Page 44 of His Best Friend's Baby

Crazy how good it was to hear his voice again after so long. ‘Sorry I missed your call,’ she said.

‘No probs. How was your Christmas?’

‘Great, thanks. Quiet, but nice. How was yours?’

‘Busy, but fun. I had the whole family here.’

‘Awesome.’

‘Yeah, it was very pleasant, actually, but it meant I only just got around to checking the link you sent to that new website.’

‘That’s fine. The site’s only a rough draft, of course.’ Crossing her fingers, Polly asked, ‘What do you think?’

‘It’s amazing, Polly. Fan-bloody-tastic. So much better than the crappy old site we’ve been using for the past decade or more.’

Phew. Polly had been worried that Seth mightn’t appreciate such a forward move as a website design that he hadn’t even asked for. She might have done a little jig of relief if she hadn’t been sitting down. Even so, she gave the air a happy fist pump.

‘I was a bit cheeky including that pop-up ad for a price reduction on servicing or select repairs.’

‘No, it’s a great idea. Makes good business sense. And I love all the different headers. I reckon you’ve got everything covered. I’m reading them off the screen here now—car servicing, repairs, mobile mechanic, rural field services, air conditioning, car battery, windscreens, car advice. I reckon you’ve got everything covered.’

‘I did my research, but I can change anything you like, Seth. Just sing out. As I said, it’s only a rough draft.’

‘Rough? It looks damn professional to me, Pollz. And I really love those buttons for “make an inquiry” and “request a call back”.’

‘What about the interest-free payment option?’ Polly had taken a gamble on this, as she really had no idea how Seth ran his business.

‘I reckon that’s a good idea too. We do offer an interest-free option, actually, but I’ve never bothered to advertise it. But why shouldn’t we?’

‘Okay. But you can take your time to think it over. Oh, and what about the main description under the banner? Was it okay to highlight the mobile services?’

‘Yeah, that’s fine. Vince Jones is focusing on the mobile side of the business and it’s going well. Gives us an edge.’

‘So, you’re happy enough?’ Polly asked.

‘Happyenough? It’s bloody perfect, Pollz. Honestly, you’ve done an amazing job.’

‘Glad you like it,’ she said softly, because she was suddenly feeling a little tight in the chest. ‘And if you’re happy with the basic setup, the only other thing you really need to add is a couple of good photos—a nice big pic of you in your workshop.’

‘Hmm. Maybe.’

‘Not maybe, Seth. Definitely.’ Polly had no doubts whatsoever that a photo or two of Seth in his overalls would bring customers flocking.

‘Anyway,’ she said, ‘there’ll be more technical stuff we need to sort out and you might want extra info from your current website transferred, but we can discuss that in an email.’

‘Sure, but thanks so much, Polly. I’m still a bit stunned to be honest, but really grateful.’

‘It’s my way of saying thanks. You know—for everything you’ve done for me. I’ve never really thanked you enough—not just for all your help with Summer and everything, but you inspired me, too, Seth.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes.’ Suddenly it was important to make sure he really understood this. ‘I was so down-and-out back then, hardly earning anything and living in that dreadful hole. But that short stay in Wirralong, and seeing everything you’ve achieved, helped me to take stock of my own goals. I knew I had the knowledge. I knew I could adapt, and I didn’t want Summer to be growing up with a mum on a constant downhill slide. I wasn’t going to be a victim anymore. I was determined to get results.’

‘Good for you.’ Seth’s voice sounded rough as he said this. ‘And you’ve done so well. And now you have America knocking on your door.’

‘Thanks. But anyway, I really enjoyed working on your website.’ Seth would be surprised if he’d known how much Polly had enjoyed this task. As she’d researched for his site, she’d felt part of his world. She could almost smell the engine oil in the air.

‘Well, you certainly know how to think up a perfect thank you,’ he said. ‘Oh, and thanks for that Christmas card too.’ After a small pause, Seth added, ‘Thatmade quite an impression on my family.’

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