Georgina snapped out of the trance and stepped back while looking him up and down. ‘I’m not that type of girl.’
The man’s eyes went wide, and he held his hands up, palms facing her as he shook them and his head simultaneously. The triangles fell to the ground. ‘No-no-no. What I mean is, if youare only part-time at the petrol station, you could work here answering the phone in exchange for me fixing your car.’
Georgina’s mouth went wide as comprehension sunk in. ‘Ohhhh right.’ Her hand flew to her open mouth, and she tried to hold in the laughter that rumbled up through her chest. The man joined in with her laughter, the awkward moment instantly gone. When they had finished laughing, they stared at each other smiling, their grins stretching from ear-to-ear.
‘That is very kind of you. I really appreciate the offer... Yes. It’s a deal.’ She held her hand out. I’m Georgina. Georgina Shelley.’
The man took hold of her hand, his eclipsing hers as he shook it. ‘Matt Harris. Nice to make your acquaintance Georgina Shelley.’
Georgina narrowed her eyes and then they went wide as recognition washed over her face. ‘Did you barge into the church sermon last Sunday?’
Matt threw his head back and laughed, holding his hands up in a surrender position. ‘Guilty as charged. Although I wouldn’t say I barged in. When I entered, I had no idea the church was filled to the rafters and a sermon was in full procession.’
Matt tilted his head to one side. ‘I recognise you too. Other than the vicar, you were the only person standing up, weren’t you?’
Georgina nodded with a smile and mimicked Matt’s hands and statement. ‘Guilty as charged.’
‘Why were you standing? Had you been a naughty girl and the vicar was calling you out?’
Georgina laughed. ‘Hey! What are you trying to imply? No. I was actually volunteering.’ She wondered if Matt could see into her soul through her eyes. She’d only volunteered after feeling guilty about laugh-snorting.
‘Volunteering, eh? I wouldn’t have taken you as the volunteering type.’
Georgina opened her mouth aghast. ‘I’m offended. Are you trying to imply there is a certain look for volunteers and I don’t fit it?’
Matt shook his head vehemently. ‘No, it’s not that. I just thought volunteers were mainly of a certain age, and you appear to be far too young to fall into that age category.’
‘Then you are forgiven,’ winked Georgina.
‘What were you volunteering for?’
‘To organise the annual community sunset picnic event and get as many volunteers as possible to offer their skills entertaining the residents of Seagull Bay at the event, which will be held on the beach in a couple of weeks.’
‘Wow. That sounds like fun... I mean the sunset picnic part. Not the part where you have to twist arms up backs to get residents to pledge their allegiance to the cause.’
Georgina laughed. ‘When you say it like that, it makes the already difficult task sound even more impossible.’
‘Are you already having trouble obtaining volunteers?’
Georgina nodded. ‘It’s only my first day, but I’ve already asked a dozen people who came into the petrol station, and I still haven’t been able to get one name secured on my list.’
‘Don’t get disheartened. Maybe try changing tactics. Why don’t you knock on doors armed with a clipboard and pen? Maybe asking them in their comfort zone might sway them.’
Georgina liked that Matt was on the same wavelength as her. She nodded. ‘Yes, that’s what I was planning on doing this week when I wasn’t working at the petrol station. However, now I need to know what days you need me here so I can work off my bill. I’ll now have to fit in house calls around my new whacky work schedule.’ She finished the sentence with a light-heartedlaugh, although her mind really was scrambling to work out the logistics.
‘Don’t worry. I’ll not claim too much of your time, but it would help me out a ton if you could share your work schedule for the next week or two with me, so I can see if your free time corresponds with the days I need you to man my phones.’
‘Or evenwomanyour phone,’ Georgina quipped.
‘Huh?’ The corners of Matt’s mouth quirked up. ‘Ah. I like a strong-headed woman with a sense of humour.’ He chuckled and nodded, as if appreciating the remark even more now he was thinking about it.
‘Who said I was joking?’ Georgina held a stern expression as she looked at Matt.
Matt’s smile slid from his face. ‘I-I wasn’t being sexist. I hope you are not offen—’
Georgina let the laugh that had been building up in her chest explode, which came out even harder when she saw a look of relief wash over Matt. ‘You had me...you fooled me good and proper. What a relief. I can't believe I fell for that. I can see our temporary working arrangement is going to be...erm, unconventional.’
‘Oh, don’t worry. I’ll be very professional answering your phones. I really appreciate that you have offered me this alternate opportunity to get my car fixed.’ Georgina looked past Matt towards the small office she could see through a glass wall to the right of the garage she first saw Matt working. She was eager to see where she would be working for the next week or so. ‘Shall I write down my availability?’
