Old Friends, New Friends

Terry was lounging next to the pool while Bobbie changed the dressing on his leg. "This is looking good, Ter," Bobbie smiled up at him as she packed up the first aid box. "I think the stitches can come out in a couple of days."

"Glad to hear it, they’re itching like crazy, Luv."

Terry took her hand and gently pulled her towards him. Just as he was about to kiss her, the deep-throated roar of a Harley engine broke the peace. "Who the fuck?" Terry growled.

"Oh bugger it, I forgot to tell you. A friend of mine is dropping by to meet you."

Terry raised an eyebrow in a silent question. Who did Bobbie know that rode a Harley, and did Terry really want to meet him.

Bobbie helped him up from the longer and he was just about to question her on their visitor when he heard a distinct call from the front of the house.

"Cooeee!"

Bobbie smiled at the look on Terry’s face as she took his hand and pulled him towards the side of the house. As they turned the corner Terry saw the most beautiful Hog gleaming in the morning sunshine…and the rider wasn’t too bad either.

Bobbie ran towards the new arrival and flung her arms around her. "Hey, JJ. Glad you found it okay."

"You’re directions are always spot on, girlfriend," JJ replied looking around. Her gaze lingered on Terry for a while. "Nice scenery," she grinned.

Bobbie poked her in the ribs and dragged her over to where Terry stood waiting, a wry grin on his face.

"Terry, this is my best friend, JJ. JJ, this is Terry, a very special person in my life."

Terry smiled at that last remark and shook JJ’s hand, kissing her lightly on her cheek. "G’Day, JJ. Glad ta meet ya."

JJ let go of his hand and hugged him tightly. "G’Day, Terry. Good to meet you too. I hope we’re going to be friends."

"I know you will be," Bobbie said, taking both of their hands and heading back round the house to the pool. "Do you want to sit out here or inside?"

"Can we go inside, Luv?" Terry asked. "I need to get some clothes on."

"Don’t do that on my account," JJ grinned. "I love a man in shorts."

Terry laughed and headed off upstairs to throw on some clothes. He was back in minutes, now covered up in sweat pants and a black vest.

Bobbie made some tea and brought out some pastries she’d hidden from Terry at the back of the fridge, and they all sat in the lounge together.

"So, Luv. Want to tell me what JJ stands for?" Terry asked.

"Okay, it’s Jenifer Jayne, Jenifer Jayne McQuarie."

"That’s a good surname, mate. Would you be from Sydney by any chance? I noticed the bike’s registered in WA."

"Yep, I’m a Sydneysider. My olds live in Forster Tuncurry now, they got a nice retirement place there, although they aren’t really old enough to retire yet."

"Hope you don’t mind my asking," Terry continued, "you wouldn’t be one of the McQuarie’s would you?"

JJ blushed before answering. "Terry, I’d like to think that you’ll be a good friend, and that you won’t mention this to anyone, but yes, we’re part of the original family."

"No worries, Luv. That’s your business. Thanks for telling me. A good Sydney family to be sure. So, what are you doing up here?"

"I’m up to help Bobbie in the surgery."

"You’re a veterinary nurse?"

"I’m actually a vet, but I’m going to be the practice nurse for the time being. If the business grows enough for two vets I’ll step in. I also have other strings to my bow, and I’m hoping to be able to set up somewhere in town."

"Doing what?"

"Custom paint jobs. I specialise in airbrushing trucks and bikes."

"You might have seen some of her work, Terry. Have you seen the vehicles from Auckland Zoo? JJ did those."

"With the lions? I thought they were stencils. You’ve got a god given talent there, JJ."

"Thanks, Terry. I’m going to do some work on the bonnet of Bobbies ute for the practice. I’m going to have to look for some place to set up shop. I saw a garage just out of town. Do you think the owner would like a tenant?"

"Ah, that would be Colin’s place. You can only ask, Luv. He may be happy for the extra income; and the company."

"Goodoh, when I’m settled I’ll go have a chat with him."

"Have you met anyone else in town yet?"

"Well, I met the banker, he’s kinda cute. I’ve also met the town law…on a couple of occasions."

"John, he’s one of the world’s good guys."

"Ya think? He wrote me a speeding ticket, then when I bumped into him outside the bank he said he’d paid it. Go figure!"

Terry smiled to himself. Sounds like John was slowly letting down the wall he’d built around himself lately.

"JJ is staying at my place for the time being, but we’re going to go land hunting. I suggested we go see the cousins to see if they have any suitable plots they’d be happy to sell."

"Then I can build from scratch. Sometimes it works out cheaper than buying and converting."

"Too right. I’m sure the girls will be more than willing to sell you a plot. They love the fact that their little place is growing."

"Excellent. That’s my next job then. For now though, keep your hands off that éclair, Terry…I think it has my name on it.