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“She is,” Luke said. “She’s Jonas Miller’s daughter. Poor guy has dementia, and I believe she’s home for a while to help out. She has her own business in Newcastle and has been helping out casually at Fred’s garage.

“I suspect that the problem with your vehicle is the gearbox, but as I said, I’m not a mechanic and maybe it will be just something as simple as an electronic fault or something that’s slipped out of place.”

Violet chuckled. “I just want to get it fixed and get on the road.”

“Are you right to leave about 7:30? I’m working with Grant Cummings today, and I’m only working half a day, so if you’re happy to have a wander around town until we get it sorted, we can do that.”

“I’ll do whatever you say, Joe. We’re up two cartons of beer now.”

He grinned and didn’t comment on that. “I can show you the coffee shops and a couple of gift shops, and once you see the garage, I should be finished about eleven thirty. We’re just doing a small concreting job over at Edwina’s Fig Tree Lodge. While I’m there I’ll get the word out to see if there’s anywhere in town for you to stay.” He looked at her with a wide smile. “But really, you’re quite welcome to stay here. It’ll save you some money and to be honest, it’s nice to have the company.”

“I really appreciate it Joe, but let’s not jump ahead and let’s see what they have to say about the car.”

“What do you want to do with all your gear in the back?”

“That’s a good point,” she said. “I suppose it’s silly to leave it loaded up to go to town, especially if it’s going to be there for a couple of days.”

“There’s room in the small shed. I’ll help you unload it before we get going. It’ll take a while for us to tow it into town.”

“Whoever would’ve thought I would be in such a complicated situation when I set off on my trip?”

“You’ll be fine. You’ll be on the road again before you know it. And you know what, Violet? When you do move on, I’ll miss you. It’s been great having company.”

She smiled and reached over and put her hand on Joe’s, ignoring that tingle that was becoming frequent. “When I say I truly appreciate you having me here, I want you to know I mean it. If it’s okay with you, I’ll stay on. On one condition: I shop and cook. Deal?”

Joe grinned and squeezed her fingers.

“You’ve got yourself a deal. Can you bake Anzacs?”

##

Two hours later, Violet was sitting in the Cyprus Café. Joe had driven to town, with her ute on the car trailer behind his car.

Now the trailer with her ute was parked outside Fred’s Garage, which, to Violet’s dismay, had been closed when they pulled up. She was pleased that she had taken all of her personal belongings and camping gear out of it because she wouldn’t have felt comfortable leaving it parked out the front of an unattended garage. Joe shook his head as they walked across to the office. “Dale usually opens up at six every morning. There must be something wrong,” he said with a frown.

Violet clenched her fists at her side, beginning to stress, and Joe noticed straightaway.

“Calm down, Vi. Sorry I mean Violet.”

“Vi is fine,” she said. “My gran called me Vi.”

“Look, I’ll take you into the main street and drop you at the café and I’ll see what the problem is. Grant’ll know what’s going on. He’s got his finger on the pulse in the town.”

“Thank you.” Violet pushed back her stress. Joe was on the case and she trusted him.

“I’ll give Billie a call, if we can’t raise Dale.” Joe grinned at her. “And don’t say thank you.”

Violet followed him to his ute without a word.

“Give me your mobile and I’ll call you as soon as I find out.”

A couple of minutes later, they turned into Main Street and Joe pulled up at the kerb outside the Cyprus Café.

“Grab a coffee, and tell Nic I sent you. If I don’t call you, it’s because I can’t find out what’s going on. I’ll meet you here at eleven-thirty. Have a wander around town.” He reached over and took her hand. “And promise me you’ll stay calm.”

Violet looked at her small white hand enclosed in his tanned and rugged grip, wondering what it was that was sending an array of unfamiliar sensations jangling through her every time Joe touched her.

“You know me well. I promise.” She took her hand from his and opened the door, before shooting him a cheeky glance. “And Joe?”