Page 80 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

We spin toward the voice and discover Mrs. Astor’s composure shattered as she rushes to her husband.

Guests encircle him.

Caleb drops my hand.

Rushes away.

I lift up my hem.

Race forward.

I catch sight of something.

Something awful.

Something I forgot.

Something that shouldn’t be here.

Something that’s here because of me.

Peonies.

THIRTY-SIX

Zoe

“Caleb!” I call out, my voice rising above the noise as he drops to his father’s side, and my heart drops with him as I have to confess, “This is my fault. I’m so sorry!”

Caleb’s voice is strained with anxiety and confusion. “How could it be your fault?”

“I forgot he was allergic to peonies!” Tears fill my eyes. “I didn’tmeanfor this to happen, I swear!”

Caleb’s gaze claws toward the nearest table’s centerpiece. Then to the next. And the next. “I specifically told you no peonies! How did you let this happen?!”

I hear Nicholas say from behind me, “Caleb, focus on your father!” his tone firm but calm, attempting to redirect Caleb’s attention away from rage.

Nathan is a firefighter, trained in all manner of life-saving procedures. Fast as a superhero he’s at Mr. Astor’s side, his deep voice shouting at the hotel staff, “Get me an EpiPen! It’ll be in the hotel’s FirstAid kit!” Under his breath he mutters, “Probably have dozens,” as he races away with several staff-members through a door markedNo Entry.

“Zoe!” Mom’s voice cuts through the noise, her hand on my shoulder.

Dad’s suddenly at my other side. “Is this your fault?”

I choke through my tears, “Yes!” guilt flooding my system. “I should have remembered. So much has been going on, and I…love peonies so we included them inallof the arrangements! Every single one. I can’t believe I forgot! My stupid Swiss-cheese memory!”

Mom hugs me, “Shhh. He’s going to be fine. See? Nathan is already back.”

I look over, my eyes a mix of hope and terror as I see my brother dashing back in through the crowd, everyone making a path for the hero. Nathan injects Mr. Astor as everyone waits with bated breath.

The crowd exhales relief as the afflicted gasps, opens his eyes, and coughs hard, clearing his throat heavily. Mr. Astor clasps Nathan’s hand, gratitude in his stunned stare.

“Dad?!”

Mr. Astor looks at Caleb, releases Nathan’s hand and grabs his son’s, vulnerability making his, “I’m…okay,” a whisper.

Mrs. Astor exhales, “Dear God! Thank you, God!” her diamond bracelet trembling as she touches her throat and matching necklace.

I raise my shaky voice to right the wrong. “Everyone, if you would be so kind as to help us remove the floral centerpieces from the room. Please take them outside to the corridor and they will be removed from the hotel immediately.”

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