I awoke from my slumber to see the sunshine peering in from the curtains that were in front of the large window in my bedroom. I got up, and dressed myself in a purple polo-shirt and blue jeans. I went to this window, and opened up the curtains. I looked out on the land and saw the pond, and the horse trails that I was so familiar with. There was a tree that crossed half the window, and on that perched a bird that sang a merry tune. I listened to it a while, not noticing my door open. “Excuse me, sir?” I turned around to see Karin, with the doorway slightly opened.

“Yes, Karin.”

“Breakfast is on the table.”

“Thank you, I’ll be right down. Could I have breakfast on the patio?”

“Certainly, sir,” I turned back to the window, and shut it. I went out the door and into the bathroom, where I proceeded to make myself presentable, and then went toward the stairway. Going downstairs, I retrieved the morning paper, and went out to the patio, through the all glass doors. Sitting down in my favorite seat, I opened the paper and started reading it. I always looked at the comics first. Karin came out with the food, and set it on the table in front of me.

“Thank you.” I said, while I picked up the cup of hot chocolate and took a sip from it.

“Shall I have the ladies join you out here?”

“Ladies? What ladies?” I asked, jokingly.

“You know, Miss Downing and Miss Martin.”

“Oh! I completely forgot about them. If they would like to, they are invited.” I said, turning the pages of the paper. I continued reading until I heard footsteps, two pair. They slid their chairs out and sat down. I folded the paper, and set it next to my plate. “Good morning! I hope you both had a good night’s sleep.” They replied in the affirmative. “My house and my staff are completely at your disposal.”

“Thank you.” Tracy said.

“So what are your plans this fine morning?” I inquired.

“I was going to show Tracy around the grounds, but unfortunately, this cold is still nagging at me, and I need to go back to bed.”

“That’s too bad. It is a wonderful ride.” I added.

“‘Tis a shame. Maybe you could take her.”

“Of course I will.” I looked over at the blushing blond, who remained silent.

“Thank you very much.” Tracy added, as she finished her bagel. She dabbed the sides of her mouth and went into the house. I returned to my paper.

“She likes you, you know?” Tricia said.

“What was that?” I asked, lowering the paper.

“She likes you, can’t you tell?”

“You really think so?”

“Just look at the way she looked at you just now.”

“Do you think it’s her?”

“Her who?”