Thoughts of yesterday’s escapades invaded her mind, and at the forefront of them were thoughts of Matt and his rugged good-looks. Georgina couldn’t believe how lucky she’d been with his offer to fix her car, he wasn’t only handsome, he was caring too. All she had to do in exchange was answer a few phone calls. She definitely had the better side of the deal.
A grin tugged her mouth upwards. She was quite looking forward to working in the garage. She hadn’t a clue what else the role entailed, but she would embrace the challenge and even better, embrace the time with the handsome man who she would be working alongside.
She thought about Matt again. Why didn’t she know anything about him? She knew everyone who lived in Seagull Bay, the town was so small, and most people lived in close proximity. She even knew who lived on the outskirts of the town, but she didn’t know Matt. The only person she could think of to pick their brains about him was her sister Francis.
Georgina checked the time. Her sister would be preparing breakfast for her niece while Francesca watched her favouritechildren’s programmes on the TV. This was the perfect time to call.
Hitting speed dial on her sister’s number, Francis answered after just two rings.
‘Good morning Sis. How’s my little niecey nicey?’
Francis chuckled. ‘Morning Georgina. She’s twirling ballerina style as happy as can be in front of the television. Everything okay with you? Aren’t you at work this morning?’
‘Ah bless her heart... No. I’m still only working a part-time contract, they said the hours might increase at some stage, but they couldn’t promise anything yet.’
‘Ah that’s right. I remember you telling me now. Still, it’s better than nothing isn’t it?’
Georgina twirled a curl around her finger as she contemplated the statement. ‘Yes I guess so. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful, I really am, but I'm going to struggle on part-time wages...although the extra free time is nice at the moment.’
‘I’ve told you; I can lend you some money Sis. I don’t want to see you struggling.’
Georgina laughed lightly. ‘Thanks Sis, but the trouble with borrowing money is, it has to be paid back. I’d rather just go without for now. As long as my bills are paid, that’s all that matters.’ She paused, unsure whether to burden Francis with her car dilemma. ‘Although I’m being contrary, because I’m saying that after my car broke down yesterday, and I have no money to get it fixed.’
‘Oh no. Where were you? Did you get roadside assistance? I’ll lend you the money to get it fixed. You can’t go without it, you need your car to get to work.’
‘I was actually coming back from work when it died a death right on that sharp left-hand turn just half a mile from the petrol station heading back to the bay... Do you know which one I mean?’
‘Oh no. That bend is nasty. Oh my goodness. I bet that was awkward for the breakdown recovery truck.’
Georgina now wished she’d kept the breakdown to herself. ‘Erm, I don’t actually have breakdown cover at the moment.’
Francis gasped down the phone. ‘What?! Then how did you get the car recovered? Did dad tow it back for you?’
‘No. I wasn’t able to call him. My battery was dead. But luckily, I noticed a garage a little further down the road.’
‘Oh Georgina, how many times have I told you...never let your battery run lower than two bars?’ Georgina rolled her eyes. ‘Huh, did you say garage? There’s a garage near that bend? I’ve never noticed one before.’
‘Me either. Thank goodness it’s not just me. I thought I was going mad.’
‘So what happened? Did the people in the garage help you?’
‘There was just one man there, but thankfully he agreed to help me. He pushed the car, and I steered it to his garage.’
‘Crikey. That was very nice of him.’
Georgina grinned, eager to tell her sister more. ‘You haven’t heard the best bit Sis. After he found out I had no breakdown cover and no money to fix the car until the end of the month, he’s offered to do the work fo me in exchange for me manning his phones on the days I’m not working at the petrol station. Just until his father returns from holiday.’
‘Wow! That’sverygenerous. Who is he and what is the name of the garage?’
‘He’s called Matt and the garage is named Harris’s Garage. Do you remember the guy who came into church when Reverand Townsend had just began his sermon last Sunday?’
‘Oh yes...I do. The tall-dark-handsome man with the beard. Is that him?’
‘Yes, that’s Matt.’
Francis chuckled. ‘Ahhhh, now I understand why you’ve accepted the offer.’
Georgina laughed as well. ‘No-no-no. It’s nothing to do with his looks. He could be engaged or married for all I know... No. It’s just that I’d be a fool not to accept a free car fix in my current circumstances.’
