5
Throwing the paper towels in the blue box, she set the other items on the kitchen counter then went to the door. She pushed open the screen door as Robert was coming up the path.
"Mr. Kent," said Mary.
Robert looked up and smiled. "Please, call me Robert."
Mary smiled back. "I was about to have a cup of tea. I was wondering if I could offer you a cup yourself."
Robert hesitated.
"I have cookies." Mary grinned.
Robert chuckled. "You present a tempting offer, Mary. By all means. That is kind of you."
"Why don't you step around the side to the deck and rustle us up a couple of chairs. I'll get the tea and the temptation." Mary smiled pleased with herself over the wordplay. "Do you take cream? Sugar?"
"Just a little milk, if you have it. Otherwise black."
Robert made his way around the cottage while Mary went back inside. She got out a teapot and put in two teabags. Turning off the burner on the stove, she lifted the whistling kettle and poured the boiling water into the teapot. She went over to a cardboard box packed with various dry foods and dug out a carton marked Chocolate Chip Cookies. She went through her check list: tray, two cups and saucers, two spoons, small container of milk, plate of cookies, and one teapot. For good measure she added some paper serviettes. It seemed fancy for a cottage.
Mary carried the tray to the main area and walked up to the door which led to the deck. Robert had seen her coming and had gotten up to pull the sliding deck door open so Mary could come out. She had to use two hands to carry the tray.
"Thank you," said Mary.
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