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.

a hollow rumble of movement, the

The door opens.

She’s there.

at the corners. Silver threads

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

running up and down me. Reaching out, she touches my face, her eyes

into a shriek. “Jenny!” And she flings herself at me, throwing her arms around

laughing and crying and so am I. And she holds me tight, then stands back to look at me, then pulls me close

*****

 

James

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

“Beats me.”

Eyes creasing,

to want ‘em

each other. Up and down the street, curious faces

Jade…

My Jade…

Finally finding your dreams…

I think to grab air. Charlotte looks my way, swiping the back of her hand under her nose and Michael waves the tissues at her. She nods

Green…

So familiar…

him, then return

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

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

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

*****

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;

tasting mainly of chicory and it rattles down my throat kicking and punching as it goes. But I drink the dreadful brew anyway. To my

Get it over with…

“Would you like

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

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 a

Meeting my new son…

And it was Michael…

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

Tall…

Handsome…

Devastatingly charming…

pretty pleased

raise my

others follow suit.

much this means to Char… to Jenny.

good a hint

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