A Seat at the Table

POV: Valerie.

The heavy mahogany dining chair beside me scrapes loudly against the polished marble floor. Out of all the empty seats stretching along the massive, ornate dining table, Gideon chooses the precise spot directly to my right. He pulls the chair in seamlessly and settles down. He turns his head, flashing a dazzling, superstar smile right at me. He looks composed, exuding a terrifying l