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Everyone laughed including Andy.
“Don’t get me started on vomit,” Andy shuddered. “It’s the worst thing in the world to deal with, and vomiting, especially in front of others. So, Stacey. Harry says you’re a nurse?”
I sipped my wine, stalling for time. “I’m really just the medical receptionist. I haven’t finished my nursing diploma yet.”
I waited for the sneers, the condescension … but none came.
“We heard about the emergency for anaphylactic shock and saw the vid of you sliding to the patient,” Mel gushed. “That was an amazing response to the situation.”
“Stacey could easily work in emergency at a hospital,” Harry added.
“No!” I blurted with horror. Everyone stared. “Not hospitals. I … would rather not.”
I floundered for something else to say.Sheep!
“Um, we run four thousand head of sheep on our station, but recently I’ve been concentrating on restoring the original homestead.”
Harry was watching me and then added, “Stacey’s also a volunteer firefighter for the Ballydoon Rural Fire Brigade.”
Andy smirked. I swear the only way he knew how to smile was through flirting. “Heard all about the grass fire and his famous sandwiches on the group chat. Anything else you do, Stacey?”
“And, well, I …” my voice trailed off.
Tell them you’re about to launch your interior design and decorating business.
But the words were stuck in my throat.
“And you what, Firebird?” Harry encouraged.
“Firebird?” Mel piped up. She raised an eyebrow at Harry.
“It’s Stacey’s nickname for drag racing,” Harry blushed. “She used to race cars.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to blurt out I was about to launch a business and had a concept ready for the refurbishment for the practice, but I let the conversation flow around me about car racing, and about Lorraine.
Why should I feel silly about saying to four doctors that I’d completed an online design course? I was typecast as the almost-nurse yet again. I should have just told them.
“Stace, hey —oh! I don’t believe we’ve met.” Sam bounded up to our table, linking her arm with mine. “Other than Hot Doc, of course.”
I introduced her to Mel, Steve and Andy, his face lighting up as he looked Sam up and down.
“You good for tomorrow?” Sam asked. “Wanted to make sure the parlour is still good to go.”
“What’s happening tomorrow?” Harry asked.
“Doing a boudoir shoot,” Sam said in a loud mock whisper. “Stace is getting her kit off and letting me take photos of her.”
Harry’s eyes widened. Mel sat up straighter and Steve choked on his beer.
“I love country girls,” Andy murmured, looking delighted.
“Boudoir shoot?” Mel asked. “Like lingerie or naked photos? You do that?”
Sam nodded. “Been taking photos of sports games every Saturday for years and I do wildlife cards and calendars every year, but I’ve just started something different.”
Sam seamlessly talked about her ideas and dreams, not showing any sign she was intimidated by Harry’s friends. God, I wanted her confidence.
Harry blinked slowly. “Explain this to me real slow about how you’re getting naked and Sam’s taking your photo?”
