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.

movement, the bang

The door opens.

She’s there.

the corners. Silver threads through amber hair. But her green eyes

find I can't. Sucking for saliva, I try again.

my face, her eyes widening, her mouth opening. She’s trying to speak, her lips making words that

“Jenny!” And she flings herself at me, throwing her arms around

And she holds me tight, then stands back to look

*****

 

James

a box of tissues, then a rucksack, slinging it over

“Beats me.”

against it. Eyes creasing, Michael is holding in a smile, the tissue box cradled in

want ‘em

at each other.

Jade…

My Jade…

Finally finding your dreams…

swiping the back of her hand under her nose and Michael waves the tissues at her. She

Green…

So familiar…

follow him, then return to

husband… Mom…” Charlotte whispers

“You’d better come inside.” She

“James Alexanders. I’m a family friend.

*****

Shabby with age, but immaculate; dingy but dust-free, it looks like cheap rentals everywhere. The same tired furniture. The same dismal wallpaper. I’ve stayed in a few like it myself in my time; after my divorce, when money was tight, and home was wherever I hung my

kicking and punching as it goes.

Get it over with…

“Would you like

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

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

“Congratulations. I’m so happy for you,

Mitch’s eyes follow him…

a daughter

But a son-in-law…

I was a

Meeting my new son…

And it was Michael…

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

Tall…

Handsome…

Devastatingly charming…

be pretty pleased

my glass. “To

follow suit.

and Mitch… may I call you Mitch?” She nods, blinking. “Mitch, Michael and I both know how much this means to Char… to Jenny. She’s been searching for you for years…” I’m set

good a

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