Page 11

“I really feel like I’m intruding. If it’s a nice day, I can wander around and set up camp somewhere on the property and mind my own business until you’re ready to take me back into town.”

“No, of course we wouldn’t do that; that’s not how we work in Bindarra Creek. I’m sure Joe will agree with me. Can you put him back on for me, please, Violet? I look forward to meeting you tomorrow.”

Joe took the phone from Violet and held her gaze steadily as he listened to his sister-in-law. He nodded a few times and then finished the call.

“Sounds good to me,” he said to Violet “Looks like we’re six for lunch tomorrow.”

“And I believe you’re not cooking,” she said with a tentative smile.

“Jac’s been preparing the full-on Christmas feast. All I have to do is turn the oven on.” His grin sent a sweet little shimmer down her back.

How lucky had she been to break down near such a nice guy’s farm?

Chapter 6

Violet

Violet slept surprisingly well. Joe had insisted that she sleep on the veranda sleepout. She made sure she was up, had a wash, and was dressed early the next morning. She didn’t want to look like someone who was going to stay in bed while her host did the work.

Even though she was up just after sunrise, Joe had beaten her. He was sitting on the back steps, waiting to hear her stir inside when she walked to the back door.

“You’re up bright and early for someone who was rescued during the night,” he said. “You should’ve made yourself a coffee before you came out.”

“Oh, I didn’t want to impose.”

“Well, I’m dying for one, and a piece of toast? Or would you like some cereal?”

“I’m impressed this motel room includes breakfast.”

“And the fancy lunch we’re about to have.”

Violet made the coffee while Joe put some bread in the toaster. “What would you like on your toast? Jam, peanut butter, or Vegemite.

She pulled a face. “Ergh, not peanut butter.”

“It’s the food of the gods,” he said holding the jar up. “So, I guess I won’t put it on both pieces of toast.”

“Vegemite will do me nicely, thank you.”

Joe pulled a similar face to the one she’d just pulled. “Yuck. I only have Vegemite in the fridge for Georgia. She loves it.”

“She has good taste. Can you call yourself an Aussie bushman?” she said. “Vegemite should be the staple diet for you.”

The atmosphere in the kitchen was light and warm; Violet had managed to leave the worry of her car; worrying would achieve nothing.

“If I have to spend a few days in Bindarra Creek while the car is fixed, so be it,” she’d told herself when she woke up in the strange house.

They sat on the back steps sipping their coffee and munching toast in the early morning sun before the heat of the day began to build. It was a brilliant day and the deep blue sky was clear.

“Joe? Could I ask you another favour?” Violet asked when she’d finished her toast. “My phone is still out of service, even here at your farmhouse. Who are you with?”

“Telstra,” he said. “But even that service drops out some days. That’s why I still have the landline,” he said.

“I was wondering if I could make a phone call and sort out some accommodation in town for tonight and tomorrow night? I imagine it’s going to take them at least a day to fix the car.”

He looked over at her, a frown creasing his brow. “Do you want the good news or the bad news?”

“Hit me with the bad news,” she said.