Chapter 4-
Where we left off….the spelling yards at Yulecart
"Geez mate, I know the fella said within the hour, damn that was quick." Heath called to the driver as he climbed down.
"Was only a few kays away when the call came through, I've got another one out west from where he's going." The driver replied with a grin.
With Johnno loaded and the directions given, the horse truck rolled away in a cloud of dust. They climbed into the Ute after loading all their gear in and were soon on their way. Pulling up at Coleraine, Claire filled the Ute with diesel as she had promised. From there they barrelled down the road, keen to beat the horse truck to Drovers. The trip was fairly silent as they both seemed too nervous to talk about what had happened. They got in late, everyone was already in bed, Heath headed off to the quarters and Claire climbed upstairs and was asleep in moments.
Meanwhile at the quarters, Heath looked up at the stars and exhaled smoke from his nostrils. He was hoping that he was making the right call. This would be the first time in his life that he would not be living no fixed address. The idea more than scared him a little, but the kiss with Claire…if there was something more there it could be a good thing. He stretched and yawned and stubbed out his smoke. Blue yawned also and lay on the veranda and watched as Heath walked inside.
The next morning Heath was up early and was at the shed with Blue sitting at his feet. Roy and Blue sniffed at each other and began to play about, chasing each other and growling as they played.
"Morning Heath." Becky said as she arrived.
"Morning Becky, how's life?"
"Good, heading off to College next week, can't wait."
"Yeah, well, you earned it mate, don't forget that."
"Yeah, yeah." She laughed.
Their conversation ceased as a shiny Valiant Sedan rolled to a stop. A dark haired girl exited the drivers seat, she was about to call out when Jodi interrupted with a loud squeal.
"Kate? Kate Manfredi! Oh my god!" She gushed "You made it!"
"Oh yeah, despite your directions." Kate the newcomer replied.
The two of them headed off arm in arm to the house talking like they had seen each other just the day before. Heath and Becky looked at each other.
"My replacement, all seems so final now." Becky said, somewhat sad.
"Yeah, doesn't have to be, onward and upward Becky, onward and upward." Heath said.
Inside it was a different story.
"I'm sorry you have travelled all this way Kate," Claire said. "But Jodi should've checked with me first."
"That's ok, I appreciate it anyway." Kate said, flashing a nervous smile.
"No!" Jodi broke in, "Kates a great worker. Who's replacing Becky?"
"I have to confirm first, but I'll be asking Heath to stay on."
"That's hardly a worker-Boss relationship." Jodi quipped.
"Jodi, that's enough." Meg cut in.
"Arrr!" Jodi screamed and she stomped from the room.
Jodi stormed straight up to Heath, closely followed by Claire, Meg, Kate and Tess.
"What gives you the righ5t to just swan in here and expect a job?" She demanded.
"What?" Heath asked, the puzzlement on his face clear.
"Becky's old job, I told my friend about it and she has driven miles to get here only to be told that you are in line for it! How is that fair?"
"Hang on." Heath began.
"No! You hang on!" Jodi spat "We were all doing fine before you turned up! Now…" She was cut off by the arrival of the horse truck.
"Excuse me." Heath quietly said as he walked to the truck, handing the driver a cheque, he opened the back, led Johnno out and tied him to a pole in the shed. Returning to the back of the truck he re-emerged with his saddle and other bits and pieces. Closing the rear gate he shook the drivers hand before walking back and promptly saddled Johnno. He began to walk towards the quarters, Claire knew exactly what he was doing and she ran after him.
"And there goes the boss, chasing a side of beef." Jodi said in a mocking tone.
"Why don't you shut the hell up?" Snapped Becky. "Really, you carry on like its high school still. Grow up Jodi, for Pete's sake grow up." She added as she turned and walked away, leaving Jodi open mouthed.
"Well said Becky." Meg called out.
"Hear hear." Said Tess with a grin.
"I can't believe you are all taking his side." Jodi said, exasperated.
Meanwhile Heath was rolling his swag and clearing up the last few parts.
"There Boss, rooms clean for the young Lady."
"Are you leaving?" Claire asked.
"No, I'll camp out somewhere, it'll be right."
"So you're staying?" She asked, disbelieving.
"Yep. As long as that offers still on the table."
"Sure."
"Ok." Claire smiled at him. The pair of them walked back to the others, "He's staying." She said. "When can you start?" She asked Kate.
"Tomorrow." Kate replied with a wide grin. "Good, Jodi, show her the room." Jodi and Kate disappeared before Claire changed her mind. They were interrupted by the arrival of Dave Brewer.
"G'day gang!" He said as he climbed from the vehicle. Retrieving a box from the back of the car he said "I've got something for you here Heath."
Op3eninmg the top of the box, a blue heeler puppy popped its head out, looking at Heath straight in the face it yapped. Heath picked it up and the pup settled straight into his arm. He looked at Dave questioningly. Dave merely nodded in Claire's direction. Heath turned and looked at her, she smiled. Heath returned her smile before looking down to see Blue at his feet, who was gazing with interest at the new arrival.
"Blue, say G'day to Red." Heath murmured as he squatted down. Blue snuffled at Red and licked his face. The pup yapped as Heath placed him on the ground and the two promptly took off playing. Roy joined in, all three of them instant mates. Heath straighten up, looking at Claire he just murmured.
"Thanks." Looking around at them all he repeated it, feeling very humbled.
Claire smiled as she walked to the house leaving Heath and Dave discussing worming, vaccinations and such. She was glad he was staying, if there had been any doubt, Red's arrival had fixed that.