Chapter nine
G eorgina leaned on the desk with her head resting in her hands and watched Matt as he unloaded a car from the back of the pickup truck. She loved the way the sun shining on his dark-brown hair brought out its auburn lowlights and she wondered if the gene was from his father or mother. Both Francis and she had brown hair like their father, but their mother had been a strawberry blonde.
He’d been working on her car all morning until a call had come in to collect a breakdown. Georgia didn’t mind that it was taking Matt days to fix. She enjoyed the lift to and from the garage each day, it was the highlight of her day. The phone rang and Georgina picked up the receiver and answered it like a true professional, as if she’d been working there for years.
‘Good morning, Harris’s Garage, how can I help you?’ She listened intently and then opened the diary while consulting the price list just in case the caller asked for a quote. ‘We can fit you in on Friday morning at 11 AM... Perfect. That’s all booked for you Mrs Smith.’
She looked back outside to where she’d last seen Matt and was surprised to see Francis and Francesca talking to him. Matt bent down, his hands on his thighs and spoke to her niece. She watched Francesca pull at the hem of her skirt, a sign she was feeling shy, which was a rarity for her niece who was usually a very talkative and inquisitive girl. She saw Matt straighten and point to where she was sitting in the office. Georgina waved, but she was unsure whether her sister had seen her. A moment later, Francis led Francesca by the hand her way.
The door opened and little Francesca came skipping in, her eyes widening with delight when she saw her auntie sitting behind the desk. ‘Auntie Gee-Gee!’ she squealed with delight. ‘I just talked to your boss.’
Georgina laughed. ‘Gee-Gee? Is this my new nickname?’
Francesca pointed outside to where Matt was standing with his hands on his hips and a big grin on his face. ‘Your boss told me to call it you.’
Georgina pointed a finger at Matt and wagged it, he threw his head back and laughed before turning his attention back to the car he’d just brought in.
‘Hmmm. There seems to be more to this boss-employee relationship that meets the eye.’ Francis had crossed her arms in front of her chest and had dipped her head to one side with her eyes squinted as she regarded her sister.
Georgina’s eyes went wide, and she pursed her lips. Her sister was so astute—she never missed a trick. ‘I’m sure I don't know what you mean.’ She was glad their little phone spat had been instantly squished and forgotten the moment they saw each other again.
Francesca skipped over to a model car on a coffee table and began playing with it. Francis took a step closer to her sister and lowered her voice. ‘Uh-uh. Spill the beans.’ Francis hiked her thumb over her shoulder. ‘There’s definitely something going on between you and Mr Motor-mechanic-Adonis over there.’
A giggle erupted from Georgina’s mouth, and she gestured for her sister to sit down in the chair opposite her. ‘Matt took me with him to collect a car part from the city the other day (YESTERDAY?). Then, when we were there, he confessed he’d closed the garage down for the day so he could spend quality time getting to know me—he took me for brunch.’
‘OMG! And what was the outcome of it, because he certainly has a very high opinion of you—and I established that after talking to him for just a minute or so , just then.’
Georgina went doe eyed as she looked past Francis, through the glass wall outside. ‘He does?’ She was ecstatic.
‘Yes, he does... Are you two an item or something? Because you have barely known each other two minutes.’
Georgina chewed on her bottom lip. ‘Not exactly. We are establishing a very close friendship at the moment. However, we have both agreed we’d like things to progress naturally.’
Francis’s brow drew together. ‘Do you think that is wise while you are working here? Maybe you should wait until your car is fixed and you’ve paid off your debt.’
Georgina shook her head. ‘No-no-no. It’s fine. We both agreed we would remain professional if our friendship didn’t progress romantically, like we hoped it would.’
Francis nodded slowly, but the rut between her brows remained. ‘Okay. I suppose it’s okay if that’s what you’ve already discussed. I just don’t want to see you get hurt again, or, for things to get any harder for you at the moment. I know you are already stretched physically, what with working here, the petrol station and now at Ruff to Regal, not to mention having to organise the sunset picnics event... I just don’t want to see you get stretched emotionally too. I really wished I had time to help you Sis.’
‘Don’t worry about me Francis. I’m young and fit. I can cope with it all. And thankfully, it’s only for a couple of weeks. After that, I’ll only have my two parttime jobs to contend with.’ She winked at her sister. ‘And hopefully a boyfriend too, if everything goes well between Matt and me.’
Francis nodded, a thin smile tugging up the corners of her mouth. ‘When are you going to go out collecting volunteers again?’
‘This evening after my shift at Ruff to Regal.’
‘Okay. If Dan finishes work early, I’ll come out with you.’
Georgina’s face brightened. ’Oh would you? That would be a big help.’
‘I'll text you later and let you know.’
Francesca walked back over to Francis and dug her head into her mother’s shoulder. ‘I’m hungry mummy.’
Francis stroked Francesca’s hair. ‘Okay honey. Let’s go and get those pancakes I promised you.’
‘Yippee!’
Matt came into the office five minutes after Francis and Francesca had driven away. ‘Your sister is nice and friendly, and your niece is a little cutie.’
‘Awww, thank you. That’s what Francis said about you.’
Matt winked. ‘What? That I’m a little cutie?’
Georgina laughed, screwed up a piece of paper, and threw it at him. ‘More like a wind-up merchant.’ Matt laughed. Georgina shooed him away with the back of her hand. ‘Now get back to work on my car, otherwise I’ll be working here forever.’
Matt’s face suddenly looked very sincere. ‘That wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it?’
Georgina was rendered speechless.
G eorgina was just leaving the garage when her phone pinged. She’d received a text message from Francis.
Dan has just phoned me.
His work has asked him to
do overtime tonight. Sorry
Sis, I won’t be able to come
out with you to get volunteers.
Georgina didn’t realise she’d sighed out loud until she felt the weight of Matt’s hand on her shoulder. ‘Everything okay Georgina?’
She turned to face him and shrugged, forcing a smile to cover her disappointment. ‘Yes-yes. It’s just that my sister said she was going to come out with me this evening to go from door-to-door in Seagull Bay seeking donations and volunteers for our annual picnic charity event to be held on the beach.’
Matt scratched his chin thoughtfully as he looked up at the sky. ‘I was supposed to help an acquaintance out with something tonight, but I’d much rather help a close friend.’
Georgina's heart skipped a beat at Matt's words. ‘Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose on your plans.’
Matt's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. ‘Trust me, you'd be doing me a favour. Now, how about I drive us both home so you can freshen up and grab something to eat, I’ll do the same, and then we'll tackle this volunteer hunt together?’
As they settled into Matt's car, Georgina found herself transported back to their first impromptu date in the city. The familiar scent of leather and Matt's cologne enveloped her, bringing a flush to her cheeks.
‘Penny for your thoughts?’ Matt's voice broke through her reverie.
Georgina turned to him, a soft smile playing on her lips. ‘I was just thinking about our trip to the city. It feels like so much has changed since then, yet it was only recently.’
Matt reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. ‘All for the better, I hope?’
‘Definitely,’ Georgina replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
As they drove through the winding streets of Seagull Bay, Georgina found herself opening up. ‘You know, this charity event means a lot to me. It's not just about raising money.’
Matt glanced at her, curiosity evident in his expression. ‘Oh? Tell me more.’
Georgina took a deep breath, memories washing over her. ‘When I was little, my mum used to organise it every year alongside another lady called Marie. It was their way of bringing the community together...’
* Flashback *
A two-year-old Georgina sat on a colourful blanket, her legs crossed as she watched her mother flit from group to group, Francis her sister sat next to her playing with a doll, her laughter carrying on the sea breeze. The beach was alive with chatter and the delighted squeals of other children playing games.
‘Mummy!’ Francis called out, waving her dolly in the air. ‘I want more yummy cake?’
Georgina raised onto her knees waving her paper plate. ‘Me-me.’
Their mother turned to face them, her strawberry blonde hair glowing in the setting sun. ‘Of course, my little sweetpeas. But remember, we're here to help others too. Why don't you two take a piece to old Po? He's looking a bit lonely over there.’
Georgina nodded earnestly, Francis picked up a plate with a piece of cake on it, carefully balancing the plate, she made her way across the sand, Georgina shadowing her every step.
* End Flashback *
‘...I've always felt this need to step into her shoes and give more of my time to the community. But it was only recently I had the courage to offer my help. I’d like to keep the family tradition going. It feels like a part of her is still here when I do my part for the residents of Seagull Bay,’ Georgina finished, her voice thick with emotion.
Matt pulled the car over and turned to face her fully. ‘Georgina, that's beautiful. Your mum would be so proud of you.’
Georgina blinked back tears, touched by his understanding. ‘Thank you, Matt. That means a lot.’
As they resumed their journey, Matt spoke up again. ‘You know, I've always admired people who give back to their community. My dad's the same way with the garage. He's always fixing up cars for folks who can't afford the full price.’
Georgina smiled, trying to picture the man she’d never met, but who Matt had tried to describe—a gruff but kind-hearted man. ‘Like father, like son, I suppose?’ she winked at him when he glanced her way.
Matt chuckled. ‘I try. Though I think I've got a long way to go before I'm half the man he is.’
‘I dunno. Look how you’ve helped me with my car.’
They pulled up outside Georgina's house, and Matt insisted he’d be as quick as he could returning. As she changed into a comfortable outfit for their evening of door-knocking, Georgina found herself humming softly, her mother's favourite tune. It made her feel as though her mother was around her in spirit.
Thirty minutes later, Georgina rejoining Matt in the car. She was struck by how at ease she felt with him. ‘Ready for an evening of charm and persuasion? she asked, a playful lilt in her voice.
Matt raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. ‘I don't know about charm, but I've been told I can be quite persuasive when it comes to getting people to agree to things they hadn't planned on.’
Georgina laughed, the sound clear and bright in the confines of the car. ‘Oh really? And how exactly do you plan on using these powers of persuasion tonight, Mr Harris?’
‘Well, Miss Shelley, Matt replied, his tone mock-serious, ‘I thought I'd start by telling everyone about the beautiful, kind-hearted woman who's carrying on her mother's legacy. Then I'd explain how their small contribution could make a big difference. And if all else fails, I'll offer to fix their cars at a discount.’
Georgina felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. ‘You really are something else, Matt Harris. Come on, let’s park at the bottom and make our way up.’
A s they made their way through the steep and winding streets of Seagull Bay, knocking on doors and explaining the charity event, Georgina found herself continually impressed by Matt's easy manner with people. He had a way of putting even the most reluctant residents at ease, often drawing out smiles and nods of agreement.
At one particularly challenging house, where the owner seemed determined to send them away empty-handed, Matt's creativity shone through.
‘You know, Mr Johnson,’ Matt said, his voice low and conspiratorial, ‘I couldn't help but notice that beautiful classic car in your driveway. 67 Ford, isn't it?’
Mr Johnson's eyes lit up. ‘Good eye, young man. She's my pride and joy.’
Matt nodded appreciatively. ‘I can see why. Tell you what, if you'd be willing to donate to our cause or volunteer your skills to entertain the community at the sunset picnics event at the end of the month, I'd be happy to give her a full check-up at the garage. Free of charge, of course.’
Georgina watched in amazement as Mr Johnson's demeanour completely changed, his wallet coming out as he chatted enthusiastically with Matt about carburettors and engine tuning.
As they walked away from the house, donation secured and a new volunteer added to their list, Georgina bumped Matt's shoulder playfully. ‘That was impressive. I think you missed your calling as a salesman.’
Matt laughed, the sound rich and warm in the cool evening air. ‘Nah, I prefer getting my hands dirty. Besides, it's easy to be persuasive when you believe in what you're selling.’
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, they found themselves on the beach. The salt-tinged breeze ruffled Georgina's hair, and she closed her eyes, inhaling deeply.
‘It's beautiful here,’ Matt said softly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. ‘I just wished mum would come into the bay more often.’
Georgina opened her eyes, turning to look at him. The fading sunlight cast a golden glow on his features, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. ‘It really is,’ she murmured, not entirely sure if she was talking about the view or the man beside her.
Matt turned to her, his eyes searching hers. ‘Georgina, I...I want you to know how much I've enjoyed spending time with you. Not just today, but every day since we met.’
Georgina felt her heart racing. ‘I feel the same way, Matt. I never expected to find someone like you when I broke down on the side of the road.’
As if drawn by an invisible force, they leaned towards each other. Just as their lips were about to meet, a loud seagull cry broke the moment, causing them both to jump back, laughing.
‘I guess that's nature's way of telling us to get back to work,’ Matt chuckled, running a hand through his hair.
Georgina nodded, her cheeks flushed. ‘Right. We've still got a few more streets to cover tonight.’
As they made their way back to the next street, Georgina felt a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering in her stomach. Whatever was developing between her and Matt, she knew it was something special. And as they walked into the deepening twilight, ready to knock on more doors and spread the word about the charity event, Georgina couldn't help but feel that her mother would have approved of not just her efforts to continue the tradition, but of the kind-hearted mechanic who had so unexpectedly become such an important part of her life.