I was riding home after work when I a little light came on in between the beads of sweat pouring off my body.
Gary, why don't you ask Bob and Vicky and Brian to see if they would like to go with you to Whitney? Bob told you that he wanted to take his sons to the summit! Don't you think Bob and Brian would like to say hi to BJ at the summit?
DUH! Stupid attack! I hate those kinds of attacks. Rarely do I get those being the meticulous person that I am.
I turned off the river trail and rode into my condo complex and headed straight over to Bob and Vicky's place. I unclipped myself from my pedals and ran up the stairs to knock on the door.
Vicky answered the door and was quite shocked to see me soaked in sweat.
"Let me guess...You just got through riding didn't you? Would you like some water?"
"Two of my team members are injured and will not be able to go to Mt. Whitney. Would Bob and Brian be interested in going to Mt. Whitney with me and my co-workers?"
As soon as I asked that question, Bob joins us outside on the patio with a glass of water and hands it go me. "Drink before you pass out from heat exhaustion!"
After taking a few sips of ice cold refreshing water, Bob gave me his response to my question.
"Thank you, Gary, but we can't. Vicky and I have decided to sell the place to move back to Kansas."
As soon as he said that I saw the Century 21 sign in the living room window.
"But thank you for offering."
So much for Plan B. Not only will I be losing neighbors, I will be losing friends.
We shook hands and smiled at each other. I wanted to give them both a hug, but with me wet with sweat, it wouldn't have been prudent. But hugs are hugs no matter what condition you are in. I hugged and they hugged back.
"We will miss you, Gary."
"As I will miss all of you."
I walked back down the stairs and got back on my bike and looked up.
"Will you say hi to BJ for us?"
"You bet I will."
Then Brian comes running out of the house and runs down the stairs and hands me a small black velvet pouch. Inside was a penny.
"May it bring you luck."
"I will place next to BJ's penny at the summit, Brian. You have my word of honor."
Now, to do what must be done...again.
