Chapter ten
T he gentle hum of clippers filled the air at Ruff to Regal, mingling with the occasional bark and the soothing classical music playing softly in the background. Georgina stood at her grooming station, carefully trimming a knot in the fur on the tail of a fluffy Pomeranian named Buttercup, a job Marcus said would be easy for her to do. The dog's coat was a rich golden colour that reminded her of warm honey, and it shimmered under the bright salon lights.
As she worked, Georgina found her mind drifting to the upcoming sunset picnic event. The annual charity fundraiser had been weighing heavily on her thoughts lately, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling in her chest. She wanted so badly to make her mother proud, to carry on the tradition that had meant so much to her.
‘Penny for your thoughts?’ Marcus's cheerful voice broke through her reverie, as he kept a watchful eye on her while she was training.
Georgina looked up, a small smile tugging at her lips. ‘Oh, just thinking about the picnic. There's still so much to do.’
Marcus nodded sympathetically. Christine has told me how your mum and Pippa’s mum Marie, always used to organise it. She always praises them both saying they used to make such a magnificent job of it every year. It sounds like your mum always put her heart and soul into it. What was your mum’s name?’
At the mention of her mother, Georgina felt a familiar pang in her chest. She paused in her grooming, her hand resting gently on Buttercup's back.
‘Sharron...You know,’ she said softly, ‘I keep having these vivid memories of her lately. Mostly of when we were at the annual sunset picnics.’
* Flashback *
Two-year-old Georgina sat on a checkered blanket, her legs crossed as she watched her mother move gracefully from group to group. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the beach, and the air was filled with laughter and the gentle lapping of waves.
Tom her father slipped his arms around her mother’s waist from behind and nuzzled his nose into the nape of her neck. Her mum squealed with delight. ‘Is there anything you want help with love?’ Georgina also called out. ‘Me help.’
Her mother turned to face her father, her eyes twinkling with warmth. ‘Of course, sweetheart. Why don't you come help me hand out these programs?’ Georgina watched as her father gathered a handful of programs, kiss her mother’s cheek, and go off to hand them out.
Her mother walked towards her smiling and bent down. ‘You girls stay right here. Christine, the lady who cuts your hair is right there.’ Her mother pointed to Christine. ‘She is going to keep a watchful eye on you. Daddy and mummy won’t be long.’ She bent down close to her daughters and whispered, ‘Remember, my darling babies, the most important part of this picnic event isn't the money we raise, it's bringing people together, and making them feel part of something special.’ She handed a program to each of them. ‘See how happy everyone is in these photos?’
Georgina nodded solemnly, clutching her program to her chest. ‘Happy...like us,’ Francis said, and Georgina smiled as her mother kissed them both on the tip of their noses.
* End Flashback *
‘Georgina?’ Marcus's voice brought her back to the present. ‘You okay?’
She blinked rapidly, realising her eyes had misted over. ‘Yes, sorry. Just...remembering.’
Marcus squeezed her shoulder gently. ‘Your mum would be so proud of you, you know, doing your bit for the community as well.’
Georgina smiled gratefully, about to respond when the bell above the door chimed. She looked up and her heart skipping a beat as she saw Matt walk in, his presence immediately filling the small salon.
‘Matt!’ she exclaimed, her face lighting up. ‘What brings you here?’
Matt grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. ‘Well, I heard there was a charity event in need of volunteers,’ he winked, ‘and I thought I'd offer my services.’
Georgina raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. ‘Oh really? And what services might those be, Mr Harris? Do you want to tread the streets of Seagull Bay with me again?’
Matt's grin widened as he reached behind his back, producing a small acoustic guitar. ‘I thought I might provide some musical entertainment.’
Georgina's eyes widened in surprise as she gasped. ‘You play guitar? How did I not know this? Why didn’t you tell me?’
Matt shrugged, a hint of shyness creeping into his expression. ‘It never came up. I'm not exactly a rockstar or anything you know, but I can strum a few chords.’
Marcus, who had been watching the exchange with interest, chimed in. ‘Well, don't keep us in suspense. Let's hear something.’
Matt hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He perched on the edge of a nearby chair and began to play, his fingers moving deftly over the strings. A soft, melodic tune filled the salon, causing the dogs to perk up their ears.
As the last notes faded away, Georgina found herself holding her breath. ‘Matt, that was beautiful,’ she said softly.
Matt ducked his head, a faint blush colouring his cheeks. ‘Thanks. Like I said, I'm no expert, but I enjoy playing the odd tune or two.’
Marcus clapped his hands together enthusiastically. ‘That settles it. You absolutely must play at the picnic.’
Georgina nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with possibilities. ‘It would be perfect. We could set up a small stage near the refreshment area for the musicians.’
‘On one condition,’ Matt said, his eyes locking with Georgina's. ‘You have to sing with me.’
Georgina felt her stomach drop. ‘What?! No, I couldn't possibly—’
‘Oh, come on.’ Marcus interrupted. ‘I've heard you humming and singing along to the radio while you work. You've got a lovely voice.’
Matt leaned forward, his expression earnest. ‘Please, Georgina? It would mean a lot to me.’
Georgina bit her lip, torn between her instinct to refuse and the warmth spreading through her chest at Matt's words. ‘I-I don't know. I haven't sung in front of people since school.’
‘How about a little preview?’ Marcus suggested. ‘Just a verse or two, right here in the salon. If it's terrible, we promise to let you off the hook.’
Georgina looked from Marcus's encouraging smile to Matt's hopeful eyes, and felt her resolve weakening. ‘Alright,’ she sighed. ‘But just a little bit, and you must promise not to laugh.’
Matt's face lit up as he positioned his guitar. ‘What song would you like?’
Georgina thought for a moment, then smiled softly. ‘Do you know, Moon River ? It was my mum's favourite.’
Matt nodded. As he began to play the familiar intro, Georgina closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. When she began to sing, her voice was soft and hesitant at first, but grew stronger with each note.
‘ Moon river, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style someday’
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
Wherever you're going, I'm going your way ...’
As she sang, Georgina felt a warmth spreading through her, as if her mother was there, singing along with her. She opened her eyes, catching Matt's gaze. The look of admiration and something deeper in his eyes made her heart flutter.
Suddenly, a strange sound joined her voice. Georgina faltered, looking around in confusion. To her amazement, the dogs in the salon had begun to howl along with her singing, their voices rising in an oddly melodic cacophony.
The sight and sound so unexpected and comical, that Georgina couldn't help but burst into laughter, Matt and Marcus quickly joining in. The dogs, seeming to sense the change in mood, wagged their tails happily.
‘Well,’ Marcus said, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes, ‘I think we can safely say that was a hit with our furry clientele.’
Matt set his guitar aside, still chuckling. ‘Georgina, that was amazing. Your voice is beautiful, even if it does inspire a canine chorus.’
Georgina felt her cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and pleasure. ‘Thanks, but I'm not sure the picnic attendees will appreciate a pack of howling dogs as backup singers.’
Marcus's eyes lit up with excitement. ‘No, but they would appreciate a duet. You two sounded wonderful together, even with the...unexpected accompaniment.’
Matt turned to Georgina, his expression hopeful. ‘What do you think? Would you be willing to give it a try?’
Georgina hesitated, her mind racing. Part of her wanted to refuse, to stay safely in the background as she had for so long. But another part, a part that sounded suspiciously like her mother's voice, urged her to take a chance.
‘I...I suppose we could give it a try,’ she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
The smile that broke across Matt's face was dazzling. ‘Really? You mean it?’
Georgina nodded, a mixture of nervousness and excitement bubbling up inside her. ‘Yes, but I also have a condition.’
‘Name it,’ Matt said immediately.
‘We practice somewhere without an audience of enthusiastic dogs a few times before the event,’ Georgina said with a laugh.
As they all chuckled, Georgina felt a sense of warmth and belonging wash over her. She looked at Matt, his eyes shining with happiness, and at Marcus, beaming with pride and encouragement. In that moment, she realised that she had found not just a job at Ruff to Regal, but a place where she truly felt at home.
Later that evening, as Georgina left the grooming parlour after her shift, she found herself humming Moon River softly. The setting sun painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, reminding her of countless sunset picnics from her childhood.
‘You know,’ Matt's voice came from behind her, making her jump slightly, ‘I meant what I said earlier. Your voice is really beautiful.’
Georgina turned to face him, a shy smile playing on her lips. ‘Where did you come from?’
‘I came back to talk to you—it couldn’t wait until tomorrow.’
‘Oh okay...and thank you for the compliment.’ They walked side-by-side, their shoulders touching ever so slightly, causing Georgina’s tummy to flutter. ‘You know, I haven't sung like that in...well, in years, really.’
Matt stopped walking and turned to face her, so Georgina did the same. He stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. ‘Why not? If you don't mind me asking.’
Georgina sighed, her shoulders dropping heavily. She was weary from everything she was doing lately, but most of all, stepping into the shoes of her mother had made her really miss her lately. ‘I guess...after Mum passed, singing just reminded me too much of her. I remember we used to sing together all the time, especially during picnics on the beach.’
Matt nodded understandingly, gently taking her hand in his. ‘I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories.’
‘No, it's okay,’ Georgina said, surprised to find she meant it. ‘Actually, singing today... it felt good. Like I was connecting with her again, you know?’
Matt squeezed her hand gently. ‘I do know. And I bet she'd be thrilled to know you're singing again, especially for the event she loved so much.’
Georgina felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, but for once, they weren't tears of sadness. ‘I think you're right.’ She lightly punched his large shoulder. ‘So, partner,' she said, injecting a note of playfulness into her voice, ‘when should we start practicing for our big debut?’
Matt's face lit up with a grin. ‘How about tomorrow evening? We could meet at the beach, get a feel for the setting. Then after that, we could use the community hall. That’s what I wanted to tell you. I rang and enquired earlier, and it’s free to use on Wednesdays.’
‘It's a date,’ Georgina said, then blushed as she realised what she'd said. ‘I mean, not a date-date, just a-a practice date.’
Matt's eyes twinkled with amusement. ‘A practice date it is, then. Though, for the record, I wouldn't mind if it was a date-date.’
Before Georgina could respond, Matt leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. ‘Goodnight, Georgina. Sweet dreams.’
As he walked away, Georgina touched her cheek where his lips had been, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the setting sun. She looked out at the bay, the water shimmering in the fading light, she felt truly excited about the future.
With a smile on her face and a song in her heart, Georgina headed home, already looking forward to tomorrow's ‘practice date’ and all the possibilities it held.