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‘Yeah,’ Sophie said. ‘Thanks for that. I can handle myself, but—’

‘I know you can,’ Sassy said. ‘But in a small town, sometimes it’s easier to head things off at the pass. Word will get around now that you’re my niece, and people will behave better. Small mercies.’

Not everyone was unfriendly, though. A woman named Beth came in with her two primary-school-aged kids and was lovely, asking Jill about her travels and welcoming her warmly. An elderly farmer named Tom spent twenty minutes telling her about the local history while Sassy smiled indulgently. A young mum called Kylie congratulated Sassy on finding help and slipped Sophie her number in case she ever wanted a coffee out.

But the unfriendly ones stuck in Sophie’s mind more than the friendly ones. The sideways glances, the coolness in their voices, the way they seemed to be waiting for her to fail or leave or prove them right somehow.

By lunchtime, she was exhausted, physically and emotionally.

‘Don’t let them get to you,’ Sassy said, handing her a sandwich and a bottle of water. ‘They’re like that with everyone new. You keep doing what you’re doing—working hard, being pleasant—and eventually they’ll come around. Most of them, anyway.’

‘And if they don’t?’ Sophie asked.

Sassy shrugged. ‘Then that’s their problem, not yours.’

***

Jill and Amelia went into town mid-morning in the van, parking on the main street. The hardware store was easy to spot—a large tin shed with Garnet Creek Rural Supplies painted on the side in fading letters.

‘Right,’ Jill said, taking a deep breath. ‘Let’s do this.’

The man behind the counter was in his early thirties—his name tag said Ryan— had sun-bleached hair and an easy smile. ‘Help you ladies?’ he asked.

‘We heard you might be looking for staff?’ Amelia said, her heart pounding.

Ryan’s eyebrows went up. ‘Where’d you hear that?’

‘Sassy at the grocery store mentioned it. Our friend Sophie just started working there.’

‘Oh, right! Yeah, Sassy mentioned she’d found someone. You girls backpackers?’

‘Gap year,’ Jill explained. ‘We’re planning to stick around for a few weeks if there’s work.’

Ryan studied them for a moment, then seemed to make a decision. ‘Tell you what, I could use someone a few days a week. Mostly stock work, helping customers, basic stuff. Either of you know anything about rural supplies?’

‘Not a thing,’ Jill admitted cheerfully. ‘But I’m a fast learner, and I’m not afraid of hard work.’

Ryan laughed. ‘Honest. I like that. You’re hired. Can you start tomorrow?’

‘Seriously?’ Jill’s face lit up.

‘Seriously. Pay’s not amazing, but it’s fair. Twenty-five an hour, cash in hand. Sound okay?’

‘Sounds brilliant,’ Jill said.

Amelia felt a mixture of happiness for Jill and anxiety for herself. Two down, one to go.

They found the café at the other end of the main street—a small weatherboard building with Creek Café painted on a wooden sign over the steps. Inside, it was surprisingly cute, with mismatched tables and chairs, local artwork on the walls, and the aroma of fresh coffee. Amelia took a deep breath.

Good coffee.

A woman in her late twenties looked up from behind the counter, flour dusting her dark hair. ‘Morning! What can I get you?’

‘Actually,’ Amelia said, gathering her courage, ‘we heard you might be looking for staff?’

The woman’s face transformed. ‘Are you serious? Please tell me you’re serious.’

‘Very serious,’ Amelia said.