Royal Havoc

19. Dinner Toons

nineteen

Dinner Toons

Onyx: 2024

T oday’s turned into one of those days, when you hear a song you hate, but it sticks to your brain like an annoying hangover. Nothing you do silences it, and eventually, you end up hating it.

Welcome to my day! The only difference… I already hated the son-of-a-bitch that I can’t turn off!

I worked too hard putting this plan together for tonight’s dinner with Mr. I-Hate-To-Eat-Alone while I tossed and turned for hours last night. To let some sour part of my past and his bitchy plaything ruin it. Eventually, this formal gathering is gonna be nixed. Horrible company turns into unwelcomed guests.

Right?

I went to the coffee shop today because Vex told me not to leave. Of course, I wasn’t going to hang around obeying his demands. Maybe he should teach his precious clinger how to play make-believe instead of creeping around my place thinking I’m his personal rag doll.

Running into Grace today, while my mind was stuck in the past, hit different. It’s got stuff I never intended to unpack, slithering from their hiding places, and it’s kind of pissing me off.

Lastly, what about Amy and her damn x-ray vision, scanning my neck as if she wants to become my weird protector? Stay in your lane, coffee girl. I’m not a soul that needs capturing. And we aren’t on a date, so stop trying to figure me out. Make me some coffee and move the hell on.

Have I mentioned I hate the cold? Probably not, because this day has me spinning like a cheap ride at a street fair. You’d think with the layers of ice surrounding my cold heart, I’d be an ice queen. But I’d much rather melt in the sun. Even though I act like the Wicked Witch most of the time, in reality, I’m actually water-resistant. I’ve got feelings just like everyone else. I just choose not to show them off to everyone in the world.

The moon lights the path along with the small solar lights lining the ground. The heat from my breath floats past me in miniature clouds as I hurry my buzzed ass down the path toward the main house. A sound from behind me has my steps faltering before I round the tower of bricks. I struggle to focus as I peer into the darkness, searching for the extra footsteps I swore I heard. Obviously, karma is a bitch, because this stash I took from Mom’s things has me going batshit.

After laying my coat on the table by the door, I take a second to catch my breath, smoothing down my shirt before making my way to the dining room.

I find him waiting at the head of the obnoxiously long table again. “You’re on time,” he announces, scanning my dinner attire. “Are those pajamas?” he asks, forehead crinkled tight.

Glancing down proudly at my Coraline pj’s I ordered a while back from Amazon. “Aren’t they fun?” I ask, giggling as I fall into the chair on his left.

“What if we had guests?” he asks, steepling his fingers in front of his mouth.

Loving that I’m irritating the hell out of him. “Like a slumber party?” I ask dumbly, playing my part beautifully.

And the Oscar goes to…

One of his dark brows raise. “Maybe we should start with manners. Obviously, Opal thought it was a good idea to raise you like an animal,” he grumbles, sitting straight when Lisa materializes with our plates. “Have a good night,” he says, dismissing her quickly.

Yum! A girl loves some chicken soft tacos!

I bite my lip, watching him cut into one neatly. Of course, I need to prove I’m an animal, as he claimed, scooping one of them off my plate to gnaw on like a dog in heat.

“I’ve got a question, Great Oz,” I start, talking with my mouth full.

Pausing mid-bite, scowling at me. “What did you call me?”

Slinging some lettuce his way as I wave the taco. “Right. Respect , I should probably call you Lord Vol —”

“What’s your question?” he asks, shaking his head as he cuts me off.

Grabbing another taco, more than happy to please my munchies. “Who stocked the cottage?”

His brows dip as he chews quietly. Once he’s swallowed, he answers, “Nolan arranged for the movers —”

“No. I mean, the groceries and the bathroom stuff.” Taking one from his book and cutting him off.

He stares at his plate as though I’ve asked him to explain girl code. “I haven’t been in there in over a year,” he answers, cutting another bite. “Maybe Nolan gave Lisa instructions.”

Mystery unsolved.

Not asking the coffee chaser. Guess I’ll have to call Nolan again because I forgot to ask him today before we ended our call.

“Wait…” My slow brain cells taking a minute to catch up. “What about the flowers?” I ask, almost spitting a piece of chicken at him. “I mean, do you really want to start lying this soon?” I question before ripping off another bite and chewing with my mouth open.

He sets down his silverware, finally gracing me with a condescending stare. “I don’t know anything about any flowers. Or groceries. Or, anything else you mentioned,” he answers, waving his hand around to make his point of how useless he feels this conversation is.

Letting the rolled-up taco slide from my hand, splatting on my plate. “Well, someone has to know something about it? Things just don’t appear ,” I argue, waving my hands, pieces of lettuce and cheese landing on the table between our plates.

“I’ll have to ask Lisa,” he retorts, picking up his silverware again.

I groan, sighing loudly. “Do you do anything yourself?” I mumble, scooping the splattered taco from my plate.

“You were home early again,” he states, not even bothering to pretend like he cares about anything I’ve just said.

Swallowing the drink I’ve just taken. “Well, Inspector Gadget, I ran into an issue. But, I’m handling it,” I answer before taking another drink, which I make sure to slurp loudly.

“What’s the issue?” he asks, watching me shove my mouth full.

“You know, just your typical time of the mon —”

“We had some catching up to do,” Vex answers from behind me.

My hand thumps on the table, rattling our plates. “Christ, don’t you ever lock your door?” I groan, rolling my eyes in frustration.

“Come in, Vexen. Disregard the show Onyx’s putting on tonight,” he informs him, motioning to the seat beside me.

Pulling out the chair. “She loves attention,” Vex rasps, squeezing the back of my neck hard once he’s seated.

Idiot couldn’t be further from the truth.

Are you sure about that?

The traitor nods his agreement, side-eyeing me, before asking Vex, “Did you need something? How’s Vance doing?”

“Dad’s good. Actually, I came to find Onyx. We have some… work to do,” he answers cryptically.

“I’d appreciate you helping her get adjusted at Edge. Maybe start by helping her attend a full day ,” he warns casually as if I’m not even in the room.

“Of course. I’ll make sure she doesn’t leave my sight,” he assures Hendrix and squeezes the back of my neck, fueling the hate his presence brings

Shoving from the table, knocking Vex’s hand away. Since we’re pretending I’m not in the room. “It’s been great, Thing One and Two. But, I’ve gotta get some beauty sleep.”

I hear them continue talking as I leave, honestly… I’m thankful neither of them tried to stop me. I’m tired of peopling and just ready for this exhausting day to be over.

After brushing my teeth, making sure to grab my phone from the counter, intending to zone out in front of the TV and distract my chatty brain long enough for me to pass out.