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

Only one in fact.

the frying pan to

his chair closer to Charlotte’s. Occupied with Cara, she

at quelling the unease in my

eyeing me, “Hi, Dad. Can I come in?” As I hesitate, she says, “I promise I’ll behave. I

door wide, I gesture her to

Turning away, to

“This is your home. Georgie is the visitor here.” I

two towards Charlotte, then falters at the cat-eyed warning there. Charlotte holds Cara, cradling her close

to apologise…” says Georgie... “… For being so rude to you before. I… I was hoping we could be… friends…” Her

Looks to me. Looks back to Georgie. Then, to Michael, sitting by her, head tilted. He murmurs something to her. I can’t pick out the

head. “Apology accepted,” she

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

see where she’s headed. Charlotte bolts along the hall and up the stairs, casting a look down at me from half-way up before vanishing

Dad. I wanted to make

I’d say you have some ground to