“Come on, everyone!” Rick announced, heading toward the door. “Let’s not keep Abbott waiting.” He looked at Zac, and added, “Uh … sorry … your father.”

“Hey, don’t change anything on my account!” Zac replied with a shrug then took my hand as we walked out the door and climbed into the back of the van along with John. Rick and Annie took the front.

Soon, we were on NY-28 S headed toward Washington D.C. when Annie announced, “Hey, maybe we can go shopping in D.C. after we see Abbott.”

Rick laughed, rolling his eyes and smiling. But this time, I couldn’t argue with her.

“Sounds good,” I replied, as...