Kilarney …
Hanging up the phone Nick looks both sad and confused.
"Are you ready now?" Alex questions as he grabs his hat.
"Yep."
Nick wanders after his older brother.
…
Drovers Run …...
Hanging up the phone Tess looks thoughtful.
"Tess! Where are you?" Claire yells.
Sitting at her father's desk Tess begins to stand and replies. "In the office I just sent an email."
Arriving at the office door Claire grumbles. "Do that in your own time we need to get a move on Jack, Stevie and Rose left ten minutes ago."
"Perhaps if you gave me a time, I could be ready."
"What do you mean by that? "
"I'm not a bloody mind reader Claire! I have no idea what's going on in your bloody head and neither does anyone else." Tess snaps as she grabs her hat and storms out of the office.
Lost for words after Tess's outburst Claire follows.
….
Gungellan Pub …...Later that evening...
With Rose in a highchair Stevie and Alex enjoy their dinner while chatting about their day.
"How many trees did you plant?"
"No idea but my back feels like it was thousands." She replies.
He chuckles, she smiles at him.
"How was your day?"
"Yeah, it was really good, productive, it would have been way better if Nick was in a better mood."
. "Why was he grumpy?"
"Tess rang this morning and cancelled their date for some reason."
Her heart drops.
Placing her cutlery on the table she looks across at him and confesses. "I think I know why".
….
Drovers Run…
Claire had turned in for the night and Jack was in the office.
Tess helped Meg with the dishes then together they organised tomorrow's meal.
Meg was going to Fisher in the morning and wouldn't be home until late.
So, the pair prepared a stew that would be cooked tonight and only need to be heated up tomorrow.
"Can I ask you something Meg?"
"Of course, you can."
"What's going on between Nick and Claire?"
"As far as I know they're just friends. Why?"
"Well, he asked me out on a date, at first I said yes but then I told him no."
"Why did you cancel?"
"Claire likes him."
Meg chooses her words carefully.
"Did she tell you to back off?"
Tess shakes her head then offers. "Stevie gave me the heads up. Claire hasn't said anything. We're only just starting to get along with each other and I don't want to antagonise her again."
"So, you like him too?"
"Yes, I do Meg, he's very sweet, kind and gentle but I don't want him to come between Claire and I."
Meg smiles at her and suggests. "You need to speak to Claire and tell her what you're feeling, and I think Nick should be allowed to choose who he dates. It's not your fault that he likes you, Tess."
Tess inhales and as she exhales offers. "I don't know whether that's a good idea Meg she always jumps to the wrong conclusion, and I might land Stevie in trouble."
"Did Stevie tell you to cancel the date?"
"No, she didn't give advice at all, she just let me know that Claire liked Nick. She did it as a friend not wanting any of us to get hurt."
Meg nods and answers. "Speak to Claire that way you'll know exactly where she stands, I'd also let Stevie know that you have."
Deep in thought Tess nods.
"Thanks for listening Meg."
Meg smiles and replies. "You're very welcome."
….
Several days later…
After a huge fight between Nick, Claire and Tess things had become very uncomfortable for both Stevie and Alex.
Tess had tried talking to Claire and as Tess has predicted Claire got it all wrong and accused Stevie of betraying her trust.
Nick had walked into the fight between the sisters and as he'd tried to help Tess defend herself, Claire turned on him and told him to get off Drovers Run and never come back.
…..
Kilarney…. A week later…
Alex arrives downstairs with his overnight bag in hand.
"Where are you off to?" Liz asks.
"I'm taking Stevie over to Spencer for the night. I thought I'd take her to the pictures plus I've made dinner reservations at a nice restaurant."
Liz raises her eyebrows and asks." What about Rose?"
"Meg is having her for the night."
"We would have looked after her."
"I know but with the whole Nick, Tess and Claire thing blowing up Stevie is anxious enough as it is, and I thought as all Rose's gear is on Drovers." He begins,
"Easier."
"Yeah."
"I'm sure it'll do you both the world of good and everything will settle down soon. "
Kissing his Mums cheek, he replies." I hope so."
…