Chapter 96

Kate was feeling as good as she had felt in a long time, physically anyway. Her junk food diet seemed to be working. Her lunch of three Lamingtons had been followed up with fries with cheese and bacon and two more lamingtons for dessert. She hadn't gotten sick at all. She was thinking of trying some lollis for breakfast, or maybe some caramel popcorn. She was going to get fat and she didn't care because at least she wasn't puking!

Russell had worked late on the drone. He said he was nearly finished. He was really excited about it. He was hoping to try a test flight this afternoon. He said he would help with the sheep loading if he was needed, but would otherwise spend time in his workshop finishing the drone.

Kate said if she felt up to it, she would help cover the sheep so Russell could build it.

They got ready and headed to breakfast.

"This is the first time I didn't wake up puking!" cheered Kate.

"Well done babe! I hope this junk food only diet keeps working for you. I hate seeing you sick," said Russell.

"Aye, well I hate being so sick, plus I get to eat junk food all day. Chips and chocolate is the name of the game."

"Let's see how you feel after breakfast, but I'm very happy to see you feeling much more like yourself. I love you when you're puking, but I love seeing you feeling better," said Russell.

"If this continues, I will happily take a turn helping with the loading. It's been a while for me, and I'm out of practice. Plus, I can't wait to see your drone. You're like a mad scientist in there," teased Kate

"I prefer to think of myself more like Ironman or the Beast from X-men, you know, something a little more exciting, more sexy, than a mad scientist, plus mad scientist sounds like a villain, and I want to be a hero, baby, your hero." Russell kissed his wife on the neck as he spoke. "However, I wouldn't mind giving my groin and ass a break after the workout they got yesterday on the muster. I like farming, and I love riding, but it's been a wake up call that I'm not the young farm hand I once was. Sorry baby, I'm getting old. I hope you'll still love me when I'm decrepit and sickly," said Russell.

"You're not even forty yet. There are blokes on the National Rugby team older than you. I reckon if they can handle it, you can hang on a little longer before we break out a walker for you. Besides, your groin and ass are looking pretty great to me, old man," said Kate as she reached out and gave Russell a flirtatious pat on the behind.

Jodi and Tess didn't talk about Finn again while they prepared breakfast for their gang. They had made a couple of frittatas with roast veggies, ham and cheese.

Matt brought down Meggie and Katie and gave them some toast to keep them happy while the frittatas were baking. Terry, Meg, Claire, Kate and Russell all joined the party as well. Jodi put a special plate together for Kate. It consisted of a piece of French toast covered in special imported Canadian maple syrup, powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and sprinkled with M&Ms.

"I hope this is enough junk food for you and the twins, Squirt." said Jodi as she winked at her friend.

"I reckon it'll do and the resulting sugar buzz will send me to the moon. Thanks Stretch."

"So what is the plan, where is everyone going to be today? Where do I need to be?" asked Russell."

"Well Terry and I will be in the garage finishing the demo car. We are nearly done, We just need to paint it. I thought Meggie and Katie could help, seeing as they chose the colors we're painting." announced Matt

"We are painting it pink with purple numbers. I think it is going to look fantastic. Dad will look great driving it," Meggie explained very seriously.

"I decided to enter the pie contest at the fair tomorrow, so I'll do some baking unless I'm needed elsewhere," said Meg

"That leaves Me, Claire, and Tess on the sheep loading. Kate, if you're up to it, we'll take the hand too. Russell, go finish your drone. You were awesome on the muster yesterday, but I know you're itching to finish it," Jodi said

"If Kate looks even a little green, send her home and get me. I'm serious about that," said Russell.

"Babe, I got this,'' Kate said as she tossed M&Ms into her mouth. "We all want to see the drone fly anyway."

"That's true Russell, we really do." said Matt. "It looks awesome."

"Righto, I'll keep working then. Plan for a test flight this afternoon if everything goes well!" Russell said as he crossed his fingers for all to see right as the landline phone rang.

"I've got it!" said Meg ,who happened to be closest, as she ran off for the phone. "Jodi, it's for you," she said after answering it.

"I'll be right in. I'll see you girls out there," Jodi said to the group. she went into the office as everyone else shuffled out the door.

"Hello? This is Jodie McLeod-Bosnich."

'Hi Jodi, it's Finn O'Hara. This is a business call. I thought it was better if I spoke to you right now. "

"Yes, I agree, that was the right decision. How can I help you?" asked Jodi.

"Well, you and Tess asked to be removed from the running for the contract. I've done that, but I had already put your names forward as one of the finalists. I would have had to do a second inspection with a colleague before the final decision was made and the contract awarded. I've removed your names, and there will be no additional visit, but there is some paperwork I need signed to make it official. You or Tess can sign it, but I thought it might be better if you were the one to sign it. I thought it was best to try to give Tess a little space right now, so I'm going to go out of town for a few days. I'd like to swing by and have you sign it on my way out of town today if that's possible. I'm headed to Adelaide and I'll file it at the Blue Apron Australia HQ there." Finn explained.

"I see." Jodi walked out the office door and looked around to be sure no one was there. "What time will you be here? I'll come meet you at the mailbox at the entrance to the property. It's probably better if Tess doesn't see you right now. She is pretty scared and overwhelmed at the moment." said Jodi.

"I know. I'm so sorry. I don't want to hurt her or scare her. I never meant for any of this to happen. I don't actually know what happened. I just know that I don't want to lose her. After last night, I thought I should keep my distance, but I wanted to complete your request as soon as possible. I completely understand why you wanted to end this business relationship, and I didn't want to delay it, especially if," Finn's voice wavered. "if she doesn't want to see me ever again."

"Here's my cell number, text when you're about fifteen minutes away and bring a pen. I'll meet you and sign it." said Jodi.

"Okay, no problem. Thank you Jodi. I'll be leaving town shortly."

"Okay, I'll be there. Oh and Finn,"

"Yes?"

"Don't give up on our girl yet. She's scared, but I think I can help her through," said Jodi.