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.He is in his final year.So I am basically tutoring him.I let him do quite a bit.But when he doesn’t feel sure of something I take over.”“Well you are pretty organized.”“It has taken a long time to get to that point.But every year I have a youngster.They need to work on site for their last bit of their training.So every year I have someone different.I like to help when I can.” David chuckled and nodded.“You do.I know that.”“Now close those eyes and go to sleep.” David chuckled.“You know.People in town hate the words hourly rate.Because if you charge for two hours and you worked five minutes short then they want to nail you.It is so different out here.”“They are different.Out here we help each other.Firstly because we want to.And secondly because sometimes we have to.There is nowhere else to turn to.Town.Or the city.To many.Is almost like flying to the moon.” David chuckled and nodded.“Do they know you sing?”“They do.But not many of them have been to see me.Which is a good thing.” David chuckled and nodded.“Those shorts are kind of hot.” Amanda chuckled.They both closed their eyes and went to sleep.CHAPTER 9David woke up and took his wallet out of his pocket and put it on the bedside cabinet.He closed his eyes and went straight back to sleep.He woke up to the ringing of his cell phone.Amanda opened her eyes.He took his cell phone and answered.“MacGuire.”“David!”“Charles you have just woken me up from a deep slumber.”“Sorry! But I have a major problem.The blasted geyser.Something has gone wrong.I really need your help.”“I can pop over.But I can only get there in an hour.”“I can wait an hour.”“But this time sunshine.You are going to pay me.I keep popping over and you use all my spares and you never pay me.”“I can pay you.”“Charles.I have started something new.I will come and fix that thing.But I am charging you an hourly rate.”“And the rate is?” David gave the hourly rate.“And I mean it.”“I have the cash.”“Good.See you in an hour.”“Thanks.” David cut his call.“I know what that sounded like.”“No.I think that was the way to go.Probably the little brother.”“Yes.And he abuses my services.They think because they are family they can walk all over you.The little bits and pieces that I replace cost a bomb.”“David.” David looked at Amanda.“I fully agree.Family or not.” David smiled and nodded.“I am going there and back.And I am going to bring supper.” Amanda chuckled.“The girls might like to go for the drive.” David chuckled.“Glad I had that nap.I think what I will do is stop at the house and fetch a few things for Victoria.”“Good.” He chuckled and nodded.They both got up and walked down the stairs.Nicola almost bounced in to the house.She gurgled with laughter.“And now?”“Victoria slid off the horse.She didn’t fall.She slid and dangled by her foot.” Victoria roared with laughter.“We got to the stables and as I climbed off the horse my foot got stuck and I ended up with the horse giving me a big fat lick.” Amanda chuckled.“Dad is going to be going home to go and do a job.You ladies might want to go for the ride.” Nicola nodded.“Hey can we stop and get an ice cream?” David chuckled and nodded.“We can.” He looked at Amanda and she smiled.“See you much later.Much.Much.Much.” David chuckled.He pulled her closer and kissed her.“Now don’t rush.Take your time.”She stood and waved as they all piled in to the van.David smiled as he drove out.“And where are we going Dad?”“We are going to see Uncle Charles.Something wrong with his geyser.And then we are going to go home quickly.So that we can pack a few things for you.For the week.” Nicola and Victoria both squealed with delight.“Can I really stay for the week?”“Yes of course.As long as you promise you will be as good as gold.”“I will Dad.” Nicola grinned.“Oh this is going to be awesome!”“But the two of you need to help Amanda if you can.” They both nodded.“Now when I go to Uncle Charles.If there is a little argument just expect it.Things have changed.”“Dad I hope he pays you this time.”“That is what the argument might be about.”“They have to pay you there and then Uncle David.It works out here.It should be the same in town.”“Should Nicola.Should.” David smiled.“About time I started demanding what is rightfully mine.” Nicola nodded.“Amanda does.Sometimes.Well I am talking a long time ago.People would bring their pets in and say they would be back with the money.And then they never came back.But one day someone brought their cat in.Amanda said they could take her when they pay her.They left the cat there.Three days later they came to fetch her.Amanda told them they had to pay for the consultation and for the days that the cat had spent there.”“And what happened then?”“They paid her every cent.Because they knew the other people would get to hear.And Amanda also dips all their cattle.So if they didn’t who would do that for them?”David chuckled.“If you walk in to the Vet’s rooms the rates are all up on the wall.That is why when people come in they know exactly what they have to pay.They don’t even ask.Only if they need change.Then they say something.” David nodded.“I should print a business card with my rate at the back.” Victoria nodded.“You should Dad.Because then everyone will know.And make a little comment that it is not pro rata.” David chuckled and nodded.“What are you going to be doing next year Nicola?”“No gap year for me.I am going to study as a Doctor.What are you going to be doing Victoria?”“I have to get a job.”“Why?”“So that I can help Dad pay the bills.” Nicola nodded and smiled.“And if you could.What would you study?”“I also wanted to become a Doctor.”“And your grades?”“I passed with flying colors.I got an A for both math and science.The rest were all B’s.”“Hey that is awesome!” David smiled.“And your report Nicola?” She nodded and smiled.“I aced it.Passed with flying colors as well.”“Good to hear.So are you going to be at the boarding school?”“They call it something else.But yes.I will be a weekly boarder.Weekends I will be going to Mom and Dad or I will be going to Amanda.Not so sure yet.But I think probably to Amanda.”“Why not home?”“Not being funny or anything.But my Mom and Dad are a little old to have me.And I guess the noise gets to them.They don’t mind if I am at Amanda’s.Mom also goes to Bingo.And the flower shows and things.I guess I get in the way just a little.”“You shouldn’t feel like that Nicola.”“No I don’t feel bad.But well I came along a long time after Amanda and Sydney.I love Mom and Dad.And that is why I kind of go to Amanda.So that they don’t have to worry.As long as they know where I am.” David nodded and smiled.They pulled up to the house.The girls hopped out of the van.Charles opened the door.“Oh I am glad you are here!”“Uncle Charles this is Nicola.”“Nice to meet you.Come inside.” David and the girls walked inside.Penny walked through.“Thanks for coming David.”“No problem.Let’s take a look.”“Aunty Penny this is Nicola.Dad’s girlfriends.” Penny and Charles both turned around and looked at Victoria.She stopped talking.“Dad has a girlfriend?” Nicola chuckled and nodded [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]