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…

so many options for who could be knocking at

Only one in fact.

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 seem to

at quelling the unease in my gut

there, my tall, dark daughter, Georgie. Chin lifted, eyeing me, “Hi, Dad. Can I come in?” As I hesitate, she says, “I promise I’ll behave. I won’t be

then.” Opening the door wide, I gesture her

enter, Charlotte glances my way, then doubletakes as she sees Georgie. Turning away, to Cara’s squalled

Georgie is the

towards Charlotte, then falters

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

by her, head tilted. He murmurs something to her. I can’t pick out the words, but, unusually for him, there’s a note of

ducks her head. “Apology accepted,”

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

looking out to 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

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

Georgie. I’d say you have