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Page 93
in front of her as Mike asked for drinks and a barbecue sandwich for himself. Mike paid her; then she grabbed foods from a shelf behind her and placed them on a tray.
When she was done, Mike did not pick up the tray. Instead he said, "The stew bowl's awfully small." He unwrapped the sandwich. "And there's not much meat on here."
The girl shrugged. "Sorry." She put napkins and spoons onto the tray, then smiled brightly. "Have a nice day," she said.
Mike asked, "Where are the johnnycakes?"
Abby smiled. Johnnycakesthe delightful confection Arlen had taught them to make on the trail, composed of cornmeal, water, and molasseshad become one of her favorite foods.
But the girl looked confused. "We stopped serving them a couple months ago, sir."
Mike frowned. "But that was a trademark of Arlen's Kitchens: free johnnycakes with every meal."
"Sorry," the girl said again.
Mike persisted. "Is it just this Arlen's Kitchen, or are none serving them now?"
"None. May I help you?" The girl had turned to the next customer in line.
Mike looked angry as he picked up the tray. "Let's find a seat," he grumbled.
The food was wonderful! The stew tasted similar to Arlen's but betterricher and thicker, with spices Abby could not identify. She said, "This tastes . . . well, I've sampled similar foods,

 
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