Chapter 72
Tess was more nervous than she thought she would be. Her first date with Finn had happened so spontaneously she didn't really have time to have first date jitters. Instead, she felt like she was having second date jitters.
Tess tried to focus on getting ready. She took a two minute shower because they were trying to conserve water. She blow dried her hair and tried on the outfit she had picked out in advance. She was happy with it, but couldn't decide which shoes to wear.
"Knock, knock!" Jodi said as she came into the cottage. "Claire is still over at Killarney with Xander, so you're in the clear."
"Thanks for keeping an eye out," said Tess.
"I came to see if I could help you get ready. Your hair looks great and the outfit you chose is perfect!" said Jodi.
"I'm not sure which shoes to wear," replied Tess.
"So, what are your options?" Jodi looked at the shoes Tess had pulled out of the closet. "I think a strappy sandal is too much. You said you didn't want to go overboard."
"I was thinking the same thing," said Tess as she threw the sandals back towards the closet.
"I think the boots are a bit much too. It's hot out there. You don't want to be in boots up to your knee. It might look like you were trying too hard. I think the black flats would look really cute. They're simple, but classy. They will look good with your skinny jeans," decided Jodi.
Tess put on the black flats and posed for Jodi. "What do you think?" she asked.
"Gorgeous, darling!" Jodi said as she smiled at her sister.
"Thanks. I was leaning towards the black flats too. I just needed a second opinion to confirm it. Do you realize this is the first time you've ever helped me get ready for a date?" said Tess.
"Well, no offense, sis, but you haven't had enough dates to give me the opportunity to help you since you moved back," teased Jodi.
"I like having my sister help me get ready for a date," said Tess. "I feel like it's something we would have done as teenagers if we had known each other."
"Do you want me to do your makeup?" offered Jodi.
"Sure, just keep it light. By the way, did you find out anymore about that scene between Dave and Kate? Ug, I felt like I had to wash the awkwardness off my skin while I was in the shower after that," said Tess.
"Apparently, they had a bit more history than either of us realized," said Jodi as she applied the makeup.
"Do we need to worry? Do they still love each other?" asked Tess.
"I can't speak for Dave, but our girl is head over heels in love with her husband, not Dave. She just had a guilty conscience about their past. She should be all right. Imagine it from Kates' point of view. Going from vomiting all over the place, to seeing your ex for the first time, to having your ex learn you're pregnant, and having your ex and your husband meet would freak out anyone. You know her. She's never been great at that stuff. I think, now that the initial meeting is over, she'll be fine," explained Jodi.
"They're going to have to be fine. If Kate plans on running a cattle station, she is going to need vet services, and Dave and Ingrid are the only option in the district. Ingrid can't be expected to always be available to cover Kate's animals," said Tess.
"I reckon they'll figure it out," Jodi said.
Jodi handed a tissue to Tess after applying some lipstick. "Here. Blot"
Tess pressed her lips onto the tissue. "All finished?" asked Tess.
"You are gorgeous. You'll knock him dead," said Jodi.
"I don't want to kill him. Just date him. Maybe I better lose the lippie," Tess teased.
"Have a great date. Let me know when you leave the pub to head back," requested Jodi.
"Thanks. Here goes nothing!"