Hot Revenge Box Set 4

Michael

I amble into the kitchen to the mixed smells of toast, peppermint and coffee. Mitch, Beth and Charlotte are gathered around the breakfast table. Plastering a smile on my face, I try to sound cheerful. “Morning all.”

“Morning, Michael,” smiles Beth. She still looks tired, but like Charlotte, is still going through the stage of not wanting to let go of Adam. He coos in her arms and she keeps her attention on him.

Charlotte speaks quickly, then looks away. “Hi.”

Mitch nods, then sips from her teacup, looking down.

Have I said something I shouldn’t?

Offended one of them?

Snagging a couple of oranges, I head for the squeezer and slice the first one in half. “Juice, anyone?”

“I’ll have some,” says Charlotte. “And squeeze some for Mom too, please.”

“Sure thing.” I grab another couple of oranges, running a quick mental inventory of what I’ve said and done this morning and the evening before…

Beth was tired… Hardly surprising. But certainly not upset. Triumphant would be nearer the mark.

Did I say something to offend her?

Nah…

What then?

and spins, shooting a

Fuck!

then dribbling down my face onto

for the paper towels I swipe down my face, then mop at the stains

but it makes a convenient excuse for me to surreptitiously

of

juice would have at least drawn a

in, heads

I’m inching towards conspiracy…

hell’s going

see it. On the tabletop, lying between

a pregnancy

spin. Three faces jerk my way. Three sets of copper hair sway,

Two blue lines

mouth opens to speak, but I’m still talking… “It’s

shaking her head… “Michael, it’s

“Charlotte… It’s marvellous…”

“Michael, it’s not mine.”