Date oder kein Date

Jamie was right — I had wanted to invite him to dinner in Jarlaheim before the riding accident interrupted us. So I invited him again. Not just because I owed him — but because I genuinely wanted a beautiful evening with him. Dinner, talking, flirting… everything that belongs to a date. Not that this was actually a date. Of course not. He picked me up at home.

Jamie: “Ma’am, your chauffeur has arrived. Which leads me to believe you wisely chose not to cook.”

Gillian: “You’re absolutely right. I only wield a wooden spoon for very special people.”

After dinner, we went for drinks. I felt completely at ease. Jamie was sweet — entertaining, attentive, a perfect gentleman. We laughed a lot.

Jamie: “…and then he dropped the hammer right on John’s foot. He shot up like a rocket!”

Gillian: “Stop — I can’t breathe!”

But there were serious moments, too. Especially when he talked about his childhood. It hadn’t been easy for him. After leaving home, he’d had to discover who he really was. And that person — that self — was free, confident, kind. Lovable. Yes. I loved Jamie. It was pitch-dark when we walked back to the car, and Jamie made a small attempt to get closer.

Jamie: “Purely for safety reasons, I’ll hold your hand. You never know what kind of shady characters lurk in these dark alleys.”

Gillian: “Go ahead, if it makes you feel safer. I promise to protect you. If absolutely necessary — even with my life… well, maybe just protect you.”

When we arrived back at Meadowland, the stable lights were still on.

Gillian: “Look — the stable lights are on. At this hour? That’s strange.”

Jamie: “You’re right. Let’s check. Mary usually turns them off after giving the animals water.”

Inside, we were greeted by disaster.

Jamie: “Oh no… someone forgot to turn off the water.”

Gillian: “Now who was it that gets water in the evenings and switches off the lights?”

We spent quite some time drying the stable floor. When we were finally done, Jamie stepped closer and brushed a strand of hair from my face.

Jamie: “I’ve heard the cleaner here isn’t just hardworking — she’s unbelievably beautiful. Turns out they were right.”

It was one of those tingling, breathless moments.

Gillian: “I’ve also heard the foreman isn’t bad himself. Especially if he gives the livestock manager a kick tomorrow morning. What are you waiting for… kiss me, you fool.”

And he did. For a moment, everything felt perfect. Then reality hit me. I grabbed my things.

Gillian: “Well. That settles that. Good night, Jamie.”

Jamie: “Gillian…?”

That settles that? What was I doing? First I practically demanded he kiss me — then I panicked. And ended it with a stupid remark. Maybe my sudden bravery had been fueled by all those drinks. Even though I loved him, I shouldn’t have given him hope for something more. How was I supposed to fix this? I spent the whole night thinking about it. The next morning, I went straight to him.

Gillian: “Good morning, Jamie. Can we talk about last night?”

Jamie: “Gillian, we don’t need to talk. I understand. We’re just friends. I’ll keep my distance from now on and focus on my job.”

Before I could respond, a taxi pulled into the yard. The door opened. “Gillian! I’m back.” It was Josh.