Never Find Another You by Atkins Narelle

Author:Atkins, Narelle
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781922915023
Publisher: Narelle Atkins
Published: 2023-02-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Joel pulled out of the parking lot near Cohen’s, his truck loaded with hardware supplies for Hannah’s bathroom. She’d noticed a grout issue in her en suite shower, and he’d offered to fix it this morning.

His boss had employed another tiler, a young guy with a family to support who was new to town. Joel’s workload had lessened, and the cut in overtime hours provided more time for other things, including maintenance work at the Bible college. Hannah had replied to his message, letting him know she was gardening in her backyard with Gracie.

He turned onto Hannah’s street. Spring flowers bloomed in the front yards of well-maintained houses with sweeping views over Trinity Lakes and the mountains. He reversed into Hannah’s drive, parking in front of the garage where Hannah kept her SUV.

Becky used the double-length carport beside the garage that opened into the backyard, providing space to store her compact coffee cart trailer.

Joel unloaded his truck and carried supplies around to Hannah’s back door. The tradies’ entrance, as it was known in Australia, was closest to the internal flight of stairs to the upper level.

“Joel!” Gracie walked toward him, dirt stains on her track pant knees and gardening gloves covering her hands.

He greeted her and searched the yard. “Is Hannah around?”

“She’s inside, making coffee with Becky’s coffee beans.”

“Coffee sounds good.” He’d woken late and hadn’t had time to detour for a caffeine fix. He could take or leave coffee, except if it was Becky’s brew. He suspected she used the same supplier as the Bellbird.

Gracie removed her gloves. “Follow me. I believe there are cinnamon rolls to go along with coffee.”

Joel chuckled. “How can I say no to cinnamon rolls?”

“You can’t.” Gracie stopped by the laundry inside the back door and washed her hands.

He followed her, cleaning up and wiping his hands dry on a hand towel. “How am I supposed to get any work done if my day starts with a coffee break and cinnamon rolls?”

“It’s called energy food, young man. I started gardening at seven-thirty, before the sun was hot. I’m counting this as breakfast.”

“That works. Hannah’s fortunate to have your help in the garden.”

“It keeps me young and gives me an excuse to leave the house early.” She shook her head, gray curls bouncing around her face. “I’m sorry about my daughter. Susannah is difficult to manage, and I told her she’s being unfair.”

He nodded. Susannah had initially been pleasant during dinner, and she’d lured Joel into a false sense of security. Her demeaning behavior and verbal insults before dessert had upset Hannah, and Joel was in no rush for a repeat performance. “I appreciate yours and Becky’s support.”

“We’re both in your corner. Susannah is stubborn, and she struggles to be happy for other people. It’s not personal.”

“That’s what Hannah keeps saying.” How could he not take it personally? Susannah had waited until Gracie and Becky were out of the room, and made sure Joel got the message that he wasn’t good enough for Hannah.

“It really isn’t, Joel.

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