Observations and departures

You sip your coffee and listen as the table conversation changes to idle chatter. You find yourself watching the two younger women as they chat. They're both very attractive, Monica Fulton a classic blonde beauty, and Christina Thorpe a striking and intriguing raven haired woman. You note that both women's glances linger slightly when they look at Brian, and you wonder if there is more to it than the appraising look a woman casts at a handsome young man.

"It's been a pleasure," Darnell says, finishing his coffee and rising with a smile for the table. "I've got a few things to take care of, and I'd better get to it."

His departure prompts a general exodus, and within a few minutes everyone at the table is making excuses for leaving. Monica gives Brian a flashing smile and suggests running together sometime, while the other women say more restrained farewells.

Brian says he's going for a stroll, and Lorri and Donna say they have some preparation to do. You decide to go back to your cottage to go over the orientation material for the school. There's over an hour before the first session, and that seems a productive way to pass the time.