Page 25 of Andrew’s Outback Love

The waiters and waitresses moved about the room depositing meals on the tables. When they approached our table, I assisted Linda back into her seat and sat beside her. Our entrées were placed before us and I must admit, I was starving. I hadn’t eaten since midday and it was now after nine at night. While I had salmon with caviar and sour cream, Linda on one side of me and Ruby on the other had beef strips with some sort of creamy sauce. Both meals had a small side salad.

The salmon was delicious and the others with beef, commented on how tasty it was. I finished, wiped my mouth with a napkin and sipped on red wine. I rarely drank but enjoyed a wine with meals now and again.

After the entrée was finished, we all relaxed into our chairs. I was surprised when Linda gathered my hand into hers under the table and when I turned towards her, she smiled. I smiled back before focusing my attention on Ruby.

“I’m guessing you were the instigator?”

“You’d be guessing wrong,” Ruby laughed. “I wish you could have seen your face when you saw us over here.”

“You looked like a deer caught in headlights when Doc announced you as the winner and then when you saw us, your expression was priceless.” Cam laughed and the others joined in.

“A heads up would have been nice. I could have at least prepared a speech.”

“I thought your speech was perfect, Drew.” Linda spoke quietly and squeezed my hand.

I turned in my chair to face her. God she was gorgeous and her eyes sparkled in the artificial light.

“So, one week on the job and they’ve managed to corrupt you.”

“I guess they have.” Linda laughed.

“So, who was it and when did you find out about all this?” I asked no-one in particular.

“They called the RFDS and I answered the phone,” James said. “When they told me what it was about, I said I’d get you to call them. I spoke with Finn, Cam and Ally and we decided not to tell you so it could be a surprise. That was about a month ago. I called Ruby and she spoke with Barry and called Viv and Marge. When everyone agreed, I called the awards organizer, told them we wanted to surprise you and they went along with it.”

“I might have known you’d be behind it, James. Seriously though, thank you. Who nominated me?”

“Ally, she said if anyone deserved the award, you did. She knew what you would do with the money and said it would go a long way to sustaining your work. She gave me this letter when she knew Linda would be coming in her place.”

Ruby handed me a sealed envelope, I tore it open and removed the sheet of paper as Ruby said, “I hear she’s doing very well but Rick is frustrated that she refuses to stay in bed. At least she’s taking it easy which is something, I guess.”

I opened the folded paper to read the message:

Drew,

I’m so pleased you were chosen for the humanitarian of the year award and I’m disappointed I couldn’t be there.

I nominated you because you are the most selfless man I know. Your passion for the people of the outback is second to none and they always receive your complete skill and attention. I have never known a man like you who uses their talent for surgery to better so many lives, mostly young ones at that.

I also knew, being the man you are, that the money would go to where it could do maximum good for all those in our beautiful country. Who better to give it to than the RFDS where people like James and Finn give themselves daily to people in need?

It has been a pleasure working with you and it’s an honor to be your friend. I know many more children and adults will benefit from your dedication.

Congratulations, Drew.

Ally xx

I brushed a tear from my eye, I was humbled by Ally’s obvious love and respect for me. She had played no small part in my success and I would always appreciate and love her for it. I would miss her greatly but the time had come for her to give her heart and soul to her husband and children. I had no doubt she would be a fabulous mother.

Linda squeezed my thigh as I carefully folded the sheet of paper, tucked it back into the envelope and placed it in the inside pocket of my jacket which now hung over the back of the chair.

“Um, Ally’s note had about why she nominated me and said she wishes me well. It was very heartfelt like most things Ally does.”

The main meals were placed on the table – this time I had chicken with a mushroom sauce, asparagus and mashed potato, while the alternate seats had what turned out to be roast pork with apple sauce, mash and asparagus.

A few different conversations ensued while we ate, The room had become a little noisy with the clink of knives and forks and the various pitches of conversation. The food again was delicious, we certainly had no cause for complaint.

The evening progressed well, dessert was served and finished - mine was a chocolate cheesecake while others had pavlova and while coffee and tea were served, music and dancing commenced. I took a sip of my coffee before standing, pulling on my jacket and offering my hand to Linda.