You do

"That would be great," you tell Donna with a smile, and following her back towards her cottage.

You're surprised to see a sleek looking black motorcycle parked in front of it. You pause a moment, looking at its racing lines, noting that every bit of it seems to whisper speed.

"Do you ride, Mr. Carter?"

"Not since I was a teenager," you answer. "And nothing like this. Is it yours?"

"Are you surprised?" she laughs. "A conservative middle aged Math teacher riding a machine like that? I do believe I've shocked you."

"Not shocked," you say with a smile. "But as you said, 'surprised.'"

"Fair enough. And yes it is mine. It's a great stress reliever to take it out on the highway and put this place in the rear view mirrors for an hour or two. Come on in, and let's get that tea."

She unlocks the cottage door and gestures you in, pointing you to a living room much like that in your own cottage, except with comfortable lived in clutter.

"Do you live here on your own?"

"I share it with Lorri McKay. Physics and Chemistry. She's out right now. Have a seat and I'll get the tea started," she says, then pauses. "Unless you'd prefer something stronger?"

You give her a steady look, trying to gauge her meaning.

"Tea is fine," you answer. "Since the local telegraph here is so good, I'm sure you've heard I'm a drunk. Was that a test?"

"Not entirely," she says frankly. "I've heard that you're a drunk, but I've heard it from the kind of judgemental puritans who have lived their life in a shell. I've also heard that you have your drinking well under control these days. From the look of you, I'd say that's the truth. I come from a family of alcoholics Mr. Carter. I know they come in all shapes and sizes and behaviours."

"Fair enough," you say with a nod. "But tea will be fine."

"Sit down. I'll put the kettle on and then I can fill you in on all the gossip you need to know," she says with an impish smile as she disappears down the hallway.