This story is a little different .
Set around the time Stevie returns to the district moving a mob of cattle.
In this story she did not fall pregnant at fifteen and does not have a daughter from Will Hamilton nor does Claire offer employment and Stevie has already cashed her black opals and has a tidy sum of money gradually building into something more.
Claire has Charlotte and has begun a relationship with Alex.
Its been extremely rocky because despite the fact Peter stayed with his wife he is still in contact with Claire and she in turn is torn between two men and their hearts.
Drover's Run...
Claire has invited Stevie back to have dinner with them .
Tess has taken an instant dislike to her sisters friend and decides she's hiding something.
Confiding in Jodi the two dig around asking questions to try to figure out why she's turned up again after such a long absence from Claire's life.
...
Out near the tennis court..
Alex stands turning the steaks on the BBQ.
With a huge grin on her face Stevie strides towards him.
"Alex Ryan!" She calls.
Turning his face beams ."Stevie bloody Hall! How in the hell are you?"
...
Throwing herself at him he hugs her affectionately and spins her around.
" Geez you're a sight for sore eyes." He quips as he places her back on the ground.
He watches her eyes sparkle as her beautiful smile lights her face.
Playfully she taps his chest and says ." You look fantastic , age can improve on perfection. How's ya bits do they still work."
He laughs and is about to answer when Claire calls. " Hands off he's taken!"
...
Stevie's smile dims as she looks at Claire then back to Alex and asks ." What you two?"
Smiling Alex nods.
Stevie pulls a face at him and whispers." Pity."
He looks closely at her and begins to reply but only manages." Where'd you get too, we had a fabulous month together and then you just vanished? I searched for months ...nothing!"
" G'day! " Nick offers ending their conversation.
...
Stevie smiles at him and says ." Well hello you must be Alex's brother Nick."
Nick holds out his hand and replies." That's right and with hair like that you must be the infamous Stevie Hall!"
She laughs .
" You're right Alex she's a beauty alright." Nick comments.
Again she laughs then states." He's always been the visual kind Nick , he doesn't look for substance in a woman so long as she has breasts and a heart beat he's happy."
Nick throws his head back and laughs.
Alex flicks her arm and grinning says ." Hey!"
...
"Wanna beer?" She asks him.
Nodding he quips" Yeah it's your shout anyway. I bought the last round."
Her eyes hold his focus for a moment and she walks off chuckling.
Alex's expression isn't lost on Nick.
Nick steps beside his brother and asks. "An old conquest?"
Alex takes a moment to drag his eyes away from her.
" Nah we're just mates Nick."Alex replies.
" So she's gorgeous and smart ." Nick remarks.
Alex is watching her again but pushes his brother and changing subjects says." Grab a plate boofhead and make yourself useful."
...
Stevie enjoys her self thoroughly catching up with Alex and Claire .
The trio reminisce about old times and later after Alex and Nick go home Claire and Stevie sit and chat together.
" It's so good to see you Stevie I've missed you." Claire comments.
Smiling at her friend Stevie replies ." Yeah I've missed you too. It's not the same working the circuit without you."
" You're still riding?" Claire exclaims.
...
"Gotta make a living somehow. " Stevie replies then asks . " So you and Alex have a baby girl that's awesome Claire."
Claire shifts uncomfortably and replies. " Charlotte isn't Alex's Stevie."
Stevie looks shocked and offers. " But he dotes on her I thought..."
Shaking her head Claire replies." Her fathers name is Peter and I was in love with him but it turned out so was his wife."
Stevie's mouth drops open .
Claire shoulders her and says ." You're catchin' flies."
...
Stevie laughs and responds. " And here I was thinking you were shy. A married man and Alex Ryan you're a lucky girl Claire McLeod."
" Hmm." Claire offers with more than a hint of sadness to her voice.
" What?" Stevie asks.
" Peter still messages me and Alex doesn't like it so we fight a lot." Claire explains.
" But you love Alex?" Stevie asks.
" I thought I did ..I mean I do .. Oh hell Stevie of course I love him but I don't think I'm in love with him ... Because I still..I mean Peter ." Claire stops and with sadness in her eyes looks at her friend for understanding.
...
Stevie stands up and shaking her head says." Claire he's our friend and he's taken on someone else's child you owe him the truth."
Claire's face changes and she retorts ."That's the pot calling the kettle black isn't it Stevie?"
" You know?"Stevie exclaims.
" I had my suspicions but you've just confirmed it. How about a bit of honesty yourself!"Claire snaps.
" I have my reasons Claire." Stevie bites back.
" Yeah well so do I ." Claire retorts.
Stevie stands stoned faced deciding what to do next.
" I'd better get going I've stayed longer than I'd planned." Stevie comments.
Rising Claire asks. " Are we still ok?"
Stevie nods .
...