Chapter 300

She swallowed hard. But the more she tried, the worse the nausea got. Her stomach felt like it was waging war. She gripped her fork tightly, lips pressed together. No way! She'd just gotten through the drama from puking once in the elevator a few days ago—Lucas pulled all kinds of wild guesses as it was. If Grandma Edith, a die-hard fan of those over-the-top soap operas, saw her throw up now? That was a landmine just waiting to explode. Absolutely! Must! Hold! It! In! "Claire, are you okay?" Julian leaned in, noticing her pale face and that dazed look in her eyes. His warm, steady hand gently landed on her back. Claire shook her head. His closeness brought a soft clean scent that helped cut through that nasty fish smell. She grabbed a napkin and pretended to wipe her nose. "Might be the hot-and-cold thing; I feel kinda dizzy and stuffed up... probably heatstroke or something." She tried to smile at everyone around the table who was now gawking at her like she was about to pass out or s