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.

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

The door opens.

She’s there.

face is pale and tired. Lines radiate from the corners of her eyes. Her mouth is down-turned at the corners. Silver threads through amber hair. But her green eyes - I know them.

but find I can't. Sucking for saliva, I try again. “Hello. I’m… I’m

down me. Reaching out, she touches my face, her eyes widening, her mouth opening. She’s trying to speak, her lips making words that don’t come out.

flings herself at me, throwing

she holds me tight, then stands

*****

 

James

tissues, then a rucksack, slinging it over

“Beats me.”

both get out of the car, standing to lean against it. Eyes creasing, Michael is holding in

to want

tears, babbling incoherently at each other. Up and down the street, curious faces are swinging their

Jade…

My Jade…

Finally finding your dreams…

her hand under her nose

Green…

So familiar…

follow him, then

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

inside.” She motions across to

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

*****

furniture. The same dismal wallpaper. I’ve stayed in a few like it myself in my time; after my divorce, when money

my throat kicking and punching as it goes. But I drink the dreadful brew anyway. To my side, Michael looks down at his cup, then

Get it over with…

“Would you

He beams that ‘win-‘em-over’ smile of his, holding up his rucksack. “I have something better. “Champagne. Thought I’d

albeit eyes shining red and still streaming.

“Congratulations. I’m so happy

Mitch’s eyes follow him…

a daughter

But a son-in-law…

was a

Meeting my new son…

And it was Michael…

disposal plastic flutes, handing them around, then sits back, an ankle resting up on one knee. Mitch accepts the flute with

Tall…

Handsome…

Devastatingly charming…

pretty pleased about

raise my glass. “To

follow suit.

means to Char… to Jenny. She’s been searching for you for years…” I’m set to ramble on,

a hint

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