The afternoon passed in a blur of fur and friendly dogs, and before she knew it, it was time to meet Matt.
With each step towards their meeting place at the community centre, Georgina felt her determination grow. Tonight, she decided, she would be honest with Matt about herfeelings— her hopes, her fears, and everything in between. It was time to stop letting the past dictate her future.
As she rounded the corner and saw Matt waiting for her, guitar case in hand and a warm smile on his face, Georgina felt the last of her doubts begin to melt away. Whatever happened next, she was ready to face it—not alone, but with Matt by her side.
When he saw her, Matt's face lit up with a smile that made her heart skip a beat. ‘Hey there, songbird,’ he called out, his voice warm and welcoming. ‘Ready to make some music?’
Despite the last of her lingering doubts, Georgina found herself smiling back. ‘As ready as I'll ever be,’ trying to inject confidence into her voice.
They made their way into the community centre, their footsteps echoing in the quiet evening air. As Matt held the door open for her, Georgina caught a whiff of his cologne—a subtle, woodsy scent that made her pulse quicken.
Inside, was eerily quiet, their voices echoing slightly in the empty space. Matt flicked on the lights, illuminating the well-worn wooden floor and the slightly faded motivational posters on the walls.
‘So,’ Matt said, setting down his guitar case and rubbing his hands together, ‘where should we set up?’
Georgina glanced around, spotting a small raised platform at one end of the room. ‘How about over there? It'll give us a feel for performing on a stage.’ Matt nodded and led the way.
As they settled onto the platform, Matt began tuning his guitar. The soft, melodic sounds filled the room, creating a cocoon of intimacy around them. Georgina found herself relaxing, the tension from earlier in the day slowly ebbing away.
‘Alright,’ Matt said, looking up at her with a grin. ‘Let's start withMoon River. You ready?’
Georgina took a deep breath and nodded. As Matt's fingers danced across the strings, she closed her eyes and let the music wash over her. When she began to sing, her voice was soft at first, but grew stronger with each note.
As they moved through the song, Georgina opened her eyes to find Matt watching her, his gaze filled with admiration and something deeper that made her breath catch. To her surprise, he joined in, their voices blended seamlessly, the harmony sending shivers down her spine.
As the last notes faded away, a comfortable silence fell between them. Matt was the first to break it, his voice soft with awe. ‘Georgie, that was...incredible. We sound amazing together...as if it were meant to be.’
Georgina felt a blush creep up her cheeks. ‘You think so? I was worried I might still be a bit rusty.’
Matt shook his head emphatically. ‘No way. Your voice is beautiful. It's like-like honey and sunshine all mixed together.’
Georgina laughed, the sound echoing in the empty room. ‘Honey and sunshine? That's quite the description, Mr Harris.’
Matt grinned sheepishly. ‘Hey, I'm a mechanic, not a poet. But you know what I mean.’
As they continued to practice, trading quips and laughing at their occasional missteps, Georgina felt the last of her doubts melting away. This easy rapport, this connection with Matt—it felt real, solid in a way that Veronica's flirtations could never be.
Suddenly, a strange creaking sound echoed through the room, causing them both to jump. ‘What was that?’ Georgina whispered, her eyes wide.
Matt looked around, his brow furrowed. ‘I'm not sure. Maybe it's the ghost of failed community theatre productions past,’ he joked, wiggling his eyebrows dramatically.
Georgina giggled, playfully swatting his arm. ‘Don't even joke about that. This place is creepy enough when it's empty.’
Their laughter was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. To Georgina's dismay, Veronica sauntered in, dressed in form-fitting workout clothes that left little to the imagination.
‘Oh my. What a lovely surprise,’ Veronica exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as they landed on Matt. ‘I didn't expect to find anyone here this evening.’
Matt, ever polite, smiled and waved. ‘Hey there, Veronica. Just practicing for the charity event. What brings you here?’
Veronica stretched languidly, drawing attention to her toned physique. ‘Oh, I thought I'd get in some dance practice for my performance. I hope you don't mind if I join you?’
Before Georgina could object, Matt shook his head. ‘Not at all. There’s more than enough space in here. The more, the merrier, right Georgie?’
Georgina forced a smile, trying to ignore the knot forming in her stomach. ‘Right. Of course.’
As they resumed their practice, Veronica began her dance routine on the other side of the room. Despite her best efforts to focus on the music, Georgina couldn't help but notice Matt's occasional glances towards Veronica's graceful movements.
Each time she caught his eye wandering, Georgina felt a pang of jealousy, even though she admitted to herself it was even difficult for her not to look in Veronica’s direction, the way she was waving her arms and legs about. But still, Georgina tried to shake it off, reminding herself of Christine's advice and Matt's own reassurances, but the nagging doubt persisted.
