“It will be an interesting experience.” Penelope smiled politely. Her red hair was in a tight braid again and her clothes were ironed.
Georgie hadn’t had a chance to get to know her, but she seemed very efficient. “How are you settling in?”
“I’ve unpacked all the boxes,” she said. “I know my way around town, but I’m still not used to the quiet.”
Georgie smiled. “City girl?”
“All my life. It’s so dark and quiet at night. And so many stars.”
“You’ll get used to it,” Georgie said. “When I moved to Perth for uni, it didn’t take long for the noise and light to become normal.”
Declan went over to greet some of the other staff.
Penelope hesitated and then said, “I need a new hobby. What’s there to do around here?”
She didn’t sound thrilled about finding a hobby, which was kind of odd. “My brother’s fiancée runs an adult riding class on Saturdays, and there’s always scuba diving and snorkelling.”
Penelope smiled. “I’ve never ridden a horse.”
Georgie shook her head. “Never? You’ll have to come out to the Ridge. I’ll take you for a trail ride.”
“What’s the Ridge?”
“My family’s sheep station. It’s about an hour from town.”
“I’d like that. Thanks.” Her smile was more genuine this time.
It was the least Georgie could do. She remembered how hard it had been moving to the city and not knowing anyone. “How are you finding the job?”
“I met all the tour boat operators last week,” Penelope said. “Jimmy said to say hello.”
Georgie smiled. “He’s great. You won’t have any issues with him. He takes a lot of pride in his business.”
“Good to know. I understand someone just bought Rob’s business.”
Georgie nodded. “Brandon’s best friend, Sam. He’s moving up in about a month.”
“He knows he has to reapply for a licence to do the whale shark tours, doesn’t he?”
“I don’t know.” Hopefully Faith’s father had covered it during the sale. “It shouldn’t be a problem, should it?”
“Not if he meets all the criteria. What’s his experience?” Penelope screwed her nose up at the instant coffee from the drinks station and made herself a cup of tea.
Georgie thoroughly agreed with the sentiment. “He’s been in the army since high school. Joined when my brother, Brandon did.” She got her phone out of her pocket and showed Penelope Sam’s photo.
Penelope sipped her drink as she glanced over. She choked, eyes wide and coughed, gasping for breath. “Wrong hole.” She took a moment to get it under control and then said, “Wow.”
Georgie grinned. It was nice to see some genuine emotion. The photo was the best one she had of Sam, taken at Brandon’s wedding when he was lounging against one of the posts on the verandah wearing suit pants and shirt. She’d called it his model pose. “He’s fit too, and deadly. Could probably kill a person with his bare hands.”
“When did you say he was moving up?” Penelope said, fanning herself.
“Within the month.” Georgie grinned. “I take it you’re single?”
The smile faded and she nodded.
There was a story there. Georgie kept her tone light. “He’s going to be beating the single women off.” Most had already gone through their options of local single men. Maybe she should warn Sam. Though it would be fun to see how he fared on his own. She grinned. “He’s bought a town house near the harbour.”
“Nice. I go jogging in that area.”
