Alice leaned close to Peggy and whispered, “I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Do you?”
“Not at all,” Peggy answered with a wink.
Ian helped Wally pick up the chairs, and Peggy folded the quilt and slid it back into her bag. Walking toward the food court, the group stopped to consider what to eat. “Does anyone want anything specific for lunch?” Ian asked, ever the leader.
“I’ve heard they have some wicked meat pies here,” said Wally. “I’d like to see if it’s true.”
“Are you sure you don’t want haggis?” Peggy teased.
Wally slung his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “I’m sure, but I’d be glad to buy you one, compliments of the Highland Games.”
“As delicious as that sounds, I think I’d like to try a bridie,” Peggy countered. “If the puff pastry is made right, it’s hard to beat.”
Ian pointed out a bright yellow food cart with red lettering proclaiming authentic Scottish food. “That one looks promising.” The group gathered around the vendor, reading the menu hanging from the ceiling of the cart.
“What do y’all think about ordering several different dishes, and then everyone can sample them?” asked Annie. “And don’t forget the scones!”
Alice gave a thumbs-up for the idea, and there were nods from the others. Emily ended her nod saying, “Mama, what’s a bridie?”
“It’s a Scottish meat pastry,” answered Peggy. “I think you’ll like it.”
Wally handed Ian the certificate he’d won. “Make sure there are plenty of meat pies to go around.” While Ian ordered and their food was being prepared, the others wandered near the different tents to find a good place to settle down for the meal.
“I vote for this tent,” Alice gestured at a yellow-stripe tent with the sound of Celtic music coming from inside.
Wally paused, listening to the drums driving a lively tune. “Works for me,” he agreed. “I’ll go help Ian with the food. Why don’t you ladies find us a table?”
The ladies of Stony Point agreed and entered the tent as Wally left them. Picnic tables were packed inside with only a small platform in the front for the musicians. Just as they were reconciling themselves to not being able to fit in the crowded tent, a half-table of people got up to leave.
“Now I know how the town folk feel at the diner,” Peggy quipped as she bustled over to the emptied half-table.
“Small triumphs are not to be sneezed at,” said Annie, chuckling. “These are good seats for the music too. We can actually see the musicians play.”
“I’ll wait by the entrance and show the guys where to bring the food,” Alice offered. “It’s jammed in here!” She wove through the tables filled with people in a festive mood. Reaching the edge of the tent, she stood just outside to watch for Ian and Wally.
While Annie, Peggy, and Emily waited for the others to arrive, the band played a final song and announced that a different band would begin a set in ten minutes. “Oh, I hope the next band is as good as this one,” said Peggy. “They had a great sound.” She nudged Annie with her elbow. “None of that classic rock stuff.”
“Not even U2?” Annie joked back.
“Um, Annie, U2 is from Ireland, not Scotland.” Peggy wagged a finger at her friend.
“Oops, good thing Alice wasn’t here,” Annie responded. “She’d have my hide.” Her eyes narrowed. “And how come you knew that when you don’t like classic rock, hmmm?”
Peggy dismissed the tease with a wave of her hand. “Some bands—very few mind you—transcend the classic rock label.”
The next band filed in through a small gap behind the platform and began to set up. Emily’s eyes widened in wonder when she caught sight of the female band member dressed in a gossamer flowing dress of light green and lavender, the golden waves of her hair tumbling down her back.
She whispered to Peggy, “Mom, is she a princess?”
Her mother smiled at her. “I don’t know, Em. Maybe you could ask her when the band finishes their set.”
As the men of the band positioned a keyboard, two different drums, and several different kinds of wind and string instruments on the platform, Alice came through the main entrance with Wally and Ian behind her. All three sets of arms were laden with food and drinks.
Leading the men through the tables, Alice set two drink carriers in front of Annie and Peggy. “It’s a good thing I was watching out for Ian and Wally; the drinks were threatening to slip out of their hands.”
“I’m impressed they made it that far.” Annie laughed. “Y’all bought enough food to feed William Wallace’s entire clan! Is there anything left in the food cart for everyone else?”