The atmosphere in the dining room was a mixture of the group's emotions – Katherine was tense, Frederick Park was apprehensive as he looked at Damien who had been avoiding him since the news about Katherine came out, Nana was feeling warm and giddy, and of course, Damien was worried and happy at the same time to have Katherine here with him.
Damien didn't expect to see her at all. If he had known, he never would have declined Nana's initial invitation. He would gladly leave any prior engagements just to have a chance to spend time with her. He felt instantly regretful for even thinking of ditching dinner tonight. If he did, he would have missed her.
Wanting to make sure that she wouldn't do anything foolish that night, Damien had to talk to her alone—out of Nana's earshot. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her up with him as he stood and said, "Excuse us."
