Stanton Box Set

I stand with my back to her at the coffee machine trying to think of a getaway plan and I slowly stir my sugar… actually I need another one. I pile another heaped teaspoon into my coffee and stir it. I will try anything to sweeten this conversation. I walk back and lean my behind on the bench facing the two women. Bridget flicks her eyes to the door and I throw her a filthy look. Don’t even think of leaving me here, bitch.

“Your mother told me that you are engaged,” she replies in monotone.

Oh shit, didn’t Joshua tell her that? Why wouldn’t he tell them? I have been so wrapped up in myself and my family I didn’t even notice. This just gets worse by the minute.

“Yes,” I whisper.

She fakes a smile. “How lovely for you. You must be very happy,” she sneers.

I start to hear my pulse in my ears as my anger starts to grow.

I fake a smile back. “I am.” My eyes hold hers. Bring it on bitch, I’m ready.

Bridget drains her coffee cup and appears uncomfortable.

“What are you doing here?” I ask too sweetly, as once again our eyes lock.

“My son sent his plane to pick me up. We have some things that we need to discuss.” She sits back in her chair. “But you already know that don’t you?” she sneers.

Bridget stands. “Um, I’m just going to…” She points to the door with her thumb.

“Sit back down!” I snap. Bridget drops into her seat immediately and you could hear a pin drop. “And why would I know that?” I ask.

She smiles and widens her eyes animatedly. “Oh there it is, the innocence that Joshua loves. You really should become an actress, Natasha. You’re very good.”

Fury starts to pump through me and my eyes meet Bridget’s.

The moment is broken as the front door opens and closes and I hear Cameron’s voice. “Hey,” he calls. I don’t think I have ever been so relieved to see him in my life.

He throws his keys onto the bench and his eyes flick between the three of us.

“Mother,” he says uncomfortably and he walks over to her and kisses each of her cheeks. By his body language I can tell he’s furious too. This is going to be a bad day all round.

I walk to the kitchen and start to make Joshua a protein shake. I have noticed he is not eating as much. He’s obviously under a lot of stress.

“How was your flight?” Cameron asks.

“Long,” Margaret replies. “You look tired, Cameron. Have you been working too hard?”

Bridget’s and my eyes meet and she smirks. Fucking two women all night long probably is hard work—I wonder if he got paid an overtime allowance.

Joshua walks in and my eyes find him across the room. He’s wearing a three-piece navy suit… his armour, a white shirt and tie, dressed for a business meeting. My heart drops. I don’t want him to have to go through this shit. I smile gently, hoping that he will feel my love across the room.

“Mother,” he says, his voice void of emotion.

“Hello Joshua,” she stammers.

He walks past her to me on the other side of the kitchen and kisses me gently. “Good morning, my lovely Natasha.” He smiles as he brushes the hair from my face.

I melt and feel a wave of emotion pulse through me that only he can arouse.

“I made you a shake,” I whisper as I hand it to him.

“Thank you, very thoughtful.” He takes it from me and takes a sip as his eyes hold mine. He bends and kisses me again, then turns and walks from the room.

“Cameron, can I see you in my office for a moment?” he calls.

Cameron and Margaret both stand. “Not you, Mother. I will call you when I want you.”