Mary hadn't realised Robert would stand up and hurried to put her napkin, her cup of tea, and her cookie into one hand so she too could stand. "Are you sure I can't offer you anything else?"
"I haven't eaten a chocolate chip cookie in years. That was quite the treat. It's not something I buy myself but when you don't have kids, you don't normally keep such an item. And being by myself, I can't very well buy a whole carton as I would eat only a couple then not go back for months. By that time, the remaining cookies would be stale." Robert looked at Mary questioningly. "May I, however, trouble you?"
Mary looked perplexed before realising what he was asking so indirectly. "The washroom? Certainly. Go in the deck door and walk straight ahead to the kitchen. It's the door in the corner."
"Thank you." Robert walked to the sliding door and pulled it open. He turned back to Mary. "Are you coming in?"
"Yes. Please leave it open."
Robert disappeared into the cottage. Mary gathered up the various bits and pieces and put everything on the tray. She picked it up and headed back inside. Setting the tray on a chair, she turned back and pulled the sliding door shut. It may be fall and cool, but there were still insects out and those little critters got in everywhere.
Mary busied herself washing the cups and saucers, putting away the remaining cookies, and throwing out the napkins. She heard the toilet flush then the sound of the water running in the sink. She moved away from the kitchen and waited in the main area. The door opened and Robert walked out.
"Mary, thank you once again. It's appreciated. A good cup of tea rejuvenates the spirit. I have a few hours' drive ahead of me and I think I'm now in better shape to make it without having to pull over."
"You're more than welcome."
Robert walked to the side door. He paused then stuck out his hand. Mary shook it. Robert smiled and said, "Thank you. I trust you and your husband have an uneventful journey back home."
"You too."
Robert pushed open the screen door and walked out on to the stoop and headed down the stairs to the parking area beside the cottage. He walked to his car.
Mary had followed him and stood on the top step. "Nice to meet you."
"It was nice to meet you too, Mary."
<next page>