15 comments/ 38504 views/ 24 favorites That Hippy Chick By: xelliebabex In the bay side suburb of her childhood, Matilda sat quietly in the knee length grass. It was one of the few parks left now, especially since the transit system had been upgraded and people who once lived and worked in the city began to commute from the outer suburbs to the daily grind of their office jobs. Matilda plucked a blade of grass and, shredding it into three thinner pieces began to braid it, adding a dandelion to the braid. She smiled at the bright yellow colour. "It was such a shame they did not have a scent to match their sunshine colour," She mused as she completed the floral headband and placed it on her head. Matilda had fought hard to save this park from investors and developers who wanted to place even more high density housing in the booming suburb. She had rallied the family first. Being majorly middle class, they seemed to forget that many of the parks and streets in this area were named for their family, one of the first families to settle in the bay area. A woman on a mission, she had badgered the surrounding neighbours into joining the protest against the proposed rezoning of the small piece of park land. She had hired a bus and taken a group into the court house in town to challenge the corporation face to face. She and her team had won. Matilda let the dandelion crown fall from her head as she leaned back looking up at the sky and reclined back into the long grass. She sighed, "Tomorrow, the council would send the slashers in to clear the grass, just in time for the green army to arrive next week." The green army were a combination of people doing community service and those on long term welfare. The second group had to 'work for the dole' a minimum of fifteen hours week to qualify for their welfare payments. Matilda didn't care where the man power came from, who was she to judge she was just so happy this little piece of suburban wilderness was no longer going to be turned into some cement and steel monstrosity. Picking herself up, Matilda stood and walked the short block back to work. She and her best friend, April ran a small vegetarian cafe on the esplanade facing the bay. Walking through the door, she hurried back over to the counter. Matilda disliked the yuppie, 'Hollywood Wives', clientele they attracted during the days. She saw them as pretenders who thought it was trendy to be seen to be eating healthy vegetarian food. The business kept ahead of their costs on these women's penchant for coffee and April's incredible chocolate brownies, so Matilda smiled and joined their conversations when invited. They didn't just keep ahead of the bills, but the cafe did well enough that they had been able to hire some part-time help. That help came in the form of Penny. Penny handled the waitressing when Matilda spent time on her campaign to save the park. April laughed softly and pulled some grass from her friend's wild hair, "Go clean up before coming back here, Tilly. You know better than that." She shook her head. She loved Matilda like a sister, but she was such a flake at times. She had a brilliant mind and ran the business side of the cafe so well. They had built a good little venture here when so many others had gone bust. April made herself a fresh passionfruit and orange juice and took it out to sit in the fresh air during the lull in business. People often underestimated Matilda. She looked and acted like a typical hippy chick, all peace and love and understanding. Behind that flaky facade though, April knew Matilda had a quick sharp mind with a genius IQ. It was her business plan, and savvy that got them to where they were today and her political know-how and convictions that saved her beloved park. April imagined that if Matilda ever decided to join Greenpeace and take on the Japanese whalers, they would surrender easily and head back home. The rest of the afternoon went by in the blink of an eye, and before the girls knew it they were locking the doors and heading for home. Grateful they only stayed open for dinner Sunday and Monday nights, Matilda watched April climb into her boyfriend's car before beginning her walk home along the esplanade. She loved the walk home the smell of the mangroves on low tide and the sound of the calm sea as it lapped at the stone edged walkway. Greeting all her neighbours as she walked through the marina, Matilda stepped aboard her boat. She loved this boat. Her mother hated it. When her father had died he had left the boat to Matilda. She had immediately left the house she shared with April and her boyfriend embarking in a life on the sea. Opening the doors it never ceased to amaze her how roomy it was inside, but then it was only her that lived there and she didn't take up much space, so it was bound to seem roomy. The boat was her father's one indulgence, his man cave so to speak. It was more of a small yacht than a house boat, and he would take his mates out once a month deep sea fishing and host a boys' a weekend. She smiled remembering times he had taken her out to feed to dolphins at Tangalooma and swim in the pristine beaches of the small islands that dotted the bay. Having a quick shower, she wrapped a towel around her, sat at the small living room table and opened her laptop to check her email and look at her plans for the park. It would be a true community area with a community garden area, an adventure playground for children and seasonal flower garden. These three distinctive areas would be surrounded by grassy areas perfect for picnics or small games of football or cricket. Satisfied that she had covered everything with the landscape architect and driving herself insane with what if's, Matilda stood up grabbed the watering can and went up on deck. Watering her prized potted garden, she picked random leaves off and nibbled as she carefully watered and tended to her babies. Spending more time than necessary fussing about the small plants, Matilda finally sat back and looked up at the moon. "Please," she spoke to the man in the moon, "Please let these people tomorrow care about the park as much as completing their community service." Peeling off her towel as she walked into the cabin, Matilda crawled into her bed. She was restless and hoped the book she was reading at the moment would help her settle enough to sleep. She picked up the copy of One Second After and began to read enjoying the small breeze from the port hole caressing her body in the summer heat. Matilda began to doze off, the book falling from her hands, and she rolled over not bothering to pick it up or pull up a cover. Her hand snaked between her legs as it usually did when she was falling asleep. She rolled her hips as her fingers delved deeper and she let out a purr of pleasure as her mind wandered to a favoured fantasy. A gently rolling orgy of flesh moved through a field of wildflowers. Akin to the loving hippy communities of the 70's in her mind's eye, the group licked sucked and fucked with care for the others needs. Her clit was hard under her fingers as they stroked and rolled it with the increasing juices that leaked from her. A second finger joined the first as the fantasy changed and warped to the group of naked players being herded into police vans. She was detained, held back and trapped by two men in uniform. Offered the freedom of the commune for sexual favours what could she do but agree. The soft sexual exploration of the beginning of the fantasy turned darker and harder. Her hands worked harder at her body slapping her clit as a slime covered finger trailed it way to her ass, the images so vivid in her fantasy she moaned into her pillow as her finger forced it way up into her tight asshole. Her other hand alternating slapping and pinching at her clit, Matilda came explosively, her whole body shaking as she arched up off the bed. Rolling over and drawing shaky breaths, she quickly drifted off to sleep her fingers and thighs still shining with cum. ........................................ Nate woke up and looked at the girl beside him. Groaning inwardly, he got up and got dressed quietly. He was jaded by constant one night stands with women he barely knew. The problem was that he never got to know them better, assuming they were typical bimbos who slept around more than he did. What he wanted was a girl to date, someone who didn't know who he was, or his family. He wore the mantle of being Connor McCarthy's son badly. His father was an elite athlete who had made the transition into the business with relative ease. His mother, a well known actress had given up her career for the demanding man she married. Nate's earliest recollection was that he too would do as his father expected and walk in the same shoes, living an identical life to his father rather than one of his own choosing. A tennis racket was forced into Nate's hand when he would have rather been playing football with his mates. He was made to sit with tutors after school if he got anything, but a perfect grade, curtailing his already limited free time. By the time he was a teenager, he was a rebellious, angry young man. Football had been his salvation in high school. His school had a formidable Rugby Union team and Nate had to work hard to maintain his position on it. He wasn't a star, but he was a valued member of the team. It was there he made friends he could trust and love like brothers. The coach was a tough man who did not care who you were outside of football as long as you played with heart. Of all his football mates, only a few were still single including himself and his best mate Wing. Wing never had one night stands anymore it seemed, saying he was waiting for that someone special to come along and, as Nate looked down on the sleeping girl in the bed he has just vacated, thought perhaps Wing had the right idea. He didn't even know the sleeping girl's name. Picking up his phone he used his favourite app, "Where Am I" to work out his location and called Wing to come and pick him up. Like Nate, Wing was obsessed with his car, they both had reconditioned V8 Holden Monaros that sounded like thunder and drove like a dream. Climbing into the car Nate smiled at Wing and said, "Thanks, mate." "No worries. What sort of a wingman would I be if I didn't follow up after helping you score?" Wing smirked at him. "Did you catch her name?" Nate asked with genuine curiosity, "I think I am starting to agree with you about wanting more than a drunken fuck." "Not like you to be planning a second date," Wing laughed. "Hell, I haven't had a first date since I was seventeen. I just want to meet a nice girl, not a drunken club bimbo and see what happens," he said thoughtfully. "I mean it's not like I am looking for a virgin or anything but I always thought that if I settled down and started dating someone seriously, I would want a nice girl, with values and a brain." Wing was laughing hard by this stage, "Yeah right and that's why you always go home with the most beautiful girls and don't even get their names let alone know if they have a brain." "If they are taking my drunken ass home, how much brain power do you really think they have?" Nate shot back. "Let's go out to Archersfield tonight. Give the cars a few good runs," he suggested. Still laughing Wing agreed but admonished, "You aren't gonna find any 'nice' girls out there!" "True, but who says I gotta start looking straight away?" Nate laughed with him. The men spent the day lounging poolside at Nate's palatial family home enjoying the warmth of the summer sun. Eventually, they got dressed and driving their own car headed out to Archersfield. They were early, so they made their way to a local burger joint. It was here that most of the street racers hung out, and the cops patrolled trying to get a lead on where the races would be happening. Grabbing some burgers and taking a seat at a booth, the men looked around not recognising anyone as someone they might know from the street racing crews. Nate decided to ring Simmo and see what was going on. The police had pulled off a major bust about a month ago. Those that didn't have their cars impounded for illegal modifications were fined for public nuisance. Almost all were doing some form of community service now. Anyone who wanted a run needed to join up with the Highlanders down in the Reserve. Half an hour later the men rolled into Highlanders Reserve seeing a few familiar faces but mostly new ones. Parking their classic muscle cars side by side, they got out to look around at the other cars that had come to race the streets. The newer younger guys looked over the Monaros calling them sweet rides but bemoaning their relic status as not being worth racing. Wing and Nate said nothing, knowing the custom design and reconditioning they had both paid heavily for, meant that their classics could outrun most of the modified beasts on display here. "Alright gentlemen, are you in tonight just spectators tonight?" The tall lanky man known as Highlander inquired. "Yeah we're in," Nate said handing over the entry fee for both of them, "Where's the half way turn around?" "The jetty out at Blake's Well. There will be six shotguns to pick up and there are ten cars racing so good luck," the answer came as a surprise. Usually it was just a turn around, no picking up passengers involved. "Ready to roll in fifteen minutes," he said as he walked away towards the other competitors. Wing shrugged and turned toward his car, "No harm sharing the Monaro legend with someone." Nate laughed and swung into his own car, the engines starting up a twin symphony of thundering roars before rolling slowly forward to the start line. There was only one direct route for all of the racers to take but some were obviously punching data into navigators, 'Maybe they weren't locals,' Nate thought. Nate remained hyper alert as he raced through the streets toward the south end of the bay. This car was his baby, and he would rather pull from the race than have some jerk side swipe him in an effort to win. They drove for about twenty minutes before pulling up at the pier. Wing was right behind Nate. A girl jumped into each car, and they peeled away again. "You're running third," the young girl informed him, "Better put the pedal to the metal if you have any chance." "Well buckle up, sweet cheeks, or we will lose any chance when I pull over and make you," Nate growled and surprised by the tone in his voice and the threat, she pulled the seat belt into place. The girl had the typical tough persona that went along with hanging out with macho sexist men. Nate raced back through the streets Wing hot on his tail. They heard the cars coming toward them before they saw them. The cars that had lined Highlanders Reserve came teeming out onto the road, police lights and sirens accompanying the noise of the roaring engines. Nate shifted down and turned down a side street getting lost in a maze of twists and turns. Eventually, he pulled over under a great tree with large low branches that semi disguised the car. Looking around he couldn't see Wing, but he hadn't expected to, on such occasions they invariably split up so one could bail the other out if necessary. "What do we do now?" The girl beside him whined in a nasal high pitched voice. "We wait until the police go back to the lockup, and then we will go home. About an hour or so, I reckon, just to be safe," he spoke as if to a child. "An hour? But I'm fucking bored already," she whined and Nate considered throwing her out of his car. The girl turned to look at him, "I'll give you a blow job if you take me home now." Nate considered the girl. She wasn't bad looking, and it would stop her whining at him for a while, so he scooted his seat back and undid his pants. "Sure. Why not? We have time to kill," he smirked at her. "Take me home first," she whined. "If I move my car right now neither of us will be going home, I guarantee it," Nate muttered, "We have to stay here for a little while whether you like it or not." He turned to look at her properly, and her jaw dropped. "You're Nathaniel McCarthy aren't you?" "Last time I checked I was," he sighed as he saw the look he got from most girls who just found out they were with one of Cosmo Magazine's, rich and eligible bachelors of the year. He groaned and pulled his seat forward just as she started to lean across. "I'm sorry," her whiny voice was getting to Nate, "If I had realised...." Nate cut her off, "Realised what? That you could blow a guy with a reputation like mine easier than the average street racer? It's fine I will take you home." "I thought you said it wasn't safe," she looked at him as he started the car. "I decided I would rather be arrested than put up with any more of your shit," Nate said through clenched teeth. Checking google maps on his phone, he found a back way out of the industrial area they had parked in and started the car. The girl was crying now, and Nate shook his head in disgust, he needed to hang out with a better crowd. Nate's phone rang, and he grabbed it up. Wing had been picked up by the police. They let him go as his car had not been modified beyond legal specifications, but he got charged with public disturbance. The girl with him wanted to talk to her sister, so Nate told him he would meet him at Barracuda bar and hung up. The lone police car at the other entrance to the reserve was obviously overwhelmed and barely even looked up as Nate slowly drove past the cars that had been pulled over and out onto the highway. They pulled into the car park of the bar and the girl finally broke her silence, "I'm not eighteen." "Fuck! Jailbait as well," Nate swore. In that moment, he had never been happier to have turned down a blow job. Pulling up beside Wing's car he saw the relief in his friend's face. They all got out and seeing the girl's sister was older than her he walked over to her, "Call a cab to take you and your sister home," he pressed a hundred dollars into her hand and turned walking into the bar. Wing of course made sure they got into a cab and that the money they had would cover it before following Nate inside. Nate turned to look at his friend, "I am way too old for this shit," he shook his head a stared at his beer. "It's time to grow up my friend," he said sadly. ....................................... Matilda sat on the newly installed swing, pumping her legs up and down as she test rode it for the tradesmen who had installed it. She laughed as she flew through the air enjoying the feeling of weightlessness as the swing reversed its arc. Matilda leaned back letting her hair fly out behind her. She closed her eyes, "Whee," she sang out letting the swing slow down. Jumping from the swing, she stumbled a few steps and tumbled over. Quickly getting up and straitening her clothes she looked around feeling the eyes on her. 'Oh Gosh, thank goodness I wore decent underwear today,' She thought. Looking around Matilda smiled at the project supervisors and tried to ignore the whistles that came from the men doing community service. She wandered over to the section being cleared to create the community garden. The guys on community service worked surprisingly well as a team, and the clearing of the large space had been fairly rapid. They looked up as she approached a couple of men smiling and moving toward her, "What, no brownies today?" One of the men complained. "Ha! I will bring some when I get back if you are still here," she smiled sweetly. "Trying to bribe us now?" He laughed with her good humour, "Where do you run off to every day anyway? Not much around here." "I work nearby," she said enigmatically. She had been warned not to give out too much personal information. These men were doing community service for various reasons, not all of them nice. A scruffy looking man got up from where he seemed to be taking a nap and walked towards Matilda. That Hippy Chick "Hey Tilly," he drawled and she immediately stiffened. No one except her father and April called her Tilly and she hated hearing it from virtual strangers, "You couldn't bring me coffee, could you? I have a mother of a hangover." "You always have a hangover," the first man answered saving her from having to answer him directly. "Water is the best thing for hangovers," He continued, "Go help yourself and do some work or you won't get the day signed off again." "Yeah, like it matters to me," the man scowled, "You're the one who has to worry. I'm just here for the ride." Leaving the two men to banter Matilda walked away, she needed to get to work. This park had been all consuming lately, and April needed more help at the cafe. Walking past the supervisors, she stopped to chat quickly, and promised to return later that day to check on progress. She wasn't officially working on the park, but she had been involved in all the planning with the landscape architects. She knew the park layout better than anyone so they deferred to her and it seemed they were grateful to have her on site most of the time. Matilda walked back to work realising that the men in the park thought she was some goofy tree hugger, green peace type. She shrugged, 'Maybe she was,' she thought to herself, but there was more to her than that. She walked into the cafe April may be the culinary artist and main worker in this little venture, but Matilda worked pretty hard on the business side of things making sure they stayed afloat and made a profit. Never ones to be mainstream, the friends took Tuesdays and Wednesdays as their days off and shut the shop until they hired another woman, Heather. With the extra help, they were able to open seven days, serving the basics that could be prepared prior or easy freshly made recipes. It was slow to take off, but Heather turned out to be a fantastic addition. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble, and she had begun a small amount of baking as well, though April wasn't so keen on sharing her kitchen. At ten on the dot, Matilda arrived at the cafe. Heather was already waiting. There was no sign of Penny as usual. Now there was a goofy tree hugger. Totally the stereotypical, dancing naked through the woods nature lover, but she was lovable and came on board when they were offering only minimum hours and minimum pay. Heather smiled as Matilda opened up the cafe and bustled past her, eager to get into the small kitchen. "Heather," Matilda called, "I know April will probably kill us but do you think you could do a batch of brownies this morning for me to take to the park later?" Heather laughed, "Sure, honey, if they're, not for the café, I don't think April would mind me testing my brownies out on your little friends." Matilda laughed loudly wondering what those men would make of being referred to her as little friends. Laughing to herself she went about setting the tables up and putting out the signage. The morning seemed to fly by quickly, and it was towards the end of the lunch rush when Matilda recognised the two men who walked through the door. They seemed so out of place in their dirt smeared king gees amongst the glamorous regular clientele of bored housewives who lived in the bay side suburb. Smiling widely as she looked up they grinned, "So this is where you run off to every day. Very nice, Tilly." The guy with the perpetual hangover moved toward the counter. "Yeah it's a good place to work. They let me be fairly flexible with my hours here," she hedged. "What can I get you?" "Never been to a vegetarian place before but I am guessing a bacon cheese burger is off the menu," he laughed and nudged his friend who looked up at her with apologetic eyes. "Vege burger is as close as you can get here, I am afraid," she said with a perfectly straight face. The quiet guy spoke up as if trying to redeem himself for being with the hangover guy, "Sure give us two of those. Don't suppose you have any of those brownies laying around do you?" Matilda grinned, "Actually, we are trying out a new recipe today. You can be my guinea pigs." "Sold," hang over guy announced. He handed her a fifty dollar note telling her to put the change in the tip jar, "Is it okay if we wait at the tables outside?" He questioned. "No worries. I'll bring it out when it's ready. You want it to go right?" She was directing her question to the quiet one, but hangover guy took control of the conversation again. "Yeah to go," he grumbled and turned to walk away, believing she had not thought him good enough to eat at the cafe. As much as he hated the attention that being part of his family brought him, the thought that she believed him not good enough irked him equally. He turned his back on her and walked out to the front of the cafe. Matilda turned to give the order to Heather who was smirking, "I didn't think you liked your name being shortened to Mattie or Tilly." "I don't but I am hardly going to scare away customers over it," Matilda laughed, "Don't get any ideas okay?" "Fine," Heather sighed, "I was often envious of girls like you who could shorten their names to something cute, nothing you can do with Heather. I tried Hetty on for size once. It was just wrong on so many levels," she laughed despite herself. Ten minutes later Matilda took them men's lunches out to them. "The park is coming along better than expected," she said brightly, "I often had lunch down there on my days off before the work began. I barely recognise it now that it's being cleaned up." The quiet guy smiled, "I imagine it is a bit different." Matilda was about to ask where hangover guy was when she laughed softly, "I just realised that I don't even know your name, or your friend's name." "They call me Wing, but my name is Mitchell," he tilted his head across the street, "That's Nate." Matilda looked up and saw the hangover guy putting out a cigarette and heading back toward them. "Well enjoy your lunch. Maybe next time I'll come picnic in the park with you," she smiled and went back inside before the moody hangover guy, Nate, returned. Litterbug was now added to hangover guy and motor head. She had seen him arrive for work in his petrol guzzling car, and she despaired once again that most men seemed to care about the environment less than their cars. As the weeks progressed, Matilda got to know Wing better, but she found his friend Nate overbearing and arrogant with his constant interruptions to their conversations. She saw them at the cafe occasionally as well as at the park. She had found out that Wing got his nickname by being the perpetual wingman for his friends. He was not threatening, neither too good looking or rich or successful, just an average guy that could speak to girls and get to know them allowing his friends an introduction to someone. He was right Matilda thought. He was easy to talk to and get along with and she never once felt that he had an ulterior motive the way she did with other men who seemed to be constantly sizing her up or talking to her breasts. The park was almost done now, and she realised she would miss Wing's company when they no longer came to the park. On the last day of the work at the park, the supervisors had organised a barbeque and drinks that Matilda had been invited to. Staying well away from the barbeque and the smell of burning flesh Matilda went to sit on the swing as she watched the small group of men enjoy the completion of the project. Wing came over to offer to get her something, and she smiled and shook her head, "No thanks. Barbeque isn't my thing." "I didn't think so," he laughed, "Don't hate me for loving a good bit of rump now and then." Wing winked at Matilda and she burst out laughing at the innuendo. "I could never hate anyone," she grinned, "Especially a nice guy like you." She smiled, "You should have been here on Clean up Australia Day. All those men with no shirts on wading through the mangroves," she grinned, "All the sailors from the marina come down to help along the esplanade." His head twisted around making sure Nate was still out of earshot, "Well that sounds very tempting. When was it?" "First weekend in March, a couple of weeks ago now, it saved a lot of work for the slashers when they came in," she was still smiling as she spoke. Nate made his way over to them, the juices from his steak burger dripping down his hands as he held it out from his body and took a bite. He sat on the patch of grass in front of the swing, "These are surprisingly good. You should go get one," he mumbled around a mouthful of food. "That's my cue," Wing said good-naturedly and stood up from where he had been leaning against the pole of the swing frame. "Get Tilly one too," Nate called over his shoulder as his friend walked away. Matilda shook her head knowing she didn't have to, stopping as Nate turned back to her. "So the project is finally finished. You must be happy with the results," he spoke lightly as he waved the steak burger around indicating the parkland. "Oh, I will still be around the park, making sure it survives anymore rezoning attempts," she laughed lightly but without real humour. "I bet you are happy the job's finally done." "Yeah but probably not for the reasons you think," he laughed with her. He had an easy confidence that came with being one of the lucky few who had it all, looks, money, brains. "So enlighten me," she smiled, "Your community service must be pretty much done. You can go back to what ever it is you did with your days before this." "I work like every other bloke," he said looking injured by her words, "I am not like the work for the dole mob that rarely show up. I took leave from my job to do this project, and help Wing get his community service out of the way." "Sorry, I didn't mean..." she started. "It's fine I get it, do crime - do the time, but of all the people to judge me I didn't think you would," he had cut her off and sounded genuinely upset at her. "You seemed so... just well... nice." He seemed to consider her for a moment longer and got up and walked away without another word. Matilda was stunned, always so aware of stereotypes she supposed she had pigeonholed the man with a lot of the hard drinking, partying types she had known at university, but that was the impression he gave off. She couldn't believe how guilty she felt for one off hand comment that most people would have easily laughed off and agreed it was good that the hard work was over. Matilda looked over at the small group milling around the barbecue and smiled. When they all finally left she would still be here. She was part of the park they had helped rebuild, and she decided this party was their farewell not hers. She went over to say goodbye to the supervisors, before heading home. Kissing their cheeks fondly she wished them well and thanked them profusely for letting her be so involved with the project. Wing had walked off with Nate to the other side of the park, so she waved and receiving a small wave in return before turning to head home. Feeling oddly sad at the completion of the park project, she walked past the cafe, she needed some alone time and slowly walked along the esplanade heading to the marina and her little piece of solitude. Matilda loved the sunset, so she grabbed a glass of wine and sat out on the aft deck surrounded by her potted garden and watched the gentle roll of the water change colours with the sky. She was contemplating having a second glass of wine with the dying rays of light when the bell at the mooring went, and a deep voice called, "Permission to come aboard?" Matilda smiled but didn't move from where she sat. She called out, "If you're coming on board you better have wine or a good excuse why not." She laughed as Cooper came into her line of sight a wine bottle in hand. She grinned and held her glass out for him, "Let me guess, April thought I would be moping, so she sent you to keep me company until she got here." Cooper went inside to the kitchen laughing, "At the end of a big project you always get a bit maudlin," he replied pulling the already open bottle from the fridge and grabbing an extra couple of glasses, "She's coming after work," he pulled up a deck chair and joined her looking out over the water under the darkening sky. April and Cooper were the closest thing to family Matilda had after her mother. She leaned over and took Cooper's hand, "Thanks for coming." "It's been two years of your life, Matilda. You should be celebrating not feeling blue," he squeezed her hand and fell silent as they sipped their wine. Cooper finally broke the silence, "So tell me about these guys that have been hanging about the cafe checking you out." Matilda was stunned by the question. "The what, who?" "Two guys, April told me they come by for lunch a lot. They were disappointed when they realised you took days off. Don't play innocent with me," he smirked at her. "As your adopted big brother I probably should approve any prospective suitors." "Wing is probably more interested in dating you than me, though he is so far inside the closet, he would never admit it," she laughed merrily. "You've got it all wrong big brother, dear. They are just guys who worked on the park and are gone now." There was a tinge of sadness in her voice she would miss Wing's easy humour. "Not the impression I got," he smirked. "April is pretty good at reading people. I think I will go with her version of events." Matilda drained her second glass of wine. "You think if I rang April she would bring some food with her when she comes to pick you up?" "You think she hasn't thought of that, already," he countered. "Oh goodie," Matilda smiled, "I'll have a top up then." She was halfway through her third glass when April showed up with Penny and Heather bearing a Vietnamese banquet and more wine. "Wow," Penny exclaimed, "This is awesome!" Penny explored the boat as Cooper pulled more deck chairs out, and crowded into the aft section of the boat. Matilda was starving and ate and drank happily with her friends and began to celebrate all the work she had put in to saving the parkland. "Your friends came in as we were closing," Penny said excitedly. "That tall one is so cute if you don't want him I will take him." "He isn't mine to want or give away silly," Matilda nudged Penny playfully with her foot. "They seemed pretty disappointed you didn't say goodbye properly to them," Penny teased her. "I thought they were a gay couple at first," April cut in, "Rare that my Gaydar is off, but I don't think they both are, anymore. I reckon the sweet one is, but his friend doesn't know yet, am I right?" "Wing is sweet isn't he," she grinned at April then turned her grin on Penny, "Shame he's gay and just a friend." Penny was not fazed at all by the news, "They asked me to invite you to the pub they went to tonight, to celebrate properly." She watched the surprised look on Matilda's face before looking at the small group, "Come on people. Let's celebrate properly." Surprisingly it was Heather who spoke up, "It's been so long since I went to a pub. Do you think we could?" She looked eagerly at her two bosses. Heather was a middle aged sole parent suffering badly from empty nest syndrome which had driven her back out into the workforce. Matilda looked at the woman and made relaxed and happy by the food, wine and good company she replied, "Sure, why not? It's been ages since I went out." "I am way too curious now to be left behind," Cooper said looking at April, "How 'bout it, hun?" April held up her hands in mock surrender, "I am not gonna be the party pooper." They all raided Matilda's wardrobe not that she had a lot of clothes for going out, but it was only a pub after all. In high spirits, they all piled into Cooper's old bomb of a car and headed off to the pub that Penny said they would be at. "See if you can find us a table. I'll get you ladies a bottle of wine to share," Cooper yelled over the noise and music as the walked in. Before they had even looked for a table, Penny was waving at Wing across the room, who had was waving them over to their table. "You made it!" Wing seemed genuinely surprised by their appearance. He kissed Penny's cheek before hugging Matilda and kissing her. "I am so glad to see you. You left without saying goodbye. I thought Nate was going to cry," he winked at her. Matilda introduced her friends as they sat down even though Cooper was probably the only one who needed introducing and he was still at the bar. "Tilly! You're here!" Nate picked her up from the chair she had just sat in and kissed her on the lips. Shocked it took her a moment to come to her senses and push him away from her. "What do you think you're doing?" She almost yelled at him. She watched as his face turned form one of joy to the hurt she had seen earlier that afternoon. "Hey there, buddy," Cooper swooped in between them holding out his hand, "You must be one of the guys who helped out in Matilda's park." Nate shook his hand and nodded, "Yeah. It looks good now. Have you seen it?" He spoke to Cooper, but his eyes stayed on Matilda over the man's shoulder. "Yeah, it's great. I owe you one for all that work. What are ya drinking?" Cooper wrapped his arm about his shoulder and steered him away from Matilda toward the bar. Matilda sat back down and looked at Wing who shrugged at her trying to look innocent a moment before Penny said, "Told you they were disappointed you left before saying goodbye properly." "That didn't look like a goodbye kiss to me," Heather laughed continuing the teasing. Matilda groaned and took her glass of wine mumbling, "I knew this was a mistake." "Don't be silly," April smiled, "You didn't know that would happen, and it's been ages since we went out together. You would only be moping around it you were back on the boat." Wing's ears perked up, "Boat? What boat?" Penny and Heather went into raptures over the fact that Matilda lived on a yacht in the marina and how beautiful it was out there on the bay with the lights twinkling on the water. Wing smirked at Matilda, "A yacht, huh?" "Of course," she replied offhandedly, "Doesn't everyone have one?" Wing raised his eyebrow at her, and she rolled her eyes, "No, it's just a little dinghy that my Dad left me." "That's very cool. I had guessed you wouldn't be living somewhere conventional, but I was expecting some big hippy commune style share house," he laughed as he teased her. Matilda wasn't sure whether to be insulted or not, so she took a gulp of her wine and laughed it off. "Why would you say that?" April asked seeing the uncomfortable tensing of Matilda's shoulders. Wing looked up and then over at the approach of Cooper and Nate. "I reckon she is one of those innately 'good' people you know?" He looked back at April, "She cares so much about a little park, then we find she is a vegetarian. I wouldn't be surprised if she volunteered in an animal shelter or something, but I sort of pictured a big share house with chickens and goats and stuff out the back." April was smiling and tilted her head as she listened to him. "She never judged anyone who came to help out at the park either voluntarily like Nate, or by court order, like me," he laughed as Nate sat down, "You know what I mean? She is like one of those environmental hippy chicks, except she is not so hairy and much prettier." April was laughing almost hysterically as Wing tried to explain what he meant by calling her good. Matilda, on the other hand, was gaping at him, "Not all environmentalist are hippies! Not all vegetarians are animal activists!" Matilda spluttered. "But you are all those things," April was still laughing, "Wing so pegged you. Face it aside of the whole pig-gate incident, you are that good!" She turned to Wing, "You know she even had solar panels installed on her boat so she could put back into the grid rather than take out." That Hippy Chick "No way," he looked at her with wide eyes. "Now tell me about the pig-gate incident," he almost begged. "I knew she wasn't perfect." "Cooper, save me from April," Matilda begged as he sat down between them while Nate moved around the table, to sit next to Wing and the every bubbly Penny. Cooper stroked April's face and kissed her lightly, "What mischief are you up to now?" "Fine. Fine. I won't say another word. See? I can be good like Matilda," she winked at Wing and mouthed, "I'll tell you later." Cooper chuckled, "No one is that good. There is only one Matilda." "Oh for goodness sakes," Matilda mumbled. She turned to Heather, "Is there a sign that says open season on Matilda, tonight? Did April put a kick me sign on my back?" "Don't be so dramatic! You will ruin your good girl reputation," Heather smirked. "You ran off this afternoon without saying goodbye to us," Nate offered, "That tarnishes your reputation a little bit." Everybody turned to look at him, "Hey!" Nate held up his hands in surrender, "Tilly needed someone on her side." "You're gonna see her bad side if you keep calling her Tilly," April murmured. "I thought we were supposed to be cheering her up tonight, not picking on her," it was strangely Penny that came to her rescue, "Tell us, Matilda. What's the next big crusade?" Matilda shrugged, "Earth Hour is this weekend, so it's a bit late for that. But Earth Day is a month after that, so I suppose I will be pretty busy if I get involved with that team. I have been so invested in the park I haven't really thought about it, much." "Why don't we do the Mangroves as usual and then picnic in the park? Invite all our friends and stuff," Cooper suggested, "It'll be fun." They spent the next hour or so talking good-naturedly and making plans for Earth Day that got more intricate and exotic the more drunk they got. Matilda rarely drank so much, but her wine never emptied fully, and she lost track of how many drinks she had had. She woke up the next morning still fully clothed but gratefully in her own bed. Sitting up slowly she ran her fingers through her tangled hair and looked at the time, infinitely grateful that the cafe didn't open until ten. Matilda began stripping the clothes she wore the night before wrinkling her nose at the strong smell of the bar that lingered in the fabric. Wearing just her underwear, she stepped out of her cabin to brush her teeth and wash her face, in an effort to wake up. Matilda stopped dead in her tracks, screamed and scurried back into her room. "Now that's what I call a good morning!" Nate chuckled as he saw her flee back into her room. Matilda pulled on a baggy shift dress and called out, "What are you doing here?" "I made sure you got home safely last night. Just as well really. You almost fell into the bay twice," he was still talking with a slight chuckle in his voice. Matilda emerged from her room eyeing him suspiciously, "That doesn't explain what you're doing here now." "Well, let's see, I brought you home and tucked you into bed without taking advantage of your drunken advances," he smirked at her. "Then I went to leave, but the moon was so bright over the bay, so I sat in one of the deck chairs to enjoy it and fell asleep. When I woke up, I decided I wanted to see you again. I just hadn't imagined I would see so much of you." His eyes raked over her now covered body. Matilda blushed deeply, "Well you have seen me, and I need to get ready for work. So, thanks for making sure I got home alright." Nate was not sure he had ever been dismissed so easily before. In fact, he was sure he hadn't. Wing kept reminding him that this girl was very different to the usual girls he came across and that he needed to take a different approach if he wanted to get to know her better. He had stayed awake last night planning this moment and here she was driving him crazy again. "Look," he said, "Let's start again." He handed her a cold glass of water and gestured to the stairs. "Good morning, Tilly. Come sit in the sun for a few minutes it will help you feel better than you can shower and get ready for work." Matilda considered him. She had nothing in common with this man. She looked at her watch, "I really don't have time," she could see the disappointment creep over his features and marvelled that she always felt so guilty around him. "Okay," he mumbled, "I will let you get to work then." Taking her by surprise he leaned forward and kissed her cheek, "Bye, Tilly. Thanks for last night it was fun." He turned and walked up the stairs pulling the door shut behind him. Sighing Matilda went to shower and change wondering just how drunk she had been last night as her memories came back in flashes and she knew she needed to get to work to talk to the girls about what occurred. Dressed and ready for work she climbed to the aft deck and stopped in horror. A beautiful breakfast had been laid out and was rapidly going to waste in the sun. Moving quickly, she stored most of it in her fridge and pantry before reading the note she had found under the platter of fruit. "Tilly" she read, "I really do want to see you again. I would like to show you something special tonight, no strings and no expectations. Please come. I will be there to pick you up after you finish work at six. I have put both mine and Wing's numbers into your phone, so you can call to cancel, but I truly hope you don't use them. Nate" Shoving the note in her bag she hurried out to work checking her watch and almost jogging along the esplanade. At work, she joined in the camaraderie, and gentle teasing from the night before, her foggy memory clearing until she remembered it all. Heather had come in on her day off during the lunch rush just in case anyone was a little seedy from the night before. It was nice to have the four of them together at one point Heather exclaimed to April, "You're seriously telling me Matilda has no idea who Nate is?" "No, and don't you tell her. Let her find out for herself," she grinned, "Wing told me that was a huge plus for Nate. Apparently he is looking for a woman with more substance than the vacuous bimbo's he was usually photographed with" Heather laughed, "Substance? Is that what they're calling it now?" The women laughed, and the day went by so quickly that Matilda totally forgot about calling Nate to decline his invitation for tonight, by the end of the work day as the finally closed up later than usual it took April to ask what she was planning for the evening for Matilda to remember the date with Nate. "Oh no," she cried slapping a palm to her cheek. Matilda looked at her watch then up at April, "I forgot to call and cancel. I think I have a date, and I am late for it!" Turning from April's startled expression she went to hurry home but was brought up short by the sight of Nate leaning against Cooper's car chatting amiably to him. Looking at April she begged, "Help me get out of this, please!" April linked her arm with Matilda's and walked over to the car, "It was a mad house in there today. Sorry we are so late. If I had known Tilly had a date I would have gotten Penny to stay back with me," she smiled sweetly at Nate. "Traitor," Matilda mumbled under her breath, "I'll need to go home and change," she said quietly, "Maybe we could do it another night?" "It's all good," Nate said, "We have time for a quick change. Come on, I will walk you home." He took her hand, and they bid their friend farewell as he set a brisk walking pace back along the esplanade. "I half expected you to cancel on me," he smiled at her. "Did you find my note?" "Yes," she said uncertainly, "Thank you for the breakfast you left you should have said something." Nate shrugged, "No big deal." They boarded the boat and Nate took a seat on the aft deck, "I'll wait here," he said, "You go change. Don't take too long please. We have reservations." She looked at how he was dressed, semi casual and disappeared inside the cabin. It took her fifteen minutes to slip on a handkerchief dress with a figure hugging bodice and try to tame her wild curls into some form of style. Nate smiled as he saw her emerge again locking the door behind her and took her hand, "We gotta get a move on if we don't want to miss it! You look great, by the way." "Where are we going?" She asked as he pulled her along behind him and opened the door to his car. "It's a surprise. Didn't I say that in my note?" Nate smiled at her. The car roared to life and Nate pulled away from the curb. They travelled in silence for a while, "You know," he said conversationally, "When I have had this car rebuilt and reconditioned, I put in one of the motors that can be switched between E10 petrol and LPG Natural gas. I rarely use the E10 anymore." Matilda was impressed and entered into a lengthy discussion about fossil fuels versus alternative fuel products. When they pulled up at a low wooden building that was dimly lit from the outside, she was surprised. Nate was the epitome of a gentleman he opened doors and led her into the building with a gentle hand in the small of her back. The restaurant was very rustic, dimly lit by great fire places on either side of the vast room and wrought iron chandeliers hung with protected candles. Light glowed from the kitchen area in the back as they were led to a table next to a great glass wall overlooking the city. "You can almost see out to the bay from here!" Matilda exclaimed. Nate was happy to see her so excited and checked his watch, they would have to order now if they wanted to eat before the event. "I'm starving he said let's eat, what do you feel like?" He asked passing her a menu. Finding several good vegetarian options of the expansive menu she smiled and ordered, accepting a glass of champagne but asking for iced water as well, she didn't want a repeat of the night before. "Cheers," Nate held up his glass, "Here's to a fun night, the first of many I hope." Still unsure about the man sitting adjacent to her, Matilda clinked her glass against his and smiled, "Cheers." They talked about Matilda mostly over dinner the causes she was passionate about and how the cafe began. "What's happening?" Matilda asked as the waiters and waitresses began walking around with long sticks putting out the candles in the chandeliers. Nate chuckled, "You know this. You of all people know why tonight is important." He pointed out the window, and the city seemed to shimmer and then blink out of existence. Nate gathered her hand across the table, "Its Earth Hour silly." "Oh god! I am such a ditz. Of course, it is!" Matilda continued to watch out of the window as the houses of inner city suburbs ceased twinkling. It was as if a ripple effect was enacted until only the occasional light could be seen twinkling in the blackness. Nate leaned close whispering, "You're so unlike anyone I have ever dated before. You are truly beautiful." He saw the outline of her face as she turned her head toward his whisper and he kissed her gently his lips barely touching hers at first. When she didn't protest he kissed her more firmly feeling her kiss him back. "This is an amazing surprise thank you," she breathed as he broke the kiss. "I had totally forgotten. It's been so busy lately." "I am glad you enjoyed it," he murmured kissing her again in the romantic glow of the twin fireplaces the only light in the small restaurant. Caught up in the moment, Matilda leant to kiss him again and found herself wrapped in his arms as the kiss lengthened. Sitting up she smiled as her eyes finally adjusted to the dim firelight, she realised in talking mainly with Wing she had not really got to know Nate very well over the last few weeks. She had let her stereotypes rule her thinking despite the fact that Wing was his best friend, and she felt guilt about that now. She was enjoying this date more than she would have thought possible. In the dim light, their dessert was carefully placed before them, and she looked at the small tart placed in front of her and grinned, "I haven't had this since... well for a long, long time." "I am glad you're enjoying tonight so much," Nate couldn't help getting caught up in her relaxed enjoyment of everything. The girls he usually dated or was seen with would have been whining about the lack of light and the lack of paparazzi. As they finished dessert, a middle aged woman approached their table, "I hate to interrupt what looks like the beginning of a lovely date," she said, and Matilda saw Nate's body stiffen. "My son plays for the same school you went to and is a big fan. Would you mind terribly signing this for him. He has most of the signatures from last year's team except yours and Mitchell Stewart. It's such a shame your injury sidelined you last season." Matilda watched fascinated as Nate scrawled a few words on a napkin and signed it, "There you go. Tell him I will be following their season." The woman gushed and walked away, leaving Matilda looking up at him with a bemused smile. "Look," he pointed out of the window again trying to avoid the obvious questions by turning her attention back to the city which was coming alive with light again. "So pretty," she breathed. "I won't make you tell me if you don't want to," she said as she stared out of the window his hand creeping over to hold her again, "But if I go home and google you and you know my curiosity is piqued so I probably will, you may not like what half truths I find." He laughed, "You are right, I wouldn't be happy if you believed the things you read on google about me." "So then you agree that it's better you tell me what that was about then?" Matilda grinned. "You are one of the few people who don't seem to recognise me, so forgive me for liking it that way," she pouted, and he sighed heavily. "My name is Nathaniel McCarthy," he looked at her blank expression, "My Dad is Connor McCarthy," her eyes widened with recognition, "My mother is Kelleen Malloy." He looked down at the table, "I guess I don't have to finish the rest." "So I am on a date with the city's resident bad boy," she smirked at him. "You know," she said sincerely, "I pride myself on not judging people by their past or their culture and I guess I really haven't been doing that lately, especially with you." She considered him, "I'm sorry about that, but I have really enjoyed tonight and you don't seem like such a bad boy to me." "Good," he leaned over and kissed her, "Shall we go?" They drove back toward the bay, chatting about their respective families and what it was like growing up in their respective households. The one thing they had in common was the pressure they felt at being only children. Arriving home they sat on the aft deck amongst her potted garden and looked out onto the bay. They sat side by side, and he reached a hand out for her to take it. "Come sit with me, Tilly," Nate said quietly. Matilda smiled at him, taking his hand, "This had been a perfect first date. Let's not rush it." Nate grumbled but agreed. They sat in silence until he could no longer ignore her yawning. "Okay I hear you. Let's get you tucked into bed before I leave, so I know you safe and sound," Nate tried to look innocent. "I can make it that far on my own," she laughed. "You do realise you're turning down one of the countries most eligible bachelors?" He tilted his head at her a smirk playing at his lips. "Oh well that makes all the difference," she laughed, "But I still need a rain check. I am just so very tired after being out with such a bad boy two nights in a row." He pouted at her, "I would be just another notch on your belt if I slept with you after a first date. What's the general rule there? Third date?" "Okay but you should know I am counting last night and I will meet you after work tomorrow night," he smiled brightly and kissed her before she could protest. "Sweet dreams, Tilly," she smiled and turned and left the boat whistling happily. Matilda climbed into bed and fell asleep quickly aided by the exhaustion she felt from the night before added to the champagne earlier tonight. It was a deep dreamless sleep, and she woke refreshed and energised. She had a shower and made some breakfast sitting to eat and listen to the news as the radio sang into existence. The news of the success of Earth Hour, still going on around the world, made her smile and agree that it was successful in 'oh so many' ways. She grinned to herself, thinking of the Nate she got to know last night. She frowned as she realised he had said he would pick her up after work tonight without realising they stayed open for dinner on a Sunday. She cleaned the plates and grabbing her phone, sent Nate a quick text apologising for not being able to make a date tonight and made sure it sent, cursing herself for forgetting to put it on charge last night. She threw the phone and the charger into her bag determining to charge it at work. Sunday was always a busy day as people who weren't lucky enough to live near the water came out for day trips. Matilda mysteriously said very little about how her date went or how she spent Earth Hour. The day was just too busy for anyone to pin her down and interrogate her as they rushed to keep up with the demands of customers which hadn't stopped arriving all day. Matilda checked her phone often and there was no response from Nate, and she sadly thought maybe she had over-estimated his interest in her. She had only checked text messages though not the amount of missed calls as he rang every hour to talk to her. Finally tired of hearing it ring as it sat in the kitchen on charge, April picked up the phone in frustration. The conversation was short, but they both got the answers they were looking for and April hung up with a smile. Late that afternoon they started to arrive, but April was prepared and had called Cooper to come in for support. Usually most of their Sunday night trade was take-away, but tonight would be different. More and more couples arrived asking for the Reds table. Matilda had no idea, but Penny jumped in saying, "Oh I forgot to tell you, big party come in tonight we better push a few tables together." The cafe had a BYO licence, but they tended not to advertise it very much preferring sober customers, but this group came with their own eskies and cooler bags for wine. April called Matilda into the kitchen to help her out with a few things leaving Cooper and Penny to run the floor of the restaurant. When Matilda finally returned to the room with plates of breads and dips for starters, she almost dropped the food as she saw Nate at the head of the table and Wing sitting beside him. It clicked in her mind that they had asked for a Reds table, not a red table. Wing stood up as he saw her approach, "Here she is!" He called over the chatter, "The girl who introduced us to the delights of vegetarian food. Everyone, this is Matilda." Matilda pasted a smile on her face and turned and nodded politely at the assembled group and placed the plates in the centre of the large group hurrying to get the other plates for the large group. Cooper who was originally from New Zealand was a mad Rugby fan and was in heaven with some of the greats sitting in his girlfriend's restaurant. He eagerly waited on the table taking every opportunity to talk to the men and their wives. Matilda helped as best she could in the kitchen but as time went by and the night slowed down April eventually shooed her out, "They're here because of you. Don't hide in here all night." Matilda tried to smooth her unruly hair back and entered the dining room again, grabbing a juice and making her way over to the table. She pulled up a spare chair and sat between Nate and Wing. "This was a surprise," she looked at them both, "You could have given me warning about it." That Hippy Chick "I did! If you ever answered your phone or checked your messages," he scowled at her. "I checked several times if you have replied to my text when I had a minute," Matilda looked confused. "I rang. And rang, and rang. I wanted to hear your voice to make sure you weren't regretting anything from our date last night." He was looking into her eyes. The girl beside Wing yelped and choked on her wine, "You? The king of one night stands," she patted her chest as she choked, "Took a girl on a proper date?" Feeling the need to defend him it was Matilda who spoke up, "It was probably the most romantic date I have been on, but then I am easily pleased," she grinned. The girl was still gaping open mouthed as Matilda turned back to Nate, "When I agreed to a second date I forgot to tell you we open late on Sundays and Mondays. That was why I cancelled." "Oh," he said, "I knew that. I was going to pick you up at ten for a late supper. I don't imagine you eat much when you're surrounded by food all day long." "So you bought all these people with you to check up on me? You're not some sort of crazy stalker guy are you?" Matilda asked, teasing him. "Wasn't his idea," Wing said, "Mine. It was time for a get together, so I called it. He met your friends now you get to meet his." Matilda finally laughed and shook her head, "I think you're as bad as each other." The girl beside Wing laughed, "I think you and I are going to get along great. I'm Danielle, Mitchell's sister." Matilda chatted amiably as the group ate their dessert or picked at cheese and fruit platters. Eventually, April emerged from the kitchen declaring the Kitchen closed and grabbing a juice came to sit with the small crowd that still remained from the Reds group. Cooper approached her a few minutes later, "Go home, Matilda. April and I can lock up, it's her day off tomorrow anyway and it looks like it's going to be a long night." Matilda smiled at Cooper gratefully and stood up to go and retrieve her bag. Nate saw her move from the table and followed her into the kitchen area. Matilda jumped when she turned and saw him, "I am going to head home," she said quietly, "I was coming to say goodbye. No need to leave and ruin the fun." "It's a bit late to be walking home alone, don't you think?" He stared at her, "I'll walk you home, it's not far." "Okay," She said surprising him by not arguing. He leaned over and kissed her murmuring, "I have been dying to do that all night." "Don't want to kiss the freaky hippy chick in front of your friends?" She bit back instantly regretting her words knowing she judged this man to harshly too often. He had a strange effect on her and she found it unsettling. Not saying a word he took her by the hand and led her from the kitchen, "Thanks for coming to my girlfriend's cafe everyone. Same day next month picnic in the park. Wing will send you the details," his voice was loud and as he finished he leaned down to her ear smiling at her stunned expression, "Now you say thank you and goodnight." "Nice to meet you everyone," Matilda finally said as she came to her senses again, "I really hope you can make it to our Earth Day barbecue." She turned to the startled expression of April, "I'll call you, I promise, enjoy your day off." Looking up at the smiling face of Wing she almost rolled her eyes, "Good night everyone." Nate was grinning as Matilda spoke. She didn't deny being his girlfriend in front of their friends, and she had enough backbone to do if she had wanted. They left hand in hand and walked a little way in silence. "What is it with you and surprises? Couldn't warn me what's about to hit me head on?" She said not quite angry but unsure of how she was feeling exactly. "Don't want to be my girlfriend?" He stopped walking to look into her eyes. "I didn't say that. It's just that I didn't get a choice, or warning. I mean we haven't even had our second date," she smiled crookedly. "Technically, this is our third date," he moved closer bending to brush his lips over hers, "You know what that means." Nate smiled crookedly. "You can't count tonight really," Matilda whispered unsure if she really meant that but knowing that she didn't want to become one of his many conquests. She turned and began to walk again. "I waited all those weeks for work at the park to be finished before asking you out. That's why I was happy that it finished, not the work," Nate spoke quietly as he walked beside her. "I understand it's been three dates in three days for you, but I have wanted this for much longer." "You always seemed to be angry with me in the park," she was startled by his admission. "I couldn't say what I wanted to say, and you were judging me. You didn't know I was only there for Wing, I was a volunteer, to help him get through his community service," he said sadly, "We were all warned on day one not to flirt or invite you out." "I didn't know that," she said. "Is that why your wingman made every effort to be friendly?" "Maybe," he gave her that crooked smile she was beginning to know. She realised in that moment that she wanted to consummate the relationship as much as he did and berated herself for being caught up in the playboy image he used to have instead of the guy she had got to know over the last few days. It wasn't like she was a young innocent after all. Matilda stepped onto the boat still holding his hand, but he stopped, "If I come on board I am not going to want to leave," he warned her. Matilda took a step back towards him and kissed him allowing the kiss to deepen, and smile creep over his lip and her let a small purring moan escape his lips. Stepping back, she pulled him with her onboard her boat and led him into the cabin. Stepping into the tiny bedroom, she turned, placing her hands on his chest and tilted her head up to him. He had a great body, and she wanted to explore it now that she had made the decision to let him stay. Her hands ran over his well muscled torso, so many years playing football had been good to him, and her lips locked to his as she finally felt his hands on her exploring her curves in the same way. Nate was breathing heavily, eager to have this woman in the most intimate way but refusing to rush the moments of the first exploration. She was gorgeous, and he wanted to savour peeling away the layers of clothing as the kissed and slowly undressed each other without any trepidation of the future. They would continue to see each other after tonight he knew this was the girl he had been look for. Finally naked he stepped back to drink her in. She neither blushed nor flaunted her body, but merely stood, studying him in the same way. Matilda was naturally slim, not skinny, but there was little fat on her curves so when Nate stood back rather than being concerned about what he saw she overtly eyed his chest, abs and the hard package between his legs. The room was dark, but the moonlight streamed through the portholes, their eyes having adjusted long ago as they shed their clothes. She smiled cheekily at him as her eyes travelled back to his face. The cheeky grin on this sexy girl's face undid all Nate's resolve to take it slowly and savour each moment. He closed the distance and wrapped his arms around her tightly kissing her deeply and passionately as he ground against her, "You are so fucking beautiful," he murmured into the kisses. "You're pretty much an Adonis yourself," she grinned letting her hand snake down between them wrapping around his cock squeezing it tightly before gently moving it up and down his shaft. "Mm," Nate moaned picking her up and laying her back onto the bed. Climbing up onto the bed and kneeling beside her where she could still reach him with her hands, he began to explore every inch of her with his mouth starting with her lips as his head moved down kissing and nibbling at her neck, his hands worked at her breasts as he sucked and bit lightly as her nipples letting his teeth scrape over them, groaning as he felt her hand once again wrap around his cock. Matilda moved her body around until she lay with her head between his knees. She tugged on his cock until he lowered it enough for her to lick around the fleshy head. Her body was quivering in pleasure as his mouth continued to travel over it, his hands kneading at her breasts as his tongue teased and laved its way down her body. She squeaked and widened her legs as she felt him nip at her inner thighs. His first tongue swipe across the lips of her pussy made her body writhe in expectation, and her legs widen further. She felt her lips pulling part with her legs, his fingers pull them further apart and his tongue tantalizingly flutter over her clit and inner core. Nate wrapped his hands around her hips and held her tightly to him as he tongue explored her wet pussy, her squeaks and whimpers sounding out her pleasure. His long legs made the position difficult, so he rolled holding her lower torso in place allowing her to set her own pace as she sucked his cock slowly, her tongue fluttering under the mushroom head driving him wild. Matilda's thighs began to shake as he pushed a thick finger into her while flickering his tongue over her clit, lifting her head from his cock she groaned and began rolling her hips. She tried to brace her knees on the bed to slow the shaking that had gripped her legs. She found she was barely able to control them, and she whimpered loudly around his cock, her head spinning as his pumped his fingers in and out of her and sucked on her clit until she howled out her orgasm. Moving quickly, he rolled her off him and climbed on top her. He lifted her legs high and rammed his rock like cock into her wanting to feel the last ripples of her orgasm around him. He leaned down to kiss her open, gasping mouth; his cock buried deeply within her before rising up to begin a slow sensual fuck wanting to make the moments last. Letting her legs go to wrap around his hips he leaned in to kiss her deeply sharing the same breath as their bodies moved together. He could feel her thighs begin to shake again as they gripped his hips and his pace quickened, kissing her deeply again he broke the kiss to rise on his arms and begin to pound into her hard and fast. Matilda felt as if her first orgasm had never left her but rather simmered on a low point just below her skin keeping her tingling and on the edge. As he rolled her and began to fuck hard into her, she thought she could almost cum again, when he stopped and started a slower, more sensual pace. She wrapped her legs around his hips and reached up to stroke the hair at the nape of his neck as the moved together in unison her hips rocking to meet his every thrust. The sensations built slowly again as he fucked her until, once again, her legs began to shake and her body quivered in pleasure. She saw him rise above her and increase his pace and force sending her quickly to the edge she tried to hold back, but her head exploded as she came hard, her inner muscles gripping his cock. Nate was in heaven as the body beneath him shook and writhed, the pressure on his cock milking his own orgasm from him. He growled low in contrast to her howl as they both came and he collapsed on top of her, trying not to crush her as he held her close and kissed her again. After a few minutes, he rolled off her but unwilling to break the contact they shared, he pulled her with him to half lay on top of him and wrapped his arms around her. Neither of them spoke while their breathing slowly returning to normal. Matilda wanted a drink but like Nate was loathe to break the connection she felt with him at that particular moment as she listened to his heartbeat her head resting against his chest. Reluctantly she lifted her head and went to wiggle free of his arms only to find them wrap tighter around her. "Where are you going?" Nate whispered. "I need some water. I am hardly going running away. This is my home remember?" she grinned at him. "Fine then," Nate released her to let her go to the kitchenette watching her as she moved. She really was hot. He was suddenly struck by the idea that normally it would be him getting up and walking around to plot a plan of escape instead of staying in bed wanting more of the incredible body that swayed and moved before his eyes. Matilda came back to the bed and passed him a bottle of water, "Do you want me to leave?" Nate asked awkwardly. Her eyes widened, and she considered him. Eventually, she spoke again, "I am not sure if you are asking for permission to stay or permission to leave with that question." Then she burst out laughing. "You don't stay very often, do you? I'll make this easy for you. You are welcome to stay but be warned I am a restless sleeper. You are also welcome to leave secure in the knowledge I will not hurl insults at you or curl up in a ball and cry at being abandoned. You can do whatever you feel like." Nate was confused. He wasn't used to women like Matilda. All he really understood about her answer was that he could stay if he wanted to and at that point he knew he did. They fell asleep spooning comfortably. Waking early for work Nate slipped from her bed resisting the urge to wake her and make love to her again. He dressed silently and quietly wrote on her message board attached to the fridge, "Went to work. I'll pick you up after you finish work tonight, Nate." Over the two weeks, they barely spent a night apart. They matched their schedules as best as possible to include work and commitments to other people. They dated, going to quiet restaurants or little known theatres or events. They were happy to keep their relationship out of the media spot light that often surrounded his family. Between the two national environmental events of the year, Earth day was mostly a non-event in Australia, but they planned for the park picnic as if it was going to be as big as Clean Up Australia Day or Earth Hour. They had created flyers for the neighbourhood inviting people to come and enjoy the parklands, work in the community gardens or just picnic and have fun with the local community. The problem was it just didn't get enough publicity in this country. Nate had come up with a plan to help Matilda with her latest crusade, but as he sat in his father's study waiting to talk to him, he wondered if he was crazy. Connor hung up the phone and looked at his son, "So some little tramp wants to ride the coattails of your celebrity, does she?" "For fucks sake, she doesn't even know I am here, and if you call her a tramp again, you and I are going to come to blows," Nate stood up, "Forget it. This is why I didn't tell her what I was planning. You're so self absorbed, you can't just see the good it would do on a bigger scale than just you pitiful star status." Nate stormed out leaving his father staring after him. His son had done his homework and the idea of sponsoring an annual charity event appealed to him on a number of levels, not the least bolstering his flagging celebrity status. All his success had been built from his public persona as an athlete, media deals, the success of his business and meeting the love of his life. He looked at the carefully prepared proposal on his desk and decided to investigate it a bit further. Not that he had much time, he heard Nate's car leave and went to find his wife. An hour later Kelleen studied the proposal. The cause was a good one. Everyone was on the environmental bandwagon these days and to sponsor an annual event wouldn't be very taxing on them but what fascinated her the most was the girl that had inspired this sort of passion in her son and her mind formulated plans of her own as she said, "Let me handle this, darling." The following day Kelleen and a friend were shown to her table by a sweet young woman who offered menu's and took their drink order. The cafe bustled with the lunchtime rush, and the woman ate talking quietly and taking their time over the food. As the customers thinned out they waved the woman over to them, Kelleen's friend flashed a wide smile, "I write a food blog of sorts, and I was wondering if your chef would let me into the kitchen to talk to her, could you ask for me?" Matilda looked around at the afternoon lull, "Of course," she said and went back to the kitchen. Leaving Heather in the kitchen, April and Matilda emerged again and approached the table. "This is April. She designs our menu here." April looked at the two women. "Nate didn't tell us his mother would be visiting," she held out her hand to Kelleen, "Nice to meet you," she said before addressing the other woman, "I hope the food was satisfactory. How can I help you?" She asked, seeing Matilda tense up beside her and her eyes widen in surprise. "You really should have introduced yourself. Matilda isn't good with surprises." She laughed easily, "Did Nate send you in to say you were food critics as a prank?" "Not at all, he probably wouldn't like that we had come without telling him," Kelleen smiled. "Why don't we let the foodies talk and you and I can talk about this Earth day thing your doing, Matilda?" "I am so sorry," Matilda whispered, "I didn't recognise you," She wanted desperately to run away for some reason. "He told you about our picnic in the park?" "Not exactly," she smiled, "Why don't you sit with us and I will explain. Half an hour later Matilda knew about the sponsorship proposal he had taken to his father without telling her. Kelleen believed it could be a good public relations exercise if it was handled right. Matilda didn't want to be handled, but her new crusade for a boardwalk through the mangrove forest so it could be used and enjoyed by all could really use the boost of funds. Matilda could see Heather struggling to serve and man the kitchen alone, so she turned to Kelleen, "I really shouldn't be sitting here so long. Poor Heather is barely keeping it together. I really had no idea that Nate put this together. Maybe you should talk it over with him. It's all a bit of a shock, you being here and this," she tapped the proposal. "I need some time to think about it. It was very nice to meet you though. Nate doesn't say much about his family, and I don't listen to the media much. I am sure we will see more of each other, but I have a business to run and all that. Can I get you anything else?" "No, dear, go do what you have to do," Kelleen smiled, "I will just wait for my friend." After the women left April went to Matilda, "What did she want?" "Nate asked them to sponsor the picnic in the park. I think she came to check out the flake running it. I am not sure she knew I was his girlfriend," Matilda said quietly. "I didn't know he was doing that, I wish he hadn't. I feel like I have been put on trial, judged and found wanting." When Nate picked her up that night, she told what had happened on the walk home, "Why didn't you tell me about the proposal?" She asked. "I didn't want to get your hopes up. "My old man is a bit too egocentric to see the good it could do," he put an arm around her waist holding her close as they walked the short distance to the marina. Matilda understood and hugged him back, "It was a nice idea, thank you. Your mother probably thinks I am too much of a flake to run anything so big on my own anyway." The couple had become extremely close within the short amount of time they had been together. Their sex life was amazing as they found it was easy to talk freely about what they wanted in bed, and the slow gentle intimacy of the first night gave way to nights of hot hard encounters that left them both breathless and shaking. Tonight though, Matilda needed that soft intimacy, to feel the burgeoning love between them as more than just satisfying the carnal urges they both felt. As if knowing her feelings, he pulled her to him as he climbed into bed and they moved as one softly and gently making love as they clung to each other. While not quite as intense as usual, both of their orgasms washed over them lengthening out the pleasure they felt at being together. That Hippy Chick During the next few days, various small companies and street vendors volunteered their services to Matilda's picnic in the park with all proceeds going to the Mangrove Boardwalk Project. On the Friday twelve copies of "Good Food Idea's" were delivered for April who screamed and ran around in circles before anyone realised the page she held open had a review of their cafe in it. Pandemonium ensued over the weekend as Cooper, Nate and Wing were all pressed into service as make shift waiters. Having hired two of Penny's friends and one of Heather's daughters to cover the rush that came with the review, Nate at Matilda and April's request invited his parents to dinner at the cafe to thank them for the support they had given the business and the picnic in the park event. They had declined the invitation submitting one of their own for dinner after the event the following weekend. Nate shook his head and laughed, "Dad wouldn't voluntarily come to a vegetarian restaurant. The thought alone would terrify him that he might lose some of his manliness." The rest of the week went by in a blur as April held down the cafe and Matilda devoted herself to the picnic in the park. Even that had become bigger than Ben Hur when local breakfast radio shows got involved. Earth day finally had some publicity, but the event was getting out of her control fast. The night before the event they stayed in the park marking out the areas for stalls and placing signs near them so they could be easily found. A small stage and sound system arrived at four in the morning just before the street vendors and the food stalls. The small group offering a farmer's market and craft stalls arrived soon after and the hive of activity didn't stop from that point on as people came and went at various times during the day. Matilda had set herself up a main base near the stage. She knew late in the after noon, she would need to make some sort of speech, and she was terrified. She was more the behind the scenes type of worker, and while she led this event, she had never been part of something so big. "Nate, I can't do it. I can't get up there in front of everyone. You have to do it," her eyes begged for him to help her. He stroked her cheek and kissed her softly, "I'm really proud of you. You pulled this off, not me. You have to get up there, but I will come and stand beside you. How does that sound?" "Just awful," she mumbled. The day had been a huge success. She looked around as with the approaching dusk some stalls had begun to pack up, and she walked unsteadily up onto the stage with Nate behind her. Nervously she looked out over the crowd, the microphone squealed, and she stepped back as everyone looked to the stage. "I just wanted to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for making this day such a success, the sponsors, the vendors the people who helped organise it all. Thank you all so very much. I have to especially thank you, the people, for coming out in support of such a great cause. It is only when people like you make themselves heard that the government listens and makes changes to protect the environment." She swallowed hard looking out at the sea of faces, "Thank you all so very much. Keep your eye on the website for updates on the project." She finished lamely, and the crowd burst into spontaneous applause. Nate moved forward wrapping an arm around her waist and guiding her from the stage, "Everyone loves you. That wasn't so bad, was it?" She looked up into his eyes and smiled, "No, I guess not." He leaned down and kissed her, "Ready for the media?" He nodded his head over her shoulder, and she turned slowly seeing a local news crew. The woman was walking toward her. "I think we have everything we need, but would you like to make a statement on camera?" The glamorous looking woman asked. "I really wouldn't," Matilda said softly, "I am sure the publicity from your story alone is quite enough." She smiled and shook the woman's hand thanking her. They stayed late into the night cleaning up the park until totally exhausted they headed for home. They had closed the cafe for the entire weekend. It was a risky move now with all the sudden popularity, but they agreed that they all needed the break. It was the first time Matilda and Nate had actually been able to sleep in without out one of them rushing off the work leaving the other alone. They made the most of staying in bed long into the day until the need for fresh air finally drove them out of bed and up onto the deck. They lay in each others arms on a deck chair watching the sunset, content that events like yesterday were few and far between.