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.
Georgina 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 aclosefriend.’
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.
