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Andy looked at me and then back to Stacey as she approached our table.
“Hey, Harry.”
“Hey.” Beer spilled on my hand as I shuffled my feet. “It’s, ah, good to see you. Again.”
Real smooth, Harry.
I leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek, conscious most of Ballydoon and my friends were watching.
“Hey there, I’m Andy.” My friend pushed in, grinning with a look I knew all too well. “How you doin’?”
“Andy, I swear my fist will meet your face if you don’t leave Stacey alone.” I moved in between Stacey and Andy, blocking him. I could feel the heat of her against my back.
Andy rolled his eyes and smirked at Stacey over my shoulder. “He just knows I’m better looking and better in bed. He’s never gotten over that feeling of inadequacy.”
Stacey laughed.
I swore under my breath. Andy grinned, holding up his hands. “Settle, Dr Tradie. I’m not hitting on your woman.”
I narrowed my eyes. “That’s right. And don’t you forget it.”
“The only doctor I have eyes for is you,” Stacey said, slipping her hand into mine.
Throats cleared behind us.
“So, these are my friends.” I gestured to Mel and Steve with my beer. “This is Mel.” Mel grinned over her red wine and shook Stacey’s hand, followed by Steve with a small nod and quick smile. “And this is Steve, her ball and chain.”
Stacey was smiling, looking comfortable. But god, I was sweating. My mind was blank. My worlds were colliding and I just wanted everything to work out.
“Where’s your manners, Dr Tradie?” Andy appeared in my field of vision, holding up an empty glass.
I swore again. “Stacey, can I get you a drink?”
* * *
Stacey
I was on a date. Meeting Harry’s friends. New clothes, new look.
The parlour was finished. This week’s dance class had been an emotional tribute to Granny Lynn and there was always more sheep that needed to be rotated through the paddocks, troughs and tanks to check, fences to mend.
Seeing Harry at work, sometimes kissing after we’d closed the practice, sometimes more, wasn’t enough. I’d avoided any talk about sleepovers. I couldn’t hide my scars for much longer. I wanted to show him but I had no idea how, even if I’d brought a bag with pyjamas just in case.
Wine was exactly what I needed.
“I’m not sure what John has in stock right now, but if they have the Malbec or the single block Shiraz from the Mattiazzi vineyard, I’ll have either, but if they have the Zanetti’s last season Sangiovese, that would be great.”
Everyone stared as if I’d just spoken fluent Italian.
“You know about wine?” Mel asked.
I shrugged. “Grew up surrounded by vineyards and wine my whole life.”
Mel pointed at Harry. “Tell me she’s coming on our wine tour tomorrow. We need her.”
“I believe Stacey is.” He raised a hopeful eyebrow.
“I have a few things to do on the farm in the morning but I should be able to meet you somewhere by lunch time at the latest.”
