Leah rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Yeah, but it’s hard to remember that when I’m already at the point where I can’t zip up my jeans anymore. Luckily it hasn’t drawn any attention from other people yet.” Even though it felt like everyone was staring at her lately. “First person who calls me fat, I’ll let you make the announcement. How does that sound?”
“Well, if the new guy is the one who broke into the armory, or did something so that one of his lady friends could get into the armory? I’m not sure Mike’s idea was a very effective one. But I suppose it’s the best option you guys have.” She paused and pursed her lips. “I wish there was more I could do to help you. Not just with this, but dealing with our missing people, too.”
She bit back a smile and lifted her eyebrows innocently. “There’s a lot to be said about my glorious ass. I’m not sure an hour would give you enough time to list all the good things about it.” She grinned and glanced over her shoulder when his hands slid lower. “Although it looks like it might be getting a little fat, too. I’ll have to work on that.”
“I wanted to,” she replied softly, reaching up to stroke her fingers lightly over his cheek. “And it wasn’t that much trouble. You’re worth it, anyway.” Leah gave a little laugh at his comment about avoiding use of the word ‘cuddle.’ “Good. I wouldn’t want to have to spitefully deny you that privilege tonight just because you dared to use that word.”
Leah slipped past him to open the door, flipping on the camp light and giving her eyes a moment to adjust to the new lighting while she waited for Evan to put his shoes back on. “Maybe you made a deal with Lady Luck in a previous life.” She smirked at her own joke, adjusting the strap of the duffel bag on her shoulder.
There was a light breeze blowing, which was why Leah had chosen a battery-powered light instead of candles. It was chilly, but not too cold. The roof of the administration building was definitely less breezy than the roof of Grand Central, likely because the building wasn’t as tall. She set the camp light on the picnic table and the duffel bag on the seat. It made a deep clunk when she set it down, but she didn’t move to open it right away. Let Evan’s curiosity wonder a bit longer.
She glanced at Evan and turned to take in the view. Full dark hadn’t settled yet. She could see shadows moving on the street outside the gates, restless zombies wandering nowhere. “Definitely a better view here than at Grand Central,” she observed, “even if we do still have to look at the infected.”