Page 13 of Closer than Ever

“It’s not very fancy, I’m afraid,” he said, looking apologetic. “The speakers are quality but you might want to get a more modern player if that’s your jam.”

Hayley smiled at him. “Old-school. I like it.”

They chatted a bit more about the campervan and its various strengths and weaknesses. Hayley was more inquisitive than Anna had expected her to be. It was impressive. The conversation ran its course. “Thank you so much,” Hayley said. “We’ll need a few minutes to discuss.”

“No problem. Take all the time you need. Let me know if you want to test drive it.” He left them to it.

“So what do you think?” Hayley said.

“I’m impressed. It’s an excellent vehicle. But it needs a bit of work in the back for you to be comfortable, I would have thought.”

“I think the living area is fine.” Hayley didn’t sound convinced. She took a deep breath, as if talking herself into it. “As long as the vehicle itself is in good condition and it has a bed, I’ll be fine. And it has that.”

“I’d be happy to do it up for you before you go.”

Hayley’s brow furrowed. “You’d do that?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you know how?”

“I have the tools. I make furniture as a side-hustle.”

“What?” Hayley stepped back. “I did not know this about you.”

Anna folded her arms over her chest. “I work with local woods. I have a shed in the back garden. Sometimes I work outside on the grass or on a table by the back door. It relaxes me.”

“So that’s why all the furniture in your house looks so well made.”

“Just some. I’m not sure they’re that well made.”

“It sounds like a very therapeutic hobby.”

“It can be. I like designing the pieces and cutting clean lines. I like the uniformity and the precision of it.”

“That sounds like you.”

Anna smiled. “Are you going to test drive this then?”

“Yeaaah!”

“Not worried about driving on the other side of the road?”

Hayley laughed at her. “No. Should I be?”

Anna shrugged. “I would be. But your approach is better.”

The test drive went smoothly. Hayley smiled the entire time, as if something was clicking into place in her life. Her enthusiasm was palpable. She took to the roads with ease and Anna could see her falling in love with the campervan with each passing second. It was heart-warming to see her friend as happy as this.

They arrived back at the garage and Hayley turned the engine off. “I think this is the one. It just feels right.”

“You should go for it then.”

“But I don’t want you to have to go to all that trouble. I’ll be okay with the basics. I’m only going to sell it on again so there’s no need to go all out.”

“Let me tidy it up a bit and give you some shelves and storage space at least. I can even pull out that clunky table and put in a compact one that folds away when you’re not using it. It won’t be a bother.”

Hayley just looked at her, as if considering something. “That would be amazing, thank you.”

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