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.
Hours 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.
