Chapter 17 - Page 234 - Trouble In Chicago

   The next morning, Raymond was waiting in front of Jim's apartment. As they all got in the car, Jim asked Raymond to stop someplace for breakfast. Moments later, the limousine stopped in front of a high class restaurant, and everyone, including the chauffeur, went inside to eat. They found an unoccupied table large enough to seat six, and sat down. A waitress brought six glasses of water and six menus. She looked at Shanha and smiled. "You're a pretty young lady," she said.

   "Thank you," Shanha replied, "and you're a pretty old lady."

   The waitress stared at Shanha in disbelief. Everyone else was smiling. They knew Shanha didn't mean to be rude. Shanha suddenly realized what she'd said. "Lady," Shanha gasped, "I didn't mean it like that."

   A smile spread across the waitress's face.

   Jim decided to have some fun with the situation. "Shanha," he said, "what did you mean?"

   Shanha appeared nervous. "I meant," she replied, "she's a pretty old la-" She realized she'd been about to say the same thing again. Everyone, including the waitress, were snickering. The waitress placed her hands on her hips, waiting to hear what Shanha would say next. "You're not an old lady," Shanha said. "Old people have wrinkled skin."

   "But Shanha," Jim teased, "you said 'old lady.' If she's not an old lady, what is she?"

   Shanha knew Jim was trying to trick her now. "Papa, she's not as old as you are."

   Rhasha and Shanha looked at each other. They held their fingers to their lips and giggled, then gave each other a high-five as everyone laughed.

   The waitress said, "You're a very sweet young lady."

   "Thank you," Shanha replied, "and you're a very sweet . . . " She hesitated, knowing she was about to make the same mistake again. " . . . lady."

   Everyone laughed. The waitress put her order pad in her apron and went to get their drinks.