I squinted at it. “Do you think that’s just a baby bell pepper?”
Theo leaned closer. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s one of those spicy peppers that ruins your life.”
“Are ghost peppers red?” I asked, familiar with the name since my favorite breakfast sandwich at The Brew had ghost pepper cheese in it.
“I think so…” Theo said.
“So, this could be it.” I frowned, not sure I liked the chances.
“It’s definitely a possibility.” He glanced at me, seeming to study my face. “You want this one? Or do you prefer I take it and you get whatever is hiding on that last plate?”
My stomach clenched as I glanced toward the other teams. Maddie was nearly done with her pudding. Bash was just starting in on the shrimp.
We didn’t have time to overthink this.
“I’ll take it.” I blew out a breath. “Worst case, it’s painful. But at least it won’t be gross.”
“You sure?” Theo arched a dark eyebrow, his eyes searching mine. “Because for all we know, the next thing could be ice cream.”
“Or it could be chocolate-covered scorpions,” I said.
“True…” Theo said, his expression darkening at the thought.
“But yeah, maybe it’s ice cream,” I quickly said, not wanting to go worst-case scenario on him and make him change his mind about letting me take this one.
“Who’s gonna eat it?” Miles’s voice cut in. “We’re gonna lose our lead if someone doesn’t start eating fast.”
Says the guy who stole the pudding.
Oh well.
Taking a deep breath and committing myself to my choice, I grabbed the pepper from off the plate and took a big bite.
At first, it was fine. A little sharp. A little bitter.
Then the heat hit.
Hard.
My eyes watered instantly. My throat burned. And I was suddenly gasping like the spice had taken all the oxygen out of the air.
“Ghost pepper?” Theo asked, scrunching up his nose.
“I think so,” I croaked, shaking my head as I rested my hand on the table to support me. “And oh my gosh, it’s spicy.”
“You’ve got this.” Theo’s hand came to my back, rubbing in small circles. “Just another two or three bites and you’ll be there.”
I coughed, blinking through the tears, but I kept going. Bite after bite.
I didn’t even know what the prize was. Just something Lia had promised was fun and worthwhile. But I wasn’t about to be the reason our team lost. Not when we were this close.
Finally, I swallowed the last bite and slapped my hand on the table.
“I’m done,” I rasped.
Lia appeared instantly, laughing as she handed me a piece of bread and a cup of milk. “Well done, Nora. Way to take one for the team.”
I took her peace offerings gratefully, not hesitating to take a bite of the bread.