Neither Antoine nor Iris went to work after the eventful morning and wild Monday night. Following the hustle and bustle, the afternoon left much to be desired. Iris was more relaxed and had left Antoine's room. She hadn't felt like going back home yet so she was just loitering around the main floor pretending to be busy. Antoine knew all the better but didn't have much energy left to entertain. He was sitting on the couch texting his sister.
"Any luck, sis? Is Dad going to be prepared for our visit? I am going stir-crazy over here with Iris and the almighty baby."
"I cannot work miracles. I buttered Dad up with his favorite tacos and told him the story. He promised he wouldn't go ballistic but he's still pretty furious. Are you sure you can't give it a few more days?"
"A few more days! No way. I barely survived one night. She is forgetting too much and the baby is needing so much blood now that it's making her sick."
"Well then maybe just go visit him today. You know Dad loves Taco Tuesdays in Dallas."
"Alright then. Thanks, Teresa."
"Who are texting?" Iris asked, interrupting the awkward silence.
"My sister. She let my father know what's going on. We will visit him tonight," Antoine replied.
"A grown man needs his father to deal with a pregnant stranger?!?!," Iris snappily responded. She was getting irritated. She knew she could go back home but it kind of felt like she was under house arrest in someone else's house. A someone who until yesterday was a lost memory. Now he was her mysterious baby daddy and her new boss. Oh, and he was rich. Apparently he also relied on his father. Great, just great.
"Iris, it's not what you think. The situation is more complex than you realize."
"More complex than forgetting what happens at night? More complex than finding out that the father of my baby is also my new boss? More complex than you somehow already knowing that I was pregnant while you are still only one day more than a stranger?!?!" Iris retorted.
"Yes. More complex than all of that," Antoine said. He then thought to himself about the high stakes of a full-out vampire war in Dallas if their European counterparts found out. The risk of all humans learning of the closely kept secret of the Dallas Vampires. Even worse, Iris's own life at stake each day as the most powerful vampire baby in centuries grows within her and slowly kills her. He definitely needed Martinique's expertise even if his father was nothing short of livid.
"Iris, I can't explain it to you now. I know you don't understand and have every right to be upset. I am asking you to trust me. I wouldn't be begging my father for help if this situation was good. My dad will be easier to talk to today. He loves Taco Tuesdays. Will you please join me for dinner with him tonight at the castle?" Antoine pleaded.
"Fine. I would rather have your help than be left to my own mercy anyways. Taco Tuesday dinner is fine. Wait, castle? As in his place is larger than this mere mansion?"
"Yeah. The family mansion is much older and larger. I promise I won't relegate you to any tours. We will be limited to the dining room and maybe my father's office. He does have a full restaurant staff employed under his roof. Taco Tuesday is at least more than cheap ground beef tacos. It's a delicacy of fish tacos, street tacos, breakfast tacos, and more."
"Okay. Fine. I will come. In the meantime, is there anything we can do here other than bear out the boredom with misery?"
"Sure. I have a full theater down the hall. How about a two hour movie and popcorn to finish off this afternoon?"
"That works. No horror films though. My life is enough of a horror movie itself. Something with action and romance please," Iris agreed and followed Antoine to his in-home theater. She sat in the back row and only allowed Antoine to sit two seats away at max. He sighed and reluctantly sat down. He really hoped that the delicious tacos tonight would make his day better.
*********************
On the other side of the metroplex Martinique was preparing for his guests. To the dismay of his closest allies, Taco Tuesday would be strictly him and his family. Normally all vampires were invited to enjoy his favorite pastime. Tonight was business. He needed to help resolve his son's mess as quietly as possible. Only his wife and daughter would be allowed in attendance with Antoine and Iris. Martinique sipped a frozen blood margarita and took a deep breath. Shit. What a fucking mess indeed.