Impressive, and it comes with an invitation

The dining hall is about a third full. Students fill their plates from a buffet along one wall, while others are seated in chattering groups around tables. A handful of teachers dine at a head table. You and Mason take plates and make your way down the buffet line, conscious of the glances cast your way by the gossiping schoolgirls.

The buffet would be the match of a good hotel or restaurant, and you're impressed by the variety and quality of food, filling your plate while Mason settles for some toast and eggs and a cup of coffee. Everything looks delicious, and you even consider getting an omelette from the station at the end of the line. You see Mason smile tolerantly at your appetite as the two of you turn towards the head table.

Donna Considine waves you over, inviting you to join her group. She's sitting with Lorri McKay and Mr. Sharp, the history teacher you met the previous night. The two of you make your way there and join them.

"Not hungry?" Lorri McKay observes, eyeing Mason's plate.

"I'm not much for breakfast," he replies, taking a sip of coffee.

"Unlike the Coach here," she chuckles, seeing your laden plate. "You eat like you're still a growing boy," she says with a grin.

"I worked up my appetite with a run this morning," you smiles. "That's a nice path around the lake."

"So I hear," Lorri answers with a laugh. "I know a few people jog there. I'm not built for running."

As you listen you see the students casting glances at the head table, their eyes roaming over you and the other men. The advent of male teachers is certainly a cause for gossip among the students.

"Lorri and I want to invite you three gentlemen, and Dean Hawkfeather as well, to dinner at our cottage tomorrow night," Donna Considine says. "It's part of our attempt to make you feel welcome, even if some of your colleagues have forgotten their courtesy."

You share a look with Mason and Mr. Sharp, then smile and nod as Mason replies for all of you. "I'd be delighted. And thank you very much. Can we bring anything?"

"A better appetite than you bring to breakfast," Lorri snorts. "You start picking at any food I serve like you doing with that toast and I'll go upside your head." Her grin is fierce but the chuckle that follows it is embracing and friendly.