Gunns & Roses by Karen Kelly

you!”
    The athlete with the wayward throw ducked under the barrier and approached them, his face red with embarrassment. “I am so sorry! I can’t believe I almost hit you! Is there anything I can do?”
    Annie couldn’t be mad at the repentant young man. “Don’t worry … What’s your name again?” She couldn’t quite remember what the person in the crowd had called him.
    “Hep,” the man answered, his burly shape still shaking a little. “I’ve never come so close to hitting anybody before.”
    Annie reached out to pat Hep on the arm. “Please don’t be embarrassed, Hep. It could happen to anyone. As you can see, we’re all completely healthy. I’m sure your next two tries will go better.”
    “I sure hope you’re right.” Hep glanced back at the Hammer Throw action going on without him. “I better get back now. Thank you for understanding.”
    The Stony Point group wished him well and watched as he strode back to the line of athletes. “I just can’t help liking that man,” Peggy declared. “You could tell he really meant what he said.”
    Annie opened her mouth to reply when her stomach gave a loud rumble everyone could hear.
    “Sounds like danger has made you ravenous.” Alice nudged her best friend. “Can we pull you away from watching Hep’s last throws to get something to eat?”
    Annie patted her grumbling stomach and grimaced at the dampness of her blouse. “I think I can be persuaded, as long as they allow wet clothes in the food tents.” She pulled her hat back on, retrieving it from the spot where Ian had tackled her.
    Peggy dug into her bag. “This is going to sound strange, but I’ve got a cloth diaper in here.” She looked up at the chuckles. “Hey, don’t laugh. Diapers will soak up just about anything.” Her fingers caught the edge of the cloth and she pulled it out. “Here.” She offered it to Annie.
    “Thanks, Peggy.” Annie gratefully pressed the thick cloth against the damp front of her blouse. “Do you have an extra one? Ian was rewarded for his chivalry with a dousing himself.”
    Ian waved off the offer. “Don’t worry about my shirt. It’ll probably be dry before we get to the food area.” He looked at Annie as she dabbed away. “Can you walk and wipe at the same time?”
    “I think so,” answered Annie. “But if I can’t, you may want to stay handy, just in case.”
    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,