Masters And Lovers 1-4

Michael

Ben rejoins me. “She seems a lovely woman, that Mitch. A bit withdrawn, but I suppose that’s understandable.”

“It’s very soon for her. I think she’d lost a lost of confidence, with her husband being as he was.”

Condemnation creeps back into Ben’s voice, “What was that all about? She left him?”

I cut him short. “He was knocking her around, Ben. When we got her out of there, the bastard had her on the floor. He’d have beaten the shit out of her if I’d not kicked the door in to stop it.”

His eyes widen. “Really? You don’t think of people really behaving like that, do you?”

Oh, get real…

“Whether you do or you don’t, just bear it in mind when you’re talking to her. She’s had a lot to cope with over the years and it’ll take her a while to readjust.”

Ben blinks rapidly, licks his lips. “You’re right. I jump to conclusions, don’t I?”

“Yes, you do. So make a few allowances, eh. Just try to be happy for people.”

Ben drops into silence, downs half his drink. “Did I catch it right, there are two brothers? But the other wouldn’t come?”

“That’s right. Stephen's a pig-headed bastard. Sees the world through blinkers.”

“What did they quarrel over?”

“As I understand it, he saw himself as head of the family. He was very controlling when Mitch was young. She ran away from home. He never forgave her.”

“That’s sad. What did she do after that?”

My throat tightens. Abruptly, my beer’s not so good.

What do I say?

Ben stalls. “Hey, was she pregnant with Charlotte? Is that why he wouldn’t have her back? How they became separated?”

“No, Charlotte came later.”

But Ben, narrow-eyed with suspicion, continues. “How old was she when she ran away?”

believe.” I’m thoroughly uncomfortable now, looking around for an excuse to end the

be away from

me. I have

*****

Richard

quickly brighter; a spotlight

have your attention.” A hush falls, the last couple of chatterers lagging until they realise they are

Jenny as some of you know her, didn’t have a great start in life. It doesn’t get much worse than

and believed she wasn’t alone in the world. After a lot of searching, we learned that was true when

come and

exchanges a look with her daughter. Charlotte gives her a smile and a shove. “Go

a smooth undulation, but however graceful her movement, her expression is awkward, embarrassed. As she stands

two of them could ever doubt we have mother and daughter here. Two generations of the same family. And when we throw in Beth as well,

low rumble of laughter ripples across the room, heads

And so it is honour of Michelle… Shelley… Mitch… that

begins, hands clapping, but Michael raises his

party and invited you all here, events have overtaken us. I have another announcement to make…” Voices murmur. Heads nod. “… because in fact, although it’s not yet obvious, we have here tonight not two, but three generations from this family of remarkable women.” He curls fingers to Charlotte in

Shy?

used to being the center

herself again and walks across where he curls an arm around her waist, gathering

loud, “Come on, look at

with her top button, Charlotte

to announce to you all that our Charlotte here is expecting her first child. A

cheer goes up from somewhere, followed by another. “Congratulations!” A nearby gaggle of grannies and aunts whoop and call. Hands slap onto Michael’s shoulders. His hand is seized

to the back of the room where James stands silently watching the excitement.

flashes

Sincere?

yes,” he repeats. “I’m fine. Never

wondered if…

really fine.” And this time there is no mistaking the joy in his eyes. “I got past that on the wedding night. Michael and I agreed long ago that if and when it came to it, any child our Triad produced would have him as the official father.” His Adam’s apple bobs. “It doesn’t matter.

James filling up?

James?

the smile lingers around his eyes. He’s a