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.

immediately, there is a hollow rumble of movement, the

The door opens.

She’s there.

is down-turned at the corners. Silver

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

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

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

And she holds me tight, then stands back to look

*****

 

James

under the dash and pulls out a box of tissues, then a rucksack, slinging it over

“Beats me.”

car, standing to lean against it. Eyes creasing, Michael is

want

other. Up and down the street, curious faces are

Jade…

My Jade…

Finally finding your dreams…

pause, 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 as

Green…

So familiar…

him, then return

husband… Mom…” Charlotte whispers the final

in,” she says. “You’d better come inside.” She

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

*****

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

cheap supermarket instant, tasting mainly of chicory and it rattles down my throat kicking and punching as it goes. But

Get it over with…

“Would you like

his rucksack. “I have something better. “Champagne. Thought I’d keep it back ‘til I was sure we’d need

albeit eyes shining red

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

Mitch’s eyes follow him…

just a daughter

But a son-in-law…

I was

Meeting my new son…

And it was Michael…

an ankle resting up on one knee. Mitch accepts the flute with a

Tall…

Handsome…

Devastatingly charming…

be pretty pleased about

my glass. “To

follow suit.

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 Michael jabs an elbow

good a hint

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