Beautiful Curses: Book One (12 page)

Brushing her hair away from her face she looked up, her eyes sweeping the room, looking directly into the faces of the patrons enjoying their evening meal—something the old Jo would never do. A couple of regulars caught her eye and she smiled holding up her glass. A small gesture, but it felt surprisingly liberating, as if she was saluting herself at the same time.

Jo had almost finished her coke, and debated about ordering another when Beth appeared in the doorway to the lounge. She looked around for a bit, then spotted Jo and made her way over, taking a seat next to her. “Hiya, everything alright?”

Jo smiled faintly. “Better than alright actually.”

Beth arched a brow. Spencer had probably told her to expect a screaming mess. “Oh, that’s a relief. Spencer rang and asked me to find you. He said you were upset and left without saying where you were going.”

“I was, but I’m fine now. I feel much better,” Jo said smiling again.

“You know you can tell me what happened.” She patted her shoulder. “Best friends shoulder right here, if you need it.”

Jo flicked her straw in her glass. “The truth is; I was upset. More upset than I’ve ever been. But it was a good thing, because it made me realise something.” Jo took another sip of her drink and Beth moved closer to her. “Spencer said some things today that made me take a good look at myself. James told him about us, and instead of being happy for me, he focussed on how hurt I’d be when James left me for someone else. He thinks I’m not interesting enough to make anyone want to stay.”

Beth’s mouth gaped open.

Jo held up her finger. “Before you judge Spencer, you have to realise, my whole family shares the same opinion. They may not be quite as blunt, but they‘d all be waiting for the day when James, or whoever, ditched me.

“People don’t like me. They never have. Only my family. And instead of doing something about it. I accepted it. I never imagined my life could be any different. If you’d told me last week that James and I would get together, I’d have said you were mental.” Jo paused and pointed her straw at Beth. “That possibility never crossed your mind either did it?”

Beth moved back and adjusted her position on the seat. “You’re right Jo, but only because I didn’t realise how you felt about James. You’re the best person I’ve ever known. When you let down your guard and show people who you really are, they’re not only attracted to you, but are drawn to your honesty and kindness. When you told me about James I was concerned, but only because I wanted you to be sure of your feelings.”

“I’m not angry. I know Spencer has my best interests at heart. He hasn't noticed how tough I actually am.”

Beth nodded and folded her arms. “Speaking of being tough, James and Spencer have gone. They left for London an hour ago. I realise now why Spencer was in such a hurry. He told me you needed time to sort things out.”

Jo grimaced. Although, it didn’t come as a complete surprise. Spencer had obviously decided to take James out of the equation and give her time to think about what she was getting into. She had to accept it for now, but it didn’t make her happy.

Jo picked up her empty glass and stood. “Right, well I guess there's no reason to keep sitting here. I don’t suppose you feel like coming back to the farm and having some of that pizza Sarah ordered.”

“I’ve already eaten, but I’ll give you a lift and you can make me a cup of tea,” Beth responded, as Jo put her glass on the edge of the bar and they walked out, giving Matt a quick wave. He nodded in thanks while continuing to laugh and chat with the other patrons.

Beth drove back to the farm. The lights were on and Jo assumed Peter and Sarah must be home, but the house was empty. Spencer must have turned them on for her.

Beth only stayed for an hour, once satisfied that Jo seemed alright. They both had school tomorrow, the first day back after Christmas.

When Beth left, Jo went upstairs and switched the computer screen on. She smiled when a message appeared.

Jo,

Big brother is not exactly happy with me.

Need to go back to London to keep the peace.

Hope you're alright.

I wanted to stay and find you.

Then thought it might be better if you had some time to yourself.

Next time we meet I’ll have the port chilled and the cards shuffled.

Missing you already.

James.

Later that evening, after unpacking and sorting out her school books, Jo was in the process of logging onto the internet to send James an email when Sarah knocked and walked in.

“I must buy you some more book shelves,” she commented ironically, looking around at the piles of books still sitting all over the floor.

“I was going to ask you about that. I wondered if we could convert the wardrobe”

“Where would you put your clothes?”

“Well you're the designer; I thought you might have some ideas.”

“I’m sure I could come up with something, but I need to speak to you, do you have a minute?”

Jo turned to face Sarah. Her tone made Jo curious. She wondered if Spencer told her about James, and she was about to get another dose of: I
don’t think this is a good idea. You could get hurt. Blah, blah nonsense. 

“Yeah sure. The internet connection’s down at the moment anyway.”

Sarah sat on the edge of the bed and traced her finger over the pattern on the duvet. She sighed a deep sigh. “I um ... I received news today … news about your father and mother.”

What?

Jo steadied herself on the desk and looked at Sarah with wide eyes.

“I want you to go to London tomorrow and meet some relatives of your father. I’ve just been speaking to his cousin. He and his family are leaving the country and want you to collect some valuable items belonging to your parents.”

“Really?" Jo replied, abuzz with that news. Then her brain kicked into gear and she started to speculate. “But isn’t that a bit odd?”

Sarah frowned, and picked up Jo’s school tie, looping it around her wrist. “How so?” she said softly, unravelling the tie.

“We've been here for seventeen years. Why contact us just before they’re leaving.”

“Um …Yes, of course. Well, he said he'd found the items while packing. They'd forgotten till now, but wanted to give them to you in person. Apparently some are quite valuable, and he didn’t want to post them.”

“Can’t Spencer collect them? He’s a lot closer?”

Sarah’s frown deepened, and Jo watched mesmerised as she looped the tie tighter around her hand making the taught skin whiten beneath the pressure.

“Well, I thought you might like to meet your relatives. I thought you'd be curious?”

I suppose, but London? James is in London, might have chance to see him and sort out last night. Could be worth the inconvenience.

“I guess,” she answered eventually, not wanting to sound too keen. “But school starts tomorrow and I need to submit an assignment.”

Sarah seemed to brighten. “Can Beth hand it in? The train leaves early so we could drop it off on the way to the station.” Sarah paused. “ ... It’s up to you, Jo. I just wanted to give you the opportunity. Ella’s away till tomorrow afternoon, so she can’t go.”

Another good reason. She never had one up on Gabriella. It might be nice getting the news first hand for a change.

“I suppose. What do I need to do?”

“Spencer will meet you from the train and then take you to Tower Bridge around lunch to meet your father’s cousin. He wants to take you to their house and thought that would be easier than giving directions.”

Jo scowled. “I’m sure I can find my own way to Tower Bridge. What's the name of this cousin?” She didn’t want to see Spencer. She had forgiven him, but he didn’t need to know that. He could stew on it for a while longer.

Sarah shook her head. “I’m sorry Jo, but I want Spencer to go with you, that part is not negotiable. Your cousin’s name is Dan and he’s lovely. I met him once ... a long time ago.”

“Dan? The same man, that rang you over Christmas?” Jo asked, suddenly remembering the odd phone call.

“No. Different person. Just happens to be an odd coincidence,” Sarah mumbled.

The computer made a popping sound, signalling the Internet was back up, and Jo turned to look at the screen.

Sarah crossed the room, hugged Jo and pressed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Don’t stay up too late. I’ll get Peter to wake you around six. Good night love.”

Odd.
They had given up goodnight kisses a few years ago. “Yeah, night,” she whispered as Sarah left the room and shut the door.

Wow. Weird.

The was last thing she expected Sarah to ask her. Jo continued to mull the details over as she looked toward the bed and frowned.

Laying on her duvet was her school tie and it had been woven into multiple knots.

As the train pulled into the station Jo stood up and grabbed her satchel, swinging it over her shoulder. Today she wore faded denim jeans and a blue rolled necked jumper. Her thick black overcoat kept her warm against the chill wind. This morning, she had made an extra effort with her appearance. For the first time ever, she had pulled her hair back from her face with a dark headband and had actually checked her reflection in the mirror before leaving her room.

The platform was bustling with people hurrying to work. Spencer hadn’t arrived, so she found a seat near the ticket office and put her ear buds in, scrolling through her favourite playlist before selecting a song.

The first track had nearly ended when Spencer sat down next to her. He jiggled his leg up and down. “Hey how are you,” he asked with a hesitant smile.

Jo removed her ear buds. “Fine and yourself?”

“Better now I’ve seen you,” Spencer admitted and grimaced.

Jo reached across and messed up his hair. “You're such a big brother. I can take care of myself.”

“So you’re not upset with me?”

“No. Disappointed maybe … I’ll just have to prove you wrong.”

Spencer eyed her intently. “I guess.” He sighed and picked up her bag. “Anyway, I understand you’re an heiress. Here to collect some valuable loot.”

“I think heiress might be overkill, but I’m certainly curious. Sarah made it sound important.”

“We just have time to grab a coffee at Uni. You can visit the labs where I hang out. I'd like to introduce you to some friends as well. Then you can report back to Beth.”

Jo smiled. “Actually, I’m sure Beth mentioned something about meeting Mason for another coffee after school.”

Spencer flicked her hair. “You're funny! I should find that hilarious, but it bugs me knowing he sees her more than I do.”

They walked quickly out of the station, so they could catch the next bus to the campus. As they took their seats, Jo braved to ask, “So where's James today?”

“Er … I’m not sure. We haven’t talked much since we got back. He’s annoyed I upset you and he didn’t have a chance to say goodbye.”

“I suppose you didn't tell him I was coming today.”

Spencer shrugged. “Sarah phoned late and he'd already gone to bed. I understood you wouldn't be here for long.” Spencer gazed down at his shoes. “He left this morning to ask one of his friends if he could stay at his place for a bit.”

Jo smacked Spencer’s shoulder. “Spencer! It’s not worth ruining your friendship. I swear I’ll survive if James decides to break it off. I haven’t let your relationship with Beth wreck our friendship.” Jo smiled cheekily. “If she does decide to date Mason, you’d get over her eventually. I’d never take sides.”

Spencer gave her a playful shove. “Hey, stop putting that image in my head. I’m ringing her as soon as she gets home today. Make sure he hasn’t been anywhere near her.”

“I’m just trying to prove a point.” Spencer grimaced at her and she decided to change the topic. “Well, seeing James isn’t around, why don't you show me where you live.”

“I suppose I can make you a coffee. I think I have two cups.”

Once they got off the bus, they walked across the parkland towards the campus, arriving at a five storey, dull grey, brick building. Spencer opened the front door and led Jo into the entrance hall.

After climbing the two flights of stairs to reach their floor, Spencer stopped at a big yellow door marked number 23. He took out his key and put it in the lock, then opened it, waiting for Jo to go in first.

The apartment was small, with only one sofa and a couple of beanbags in the living area. A television stood in the corner with an Xbox attached. The kitchenette was tiny consisting of four cupboards and the usual appliances with a small table and a couple of old chairs. Doors lead off the main room into the two bedrooms. Spencer told her the bathroom was between the two bedrooms if she needed it.

Jo scrunched up her nose while moving a pair of dirty socks, before taking a seat on the sofa. Spencer put the kettle on and got out two cups from the top cupboards. He opened the small fridge and pulled out the milk. Swishing it around, he smelled the remnants, made a face and then quickly tipped the contents down the sink.

“I won’t be a minute, I’ll go see if Chris has some milk,” he said as he rushed out the door.

After a few minutes Jo heard voices in the hall, then the door opened again and James walked in followed by Spencer.

Jo's heart skipped several beats, but she tried to hide the excitement in her eyes. She didn’t want to cause further problems and be the reason Spencer and James ended their friendship.

James didn’t notice her at first, and then he looked across and did a double take. Spencer stood behind him, hesitating to come in.

Jo smiled. “Hiya James, I’m guessing you didn’t get my email.”

He took a moment to answer as he continued to hold the door open. “Ah … no I haven’t read them yet. We were late last night and I went out early to sort my classes. What are you doing here?” He took a step towards her, then stopped and glanced at Spencer.

Spencer sighed looking from one to the other. “Chris didn’t have any milk, so I’ll go and buy some.” He turned to James. “I’ll be back in exactly five minutes.”

James nodded and Jo noticed Spencer’s mouth twitch with a small smile as he walked out the door. That was a good sign.

Once the door slammed shut, James moved quickly to pull Jo into a warm embrace, kissing her neck and finally finding her lips. She pulled away from him after a few minutes. “I’ll have to visit more often. You chaps are awfully friendly round here.”

James laughed and kissed her again. “So, what are you doing here? I assume you didn’t come all this way just to say goodbye to me?”

“Yeah, sorry about that. Spencer and I had to sort things … it seems you do too. He said you were thinking of moving out.” Jo rubbed the back of his neck and James pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head.

“I don’t want to. I’m just not sure if he’ll accept us being together. Then again, I know Karen down the hall always has milk.”

Jo laughed. “He'll come around. He’s just playing big brother. I’ve already told him I’ll be okay when you leave me for another hottie. I noted a number of pretty candidates on my way here.”

James stroked her cheek and looked at her intently. “Yeah. You might be okay with that, but what about me?”

Jo frowned, not sure what he was referring to.

“All those lust hungry high school lads just waiting for their opportunity? I think I’m in more trouble than you are.”

Jo laughed, shaking her head.
As if that would ever happen
.

There was a loud knock at the door. “I’m coming in with the milk now,” Spencer called out.

James gave her a quick kiss, then jumped off the sofa and raced over to switch the kettle back on, just as Spencer opened the door. He looked from Jo to James with a relieved expression and joined James in the kitchen.

Jo kept her eyes on James, patting the space on the couch he’d just vacated, trying to annoy Spencer.

“So how did the house hunting go, James?” Spencer asked, ignoring her as he leant against the bench.

“I didn’t say I was definitely moving out.”

“Well, I guess you don’t have to. As long as she doesn't visit too often. She’s kind of irritating. Maybe you should go sit next to her, so she’ll stop doing that.”

James grinned at Jo and she winked, then he turned back to Spencer. “Nah. I think it might be safer standing here.”

Jo rolled her eyes and picked up a worn TV guide. She flicked through it while Spencer and James discussed seeing mutual friends.

After a few minutes Jo checked her watch noticing it was nearly twelve. “How long does it take to get into the city, Spencer?” she asked, interrupting their chat about Chris’s new car.

Spencer took a sip of his coffee. “Not long. We might have to leave soon, though. Did Sarah say you’re meeting at one o'clock?”

“Meeting who?” James interjected, as he brought Jo’s cup over and sat next to her.

“Jo’s an heiress. She’s meeting someone called Dan to claim her fortune.” Spencer smirked, before taking another sip of his drink.

James frowned. “Dan? Fortune? What’s going on and why does he want to meet you?”

“He’s a relative of my father and my parents left some things with his family ages ago. He asked me to come and collect them because they’re too valuable to post. He wants to meet us in the city and take me to his house,” Jo explained.

James coughed, nearly choking on his tea. “You're going to a complete stranger’s house?”

“Sarah met him and said he’s nice. Do you honestly think she’d send me off to visit some psycho?”

“I want to go with you and make sure.”

“Spencer’s
escorting
me.” Jo rolled her eyes. “I thought you had to sort out your schedule?”

“That’s sorted. I think I should
escort
you.” James said and turned to look at Spencer.

“Fine with me. I have to visit the lab today, anyway. And as long as you take someone, Jo. I’m not comfortable letting you meet a stranger alone, even if he is a relative. And not to mention if Sarah found out, she’d kill me.”

Jo shrugged and stood, looking at James. “Well if you’re coming, we better get going.” She put her cup on the sink and gave Spencer a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll come back to show off all my
loot
before I catch the train home.”

James collected his jacket and helped Jo with hers. They both shivered as they left the warmth of the room and walked out into the cold air. Jo’s adrenaline pumped as she readied herself to meet her father’s relative and collect her inheritance. As odd as it all sounded, she had to admit, it was kind of exciting finally meeting someone connected to her father. If everything went well, she may even solve the mystery of where he disappeared to all those years ago and finally get some answers to her past.