Georgina's heart raced. She took a sip of water, buying herself time to collect her thoughts. ‘I'd be lying too if I said I hadn't thought about it,’ she admitted softly. ‘But what if it doesn't work out? I don't want to make things awkward between us while I work there temporarily while you fix my car.’
Matt nodded understandingly. ‘Those are valid concerns. How about this—we take things slow, see how it goes this week.If at any point you feel uncomfortable or want to step back, just say the word. I will still honour my promise to fix your car, regardless of what happens between us personally.’
Georgina felt a weight lift off her shoulders. ‘That sounds fair. So...is this our first date then asclose friends?’ she teased.
Matt's face broke into a wide grin. ‘I'd like it to be, if that's okay with you.’
Georgina couldn't help but smile back. ‘It's more than okay.’
As their food arrived, the tension between them eased. They fell into easy conversation, discussing their families, their dreams, and their favourite movies. Georgina found herself laughing more than she had in months, captivated by Matt's wit and charm.
‘You know,’ Matt said as they finished their meals, ‘I've driven past this bistro dozens of times, but I've never actually stopped here before. I'm glad I finally had a good reason to try it.’
Georgina felt a blush creep up her neck. ‘Well, I'm honoured to be your reason. And whoever recommended them, were right about the eggs benedict—they're delicious.’
As they left the bistro, Matt hesitantly reached for Georgina's hand. She felt a jolt of electricity as their fingers intertwined, and she marvelled at how natural it felt when they interlinked.
Close friends held hands...didn’t they?
They walked slowly back to the car, neither seeming eager for the day to end. ‘So,’ Matt said as they reached it, ‘what do you think? Was this a successfulclose friendsfirst date?’
Georgina pretended to consider for a moment, enjoying the flicker of uncertainty that passed over Matt's face. Then she smiled. ‘I'd say it was very successful. Though I think we might need a few more, just to be sure.’
Matt's answering grin was dazzling. ‘I couldn't agree more.’
As they drove back to Seagull Bay, Georgina felt as though something fundamental had shifted. The future suddenly seemed full of exciting possibilities. She glanced at Matt, catching him looking at her with a soft smile, and knew that whatever happened next, it was going to be an adventure worth taking. She just hoped her fears from past relationships didn’t thwart her newfoundclose friendshipwith Matt.
Chapter eight
Georgina was a million miles away thinking about her first date with Matt as she leaned against the gate waiting for Marcus. They were taking things slow. Matt was nothing like her exes and she had a good feeling about where their close friendship was going. Romance with Matt was just a touch away.
She was so deep in thought; she didn’t even know Marcus was standing beside her until she felt herself being gently rocked.
‘Earth to Georgina...helllllo!’
‘Oh sorry Marcus. I was miles away.’
‘Yes, I know you were love...on Pluto by the looks of it.’
Georgina giggled. ‘I’m so excited for today.’
Marcus looked over his shoulder at her and grinned as he walked up to the door. ‘I’m glad. It shows to me how enthusiastic you are.’ He unlocked it and pulled it open gesturing for Georgina to go in first. ‘You switch the kettle on, and I’ll turn all the lights and sockets on.’
‘Okay. What do you want? Tea or coffee?’
‘Coffee with vanilla syrup please Georgina.’
‘Ooo, that sounds yummy. I think I’ll have the same.’ Georgina made her way to the small storeroom-come-tearoom.
Thought of Matt invaded her mind again as she made the coffee. She’d had the best first date with him. They hadn’t kissed, but their friendship had developed into something so much more profound and deeper in the short time they’d spent together.
‘Hello love. It’s a lovely surprise seeing you in here. I’d forgotten you were starting today.’
Georgina looked back over her shoulder to see Christine peeking her head around the door. ‘Morning Christine. Do you want a drink making, there’s plenty of hot water?’
‘I’ll have a cup of tea if you’re offering love. You know how I like it, don’t you?’ Christine opened the door fully and came into the small room, leaning against a shelf, watching her with a warm smile on her face.
Georgina smiled to herself. Now that Christine was dating her father, she’d gotten to know quite a bit more about the woman who she and her sister had always held dear to them over the years.
