Page 82 of Oblivion

“No thanks. And I have rules of my own.”

Half-turning, I scoffed. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. No looking at me like that.”

Astonishment hit and I jerked my chin back. “Likewhat?”

“That!” she cried. “The eyebrow and half-cocked smirk. That’s not allowed.”

“That’s fucking ridiculous!”

“Itis,isn’t it?” Penny sassed.

A huff of a laugh escaped. “Point taken. But rule number one still stands,” I clarified while grabbing the toast and sliding an egg onto each slice.

I added a generous sprinkle of cracked salt and pepper, as well as a swirl of aioli, then settled at the kitchen island. Feeling eyes on me, I paused with my fork and knife ready to cut in.

“What?”

Penny’s eyes flicked from my face, to my breakfast, then back again.

“That looks yummy.”

“No,” I snapped.

“Just a small piece? A corner with a little bit of yolk?”

The ends of my cutlery cracked against the counter as I slammed my fists down. “I fucking offered to make you some, and you declined.”

“Rule two, I can change my mind.”

“That’s not a rule!”I exclaimed through a disbelieving laugh. “You’re fucking with me, aren’t you?”

Penny clicked her tongue. “Wish I was, man meat.”

Trying my hardest not to start ranting, I marched across the kitchen for another plate and set of cutlery.

“I’m not giving you all of it,” I grumbled, cutting one slice of toast and egg in half and transferring it to the clean plate. I slid it her way. “Enjoy that. Meanwhile, my day has officially been tainted.”

Penny laughed and gave me a wry little look. “I’d say your day was tainted the moment you had to step outside for a little fresh air.”

“Jesus, woman, are you literally trying to kill me?”

Joy-filled laughter echoed around me, and despite my outrage, I couldn't help but smile.

“Slowly and thoroughly, man meat. Slowly and thoroughly.”

“Rule three: don’t call me ‘man meat.’”

Again with her giggling. “Too late. It’s stuck.” She paused, then changed gears. “So, are you dropping me off, or do you have to stay?”

“At your hair appointment?”

She nodded while chewing.

“You’re not to be alone, so I guess I’m hanging around until it’s done. What does it take? Like an hour?”

She snorted and covered her mouth with one hand. “Try three.”

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