Chapter 84
Stevie was starting to have second thoughts about her date. Why did she agree to this? Jaz had helped her feel better last night, but she still wanted to talk to Tess, whom she considered her closest friend. She wanted to hear what Tess had to say about all of this. She pulled out her phone and dialed.
"Hey, Stevie. What's up?" said Tess as she answered. I saw a missed call from you yesterday. I was going to give you a call when we stopped for lunch. I have something to tell you, but I'm mustering about two hundred fifty sheep at the moment."
"Oh. You can call me back later then but, at noon, I'll be loading the truck with our sheep."
"I'm just riding out with Claire now. Let's just talk now." Tess pulled her horse away from Claire to have some privacy for the phone call.
"Do you think I have a type? You know, that I date?" asked Stevie.
"Yes. You like tall, well built, brunette guys who are good at farming and, or, rodeo and who are cocky, but have a heart of gold. Sort of a sexy teddy bear type," replied Tess. "Why do you ask?"
"It's something Jaz said. She told me she thought I was still looking for another Alex, but that I had to try looking for someone completely different than Alex, but who was also great and wonderful, otherwise Alex would always win. She talked about Mark, her fiance that died when she was young, and how different he was than Ben, and how she knew she'd never find another Mark, but found Ben instead, who is totally different, but also amazing."
"I reckon that sounds believable. You definitely like them physically similar to Alex anyway," said Tess. "What is all this about?"
"I wanted to have a quick girl chat about dating," said Stevie.
Did Stevie know about Finn already? "Who would have told her? Jodi? Jodi was usually pretty good about keeping secrets like that. Would Kate have blabbed about seeing her kiss Finn that night? She is usually very trustworthy. How did she know? Tess wondered.
"Listen I was going to tell you about-" but Tess didn't get to finish her thought.
"I have a date tonight. He is nothing like Alex that I can tell. He is a ginger and is really thin, still tallish, but not really tall like Alex was. He is a lawyer and doesn't know anything about farming or rodeo. I'm not sure why I agreed to it, but after I did agree to the date, Jaz told me that stuff and now I'm confused about what that's supposed to mean," said Stevie "Am I just trying to find another Alex? Then what is this date with James going to be like? I am meeting him at the pub at 6:30 tonight," she said.
Tess started laughing when she heard the last part. "Oh Stevie."
"Hey. Don't laugh at me. I am actually upset here," said Stevie.
"Oh, honey. That's not why I'm laughing. I'm sorry. I think it's great you have a date and it's normal to be nervous. I'm laughing because I was going to call you to tell you some similar news. I took my conversation with Claire to heart. I also have a date tonight," explained Tess.
Tess told Stevie all about what happened with Finn and the flat tire and the two previous dates.
"Stevie, we may not have meant to, but I think we're going on a double date. I'm meeting Finn at 6:30 at the pub for dinner too. That's why I was laughing," said Tess.
"Well, what are the chances? We both schedule dates at the same place at the same time. I feel like I should buy a lottery ticket or something. I'm glad things are going so well with Finn," said Stevie.
"At least it isn't the same man too. I'm glad you have a date with James. It's great that you are trying it with someone out of your usual comfort zone. Maybe it's like Jaz says and it'll be exactly what you need," suggested Tess. "We should drive in together. We can chat more about this on the way."
"Driving in together might work. Yeah. Let's do that. I'll pick you up at 5pm unless you want to drive," offered Stevie.
"No. I'm happy to let you drive. I just made the drive yesterday. It's your turn. I'll see ya' then," said Tess.
Tess laughed. She would have to tell Jodi she was going on a double date with Stevie and a ginger bloke named James tonight.