Free The Sunburnt Country by Fiona Palmer Page A

through.’ He had been putting in extra hours just because he had the time. It was either that, read or watch TV.
    ‘Come on. Don’t be a party pooper. You need to get out and see the sights – and I’m your man.’
    Daniel had to admit he was tempted, but as bright as his curiosity burned, his father’s words burned brighter: ‘You want to get to the top, then stop pussyfooting around and start putting in the hard yards.’ He’d said that after Daniel had taken a Saturday off to spend at the V8s about five years ago. Needless to say, that was the last time he’d been. It was the last time he’d done much at all on the weekend. He even gave up going to the footy and instead just watched it on TV with a beer. His father rewarded dedication, and Daniel had a lot to prove.
    ‘Thanks, Zac, but maybe another time. I’m still settling in.’
    Zac nodded before something over Dan’s shoulder caught his eye and his whole face lit up. Zac jumped off his seat and strode to the edge of the bar. Jonelle was there with Renae, the barmaid. Daniel’s gut tightened as he watched Jonelle’s face brighten at the sight of Zac approaching. Oh man , Dan thought. Were those two an item? Was Zac the owner of the Holden Torana he’d seen Jonelle driving? He could hardly believe his bad luck.
    Daniel watched Zac throw an arm around both girls and drag them over towards where he was still sitting at the bar. This is awkward , Dan thought. He couldn’t very well buy Jonelle a drink now, could he?
    ‘Hey, Dan. Have you met this ratbag yet?’
    Dan stood up as the group approached. ‘Yes, hi. Jonelle helped me out when I just arrived.’
    Zac glanced at Jonelle and then back to Daniel. ‘What did my sister do for you?’
    Sister? Jonelle wasn’t Zac’s girlfriend. Dan felt his whole body relax as he processed the words, and it was hard now not to see the similarities between them, the same green eyes and broad smile. Only, Dan noticed that Jonelle wasn’t smiling at him. In fact, she looked troubled.
    ‘She, ah, came to my rescue when I had a flat.’
    Zac laughed and dropped his arms, then sat back down on his stool. ‘Yeah, she’s a handy chick to have around. So, you girls want to join us?’
    Renae flashed them both a row of shiny teeth. ‘Sure thing.’ She grabbed the chair next to Zac. Jonelle, on the other hand, was clearly not so sure. She stood there with a stern expression, her arms folded.
    ‘Come on, Sis. Grab a seat.’
    ‘Nah, Zaccy. Not up to it tonight, but you guys have fun. I think I’ll go home and see Mum.’
    Zac stood up and whispered to Jonelle but Daniel could still make out the words. ‘You okay, Jonny? What’s up?’
    ‘It’s probably nothing. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
    Zac hugged her, squishing her curvy frame. ‘See you all later,’ she said after Zac sat back down.
    ‘I’ll call you,’ said Renae.
    Renae and Zac started chatting away but Dan only had eyes for Jonelle as she made her way out of the pub. Something was on her mind, she wasn’t being frosty on purpose. Maybe it was her business, he thought. Now he wished he’d accepted Zac’s invitation to spend some time out on the farm. It would be a sure way to run into Jonelle again. There was something about her. Whether it was because she was avoiding his charms or because she was a sexy bush mechanic, he wasn’t sure.
    Zac got up a moment later, excusing himself, and Renae scooted closer.
    ‘Hey, Daniel. So how are you liking Bundara?’
    Daniel sipped his beer before he replied. ‘It’s okay. Very different to what I’m used to.’ Jonelle’s fresh face flashed before his eyes. ‘But it’s not all bad.’
    ‘I’m glad to hear it. We’re a good bunch once you get to know us.’
    ‘Hey, was Jonelle okay? She didn’t look too happy.’
    Renae’s face stiffened a fraction. ‘Yeah, I think so. She’s just got a few things on at the moment, you know, things that are worrying her.’ She sighed heavily. ‘But as you