“You’re being deliberately rude because there is a massive billboard advertising the game outside Eliganz’s offices. Not even a blind person could miss that fucker. Don’t you ever lift your head from her cunt?” Ryder snarled. The table fell silent at Ryder’s words. Ouch, score one for Ryder. How would Oliverreact? Oliver was fast losing his grip on his temper, and it amused me.
Eve broke into the conversation, a deep flush on her cheeks. “The entrées are ready, shall we eat?” she chirped brightly. Oliver scowled, but nodded.
Two servers brought out plates, and I peered down. “This looks nice.”
Those around me had picked up their forks and begun eating. “This is different from what Alicia serves. What are these?” Saska asked.
“I’m not Alicia,” Eve retorted snootily. “These are roasted Mediterranean vegetable tarts with dipping sauces.”
I dropped the fork and turned in horror. “Do these have mushrooms?”
Winona made a strangled noise and grasped her throat, even as she spat a mouthful out.
“How fucking disgusting, where’s her manners?” Oliver roared, infuriated.
“Did she swallow?” Zinnia yelled as Aaron moved quickly.
“What’s wrong?” Eve demanded picking up on our panic as I leapt to my feet. Aaron was delving into Winona’s purse. He yanked out an EpiPen and flicked off the lid.
“What’s going on?” Oliver snarled, disgruntled at having the entrée disturbed.
“Winona’s highly allergic to mushrooms!” I yelled. “You stupid bitch.”
Winona grew redder by the second as she struggled for breath. Her skin was turning mottled with hives, and her eyes were streaming tears. It was clear Winona was in serious trouble. Panic lanced through me.
Dax was already on the phone, calling for an ambulance.
“We need another EpiPen! One’s not enough,” Aaron yelled. I turned to the cabinet behind us, where Alicia had always kept a few and yanked a drawer open.
“What the hell? Where’s the EpiPens gone?” I shouted.
“Oh, I binned them! Oliver said he wasn’t allergic to anything, and I thought they were Alicia’s,” Eve stammered, wringing her hands together.
“Fucking idiot!” Jude yelled.
“Here!” Starla, the caterer, rushed in as Saska and Zinnia yanked a pen out of their bags. Aaron grabbed the caterer’s Epipen, as she was closest and stuck Winona with it.
“Ambulance is on its way,” Dax announced.
“Just breathe, baby, please, concentrate on breathing,” Aaron was begging Winona.
“What was in those tarts?” Saska demanded.
“Three different types of mushrooms. I did explain…”
“No, you didn’t!” Eve shrieked.
“I did, and there are witnesses. The former Mrs Kensington always insisted that all food be free of fungi. I informed this woman, and she snorted and proclaimed we weren’t pandering to Mrs Kensington’s tastes anymore,” Starla said.
“How dare you accuse my girlfriend!” Oliver snapped, standing up and launching his plate across the room.
“Easily. I tried explaining three times, and Miss Kyle shut me up each time. Miss Kyle’s pettiness and jealousy around Mrs Kensington are to blame. Not me. She wouldn’t take advice, and I’ve witnesses. Miss Kyle also signed a disclaimer stating that she was going against my recommendation,” Starla stated.
Sirens wailed in the distance, and I began relaxing. The second EpiPen had kicked in, and while Winona continued to struggle, she appeared to be breathing a little better. Anger filled me.
“You nearly killed Winona!” I exploded.
“No, I didn’t!” Eve screeched. “This was an accident. How could I have known Winona had an allergy?”
