Page 92 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

My fingers rested lightly against the edge of the counter.

Da... da... da... da...

"Maci!"

Jade's voice pulled me out of my thoughts as she rushed into the kitchen.

"What are you doing?"

"I, uh," I said, blinking. "I couldn't remember which drawer."

She pointed towards the drawer beside the refrigerator.

"There!"

I grabbed the EpiPen and tossed it to her. Jade caught it and hurried back to the living room.

As everyone focused on her, I looked around. There it was, right where I hoped it would be.

I slid the item into my pocket in one quick move and quietly left the kitchen.

Jade gave her the injection. Camille gasped and started to breathe again. The color returned to her face. Someone had already called 911. A few minutes later, flashing lights appeared through the front windows. Paramedics hurried inside.

"I'm allergic..." Camille managed between breaths. "Fish... I'm allergic to fish."

One of the paramedics nodded while checking her vitals.

"Do you think you ate any tonight?"

Camille shook her head.

"No... no..." Her voice trembled with confusion. "I know what I can eat."

The paramedics gathered around Camille, checking her airway while Jade stayed close. Camille struggled to breathe.

"Stay with us. It looks like the EpiPen is working."

One of the paramedics looked around the room.

"Is your husband here?"

Camille shook her head weakly.

"No."

Jade already had her phone out.

"I'll call him."

She held the phone to her ear and frowned.

"No answer."

Danielle tried calling next, but it went to voicemail. Nia tried too, with the same result.

"I don't get it," Jade muttered.

The paramedic glanced toward the front door.