Duke glanced at it and didn't think much.
Vera's gatherings have happened many times.
The students from the West Coast occasionally gather to chat about recent developments and exchange information, not really formal socializing but more like a loose small circle.
He responded with a single word: "Alright."
At seven in the evening, Duke promptly pushed open the banquet hall door.
Following the room number Vera had given, he entered; it was a small room.
In the center of the room was a round table, covered with a white tablecloth, and two silver candlesticks held slender flames.
Two sets of tableware, two glasses of red wine, a basket of bread, a pot of soup, and a few delicate side dishes.
The candlelight reflected fine flecks off the silverware, enveloping the room in a warm orange glow.
Unlike previous gatherings, this time there was no one else.
Duke's gaze fell on Vera.
