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“Something bad happened in Brisbane, didn’t it?” Emma asked. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re not the bubbly Violet of old.”

“I’m an older and wiser Violet these days. I’ll tell you about it later. When I come out to see your place.”

She hadn’t mentioned the hint of permanent work to Joe.

“That’s great news,” Jaclyn said. “All sorted then. Come on, Ryan. We’re on a deadline.”

Ryan rolled his eyes. “The story of my life, Violet. Jac runs our household like she runs her school.”

“And that’s why we’re organised ready to go.” Jaclyn grinned. “We’ve got the suitcases packed at home. Cleo is sitting with Georgia while we’re out and we’ll leave when she’s due for her afternoon nap.”

“Hang on for a minute.” Violet hurried inside and brought out the two small gifts she’d purchased at the gift shop.

“Just a very small token of my appreciation,” she said.

“Thank you, you shouldn’t have.” Jaclyn took the brightly-wrapped gifts with a smile. “I hope you’re still here when we get home in the New Year, Violet.”

‘Who knows?” Violet shrugged.

“No word on your ute yet?” Ryan asked as Jaclyn walked around to get into the Landcruiser.

“Just that it needs a new gearbox. I’m supposed to hear today, but I won’t hold my breath.” The company had been difficult to deal with when Violet had called after lunch on Monday. “So, fingers crossed.”

They waved Ryan and Jaclyn off, and Joe went inside to put his work boots on while Violet went inside for her bag. “I’ll go and see Emma and Ryan now. I’ll be back to get your lunch.” She frowned. “Should I take Jaclyn’s car through the creek?”

“Not a problem. Their creek is much deeper than mine. Anyway I looked there yesterday afternoon. Since the rain’s gone, there’s only a few centimetres running across the causeway now. And don’t rush home. I can make myself a sanger,” he said. His grin sent the usual tingles of warmth through her. She was getting altogether too comfortable at Joe’s place. If she was still in town after Christmas when the accommodation freed up a bit, she’d move out. A bit of distance might stop the attraction that was building.

You do not need a man in your life, she told herself sternly.

Joe gave her a wave as he headed to the shed, and Violet opened the door of Jaclyn’s car.

“Give me a buzz on the landline if you hear from the dealership, won’t you?” he called out.

“I will, but if it’s bad news, I’m not going to be in a very good mood.”

“How about we go out to the pub for tea tonight? You’ve cooked the last two nights, and it’s been wonderful. I think we need to give you a break.”

“I enjoy cooking, but I will have to go shopping in town this afternoon.”

“If we go out you can leave it until tomorrow. We’ll go into the pub. Last chance, almost, because I’ll be working there from Friday night.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

Now Violet turned to her phone as it rang; it was the dealership in Brisbane.

“Violet Valentine speaking.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Valentine,” the gruff voice said. “It’s John Bainbridge from the All Autos dealership on Ipswich Road.”

“Good morning, Mr. Bainbridge. I hope you’ve got some good news for me.”

“Well, sort of. Good and bad, love,” he said. “I need to ask you about where you’ve been driving the vehicle to see if it’s covered under warranty. And what you’ve been towing.”

Violet’s temper fired. She’d had enough of being treated badly in Brisbane and wasn’t about to take bullying from the car dealer.

“It will be covered under warranty because I only purchased the car from you six weeks ago. It’s done less than 2000 km and it has never towed anything.”

“But where did you take it? There’s a bit of red dirt on the wheels, and our dealership at Tamworth told me there’s a broken arm on the gearbox. Have you been travelling on dirt roads?”