Big Bad Beans by Beverly Lewis Page A

that.”
    Jason spotted the mountain bike. It was parked in the corner of the garage. “When are you getting your new bike?” he asked.
    â€œNext week, if you come up with the money for my old one,” Eric explained.
    Jason danced around. “I only need ten more bucks,” he said.
    â€œThat’s a lot,” Eric said. “Where are you gonna get it?”
    Jason shrugged. “Beats me, but I will!”
    He turned and watched Stacy. She was letting ants crawl over her fingers on thesunny cement. “Hey, Stacy,” he called. “Does your mom need any more help in her garden?”
    â€œDon’t think so,” Stacy replied.
    â€œMaybe Abby Hunter can give you some ideas,” Eric said. “The president of the Cul-de-sac Kids oughta be able to think of something, right?”
    Jason laughed. “Me, work with a girl?”
    â€œYou helped my mom,” Stacy spoke up. “She’s a girl.”
    â€œThat’s different,” Jason muttered. He eyed Eric’s bike and moved toward it.
    Just ten more bucks, he thought. He touched the shiny frame. The golden flecks shone through the royal blue. It was easy to imagine himself speeding down Blossom Hill Lane. His old bike was trash. “I have to have this bike,” he whispered. “Have to!”
    â€œIt’s yours when you cough up the money,” Eric reminded him.

    Jason was startled. Eric had heard him.
    â€œWell, I’ll see you later,” Jason said.
    He crossed the street to Abby’s house. Her father was outside shooting baskets. Mr. Hunter tossed the ball to Jason.
    â€œIs Abby home?” Jason asked.
    â€œShe’s shopping with her mother,” Mr. Hunter said.
    Jason turned and shot. He made a basket first try.
    Across the street, Eric hopped on his old bike. He flew past Abby’s house and down the street.
    Jason watched him go. “Where’s he headed?” he whispered.
    He aimed the ball and shot. It bounced off the rim.
    Just then Mr. Hunter’s pager beeped. With a smile, he waved to Jason and rushed inside.
    Jason stood holding the basketball. He didn’t like the idea of waiting around forAbby. Why couldn’t he think of a way to earn the extra money?

    At supper, Jason poked at the salad on his plate. He played with his lettuce and sprouts. He glared at the garbanzo beans. “Why must we eat these big, bad beans?” he whined.
    â€œThey’re good for you,” his mother said. “That’s why.”
    â€œBut they stick in my throat,” he argued.
    His father spoke up. “You might try chewing them, son.”
    Jason tried, but it was no use. The beans tasted horrible. And they were too big to swallow whole, like a pill.
    He waited till his parents weren’t looking. Then he sneaked some beans to Muffle. His new puppy would eat them. She loved people food. Any kind!
    Just then the doorbell rang.
    Jason leaped from the table.
    There stood Eric at the front door. “I’ve gotta tell you something,” Eric said. Then he flipped the kickstand down on the blue mountain bike.
    â€œWhat’s up?” Jason asked.
    Eric scratched his head. He was acting strange. “Someone else wants to buy my bike. He’ll give me five more bucks than you.”
    Jason felt his neck grow warm. “Is that where you zoomed off today? To sell your bike to someone else?”
    Eric’s wide eyes blinked three times. “Yeah, guess so,” he said.
    â€œBut . . . we had a deal,” Jason urged. His breath was coming fast. “You can’t change your mind now!”
    Eric stared at Jason. “Well, can you match it?”
    â€œYou want more money?” Jason asked.
    â€œHere’s the deal.” Eric rubbed his fingerstogether. “Whoever’s first with the bucks.”
    Jason stared at the bike. What a super-cool bike. “I’m already ten dollars short,” he