Bad Taste in Boys (22 page)

“Um … tired? I’ve been running around a lot lately.”

“I imagine.” He fixed me with a blazing smile. “Take me through the process. How did you learn about the virus?”

“I’m the student trainer for the football team, and our players were among the first people infected. So I collected some samples, analyzed them, and took the proof to the health department.”

“How well do you know Siobhan Swan, the teacher accused of developing what some are calling a weapon of bioterrorism?”

“Bioterrorism?” I shook my head, sitting up straighter. “Not Swannie. Did they catch her? Where is she?”

He consulted a sheet of paper. “According to the official statement, she’s in police custody. How does that make you feel?”

“Happy? Sad? I don’t know. I’m glad it’s over.”

“And what is the one thing you’re looking forward to the most?”

“Homecoming.” I couldn’t help but smile. “I’ve actually got a date this year. Although I have no idea when I’ll manage to shop for a dress.”

“He sounds like one lucky guy.” The reporter turned to the camera. “I’m Thornton Cavalier, reporting to you from Bayview Hospital.”

I watched the interview later that afternoon with Rocky and Kiki. The dresses started arriving the next day, completely free, from all over the country. The police posted a guard at my door to keep the reporters from sneaking in, and I had to keep the blinds closed all the time after some twit snapped a picture of me in my hospital gown looking out at the street.

Principal Wasserman sent some flowers with a note that said they were postponing the dance until I was released from the hospital, which I thought was nice. So Rocky helped me try on the dresses. She picked out a wine-colored silk with the kind of low-cut bodice that made me self-conscious even before I tried it on. But it squished my bits in all the right places and actually made me seem like I could in fact be female. The color made my hair look less like fried grass. In this dress, I could go out in public with Aaron and not feel like a complete dork. He might have been interested in me for my brains, but that didn’t mean I shouldn’t try.

I felt so good in the dress that I actually stood up to give Rocky all the angles. She’d have to be seen in public with me, after all; Aaron and I were planning on doubling with her and Bryan. Bryan had been treated just in case and was officially virus free.

Rocky applauded, and I blushed a little. For once, I didn’t hate myself for being such a freaking sap. It was time for me to give myself a break.

I was staring at the mirror when Rocky snapped her fingers in front of my face.

“Hey!” she said. “Are you zoning out on me or what?”

“I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

I shrugged. “Aaron was supposed to visit Mike today, see if there’s any improvement.”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “I heard he’s still not able to speak.”

“Too much brain damage.”

“Can we talk about something else?” She held up a box. “Like pick out some shoes or something? It’s just so depressing, know what I mean?”

I nodded. And I tried on the shoes, but she could tell something was up. Probably because I sat there with one shoe on for about three minutes.

“Kate,” she said. “You’re still obsessing.”

“I am not!” I folded my arms and stared at her indignantly.

“Then what were you thinking about?”

“I was wondering how I’d diagnose and cure a vampire virus. It never hurts to be prepared.”

She groaned. Sure, she was scoffing now, but when the next virus hit, I knew who they’d come to. And I’d be ready.

Carrie Harris is a geek-of-all-trades and proud of it. Brains are her specialty; she used to work in a lab where they were delivered daily via FedEx. After that, it seemed only natural to write a zombie book. Now she lives in Michigan with her ninja-doctor husband and three zombie-obsessed children. Learn more about her at
carrieharrisbooks.com
.