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 bigdifference. 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.’
As 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'sshoulder 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 itwas 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.
Chapter ten
