Chapter 69

Kate brushed her teeth and splashed some water on her face as she did, she realized she had stained her shirt and changed into a fresh one. She also realized she still had Dave's handkerchief. She put it aside to wash it and return it later.

She did not expect to react like that. It was a perfect storm of awkwardness, she thought. Kate wasn't in love with Dave anymore and was completely in love with her husband, but she still cared about Dave and still felt guilty about breaking his heart.

Russell coming around the corner at that exact moment was bad luck, too she thought.

"Honey, are you sure you're okay?" asked Russell.

"Yeah. Sorry about that. I was taken off guard. Between puking my brains out and seeing my ex for the first time in years, it was all just a bit much at once. I'm fine, but I think I'd like to lay down for a bit."

"Do you want me to stay with you?" asked Russell.

"No. I think I'll nap. You should go back to your drone," she said.

"Are you sure?" asked Russell "I'm going to get you some biscuits and leave them here for you. Your stomach must be pretty empty," said Russell.

"Thank you."

Kate got into bed and then hid under the covers.

"Way to go, Manfredi," she uttered to herself in embarrassment.

As Jodi and Tess finished up with Dave and the ewe, Jodi checked the time.

"Tess, look at the time. I think you need to go get ready."

Tess looked at the time on her phone.

"Yup, I gotta go. I'll see ya, Dave," said Tess.

"Bye, Tess."

"So, I take it you haven't seen Kate since Africa," asked Jodi after Tess left.

"Um, I was just surprised by it. I'm sorry about that," said Dave, feeling embarrassed about his reaction.

"No problem, Dave. I'll see you in two days for the full sheep check before our sale. 9 a.m. And I guess I should give you a heads up. Kate and Russell are moving to Gungellan permanently. You'll probably need to treat their animals at some point," said Jodi.

"Righto. I'll be there at 9am."

Dave walked to his car and started the ignition. He waved goodbye to Jodi.

"Damnit, dolt," he said to himself.

Seeing Kate, all sick at Drovers Run. It had brought back some uncomfortable feelings for him. He put his head in his hands and took a deep breath.

"This wasn't what I needed today," said Dave.