Gungellan…The truck stop…
As Claire walks out to her Ute a packet of biscuits drops off the box of groceries she's carrying.
"Bugger!" She grumbles.
"Looks like you'll have to make a cheesecake with those."
Claire watches as a stranger bends to pick up the runaway biscuits and once in hand, shakes them near his ear.
"Yes, definitely cheesecake base."
…..
Claire stares into his gorgeous face and in particular his beautiful blue eyes.
His smile widens as he quips. "Thank you, Chris that was very kind, of you. "
Then he replies to himself. "You're very welcome."
Claire grins at him and offers. "Thank you, Chris that was very kind, of you."
"Hey that was my line." The stranger chuckles.
Juggling the box Claire holds out her hand and offers. "Claire McLeod and you are?"
"Very happy to meet you." He jokes.
She raises an eyebrow but grins at him.
"Chris Adams."
"Lovely to meet you too Chris Adams. I haven't seen you around before?"
"Probably because I've just moved into town."
Claire nods.
"I'm actually the new Doctor."
"So, you've lied to me already." Claire accuses.
Stunned he answers. "No, I didn't."
"You introduced yourself as Chris when you're actually Dr Chris."
He laughs, she does too.
…..
"As I don't know anyone yet, would you like to show me around?" He asks.
"I might have a boyfriend!"
"Do you?"
Grinning at him she replies."No! What about you? Wife? Girlfriend? Lover?
"No, no and no."
Nodding she replies. "If you give me some time, I could meet you somewhere."
"Why where are you going now?"
"Home."
"Where's home?"
"You ask a lot of questions for someone I've just met." Claire states.
"Sorry I'm just very nervous."
"You! Nervous." Claire teases.
"Beautiful women always make me nervous." He answers.
She blushes.
"I'm sorry Claire, I've embarrassed you." Chris says.
She smiles. "I'll forgive you."
…
Halfway between Drovers and Kilarney…
Stevie is thrilled with what they've seen so far but as directed by Jack and Harry hasn't indicated that the property is exactly within her budget.
Compared to their farms it's very small but more than enough for what Stevie wants and needs.
Jack and Harry agree that it would be a perfect investment for her so long as it ticked all the boxes they had decided on.
There are two huge paddocks, four medium sized ones and several smaller ones closer to the shedding and home.
Each paddock had its own dams, and the house paddocks are fed from the river.
She loves the cottage although only three bedrooms in has been well maintained and only needs some paint, new Flyscreens and a new front door.
There are several large water tanks attached to the house and there is a huge yard around it which obviously once housed a big vegetable garden and ornamental garden.
Stevie squeezes Alex's hand as they wander about.
Gently he squeezes back knowing she's very excited about what they are being shown.
….
Drovers Run…
Claire drops the groceries onto the table and begins to put them away.
"This house is amazing!" Chris comments.
"Yeah, I guess it is."
A little bit of paint and some repointing and it would be back to its glory days."
"Dad doesn't spend much on the house it's all about the farm."
"Yes I get that, it's the way old farmers work isn't it."
"What do you mean by that?" Claire questions looking pissed off.
Chris holds his hands palms up and offers and apology.
"Sorry Claire I just meant they're not into creature comforts, so they get by with the bare minimum."
She still looks cross, so he adds. "They're tough aren't they and hard workers they just get on with life."
"I suppose so." She answers.
…..
Meg arrives in the kitchen and looks surprised by the stranger with Claire.
"Oh hello." She exclaims.
Claire smirks at her and says." Meg this is Dr Chris Adams he's our new doctor and I'm showing him around."
Holding out his hand he shakes Megs hand as Claire introduces them.
Meg flits around organising morning tea she smiles to herself listening to the two in the kitchen.
Chris Adams is a very handsome man and by the rapport between himself and Claire she deduces he's keen on Claire and not just as a tour guide.
The back door bangs and the noise lifts as Jack, Stevie, Alex and Harry join them.
After more introductions they sit and enjoy cake, biscuits and tea.
Stevies phone interrupts them as it rings.
Everyone quietens.
"Yes, really oh that's great, yes, thank you. Ok bye." Are just some of the comments Stevie makes.
Placing her phone on the table she announces. "I own a farm."
"They accepted the offer we made." Harry states.
"Yes, they did."
"That's beaut and you'll have money left for fixing the fences and stocking it." Jack says.
"You bought it?" Claire questions.
"I sure did and thanks to Harry and Jack, we got it for a song." Stevie gushes.
Then looking at Harry seated beside Jack she adds." Thank you both so much for guiding me you are the best."
"When do you take possession." Claire asks.
Stevie laughs and gushes." I don't know I forgot to ask."
"Thirty days Stevie because it's vacant possession." Jack advises.
"What's the house like?" Claire asks.
"It's in really good condition just needs some paint and good clean and some minor maintenance." Alex suggests.
"Probably take me a week or two to fix it up." Stevie guesses.
"Less if we all help." Claire suggests.
Stevie smiles at her friend and states proudly. "Then I can rent it out."
Chris who has quietly sat listening to the group offers." Can I have first look once you're ready. I'm booked into the pub for a month, but I'd love to be further out and have a bit more privacy."
"Yes of course." Stevie comments quickly.
"So long as you have decent references." Harry states protectively.
"He's a Doctor Dad I'm sure he'd be fine." Alex says.
"Just because he's a Dr doesn't mean he'll look after the place." Harry retorts.
Chris is taken aback by the comment and offers. "I do have references."
Harry doesn't comment further but the tension has invaded the room, so everyone finishes their drinks and moves on with their days.
…