Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Richard

Sitting by me at the conference table, James runs a finger along the outline of a plan for D-Site. “So, if we complete the groundworks on sectors three and four here… by next week, we can move the heavy machinery on to sector five here and start laying the infrastructure for…”

Outside the office, Francis’ phone rings but neither of us takes much notice. James continues speaking… “… the electricity and the water supply…”

Francis taps in perfunctory manner on the door then pokes her head round. “James…” She flicks a warning glance to me…

Worried?

James looks up. “Yes, Francis?”

“Kirstie is on the line. She says you have a visitor downstairs.”

Not his ex again..?

It upset him enough the first time…

James’ straightens up in his chair, his chin tilting. “Who is it?”

“She says she's called Georgie and that you would know who she is.”

James rises from his seat as though he is on strings. “Tell her I'm on my way down.”

He looks as close to flustered as I have ever seen him. “Richard, my apologies. Can we put this on hold for a few minutes… Georgie is my daughter. I’ve not seen her for…”

“James, I know who Georgie is. And of course, you must attend to her.”

“Thank you, Richard. Francis, would you make a pot of tea please and um, are there any of those malted biscuits? They were always her favourites.”

“Of course, James.” Her voice is brisk and professional, but her back turning to him, Francis breaks into a delighted grin, winking at me as she heads for the coffee machine.

James moves from one foot to the other as he waits for the elevator, then steps smartly inside as the doors swish open.

*****

James

Georgie is there, waiting in the lobby, chatting with Kirstie. The two are laughing, Kirstie nodding her head as though at some joke. The pearl on that velvet choker she wears bobs with the movement.

And my daughter... My beautiful daughter…

She’s dressed smart-casual, in well-cut pants and a long-line leather jacket that enhances her height. Her long dark hair is tied back and up, and her make-up is just enough to do its work; mascara to enhance her dark eyes and a touch of colour on the lips…

You look great…

Taking care of yourself…

wonderful to see

Do I hug her?

Dad.” She smiles

No hugs then…

It’s been so long…

I'll

up. You must be cold. Let's go upstairs. Get

to talk. As the doors open to the directors’ floor, Francis is spooning tea into a pot, filling a milk jug. I gesture Georgie

stands, arms folded, looking out over the panorama. “Nice view,” she

Something coils inside me. “Sit down, Georgie. Make yourself comfortable. Let me take your coat.” She sits but doesn’t remove

again then settles on my desk. “You have

you think I

“It's a bit old.”

I have. Your mother kept all

then bustles in with a tray. “Malted

you, Francis.” I bustle, stirring the tea, pouring a little milk into the cups, then push the plate of

the plate back. “I don’t eat biscuits, Dad. Empty calories…” She pats

any harm.

but the

hand her cup and saucer… “PhD

you to the graduation. You know how it is.

have liked to come. To see my little girl all grown up, ready

a blade. “I meant Mom. She didn’t cope well when you

Christ...

Here we go again.

about something else than

to know how

recently. She

“To see you?”

money. You

doesn’t meet my eye.

And she was the one who wanted out of the marriage. Not me. At least not until I realised she had a lov…

to my left hand. Heat in her eyes, “You're married now? But you didn't invite me

invite you. It's...

the cup down. “Mom tells

So you did know…

work and

you're well paid too. Richard

gut churns.