“What are those red splotches on her face and neck?” Seamus asked.

“Hives,” Janey said.

Mortified to be the center of attention, Carolina cleared her throat and took a couple of greedy breaths. “I’m fine, everyone. Sorry about that.”

“What do you think caused it, Caro?” Linda asked, hovering close by.

“I have no idea. I’ve never had hives before.” By now her skin was beginning to itch. “I think I’d like to go home, if that’s all right.”

“Of course, honey,” Linda said. “Take the medicine with you in case you need more during the night.”

“I have some at home.”

“Do you want us to come with you?” Joe asked.

“No, honey. I’m all right.”

“Are you sure you shouldn’t be seen by David?” Joe asked.

“No need. I’m really fine.”

Joe nodded and kissed her cheek. “Okay, then. I’ll call you in the morning to check on you.”

“I’m so sorry about this,” Carolina said. She turned to Adam. “Sorry to ruin your welcome-home dinner.”

“You didn’t,” he said, giving her a hug. “No worries. We’re just glad you’re okay.”

Carolina received hugs from Joe, Janey, Big Mac and Linda on the way out the door. Seamus held the car door for her and waited until she was settled to get into the driver’s side.

“You scared the life out of me in there, love.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened.”

“I have a few thoughts about what happened.”

Caro looked over at him, surprised to realize he was angry. “Like what?”

“I think you were so freaked out about being there with me that you broke out in hives.” This was said as he pulled the car away from the curb in front of the McCarthy’s house.

She had no idea how to respond to that. “It was something I ate.”

“No, it wasn’t. It was Mac and Adam and Maddie and Grace seeing us as a couple for the first time and you stewing over what they had to be thinking of you cavorting with a much younger man. That’s what caused it.”

“How can you say that? Since when has acute embarrassment ever caused hives?”

“So you admit you were acutely embarrassed. That’s great.”

“I didn’t say that!”

“Yes, you did. Have you ever gotten the hives from eating steak or potatoes or salad before? Yeah, I didn’t think so.”

“I can’t believe you’re blaming me for getting hives!”

“I can’t believe you’re denying that you worked yourself into a nervous frenzy that resulted in hives.”