Chapter 74

Medicine really is a lifesaver.

After using the spray, the burning in my mouth finally eased up. By lunchtime, even drinking water wasn't torture anymore. But still, I wasn't about to risk eating anything solid. Salt and spices? Yeah, no way.

"Keira, how about we stick to porridge, maybe some eggs or a salad on the side?" Demi suggested, trying to keep things simple for me.

I knew how much she loved her meat. "I'll just have porridge. You can get whatever sides you want."

Demi was about to respond when Hayden strolled over. "Mind if I join you for lunch?" he asked.

Hearing a guy like him ask to "join" us for lunch felt so weird.

I was on the verge of turning him down—I was still feeling a little awkward after he helped me with the spray earlier. He didn't seem fazed, but I sure was.

Before I could say anything, though, Demi—ever the fangirl—nodded eagerly. "Of course, Mr. Hart. What would you like to eat?"

"I'll..." Hayden glanced at me and continued, "have what Ms. Kay is havi