Die Lieblingssocke

I walked to the house and found a note on the door.

Note: “Hi Gillian, today at 4 PM by the twin tree in the little forest behind the fire pit. J.S.”

What was that supposed to mean? Curious, I went to the meeting spot at 4 PM. Jamie was already there — and he had prepared something.

Jamie: “Well? A romantic picnic for the survivors of the cave disaster. That would be you and me.”

Gillian: “Jamie, you’re unbelievable. The nicest guy I know. Although… I don’t really know any other guys besides you.”

The survivor picnic with Jamie was beautiful and funny. We ate, drank, talked — and froze together. Jamie was wonderful. I felt soft fluttering butterflies in my stomach. But there were other butterflies too. Josh. Even though I tried to forbid myself from thinking about him, the feelings were still there. Did he feel the same? Or had he already forgotten Meadowland? Jamie was here. And he was sending signals I was more than willing to receive. The next day, I decided to tell Claire. We went for a ride.

Claire: “Alright, out with it. What’s so urgent that we need an emergency ride? Are you about to fire me?”

Gillian: “No! Something happened. I think I’m falling in love… he’s so sweet… but then there’s Josh… a stupid postcard… I’m not sure… What am I supposed to do?!”

How did Claire jump to firing in a moment like this? My emotions were in complete chaos. Everything I had bottled up over the past weeks came pouring out — the inheritance, my new life, Josh, my parents, my plans for the future, the fear in the cave… and Jamie.

Claire: “Wait — Jamie?! I can’t breathe! Jamie, the former show jumper who’s now your foreman with the outlaw look?! Jamie is actually a really kind person. A very good friend you can rely on. After that shock, I desperately need a race back home.”

Gillian: “Even if he’s a good friend, please keep this to yourself, Claire. I need to figure out what this really is and what I want. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Now everything was out in the open. Even though I hadn’t known Claire for long, she had already become a true friend. She had known Jamie for years — and I trusted her judgment. Not just for me, but for the ranch, Claire was a blessing. Steven had been right about hiring a trainer. The sales horses were properly trained by her, and the numbers proved it. When we returned, Jamie stopped Claire outside the stable.

Jamie: “So how was your ride? Did you two have a good talk? What exactly did Gillian tell you?”

Claire: “Oh, she told me everything. That she needs a new coffee machine, reorganized her wardrobe, and that a new training horse arrives Saturday. Oh — and that you should clean the drain in the wash stall.”

She dismissed curious Jamie with perfect composure. As she was about to leave, she stopped me briefly in the yard.

Claire: “I’m heading off. Jamie really tried to interrogate me. I stayed silent like a grave. Oh — and let him clean that drain.”

Gillian: “Thanks for listening, Claire. See you Saturday. Drive safe.”

I didn’t quite understand the drain thing — but I let Jamie handle it. Quite a few things surfaced.

Jamie: “You see, no drain is too deep and no dirt too dirty to make you happy, Ma’am. As I said — I’d do anything for you.”

Gillian: “My earring! My glove! And my favorite sock — I’ve been looking for that forever!”