* * * * * * *
“I tell ya what, I had my reservations,” Booker said, setting a mug of coffee down on the cafeteria table. “I didn’t think this French roast was gonna be much to sneeze at but damn, I’m a convert.”
Caitlin glanced up from her plate of eggs and toast, smiling at him.
“I told you,” David said, lifting his own mug in cheers. “Aren’t you glad they found it on one of the supply runs?”
“I’m just gonna miss it when we run out.”
Joining them, Nicole and Scott brought over their plates and mugs, greeting everyone with a round of ‘good morning’s.
It didn’t matter the amount of space, Caitlin, Nicole, and Booker always found a way to sit side by side.
Old habits that would never die.
“So,” Caitlin started, whispering around the rim of her mug. “Did you…”
Nicole nodded. “Yep. And I’m not.” She lifted her gaze to meet Caitlin’s. “I took both just to be sure, and they both said the same thing.”
“And you’re good with this, right?”
Taking a bite of her breakfast, Nicole hummed. “Yeah. I mean, I’m relieved. I’m not sure we’re settled enough to even consider…” She trailed off. “I’m just glad I don’t have to worry about that right now.”
Under the table, Caitlin reached for her friend’s hand, squeezing gently.
“Me too.”
Leaning forward a bit, Booker jerked his chin at Nicole. “Y’comin’ with us on the next run, right?”
“Absolutely,” she said with a smile. “I’ve missed listening to you two bicker over the music.”
“Well if Booker had decent taste, we wouldn’t bicker so much.”
He snorted. “Says the woman who made us listen t’NSYNC for a whole day ‘n’ a half.”
“I was feeling nostalgic,” Caitlin countered. “You’re the one who begged for George Strait and Tim McGraw.”
“Uh huh, and what about that Now That’s What I Call Music volume three you kept sneakin’ into rotation?”
“It had a few good singles on there!”
Nicole grinned, leaning forward. “Guys don’t get it all out now, or it’ll feel forced once we’re in the Jeep.”
Staring at his plate, Scott pushed his eggs around for a moment before looking up.
“You’re sure you want to go?”
Nicole turned to face him. “We agreed it was a good idea to help when I could.”
“No, I know, it’s just…” He set his fork down. “You two keep going for longer and longer,” he said, glancing at Caitlin and Booker. “Which, I’m not criticizing. I know it’s hard to find some of the things we need, or access to the next Ark camp. But…”
Nicole scowled. “But what, Scott?”
“Babe, they’re together.” He motioned between the other two. “They leave together, they come back together, it works because they’re a couple. I can’t go with you on these runs. I’m the group’s doctor, I can’t leave. But when you go, I don’t know if I’m going to see you again.”
Booker nudged Caitlin’s knee, making a grab for his coffee and plate.
“Maybe we oughta let y’all talk in private,” he said.
Scott raised his hand, stopping him. “No, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make breakfast awkward.”
Reaching for his hand, Nicole said, “Scott, I love being here with you, helping in the clinic. But we were on the road for a long time, and Caitlin and Booker and I got really good at making sweeps like this. I’m useful in more ways than just stocking gauze and antibiotic ointment.”
“I know that,” he urged, wrapping his fingers around hers. “I just… wish I was more like you.”
Caitlin hadn’t expected to hear that.
“It’s not just because I’m a doctor that I have to stay here,” Scott said. “I’m more of a liability out there if I do go with you.”
“You’ve killed groaners,” Booker commented, expression taut like he hadn’t meant to interject.
Scott nodded. “Sure, I’ve killed a few. But I’m still pretty green when it comes to operating out there.” He looked to Nicole again. “I want nothing more than to go with you, and I know that you’d just be watching my back and yours the whole time. It wouldn’t be fair or safe.”
The table grew quiet for a moment.
“I learned a long time ago not to make promises,” Nicole said, breaking the silence. “But trust me when I say that no matter what, I’ll do everything I can to come home to you.”
Ducking his head, Scott seemed ready to yield, if only to change the topic.
“We could postpone our next run a few more days,” Caitlin said. “We weren’t going to leave until next week anyway. Maybe… We could make that two weeks.”
Glancing over at Booker, she wondered if he’d be disappointed or surprised by her offer.
Instead he only nodded, the side of his mouth curving in a soft smile.
Together.
It was starting to take on a layered meaning for them now.
Chapter Six
Carrying a cardboard box filled to the brim with school supplies, Caitlin followed Booker as he led them to the gymnasium.
“I keep telling Nathaniel we should start teaching defense lessons to the older kids,” she said just before they reached the double doors. “But he says that’s the parents’ call.”
“If a parent don’t wanna teach their child evolution in science class, that’s one thing,” Booker said, shifting the box he held under his arm. “But knife skills are a necessity in this world.”
Caitlin furrowed her brow. “Wait, are you saying you…”
“Nah, I ain’t dumb. Dinosaurs were real and we’re all just hairless apes that climbed down outta trees,” he said, chuckling. “But just ‘cause I believe don’t mean e’r’ybody has to.”
Stepping into the expansive gym, they were met with the slight echo of voices from the far side where Sister Agnes was leading a class.
“So, you’re a Christian and
