Drinks poured. Plates filled and arranged evenly before each guest.
"Where is Sam?" Arianne asked Gilbert, noticing she had not seen Samantha since they arrived.
"She said she has a workshop this afternoon," Gilbert replied as he cut the steak on his plate. "She should arrive soon. Sam sent a message earlier saying she is on her way."
"It is the first time in years we would be complete," Nate commented.
No one addressed the absence directly.
"I am surprised I am only seeing the two of you now," Arianne said.
Nate snorted softly. "I saw you at Alex and Layla's funeral, Aria. You left before we could talk. I assumed that was intentional."
Julian nodded once. "You were difficult to reach that day. Nate and I decided to leave you alone. We thought you would call when you were ready. Instead, we asked Gil to arrange this dinner."
