Chapter 13

Nicole Vargas

"Finally, I thought you two would never come," Rose exclaimed as she opened the door for us. "Come in, dinner's ready."

Rose's house was huge. It looked more like a palace than a house. The floors were marble, the stair rails were ornate mahogany, carved and polished so that it shined. Portraits were painted in oils and hung in gold frames. The furniture seemed to be all handmade by master craftsmen and the air was scented with fresh flowers.

Rose wore a dark red dress covered in feathers. For an old woman, she sure looks stylish and classy.

"Before we have dinner I'm going to play with Thomas for a bit. You and Nicole can catch up." Ethan said as he walked away.

"Who's Thomas?" I asked Rose.

"That's my dog." She laughed. "He has his own part in this house. Come, darling, let's go to the kitchen and have some wine."

I followed her into the kitchen and there were two maids standing at the counter. They slightly bowed t