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?”

knock. Michael

Damn…

so many options for who

Only one in fact.

it’s alright,” I say, setting the frying pan to one side. “I will. You

small nod, nudging his chair closer to Charlotte’s. Occupied with Cara, she doesn’t

the hall, I work at quelling the unease in my gut which hovers somewhere in the hinterland

Dad. Can I

door wide, I gesture her to

sees Georgie. Turning away, to Cara’s squalled protests, she buttons up her blouse.

is the visitor here.” I flash eyes at my daughter

chin again, she takes a step or two towards Charlotte, then falters at the cat-eyed warning there. Charlotte holds

to you before. I… I was hoping we could be… friends…” Her voice

Then, to Michael, sitting by her, head tilted. He murmurs something to her. I can’t pick out

her head. “Apology accepted,” she

in arms, she sidles past Georgie, heading for the door. She doesn’t quite brush past me, but instead, halts. “’Scuse me. Can

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

I wanted to make

me you need to apologise to, Georgie. I’d say you have some ground to make up with