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“And I thought I was crazy shipping a bike from Chicago.”

“It’s crazy how much that costs, isn’t it?” Kyle made a shocked face as Drew talked.

“Right!” Ben got extra loud and animated. “I couldn’t believe it. I’d have rather just given that money to the ride itself. But, what can you do? The bike has to be here.”

“Move back.” Jason nudged Kyle’s foot with his own.

“Doubtful. We really like the house we found. Come visit and see for yourself.”

“Don’t you go recruiting people to the West Coast,” Diane said in her best faux stern voice.

“No way. New Yorker through and through.” Jason reassured her while Ben chuckled and Drew and Kyle shook their heads.

“Lunch closes in twenty minutes!” The dreaded announcement came from one of the crew members working at the food table.

“Oh man, I get less and less time at each stop. You guys should get going if you’re ready. Don’t wait for my slow ass. I’m probably going to use at least fifteen of the twenty minutes.” Ben took another big bite of his sandwich.

“You sure?” Jason was happy to wait, even if his friends wanted to move on.

“We can hang for a bit longer.” Kyle made no move to get up.

“No man left behind,” Diane said. “You’re already an honorary member of our little pack just by having lunch with us.

Jason knew Ben would be welcomed, but loved that they made it clear that he was a teammate now.

Ben shook his head as he swallowed the last of his food. “I’m good, seriously.”

“All right.” Jason clapped Ben on the back as the others collected their lunch trash. He knew better than to try to nudge someone along. “We’ll see you later.” He stopped short of standing and pulled his phone out of his jersey. “What’s your number? Let’s trade in case you want to message before we’re at the hotel.”

“Oh, thanks man.” Ben gave his number. Once Jason entered it, he called so Ben’s phone had his.

“It’s always good to have people’s numbers out here.” Jason pocketed the phone and stood. “See you down the road.”

“Absolutely.”