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

Do I hug her?

She smiles

No hugs then…

It’s been so long…

she think I'll be angry with

be cold. Let's

the lift she doesn't say much, but then, lifts are always awkward places to talk. As the doors open to the directors’ floor, Francis is spooning tea into a pot, filling a

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

comfortable. Let

wanders my office again then settles on my desk. “You have

you think

“It's a bit old.”

the only one I have. Your mother kept

then bustles in with a

little milk into the cups, then

eat biscuits, Dad. Empty calories…” She pats a

any harm. You

that, but

I hand her cup and saucer…

I didn't invite you to the graduation. You know how it is. Having

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

me a look like a blade. “I meant Mom. She didn’t cope well when you left her the way you

Christ...

Here we go again.

about

to know how

saw her recently. She came

“To see you?”

ask for money.

doesn’t meet my eye. “She's

one who wanted out of the marriage. Not me. At least

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

couldn't invite

the cup down. “Mom tells me you're doing well. Big important job.” She waves a hand over the

So you did know…

and I

you're well paid too.

gut churns. “Yes, it's well