Frowning, Sharon’s eyes flicked back and forth between Ellie and Michael.

Michael gave her a wicked grin.

She shrugged. “I guess I don’t, but since we’re good friends and you’re not my best friend I won’t feel quite as neglected if you keep falling asleep when I need you.”

“It is incredibly rude to compare friendships like that,” Jake interjected, glowering down at her. “What if you just hurt Ellie’s feelings?”

“I didn’t,” Sharon said irritably, waving her hand dismissively at him. Then she frowned at Ellie. “I didn’t, did I? Although, if you did move in with me, I’d totally be willing to revisit the question of who my best friend is.”

The aggravated noises Jake was making were getting louder. Michael eyed him with amusement. No wonder Ellie was so quiet all the time, just sitting back and watching could be highly entertaining. Although Jake and Sharon were currently the best show in town. In the sideways seat in front of Sharon, Jared and Leigh were curled up around each other, whispering and ignoring everyone else. On Jake’s other side, Olivia was sitting in the sideways seat next to Chris, whose lap was currently serving as Jessica’s foot rest; Jessica was tucked underneath Justin’s arm and the four of them were talking. Behind Justin and Jessica, Liam and Hilary seemed torn between listening to the conversation in front of them or Sharon and Jake’s bickering. Lexie and Patrick had no such issue. Patrick was leaning against the window while Lexie leaned against him and they were both watching Jake, who had his back to them or he’d realize just how interested their friends were in what was going on with him.

Behind Patrick and Lexie, Angel and Adam were currently arguing about something, although not very loudly, since they were trying not to wake Kate who was snuggled on Andrew’s shoulder in the seats behind them. Since Rick and Maria were directly behind Michael, he wasn’t sure where their attention was; and behind them were whatever poor sods had ended up on the same train car as the rest of them.

“So, I get you as a best friend... anything else?” Ellie asked, her eyes sparkling.

The look Sharon gave her was almost of awed respect. “You’re kind of sassy this morning, I like it!”

Ellie giggled and leaned against Michael’s shoulder. He almost shifted to put his arm around her, but he didn’t want her to panic the way she had the last time he’d tucked her under his arm... so he just enjoyed the feeling of her leaning against him, their hands entwined and resting on their thighs.

“Did Michael give you a sass injection last night?” Sharon asked, not bothering to lower her voice as Jake gave her a disbelieving look, which she ignored. Both Michael and Ellie burst out laughing.