Chapter 103

Colby liked being here. With Jason’s friends.

Jason wanted to cheer. Or to scoop everyone up into his arms and hug them all. He stood up a tiny bit straighter: he’d maybe had a small role in giving Colby this, or finding it again, or at least being part of that pleasure. Him, and his friends.

He also juggled some leftovers, having been handed several containers. At least they’d have room in the bike’s top case; every last one of Colby’s cookie offerings’d been devoured.

Colby went off to find a restroom, directed by Christa. Jason balanced Tupperware and went out to solve the puzzle of fitting everything in, on the bike. Evan followed noiselessly, and caught the chicken container when it slid off the stack.

“Thanks.”

“What’d I say about being here to help? That one won’t fit there.”

It didn’t. Jason sighed. Moved potato salad around.

“Want me to do it? I’m good at blocking and set-up.”