"Lighter than me and Pete here, that's what counts," says Brandon, thumping his mighty chest. "Still, a team needs a few runners, and guys like me and Pete, well, we're built for power, not for speed!"

"You know," says Adam, "it might be fun for the three of us to go hit that new buffet that's opened down by Target."

"Yeah!" enthuses Brandon, while Bennett chimes in, "I'll come too!"

"Yeah, Bennett, you might even put on a pound or three," Brandon says in a snarky tone. Meanwhile, you feel conflicted. You love to eat, but a buffet is an awfully public place to pursue your love of food... "So Pete," Brandon turns to you, "you in?"

"Sure!" you blurt out. "But.... I have no money on me."

"Don't worry about that," says Robby, "I'll gift you - welcome to California!"

"Thanks," Pete says. "What day? I'm helping Dad unpack."

"How about... right now?" asks Adam, grinning as he rises to his feet. You're once again impressed with how easily he carries his bulk, and wonder about taking him up on the offer of working out together, not just eating.

"Sure!" you hear yourself say, and all of the gang follow Adam out of the food court.

A slow walk later - long enough for you, though apparently easy for Brandon and Adam and Bennett - you arrive at "The Great American Spread" and as you enter the restaurant you ....