Page 49 of Magnetic God

My skin is so itchy that it’s taking everything in my power not to scratch. I don’t dare do it, though, because once I start, I won’t be able to stop.

My hand shakes as I reach for my water.

I just hope to god that I don’t break out in hives. The water is cool as it goes down my throat, but it’s not enough. Not when I’m sending myself into a panic attack.

Oh my god. What if my throat is already closing? Will anyone even notice? Another sip of water does nothing to relieve my stress.

Is my throat closing or am I overreacting?

My hand goes to my chest. I press, trying to calm myself, but it doesn’t work. The next breath I take is jagged. Painful, even. Black spots form in my vision. Dear god. Am I about to pass out?

“Hannah. Take this.”

Looking up, I see Brooks holding a mini packet of Benadryl. His wallet is open, as if he pulled it from there. My breath hitches in my throat, but this time it has nothing to do with the shellfish around me.

Brooks holds my gaze, calming me.

I reach out, taking the Benadryl from him.

Dave snorts. “That’s an odd thing to carry around.”

I open the packet and swallow the pills as fast as I can.

“Thanks,” I rasp to Brooks.

Brooks nods and then turns his attention to Dave. “I carry it because someone I care about has a shellfish allergy and I always want to be prepared.”

I stand, unable to sit any longer.

“Excuse me.”

The tears are falling before I make it to the bathroom. Locking the door, I lean against it.

He said care.

Not cared.

Present tense.

Not past.

I can’t go back out there. I can’t.

Reaching for my phone, I order an Uber and then send Dave a text, telling him I’m ill and that he’ll have to take Brooks back to his hotel. Part of me is afraid that I’m going to see Brooks as I leave. Thankfully, I don’t.

Inside the car, I close my eyes. Today has been too much. Seeing Brooks. The whole bathroom thing with him. The restaurant. But I can do this. I’ve been through worse and survived. Even when I wanted to die.

11

Brooks

“You’re where?” Jacqueline screeches.

I cringe, pulling the phone away from my ear. Fuck. Can she talk any louder?

“I’m in Vegas.”

“You’re supposed to be in Dallas, helping me plan this wedding. What is so important that you left without saying a word to me?”

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