The silence that followed was deafening.
Kyla nearly choked on her saliva, and heat flooded her cheek.
But Carlos went on. “Kyla is allergic to vinegar. It was accidentally added to her meal yesterday. That caused her skin to itch, causing the red marks.” He turned to Kyla. “Right, Kyla?”
She froze for a beat before nodding. She stared at Carlos like he'd grown a second head.
“So mind your mouth and your assumptions at my table, Jayden,” Carlos warned, voice sharp. “You're out of line.”
Jayden didn’t give in completely, but it was clear Carlos’s explanation landed. “I almost thought they were hickeys,” he muttered under his breath.
“Oh dear, that’s worrisome.” Old Josie reached for Kyla’s hand. “Should I take you to the hospital?”
“No, it’s fine.” Kyla brushed her hair over the mark
