Chapter eleven
T he early morning sun filtered through the garage windows, casting long shadows across the oil-stained concrete floor. Georgina stifled yet another yawn as she settled into the creaky office chair, the familiar and now comforting scent of motor oil and rubber filling her nostrils. She blinked hard, trying to focus on the appointment book in front of her, but the words seemed to swim on the page.
‘You want a cuppa, sunshine.’ Matt's cheerful voice cut through her fog of exhaustion. He leaned against the doorframe, his brow furrowing as he studied her face. ‘You okay? You look a bit...worn out.’
Georgina mustered a weak smile. ‘A coffee wouldn’t go amiss, Matt. I wanted to get a head start on organising these appointments, but I’m feeling a little stretched lately—too many jobs and not enough time.’
‘You should book a day off and spend it in bed, catching up with sleep.’
‘I'm fine,’ Georgina insisted, waving off his concern. ‘Just need to focus, that's all.’
As she turned back to the appointment book, Georgina's mind drifted to the night before. She'd been up until the wee hours, making phone calls and sending emails for the sunset picnic event. The weight of responsibility pressed down on her shoulders, a constant reminder of the legacy she was trying to uphold.
Her phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. It was a text from her sister, Francis:
Hey sis, just checking in.
How's the event planning
going? Don't forget to take
care of yourself.
Love you!
Georgina smiled weakly at her sister's concern. It was as if she were tuned in to how she was feeling, and knew she needed words of support. She typed out a quick response:
Thanks, Francis. It's going
well, just a bit overwhelming.
I'll be fine. Love you too.
As she set her phone down, Georgina caught sight of the new screen saver she’d put on her phone. It was a picture of her mother at the last sunset picnic she had organised, her face radiant with joy as she stood surrounded by community members. Georgina traced her mother's smile with her finger, feeling a mix of love, longing, and determination.
‘I hope I'm doing you proud, Mum,’ she whispered.
‘Earth to Georgina?’ Matt's voice snapped her back to the present. He was waving a hand in front of her face, concern etched in his features.
For a moment, she’d completely forgotten where she was. ‘Sorry,’ Georgina mumbled, blinking rapidly. ‘I was just...thinking about the picnic charity event.’
Matt pulled up a chair, sitting down next to her. ‘You know, I've been meaning to ask. What made you decide to take on this huge responsibility alone? It seems like a lot for one person to handle.’
Georgina sighed, running a hand through her hair. ‘You know how I told you my mum used to organise the picnic event every year. After she passed, no one stepped up to continue it. Marie her firend who used to help, had other responsibilities. I guess I always presumed Francis and I would organise it together at some point. But then she had Francesca, and well, there was never much free time together after that... Then last week, it felt like I had to—that the time was right for me ...you know? To honour Mom’s memory.’
Matt nodded, his eyes soft with understanding. That's really admirable, Georgina. But you don't have to do it all alone. Have you thought about forming a committee or something for next year?’
Georgina shook her head. ‘No. But what if I tried and most people were too busy to commit? I’m not exactly getting the best feedback this year. And honestly, part of me is afraid of letting others in. What if I do it and they want to change things? What if it's not the way Mum would have wanted?’
Matt reached out, gently taking her hand in his. ‘I get it. But you know, sometimes letting others help doesn't mean giving up control. It can make the event even better, bring in new ideas while still honouring your mum's vision.’
His words struck a chord in Georgina. She'd been so focused on doing everything exactly as her mother had, she hadn't considered that there might be room for growth, for new traditions alongside the old.
‘Maybe you're right,’ she said softly. ‘I just...I want it to be perfect. For her.’
Matt squeezed her hand. ‘And it will be. Because you're putting your heart into it, just like she did. But that doesn't mean you have to run yourself into the ground doing it.’
Georgina felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. For the first time since taking on the event, she felt like someone truly understood the weight she was carrying.
‘Thank you, Matt,’ she said, her voice thick with emotion. ‘I don't know what I'd do without your support.’
Matt's dark eyes crinkled as he smiled. ‘That's what close friends are for. Now, how about we look at that appointment book together? Two heads are better than one, especially when one of those heads is about to fall asleep on the desk.’
Georgina laughed, the sound chasing away some of her exhaustion.
Matt looked intently at her. ‘You know. I can still see you're exhausted. Why don't you take the day off? Your car's almost fixed anyway, so you won't need to come in much longer.’
A pang of disappointment shot through Georgina at his words, surprising her with its intensity. The thought of not seeing Matt every day made her heart sink.
‘No, really, I'm fine,’ she insisted, forcing a brightness into her voice that she didn't feel. ‘Besides, I need to honour our agreement. You fix my car in return for me answering your phones, because I can’t afford to pay for it any other way at the moment.’
Matt's eyebrows shot up. ‘Are you having money troubles? Because if you are, I can lend you some money.’
‘No, no,’ Georgina cut him off quickly. ‘It's fine, it’s just...with three jobs and organising the picnic, I'm just stretched thin at the moment.’
Understanding dawned on Matt's face. ‘Of course. You’re still working at the petrol station, here and now at the dog groomers as well. Three jobs! Georgie, that's too much. No wonder you're exhausted.’
The use of the nickname sent a warm flutter through Georgina's chest, momentarily distracting her from her fatigue.
‘I can handle it,’ she said, more to convince herself than Matt. ‘It's only for a little while longer.’
Matt shook his head, a determined glint in his eye. ‘Alright, how about this? I'll go out with you again this evening to collect donations and volunteers. That way, we can cover more ground, and you can get to bed at a decent hour.’
Georgina felt a rush of gratitude, mixed with a hint of excitement at the prospect of spending more time with Matt. ‘Are you sure? I don't want to impose...’
‘You're not imposing,’ Matt said firmly. 'I want to help. Now, why don't you take a little nap while I work on your car? I promise I'll wake you if the phone rings.’
Too tired to argue further, Georgina nodded gratefully. As she leaned back in the chair, her eyes drifting closed, she heard Matt's footsteps retreating, followed by the clanking of tools. The familiar sounds of the garage faded as she slipped into a much-needed sleep.
H ours later, Georgina found herself walking alongside Matt through the quaint streets of Seagull Bay. The evening air was crisp, carrying the salty scent of the sea. Street lamps flickered to life as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone pavements.
‘Thanks again for coming with me,’ Georgina said, glancing at Matt. The fading light softened his features, highlighting the kind lines around his dark brown eyes.
Matt smiled, the gesture sending a flutter through Georgina's stomach. ‘Happy to help. Besides, I'm enjoying the company.’
They approached a large Victorian house, its windows glowing with warm light. As Georgina raised her hand to knock, the door swung open, revealing a statuesque blonde woman.
Georgina felt as if she'd been doused in ice water. ‘Veronica?’
The blonde's perfectly plucked eyebrows shot up. ‘Georgina Shelley? Well, isn't this a blast from the past!’
Memories flooded back—taunts in the school hallways about being motherless, whispered rumours in the cafeteria, tears shed in bathroom stalls. Veronica Hayes had been the bane of Georgina's existence throughout high school.
‘What brings you to my doorstep?’ Veronica asked, her gaze sliding past Georgina to land on Matt. Her red-painted lips curved into a predatory smile. ‘And who's your handsome friend?’
Matt stepped forward, extending his hand. ‘Matt Harris. We're collecting donations and volunteers to entertain the residents of Seagull Bay for the annual sunset picnic event.’
Veronica's eyes lit up as she shook Matt's hand, holding on a moment longer than necessary. ‘Oh, how wonderful! I'd love to help. Why don't you both come in and tell me more about it?’
As they followed Veronica into a lavishly decorated living room, Georgina felt a knot forming in her stomach. She watched as Veronica gestured for Matt to sit beside her on the plush sofa, leaving Georgina to perch awkwardly on an adjacent armchair.
‘So, Matt,’ Veronica purred, leaning in close, ‘tell me more about your involvement in this charming little event.’
Georgina rolled her eyes as Matt launched into an explanation. Veronica had grown up in the bay, she knew everything about the annual sunset picnic charity event. Georgina found herself scrutinizing Matt and Veronica’s interaction. Was Matt leaning in too close? Was that laugh a little too hearty? She shook her head, trying to dispel the jealous thoughts creeping in.
‘You know,’ Veronica said, her hand coming to rest on Matt's arm, ‘I used to be quite the dancer. Perhaps I could offer my services for the entertainment portion of the event?’
Matt's eyes lit up. ‘That would be fantastic. We're always looking for more entertainment options.’
Georgina cleared her throat, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice. ‘That's very generous, Veronica. We'd also appreciate any monetary donations you might be able to make.’
Veronica waved her hand dismissively. ‘Oh, of course. I'll write you a check right now. Anything to help the community...and to support such a worthy cause.’
As Veronica scribbled out a check, Georgina couldn't help but notice how she kept glancing at Matt, her smile just a little too wide, her laughter just a little too loud.
‘Here you are,’ Veronica said, handing the check to Matt rather than Georgina. ‘I do hope we'll have a chance to...work closely together on this event.’
As they said their goodbyes and stepped back out into the cool evening air, Georgina felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Relief at being out of Veronica's presence warred with lingering jealousy and a touch of insecurity.
‘Well, that was certainly productive,’ Matt said cheerfully. ‘The donation she made was incredibly generous.’
Georgina hummed noncommittally, her mind replaying every interaction between Matt and Veronica.
Matt nudged her gently with his elbow. ‘Hey, you okay? You've gone awfully quiet.’
Georgina forced a smile. ‘I'm fine. Just...processing, I guess. Veronica and I have a bit of history.’
Matt's brow furrowed. ‘Not good history, I take it?’
Georgina sighed, kicking at a pebble on the pavement. ‘Let's just say high school wasn't the best time of my life, and Veronica played a big part in that.’
Matt was quiet for a moment, then said softly, ‘I'm sorry. I didn't realise. If I'd known, I wouldn't have been so...friendly.’
Georgina's head snapped up. ‘Friendly? Is that what you call it?’
The words were out before she could stop them, laced with more bitterness than she'd intended. Matt's eyes widened in surprise.
‘Georgie,’ he said gently, ‘were you...jealous?’
Georgina felt her cheeks flush hot with embarrassment. ‘What? No, I-I just...’
Matt stepped closer, his hand coming to rest on her arm. ‘Because if you were, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Veronica might be generous with her money, but you're generous with your heart. That's worth so much more.’
The sincerity in his voice made Georgina's breath catch. She looked up into his eyes, seeing nothing but warmth and affection there.
‘I'm sorry,’ she said softly. ‘I don't know what came over me. I guess seeing Veronica brought back a lot of old insecurities.’
Matt's hand moved from her arm to cup her cheek gently. ‘Georgie, you are kind, selfless, and beautiful inside and out. Don't let anyone make you doubt that, especially not ghosts from your past.’
Before Georgina could respond, Matt leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. The gesture was so tender, so full of care, that Georgina felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.
As they resumed their walk, Matt's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining naturally. The warmth of his touch seemed to chase away the last lingering doubts and insecurities.
‘You know,’ Matt said as they strolled along the moonlit street, ‘I think your mum would be really proud of you. Not just for organising this event, but for the person you've become.’
Georgina squeezed his hand, a lump forming in her throat. ‘Thank you, Matt. That means more to me than you know.’
As they continued their rounds, collecting more donations and volunteers, Georgina felt a renewed sense of purpose. The exhaustion that had plagued her earlier seemed to melt away, replaced by a warm glow of contentment.
With Matt by her side, supporting her dreams and soothing her fears, Georgina felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As they walked hand in hand under the starry sky, she realised that sometimes the most unexpected encounters could lead to the most beautiful discoveries.
The sunset picnic event was no longer just a tribute to her mother's memory. It was becoming a celebration of new beginnings, of community, and of a love that was blossoming as surely as the flowers in Seagull Bay's gardens.