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.

Damn…

only so many options for who could be

Only one in fact.

alright,” I say, setting the frying pan

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

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

my tall, dark daughter, Georgie. Chin lifted, eyeing me, “Hi, Dad. Can I

the door wide, I

Turning away, to Cara’s squalled protests, she

is your home. Georgie is the visitor here.” I flash eyes at my daughter and she

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

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

Georgie. Then, to Michael, sitting 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

her head. “Apology accepted,” she

rising from her seat, “Cara needs changing.” And, baby in arms, she sidles past Georgie, heading for the door. She

reply, simply stepping aside to let her by then 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

“Sorry, Dad. I wanted

apologise to, Georgie. I’d say you