Page 31 of Outback Hearts

Professional boundaries were important. She understood that. But they were also incredibly frustrating.

She was almost asleep when her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number that turned out to be Jake:

You did great today. Sleep well. Tomorrow we tackle the west wall. - J

Amelia smiled in the darkness, typing back: Looking forward to it. Goodnight.

Three dots appeared, then disappeared. Then appeared again. Finally: Goodnight, Amelia.

She fell asleep with her phone still in her hand, dreaming of scaffolding and strong hands catching her when she fell.

Tomorrow would bring more work, more challenges, more moments of Jake standing too close whilst teaching her something new.

She couldn’t wait.

***

Wednesday morning brought more arrivals—Thommo and Kenny from their respective stations, followed by Col driving in with Ratty. And three more backpackers who’d heard about the project in the pub at Sapphire.

By lunchtime, the team had grown to fifteen people. By Friday, it was twenty.

The work was progressing faster than Jake had dared hope. The roof section was nearly stripped, the damaged verandah posts identified and marked, and the interior cleared of debris.

And Margaret Thornton was decidedly unhappy about it.

The formal complaint arrived Friday afternoon, hand-delivered by Jennifer to the work site. Jake read it whilst covered in sawdust, his expression darkening.

‘What is it?’ Amelia asked.

‘Margaret filed a complaint with the council about noise, dust, and disruption to the community. She’s claiming we’re operating outside permitted hours and creating a public nuisance.’

‘But we’re not,’ Davo protested. ‘We start at six, finish at six. That’s standard construction hours.’

‘And we’re doing everything by the book,’ Jake added. ‘She’s just trying to cause trouble.’

‘What do we do?’ Alex asked.

‘We respond officially,’ Jake said. ‘Document our hours, our permits, our compliance with regulations. Prove we’re meeting all requirements.’ He looked at Jennifer, who was hovering, clearly hoping to see them panic. ‘Tell your mother the complaint will be addressed at the next council meeting. And tell her we’re not shutting down.’

After Jennifer left, Jake called everyone together.

‘Right. Here’s the situation. Someone’s trying to shut us down by claiming we’re operating improperly. So we’re going to document everything. Every hour worked, every safety check, every quality inspection. We’re going to be so thoroughly professional that there’s no legitimate complaint to be made. Understood?’

‘Understood,’ the group chorused.

That night, Sassy stopped by with dinner for the entire crew—her way of showing support.

‘Don’t let Margaret get to you,’ she said. ‘She does this to everyone who threatens her control. The council won’t shut you down. Bill Patterson won’t let it happen, and he’s got the votes.’

‘You’re sure?’ Jill asked.

‘I’m certain,’ Sassy said firmly. ‘Margaret’s losing this fight. She just doesn’t know it yet.’

The weekend brought Tom volunteering both days, teaching advanced carpentry techniques to anyone interested. The station workers absorbed the knowledge eagerly—skills they could use back on their properties. Ratty and Col proved surprisingly adept at precision work, their gem field patience translating well to careful construction.

And through it all, Jake and Amelia worked side by side, the tension between them growing with every passing hour, every accidental touch, every moment their eyes held just a fraction too long.

On Sunday evening, after everyone else had retired, Amelia found herself alone on the scaffold, checking the day’s work. The sunset was spectacular—the sky on fire with orange and purple, the landscape glowing in the dying light.