Hot Revenge Box Set 4

James

In the kitchen, pushing bacon around a pan, I ponder how to square the circle and re-introduce Georgie and Charlotte. The fact is that Georgie created the whole hornets’ nest herself by being so appallingly rude, not just to me, but Charlotte too, the first time they met.

But if I truly want any kind of future relationship with my daughter… my elder daughter… I need to get the pair of them, if not friendly, at least polite with each other.

Richard and Beth descend the stairs, she leaning heavily on him for support. She sits clumsily, trying to find a comfortable position so she can eat.

Fanning her face, “I can barely reach the table over my stomach.” She’s laughing but the laugh sounds strained and she runs hands over her enormous belly. “I’ll be glad when Adam arrives and I can get back to being able to move again.

Charlotte looks up from where she is giving Cara her breakfast. “Know what you mean. I tell you, it’s a real relief afterwards, getting back to feeling you’re the only one occupying your body.”

Beth sags, blowing air, but Richard is there, serving her with her favourite muesli and yoghurt. He kisses her cheek. “Not long now, my Love.”

I poke at the bacon then flip it over in the pan, “Anything special you’d like, Beth?”

She brightens. “A boiled egg?”

“No problem. Just the one?”

“Two, then.”

“Coming up.” I head for the fridge. “Anyone else for boiled eggs?”

the front door, a knock. Michael rises.

Damn…

only so many options for who could

Only one in fact.

the frying pan to one side.

a small nod, nudging his chair closer to Charlotte’s. Occupied with

unease in my gut which hovers somewhere in the hinterland

there, my tall, dark daughter, Georgie. Chin lifted, eyeing me, “Hi, Dad. Can I come in?” As I hesitate, she says, “I promise

the door wide, I gesture

way, then doubletakes as she sees Georgie. Turning away, to Cara’s squalled protests, she

is the

chin again, she takes a step or two towards Charlotte, then falters

so rude to you before. I… I was hoping we could be… friends…”

Georgie. Then, to Michael, sitting by her, head tilted. He

ducks her head. “Apology accepted,”

changing.” And, baby in arms, she sidles past Georgie, heading for the door. She doesn’t quite brush past

don’t reply, simply stepping aside to let her by then looking out to see where she’s headed. Charlotte bolts along the hall and

glum-faced. “Sorry, Dad. I wanted to make

to apologise to, Georgie. I’d say you have some ground