Mouldy Bits Of What

Awesome bro! says Sweezus. When did you order the pizzas?

Didn't, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

He made them himself, says Lauren. It's his new off-season business.

Sure is, says Surfing-with-Whales. Who wants to try one?

Me! says Terence.

Not happening, says Belle. I'll find you a red drink. 

She goes into Sweezus's kitchen

Everyone else takes a slice of pizza.

This is different, says Vello. What's on it?

Whatever I find in the fridge, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Your fridge? asks Sweezus.

No your fridge, says Surfing-with-Whales. Don't worry, I cut off the mouldy bits.

He's very careful says Lauren. After what happened before.

And I bring my own cheese, says Surfing-with-Whales. Real mozzarella.

Everyone is relieved about the cheese. And the lack of mouldy bits.

No one thinks to ask mouldy bits of what.

Except David.

Mouldy bits of what? asks David. I can't identify anything on this pizza.

All edible, says Surfing-with-Whales. The pink chunks are vegan sausage.

David takes a bite. You can't go wrong with vegan sausage. 

And that's grated carrot, says Surfing-with-Whales. 

Woah! says Sweezus.

Its a long time since he bought a carrot. Or a vegan sausage.

But the mood remains festive, thanks to the beer and the bubbly, and a smooth change of subject.

Gaius, says Lauren, are you planning to ride in the Tour Down Under?

No, says Gaius. I'm planning to go to Queensland

Into the floods? says Lauren. 

What floods? asks Gaius. I knew there were fires, but ...

There are floods now, says Vello. 

Dear me, says Gaius. Perhaps not at Kroombit Tops.

What do you want to go there for? asks Vello, picking a chunk of vegan sausage from his pizza.

The Kroombit frogs, says Gaius. Are you going to eat that?

Probably not, says Vello. Would you consider delaying your trip if I asked you to join Team Philosophe?

Short of riders, are you? asks Gaius. 

Dismally short, says Vello. It's just David and me.

When is it? asks Gaius. 

In three weeks, says Vello.

Gaius weighs up the pros and cons of not going to Queensland just yet.

Pro: 1) he'll have time to finish his notes on the orange-bellied parrots. 2) and do some work in his garden.  3) and it was nice to be asked.

Con: 1) the Kroombit frogs are endangered.

Gaius is tempted.