Penny's POV
Bernie and I descended the stairs together, our fingers intertwined, and the moment I entered the dining room, Genevieve's careful attention to detail left me breathless. The table displayed an understated elegance that spoke volumes about their refined taste. Simple white china plates sat perfectly aligned, antique silverware caught the flickering candlelight, and the warm golden glow created an intimate atmosphere that felt both welcoming and intimidating.
Genevieve emerged from the kitchen balancing a fragrant casserole dish in her hands. "Nothing too fancy tonight," she explained with a gentle smile. "Tomorrow evening will be the proper family dinner. This is just our chance to become better acquainted."
The rich scents wafting from the dish were completely foreign to me, yet utterly appealing. Savory meat combined with aromatic herbs and what seemed like flaky pastry created a mouthwatering combination I had never encountered before.
