Sinners All

Chapter 3

The sun gently peeked into Raven's window the next morning like a shy child waiting for permission to enter. Opening a single eye, Raven contemplating remaining nestled under the covers all day. In contrast to her abrasive welcome from most of Dyson's family, the bed had pulled her into a comforting and warm embrace. The sheets were exquisite and the mattress felt as though she was sleeping on a cloud of angel feathers. The sun, however, abandoned its false bashfulness, becoming bolder and more insistent, thus leaving Raven little choice, but to get up and face the day.

Brushing her unruly hair and applying scant makeup, Raven dressed in another casual outfit before venturing out of her room. She knew a moment of trepidation at the threshold of her door, knowing the Greys would disdain her choice of attire, but immediately realized they disapproved of her no matter what she wore. Also, their support was not important to her. She only cared for Dyson's opinion of her. A niggling itch in the back of her mind hinted it might not only be Dyson's opinion that mattered to her, but she pushed it back where it belonged.

No one waited outside her room and she suppressed a momentary disappointment, "What is wrong with me?" she wondered before further lecturing herself, "This fascination with Asher is ridiculous, childish, and inappropriate. Get your shit together, Raven Grace Roisin."

At the foot of the sweeping staircase, Raven met up with the same young servant from the previous night who directed Raven to the breakfast room. Seated there was Asher, Dyson, and Minette. An English breakfast was laid out on a buffet along one wall. When Raven drew closer, she realized the traditional English breakfast had been slightly influenced by New Orleans when she spied the beignets.

"What would you like to do after breakfast," Dyson asked.

Raven thought for a moment before responding, "I leave that completely up to you," she said before clarifying, "with the usual caveats."

Dyson enlightened his siblings upon their questioning glances with a chuckle, "No sex."

Asher smiled while Minette looked horrified. Coldwell sauntered into the room and over to buffet to fix his own plate. Raven quickly finished choosing her menu before choosing a place next to Dyson; his brother-in-law's presence was disquieting and unwelcomed to her. Coldwell joined his wife at the table, planting a kiss on top of her head. The gesture should have been sweet and romantic, however, his demeanor suggested he saw her as a possession, not his wife. Raven also noticed Minette's entire being stiffened and shrank at the same time. Whatever dislike Raven felt for Coldwell just increased tenfold.

Oblivious to his sister's current struggle, Dyson began outlining his ideas for the day. Asher contributed with some ideas of his own. Soon they were debating which landmarks, restaurants, and attractions were best on the first day and, apparently, each day thereafter. Dyson felt the each day should be better than the last to increase the anticipation. Asher wanted to plan excursions with both indispensable sites and non-essential places to make each day special while also leaving a contingency in case sightseeing was impossible one or more days.

Raven refused to participate in their discussion; it was good for the brothers to work it out for themselves. When they finally worked out a compromise of using Asher's plan, but leaving the best "vital" places for near the end of Raven's vacation. The brothers then began to argue about which landmarks, etc. fell into which category. Raven rolled her eyes at their antics and allowed herself to become immersed in the history of the house as she let her gaze wander around the room and out the windows.

"We have to go to Antoine's tonight. Her first official night in New Orleans requires it," Asher was saying when she tuned back in.

"First of all, Antoine's is the jewel in the crown of the trip so I am saving it for the final night. Secondly, what precisely do you mean by 'we?' This trip is for Raven and me. You were not invited," Dyson said defiantly.

Raven was put off by his high-handed manner and rudeness. She was seeing an entirely different side to Dyson on this trip and it was only the first morning. Turning to face him full-on, Raven refused to look away until he turned his attention towards her. It took longer than should have been necessary, but Dyson's shoulders unconsciously tightened when he initially felt her stare. It was obvious that he realized she was displeased and he was hoping to avoid her if possible. It was a futile hope.

"Do I not have any say in this? I thought we came here so that I could actually get to know you better by getting to know your family and your home. If you are only willing to share one of those, I am not sure why we came," Raven told him when she had his full attention.

Dyson remained quiet for a long time as though he was debating his chances of changing her mind; his surrender was a terse, "Fine."

Raven beamed at her best friend, "Thank you. I know you aren't pleased with this or, probably me right this second, but I do appreciate it."

Asher cleared his throat before addressing the pair of them, "Where should we start with today's activities?"

Raven turned her gaze towards Minette silently seated next to her husband. She made no display that she was attending their discussion, but Raven sensed she felt left out; abandoned almost. Realizing that no one really spoke to the young woman or asked her opinion about anything. She was treated like a china doll set out on display – silent and beautiful.

"Minette, what do you think we should do? You have no idea how excited I am there is another woman to go with us on these excursions. Dyson is amazing, but I've missed having another woman to gab with," Turning a sad expression to her best friend, Raven continued, "It's been much too long since I've had a bosom gal pal."