“Maybe.” Chances were, with her luck, a ninja costume was impractical when other people were struggling to find regular clothing to wear. Having a ninja costume wasn't a big deal, anyway. She didn't meet Caitie's eyes when she said Kori was the nicest. Maddie's crush on Brandon had faded, likely because they never hung out or talked like they did for that brief time. She'd begun to suspect that her crush was only hero worship, because the man had saved her life once. Whatever the reason, Maddie didn't give Brandon much thought anymore, so Caitie had no reason to be jealous.
“Oh, you'll still want to dance,” Maddie responded confidently. “Even if I take forever to decide, you'll get bored and start dancing on your own.”
Caitie's reaction earned a laugh. “I could always get Jace to be my sidekick. He's in charge of the booze, too, so he'd probably be an even better sidekick than you. Hmm. Now I'm really thinking about dumping you in the box...” Her brows rose, waiting for her friend's reaction.
The shirt took Maddie's focus for the sole reason that she couldn't maintain eye contact for the moment. Later, they could talk. Later, they could figure out what was developing between them. “Definitely,” she agreed, tucking the shirt away in the backpack she'd found.
A shrug. “Maybe someone like us, just checking things out.” It was odd, really. How could someone put a chain around this side of the door if they'd been on the roof? Were they trying to trap someone on the roof? It didn't make sense, and that's why Maddie wanted to know.
The answer wasn't one she wanted or expected. “What the f....” Any other time, a rooftop full of zombies would've meant she didn't need Caitie's urging to get her to move, but one zombie in particular caught her eye. He was the only dark-skinned zombie in the group, and currently the only one who turned to look right at her.
“Gordy....” Caitie's yanking on her arm was suddenly unwanted. Frowning, Maddie gave her friend an irritable shove. “That's my brother...” Leaving the roof would've been the smartest idea right then, but Maddie hadn't seen her brother in three years. All this time, she'd thought he was gone for good, but here he was... walking towards her, hands outstretched. None of the other zombies were paying them any attention just yet, but even if they were, Maddie probably wouldn't have noticed. She took an involuntary step forward, toward Gordy.