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He shook his head. “Haven’t you read Hansel and Gretel? Remember the kind old lady?”
“I don’t see the connection.”
“All she was going to do was fatten the kids up. I don’t want you lying there all night worrying that I have wicked intentions. I’d feel happier if you talk to Jac.”
“Okay, if it makes you feel better. Go ahead.”
“Good.” Joe dialled the number, and within seconds, he said, “Hey Ryan, it’s Joe. Can I talk to Jac, please?” He listened for a moment. “Yes, all good tomorrow. I’ve got a bit of a favour to ask Jac. See you tomorrow, bro.”
Violet watched Joe as he spoke. When he glanced over and caught her staring at him her cheeks heated and she looked down.
“Hi Jac. I played the shining white knight on old Sam today and rescued a young lady who was broken down in my creek. She’d set up camp, but I brought her and her ute back here behind the tractor because of the rain.”
He paused and listened for a moment. “Isn’t it raining in town?”
His sister-in-law had obviously commented on the weather.
“Well, it’s teeming down here, but anyway, listen, I’ll put you onto Violet. She’s passing through, her car’s not looking good, and I’ve offered for her to sleep on the side veranda. We need to get her car into Fred’s Garage.”
Another pause.
“That’s right. She did look a bit hesitant.” He met Violet’s eyes across the telephone, and she smiled to reassure him that she no longer had any doubts about staying at the farm. “Sensible young woman. I wanted to get some character references. Are you happy to say something nice about me, Jac?”
His sister-in-law obviously said something humorous because Joe burst out laughing.
“Now that’s not nice. Okay I know you were joking.”
Joe smiled and handed the phone over. “My sister-in-law’s name is Jaclyn, but we call her Jac for short.”
Violet took the phone; it had been a long time since she used a landline. They depended on mobiles at the business in Brisbane, too.
“Hello, Jac, this is Violet Valentine speaking,” she said softly.
“Hello, Violet, I’m Jaclyn Rossiter. I’m Joe’s sister-in-law. I believe you’ve had some car trouble.”
“Yes, I have. I’m not impressed. It’s a brand-new ute, setting off on the trip, and it’s hardly got me across the border.”
“Not good at all. Anyway, even though I teased Joe, I can certainly give you an excellent character reference. He’s a great guy and I’m not saying that because I’m married to his brother. Joe is a true gentleman, and you’re quite safe in the house with him tonight.”
“Thank you, I had already decided that when I met Joe, but he insisted that we call you.”
“Well, there you go; that’s Joe. You couldn’t have chosen a much better spot to break down. And you can never be too careful, even in a little country town like Bindarra Creek. Will you still be there tomorrow?” she asked.
“Oh no, I’ll need to get into town.”
“There’ll be no mechanic on duty tomorrow, and the NRMA can take hours to get here from Tamworth. You’re probably best to wait until Monday. Ryan has a car trailer. I’ll get him to talk to Joe. We can easily bring it over tomorrow.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.” Violet frowned as first her thoughts, and then her stomach churned. She’d have to find somewhere to stay. Jaclyn spoke before she could say any more.
“Listen, I might be organising you. Joe and I are the world’s biggest organisers, and my husband is rolling his eyes right now. Why don’t you stay for lunch tomorrow, and you can come back to town with us? We can drop you at the motel or the caravan park cabins or whatever suits you while you get your car sorted.”
“That’s very kind of you; it would save Joe a trip into town in the morning. I suppose he’ll be getting lunch cooked.”
Jaclyn’s laughter tinkled down the phone. “Oh no, hasn’t he told you yet? Joe doesn’t cook.”
“Actually, we’ve just had a discussion about Anzac biscuits, toasted sandwiches, and vegetables.”
“He’s warmed to you if he’s telling you about his one lacking talent. Joe does not cook. So, I’m bringing lunch out tomorrow because he wanted to have the first Christmas in his new house as a family and we won’t be here Christmas Day. My sweet husband surprised me with a trip to the Cook Islands. Poor Joe is going to be all by himself on Christmas Day. So, tomorrow is our Christmas.”
