Page 67 of The Ranger
“Paint?”
“Yes, we paint the words onto a long strip of fabric,” Maida explained.
“Of course.” He smiled, and Grandma squeaked in delight. “That’s wonderful. I’ll tell Irene we’ll be needing a few supplies.” She looked around. “Now where did she go? You two stay here, I’ll be right back. If anyone asks you to leave, tell them you’re waiting for me.”
Maida nodded and watched her go, then gave her attention back to Markhel. “So, why are you not with his royal highness?”
“I was, but I do not know where they might be now.” He looked past her, surveying the room.
Maida did too and spotted Makama and Vale at the other end of the dining room, speaking to a group gathered around one of the larger tables. “More people are coming. Word gets around fast. By Sunday the committees will be full, and Preacher Jo won’t even have to make an announcement.”
“Is that how it works?” He looked at his fried chicken.
“Oh, don’t mind me,” she said. “Go ahead and eat.”
He raised his face to her. “Is it not considered rude?”
“Actually, we interrupted you.” She clasped her hands behind her back and smiled. “Your lunch looks good. I wonder if my mother and grandmother would be upset if I ordered something.”
“You are hungry?” He got to his feet, went around the table, and pulled a chair out for her.
“Oh, I don’t know if I should...”
“Of course, you should,” Grandma Waller called.
She had Mrs. Dunnigan in tow. She scrunched her face up and gave Maida her signature beady eyed look. “Well, young lady, what have you got to say for yourself?”
Maida froze. Had she done something?
Mrs. Dunnigan laughed. “I’m teasing. What’s this I hear about a street banner?”
Maida sat before either of them could stop her. Markhel returned to his seat. “She is hungry. She should eat.”
“Well of course she should,” Grandma said. “I could do with a bite myself.” She looked around. “Why don’t we join you?”
“I ain’t hungry,” Irene said.
“Yes, you are.” Grandma nodded at a bigger table. “Let’s sit over there. Come on you two.” She grabbed Irene by the arm and whispered something in her ear.
“What’s got into them?” Maida mused aloud.
“Like us, they are hungry,” Markhel stated with a shrug. “Come, little one. Let us join them.”
He stood, picked up his plate of food, then nodded at the table where Grandma and Irene had seated themselves.
Maida grabbed his glass of iced tea and silverware and followed.
No sooner had they sat, Rosie headed over. “Decided to eat together?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Dunnigan snapped. “According to Sarah here,” she shot Grandma a glare, “I’m hungry. I’ll have the fried chicken.”
“Make that two,” Grandma said with a smile.
Rosie opened her mouth, thought better of whatever she was going to say, then focused on Maida. “And how about you? Did Grandma say if you were hungry?”
She giggled. “No, and I’ll have the fried chicken as well.”
“Perfect,” Rosie said. “Iced tea all around?”