I freeze. I’m allergic to shellfish. And I just snarfed a truckload while standing here distracted by Scarlett.
I always ask for an ingredient list whenever I eat something new, but I was so distracted by that kiss, Itotallyforgot.
Whenever I have an allergic reaction, it always triggers my asthma. My airways constrict, my lungs lock up, and I struggle to breathe. And that’s on top of the GI problems and angry hives that break out all over my body.
This is not good.
My stomach is already churning, and I need my inhaler before my breathing gets worse. I need to get out of here.
When I whirl around, Scarlett is standing there, with her dark hair curling at the edges, her face flushed and glowing.
The smile drops off her face. “Brendan. You’re pale.”
She lays a hand on my arm and instantly I want to pull her closer.
In the middle of an allergic reaction, I’m still thinking only of her.
“The dip.” I point at the table.
She leans toward it. “Does that have crab in it?” Her voice has an edge of worry. “Brendan, you’re allergic to shellfish.”
I told her that once, years ago, when Eli tried to drag us to an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet.
I try to take another breath and can’t quite get enough air. “It’s not that bad?—”
“How much did you eat?”
“I don’t remember—” But then my stomach cramps violently and the room tilts. I close my eyes, bracing one hand on the table.
Okay. Maybe it’s more than a little bad.
“Brendan.” Her voice is calm but firm. “Look at me. Can you breathe?”
“I’ve…had better days.” Sweat beads on my forehead, even though I feel clammy.
She grabs a water bottle from somewhere and presses it into my hand. “Drink. Small sips.”
I obey, but the water does nothing for the tightness in my chest. “I need my inhaler,” I force out between shallow breaths. “At the house.”
“We’re leaving. Now.” She’s already pulling me toward the door when Carmen looks up from across the room.
“What’s wrong?” Carmen hurries over, Tony right behind her.
“He ate the crab dip,” Scarlett says, her arm around my waist like she’s ready to catch me if I go down. Which is ridiculous considering how much bigger I am than her. “His asthma’s flaring.”
“Is he okay?” Carmen’s face goes pale. “Should I call an ambulance?”
“No.” I shake my head firmly, then immediately regret the movement as the room spins. “Please. No ambulances.”
I have too many memories of ER visits—my mom in tears and doctors lecturing me about being more careful. I know how to manage this. I just need my inhaler.
“I have Benadryl,” Carmen says, already digging through her purse. “Will that help?”
“Yes,” Scarlett answers before I can. She takes the pills from Carmen and hands them to me. “Take these.”
I swallow them, hoping they stay down long enough to work.
Scarlett studies my face, her lips pressing together. “Your breathing is too shallow. We need to go now.” She holds out her hand. “Keys.”