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Joe led her to a table on the back deck of the pub. “It’ll be nicer outside,” he said. “And there’s plenty of shade.”

“It’s lovely. The river looks beautiful. I saw a mural of it today on the wall of the garage.”

“Yes, that’s a beauty,” Joe said.

Violet looked around as he headed over to the bar to get them a cold drink. Her gaze was drawn to a couple sitting at a table on the other side of the deck. She blinked and then jumped up with an excited cry.

***

Joe chatted to Max as he poured two lemon squash for them. “Few bikes in town,” he commented.

“Yeah, you’re lucky you came in today. We’ve been packed every lunchtime since they arrived in town last Friday, but they’ve gone for a ride out to the picnic grounds in the national park today.”

“It will only get busier too.” Joe handed him a twenty dollar note and waited for the change as Max rang up the sale. “You need any casual staff over the holidays, Max?”

“Sure do. We’ve been short-staffed every night this week. You interested?”

“I am. I’ve got my RSA.”

“Do you know Dan?” Max asked with a grin.

“The publican? Sure do.”

“Okay, I’ll have a chat to him and get back to you. Give me your mobile number. How keen are you? Wouldn’t mind doing five or six shifts a week? I’ve been working seven in a row. It’ll be great to have the odd night off.”

“Happy to take up what’s going.” Joe wrote his name and number on a coaster and handed it over.

“I’ll give you a call later today,” Max said.

“Thanks, mate.” Joe reached over to pick up the drinks and Max leaned over the bar. “Who’s the looker who came in with you? New in town?”

“A friend. Staying out at my farm for a while.” Joe wasn’t going to share Violet’s business.

“Lucky you.”

Joe nodded briefly and picked up the two drinks and headed outside. Violet’s bag was on the floor next to her chair, but there was no sign of her. He looked around and spotted her standing at a table on the other side of the deck. It was Jake and Emma Smith from the horse stud up his road.

Chapter 14

Violet

“Oh, my God, Emma! What are you doing here? I can’t believe it. Am I dreaming. And Jake too!”

Emma jumped up and threw her arms around Violet.

“Violet,” she squealed. “What are you doing here?”

Jake got up with a look of surprise on his face and hugged her. “Last person I expected to see in the pub at Bindarra Creek! Sit down, Violet. Tell us what you’re doing here.”

“Well,” Violet said slowly as she stared into the faces of two of the nicest people she’d ever worked with. “I quit my job and—”

“You what?” Jake said. “I never thought you’d leave Baileys.”

“Long story that you really don’t want to hear. Things have changed there. But the short story is I’m on the road and my brand-new ute broke down just out of Bindarra Creek.” Violet pulled a face. “But tell me, what are you guys doing here?”

“We’re having lunch because Mum’s here for a few days and offered to mind Nat for us.”

“No, I mean here in Bindarra Creek.” She wrinkled her nose. “And who’s Nat?”