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 forme...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 whatclosefriends 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.’
