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.

the bang of a door, the rattle

The door opens.

She’s there.

corners of her eyes. Her mouth is down-turned at the corners. Silver threads through amber hair. But her green eyes - I know them. I see them every day in the

start to speak but find I can't. Sucking for

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

a shriek. “Jenny!” And she flings herself at me, throwing

me tight, then stands back to look at

*****

 

James

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

“Beats me.”

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

to want ‘em

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

Jade…

My Jade…

Finally finding your dreams…

two women pause, I think to grab air. Charlotte looks my way, swiping the back of her hand under her

Green…

So familiar…

then return

my husband… Mom…” Charlotte whispers the final word and Mitch

come inside.” She

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

*****

rentals everywhere. The same tired furniture. The same dismal wallpaper. I’ve stayed in a few like it myself in my time; after my

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

Get it over with…

says, “Would

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

eyes on him, albeit eyes

cheek. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for

Mitch’s eyes follow him…

just a daughter

But a son-in-law…

I was

Meeting my new son…

And it was Michael…

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

Tall…

Handsome…

Devastatingly charming…

be pretty

raise my glass. “To

others follow

blinking. “Mitch, Michael and I both know how much this means to Char… to

good a hint as

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