Beautiful Curses: Book One Read Online Free PDF

pub.”
     “Oh.”
     “I called her last minute. I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough time, but we left London earlier than I expected.”
     “So, what did she think?”
     Spencer smiled. “She loved them. Thought I was a genius, and praised my undeniable talent.”
     Jo arched a brow. “Translation: she said they were okay, and you didn’t make her look like a troll.”
     Spencer aimed a half-hearted punch at Jo, who ducked and fended him off with a cushion. “Funny. She said her mum would love them and she couldn’t wait to show her.”
     “I’m glad.” Jo smiled at him. She liked to see her brother so happy. “By the way, did you get James’ message? He rang here looking for you, said you’d turned your mobile off.”
     “Yeah, he ended up ringing Matt at the pub.”
     “What was so urgent?”
     “He wanted to ask about New Year.”
      “New Year?”
     “Yeah, I’ve talked Dad into letting us use that old cottage in Cornwell. We can go hiking and hang out. Thought I’d see if my two sisters wanted to come and maybe invite a friend or two.”
     Jo clutched the cushion she was still holding and leaned forward. “When would we go?”
     “A few days after Christmas. I was going to visit James and his family, but thought this might be a better idea.”
     “Yeah. Sounds great.”
     “Good, I’m glad you approve. So do you think Beth will be allowed to come?”
     Jo blinked. “Um, I’m not sure. Possibly. I don’t think she goes on holidays much.”
     Spencer gave her a thoughtful look, as if he’d been about to speak and changed his mind. He bent down to scratch Baxter’s ear instead.
      “Who else are you inviting?” Jo had to ask.
     “James of course. And two other friends, Luke and Tobias. You’ll like them, they’re easy going lads.”
      “Yeah I’m sure I will,” she replied vaguely. Not really caring, once he mentioned James. “What about Ella have you asked her yet?”
     “Yeah, she’s not sure. Something about a cousin of Denise’s coming to stay she wants to meet.” Spencer got to his feet, gathered the pictures together and put them back in the folder. “She has to confirm a few dates in her appointment schedule, ” he added with a smirk.
     Gabriella had a new appointment app for her phone and pulled it out every time one of them asked her to do a job.
    I’d love to stay and help, but can’t right now, I have an appointment or I have to meet someone …
    Always some excuse. No one bothered to ask anymore.
     Jo got off the sofa and stretched. “Well I’m off to bed. It’s a great idea. I didn’t fancy spending it with the oldies for the seventeenth year in a row. Faced with another game of Pictionary might send me over the edge.”
     “Good to see you getting more adventurous in your old age.”
     Jo chuckled and left him to turn out the lights and put the dog in the utility room. Spencer was right. She had changed these past few months. Going away for New Year would never have crossed her mind before and now she couldn’t wait.

 
     
    SEVEN
     
    Everyone was gathering in the family room preparing to leave for the Christmas Eve Church service. They'd decided to go to the earlier one as it fitted in with Jack's bedtime.
     Jo’s brown smock dress-Sarah insisted she wore-hung just above her knees. She hated anything short, so she’d found the thickest pair of tights to wear, but couldn’t help pulling at the woollen fabric to try and cover her gangly legs.
     Gabriella descended the stairs looking stunning as usual. She’d bought a plum velvet swing dress in London and wore a perfectly matched scarf, draped in a fashionable knot, around her neck. Spencer whistled and she swung her hair back and smiled, her perfect white teeth radiating between her glossy red lips. Jo wished she had her confidence. Nothing ever fazed her. She always looked composed and perfect.
     Beth appeared minutes later holding Jack. He looked so cute in a