“And according to a book I read, they also—”

Zoe reached over and covered my mouth. “We don’t have time for this today. We have thirty blocks to walk. And flamingos are pink.”

I pushed Zoe’s hand away. “They’re orange.”

“Pink.”

“Orange.”

Elijah laughed. “I think you are both correct! Would you let me have the honor of taking you home?” Elijah gestured to his pedicab.

Zoe shook her head. “We can’t pay you, Elijah, and we don’t want to keep you from getting business from someone else.”

Elijah put a finger to his lips, then dropped his hand down to cover his heart. “Miss Zoe, if I make money today or if I do not make money today, that is up the Lord. But I would not be able to continue my work day in good conscience if I did not take care of my friends who are in need.”

I looked around at all the other bike tour guides as they held clipboards, explaining to potential customers about the different tour packages, hoping to be hired for a job. Today was a beautiful day in Central Park, but a little hot to be walking. A perfect business day for Elijah.

“Are you sure, Elijah? There’s a bunch of people around here who look like they have money and need rides.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Did I not just explain to you about that? Do not worry, my friend.”

“Well, okay.” Zoe turned to me. “Come on. The sooner he takes us, the sooner he can come back and pick up some business.”

Elijah smiled and jumped up on the bike seat. “I like how your sister thinks.”

“Hear that, Arcade? Some people appreciate my thoughts.” Zoe jumped up into the small carriage and gave me the stink-eye as she sat down. And now I had to go sit by her?

Ugh.

The hot August sun beat down on the back of my neck and, man, was I thirsty!

“We can stop by Bethesda Terrace,” Elijah said. “I have a friend there who is a food vendor. He’ll give us some free snow cones.”

“I’m in!” I jumped in the chariot. I’d sit next to Zoe, the know-it-all, all day if it meant flavored ice on a scorching day like today.

Elijah beamed back at me, but then frowned. “Are you okay, my friend? You look droopy.”

“What?” I rested my head on the back of the red bike carriage and closed my eyes. It took me a minute to form words. “I guess I’m . . . just . . . really baking in here!” When I opened my eyes, the swirly pattern on the pedicab cover started to spin like a pinwheel.

“Brother, you need some water!” Elijah jumped down off his seat. “I will be right back!”

I held my hand out to stop him. “It’s okay . . . I . . . just need . . . my . . . flamingo . . .”