“No, thank you.” Nicole’s stomach tilted into full-fledged revolt, giving its acid free rein to travel to places it had no business being. Her salivary glands joined the revolution by springing a serious leak.

But no one else was eating yet. She clenched her hands in her lap, trying to pay attention to Jewel.

“… you will also be expected to dress for our meals together. The wardrobe on the second floor is full of everything you could possibly want to wear, and if it’s not, just ask. You’ll know the theme in advance, but you’re not required to stick to it. No matter what you choose, however, I expect you to express yourself and your creativity with fashion. Don’t disappoint me,” Jewel said. “Any questions? Good. Let’s eat!”

Nicole closed her eyes as she chewed her first bite. It tasted even better than its appearance promised. If she wasn’t careful, she’d inhale the entire plate in thirty seconds. She forced herself to eat slowly, to cut smaller pieces and take smaller bites. And to make conversation—she could make it last if she talked while she ate. She whispered to Stella, “I kind of blacked out for a second. I only caught the part about having to dress up. What did she say before that?”

“My God, why are you whispering at the table?” Jewel demanded. “This is Family Breakfast Event. You don’t whisper and have side conversations during family breakfast.”

“There you go,” Francis said, openly hostile and staring at Jewel. “I’m not your family.”

“Ooh. I know that look,” Stella said to him. “My mom does it whenever she wants me to shut the hell up.”

“And I bet you listen to her every time, huh?”

“But of course. I’m no heathen.” Stella raised her glass of orange juice, smirking over the top of the glass before sipping.

“Why is everything a joke to you?” Francis snapped.

Luna flinched, dropping her fork to the floor with a loud clang. “Sorry,” she whispered, leaning closer to Alex. Her attendant, Cher, silently sat another fork beside her plate before picking up the one on the floor.

Stella set her glass down, smirk disappearing. “Not everything. I’m sure someday, something will come along and snatch the little bit of joy I have in my life clean away. Smother me until my light goes out so something far scarier replaces it. Until that day, I humbly”—she placed a hand on her chest—“suggest you let me get my jokes off and enjoy my weekend in peace. Also. It’s quite interesting how you said ‘everything’ when you just met me.” Her gaze slid to Jewel. “You’re making this too easy,” she said in a singsong voice.