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.

of movement, the bang of

The door opens.

She’s there.

is pale and tired. Lines radiate from the corners of her eyes. Her mouth is down-turned at the corners. Silver threads

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

my face, her eyes widening, her mouth opening. She’s trying to

flings herself at me, throwing her arms around me.

me tight, then stands

*****

 

James

pulls out a box of tissues, then a rucksack, slinging it over his shoulder.

“Beats me.”

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

want ‘em

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

Jade…

My Jade…

Finally finding your dreams…

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

Green…

So familiar…

then

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

in,” she says. “You’d better come inside.” She motions across to me. “Your friend

stride across, hand offered. “James Alexanders. I’m a family friend. And I

*****

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

throat kicking and punching as it goes. But I drink the dreadful brew anyway. To

Get it over with…

says, “Would you

up his rucksack. “I have something better. “Champagne. Thought I’d

turns shining eyes on him, albeit eyes shining red and still

kisses her cheek. “Congratulations. I’m so happy

Mitch’s eyes follow him…

just a daughter

But a son-in-law…

was

Meeting my new son…

And it was Michael…

disposal plastic flutes, handing them around, then sits back, an ankle resting up on one

Tall…

Handsome…

Devastatingly charming…

be pretty pleased about

raise my glass.

follow suit.

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 to ramble on, but

good a

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