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I guess the kitchen isn’t to the left after all.
“Diana,” I said “Thanks for rescuing me. I tried to remember the layout of the house last night, but I clearly had it wrong. What’s to the left? Because that’s where I was heading.”
“The east wing is to the left. That’s where Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne’s offices are, as well as the lab,” Diana said whilst scurrying around the kitchen. “Can I get you something to eat, Mia?”
“Oh no, thank you. Although I could go for some of that coffee I smell,” I said. “I don’t usually eat first thing in the morning.”
“Coffee is ready. Everything you could need is out on the counter,” Diana said. “I’ll be back in give or take twenty minutes, then maybe you’ll be ready for breakfast.”
“Thanks, I think I’m just going to sit by the fireplace if it’s okay to make a fire, that is?” I asked shyly.
“Go right ahead, but the fireplace is gas. Just get the remote off the mantel,” Diana said, walking out while carrying a tray of coffee.
Alone at last. Fireplace on first, then coffee.
“Good morning, Sequin Girl,” Parker said from the dark corner of the cozy nook. “The fire is already going, so feel free to join us.”
“Us?” I asked, stepping farther into the lounge area.
“Well, me and this little ball of fur,” Parker said, pointing to a puppy lying on a pillow in front of the fire. ”She has claimed the best spot for herself though.”
I pulled my robe closer together and tied the belt a little tighter, feeling very under dressed, even though he was only in a sweat suit and sneakers.
I hope my hair isn’t a mess. Looking in the mirror might have been a good idea.
I lowered down to my knees and got face-to-face with the little puppy. “Oh my goodness, how sweet you are. How old is she?” I asked, rubbing behind the puppy’s ears.
Parker said with a slight chuckle, “No idea how old because I found her, or she found me, outside of the train station in Greenwich yesterday.”
“Aw, you really are a hero, aren’t you,” I said. “She looks very young to have been away from her mother, much less out in this weather. I wonder how that could have happened.”
“Yeah, I thought the same thing,” Parker said. “She was nearly frozen. I couldn’t just leave her out there, but I don’t know what to do with her now. The animal hospital I brought her to yesterday checked her over and gave me a bottle and mother’s milk. I was going to try some local veterinarians to see if someone recently had a litter of pups.”
“That’s a great idea,” I said, smiling up at him from the floor. “I would be happy to help. I do owe you, after all. I could put up some fliers in the area and near the train station too.”
His smile was infectious. Mia couldn’t even recall the last occasion when a smile made her feel this way.
“Can I get you some coffee? Or is it tea?” he asked as he got to his feet.
All I could do was nod. There was an expectant look in his bright green eyes. I wondered if the expression was because he felt it too.
I curled up on the white couch in front of the fire overlooking the gardens. I could feel myself smile as I looked out warmly at the view. It was fantastic.
Parker returned minutes later with an antique, rose petal saucer and a cup of coffee. I jumped from the heat of our fingers touching and quickly wiped my fingers on my robe to cool the burn.
You just made yourself look like an idiot. I hope he didn’t notice.
Diana had returned to the kitchen unnoticed. When she spoke Mia and Parker both jumped.
“Breakfast as usual, Parker? Are you sure you don’t want me to serve it?” she asked “I don’t mind, plus I need to get Mia fed too.”
“Thanks, I can handle getting myself a plate,” Parker joined her at the counter “I know you have your hands full with dad’s lunch meeting here today.”
“You’re a dear, Parker,” Diana wiped her hands on a towel and patted him on the shoulder in passing. That food won’t cook itself.”
The puppy had crawled closer to my feet. I lifted her onto my lap, gazing out the windows.
The early morning landscape was both desolate and beautiful against the grey winter sky. Clouds gathered but moved too quickly to leave much rain or snow behind. I was lost in the scene in front of me.
