Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Chapter 50

 

Michael

It’s an ordinary house, as average as they come; one small property in a block of near-identical brick-built terraces. The paint is fresh, but not too fresh. And the door, fronting directly to the road, looks well-used. But the windows are clean; no litter fouls the frontage…

And there is a light on inside…

Charlotte sits in the car, inert. Her face is a pale sheen and, as I take her fingers in mine, her hand is cold.

I lift the fingers, press them to my lips. “This is it, then.”

She nods but doesn’t move. “Suppose she doesn’t want to see me?” She’s gasping for air…

Panic attack?

“… She abandoned me all those years ago. Suppose she just didn’t want me?”

“Why would she not want you?”

“Because I’m his.”

James speaks. “There are plenty of mothers whose children have unworthy fathers, but they still love them.”

“You don’t have to do this, Charlotte,” I say, “but if you don’t, you’ll never be happy. Whatever happens, good or bad, at least you’ll know. Your life can move on.”

A figure moves past the window. Partially silhouetted against the light inside, nonetheless, there is the impression of a pale face, a red tint to the hair.

Charlotte straightens up, muttering. “Right… I’m okay. Let’s do this.” Without looking back, she steps out of the car and crosses the road.

I wind the window down. “Got any tissues in the car?” murmurs James.

“Course I have.”

*****

 

Charlotte

I stand in front of the door, suddenly timid again. My heart pounds so hard there’re touches of black at the edge of my vision.

Chill out…

Calm down…

*Deep breath*

*Roll neck and shoulders*

My chest loosens and my breath flows a little more easily.

Good to go…

My finger hovers over the brass-button bell, then presses. A Bing-Bong echoes from somewhere beyond.

hollow rumble of movement, the bang of a door, the

The door opens.

She’s there.

of her eyes. Her mouth is down-turned at the corners. Silver threads through amber hair. But her green eyes - I

I can't. Sucking

eyes running up and down me. Reaching out, she touches my face, her eyes widening, her mouth opening. She’s trying to speak, her lips making words

flings herself at me, throwing her arms around me. “You’re alive. Oh, God. It’s you. You’re alive. You’re

she holds me tight, then stands back to

*****

 

James

box of tissues, then a rucksack, slinging it over his shoulder. “Why d’you reckon women cry

“Beats me.”

of the car, standing to lean against it. Eyes creasing, Michael

to want

and her mother are flooding tears, babbling incoherently at each other. Up and down the

Jade…

My Jade…

Finally finding your dreams…

her nose and Michael waves the tissues at

Green…

So familiar…

then

is Michael… my husband… Mom…” Charlotte whispers the final word

she says. “You’d better come inside.” She motions across to

across, hand offered. “James Alexanders. I’m a family friend. And I am delighted to meet you

*****

rentals everywhere. The same tired furniture. The same dismal wallpaper.

my throat kicking and punching as it goes. But I

Get it over with…

“Would you

smile of his, holding up his rucksack. “I have something better. “Champagne. Thought

shining eyes on him, albeit eyes shining red and still streaming. “Thank

leans, kisses her cheek. “Congratulations. I’m

Mitch’s eyes follow him…

a daughter

But a son-in-law…

I was a

Meeting my new son…

And it was Michael…

pours champagne into disposal plastic flutes, handing them around, then sits back, an ankle

Tall…

Handsome…

Devastatingly charming…

be pretty pleased about

my glass.

others follow

I both know how much this means to Char… to Jenny. She’s been searching for you for years…” I’m set to

a hint as

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