After a moment’s hesitation, Leah nodded. She believed him. After all, if he was this drunk while in the infirmary, someone undoubtedly would’ve reported him by now. She didn’t return the smile this time, not even remotely amused by the serious conversation. “I’ve seen plenty of death already, and it isn’t exactly the best time for me to take up drinking again.” Zach’s words did, however, give her more of an explanation. Rory was a drinker, too. Maybe all the medics were, which, again wasn’t a judgment. As long as they kept their drinking and their work separate.
Ah yes, and there were the drunken flirtatious comments. Leah rolled her eyes. She should’ve expected that. A moment of innocent indiscretion that she hoped she wouldn’t repeat. “Not gonna happen in this lifetime, so stop drooling.” If she told Evan about this little meeting, chances were she’d be leaving this particular part out. Zach was a good medic; it would be a shame if Evan changed that.
“Yeah, you should. Wouldn’t want anyone else to come along and almost trip over you.” Granted, she’d noticed him sitting there long enough that a sudden warning hadn’t been necessary, but that didn’t mean someone wouldn’t come running down the hall and not pay attention to where they were stepping. “And I think your dignity got crushed under your ass at least three times.” At least. She’d only seen him fall three times, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t fallen more times before this.
He got to his feet and Leah straightened up from the wall, letting her hands fall to her sides. “Congratulations. You’re standing. Now let’s see you walk.” For the moment, she didn’t offer to help him. If he could walk on his own, she wouldn’t subject herself to the indignity. Wherever this helpful instinct came from, Leah sometimes wished she could make it go away. It would save her a lot of time.