Read Beautiful Curses: Book One for Free Online

in books. And she’d decided long ago, that as much as people strived to live the fairy-tale, real life and the written word didn’t often represent each other.
     “So, she’s just a friend?” Jo queried.
     “Look for the last time she’s not my girlfriend. Now back off the two of you.”
     Spencer's mobile started ringing and Jo glanced at Gabriella. “ Told you so, ” she mouthed and started to giggle.
      “I thought I heard Jack. I’d better go and check,” Beth muttered, as she turned and walked out of the room.
    Jo watched her leave as Spencer escaped into the conservatory with his ringing mobile phone. Gabriella could just be stirring the pot, but Jo wondered if there could be some truth to it. Either way, Jo decided to find Beth. She hadn’t looked very pleased, and Jo wanted to check that she was alright. 
     

 
    EIGHT
     
    Gabriella was enjoying this Christmas more than any other. Messing with Beth was more fun than she’d thought it would be. The phone call from Lisa had been a brilliant idea.  It was a stroke of luck to find Lisa's number in Spencer's contact list, when she borrowed it the day before.
      “Hello Lisa speaking,” she had answered, after Gabriella had called her number.
     “Lisa?” Gabriella acted surprised.
     “Yes ... who's this?”
     “Oh, right. Sorry … my name’s Gabriella. I think you know my brother, Spencer. I accidentally hit the first contact on his friend list. I didn’t mean to bother you.”
     “No bother. And Wow. Friend list? First contact? I didn't even know Spencer had my number.”
     “Oh. I um ... probably shouldn't have told you. But, it probably doesn't matter now I'm finally talking to you.”
     “Why’s that?”
     “I mean. I remember who you are.  I um ...   heard Spencer mention you the other day. You must be the pretty one he goes to the movies with.”
     “He said that?”
     “I don't think he meant to say it, because he clammed up after that. Wouldn’t tell me anything else.”
     “Yeah, he seems tight lipped with what he gives away.”
     “Did he ring you about New Year yet?”
     “No, but James mentioned it the other night at the pub. Sounds like fun. Have you got room for one more?”
     “Definitely, there are plenty of beds. I bet Spencer would love for you to come.” Gabriella smiled and caressed her ring. “Why not give him a call. You can ring here. He'll be home Christmas Eve.”
     “Oh, I'm not sure.  I don't want to interrupt your family time.”
     “Not at all. Spencer won't care. He'll be really glad. In fact, he’ll probably be waiting by the phone.”
     “Okay. I guess I could.”
     “Great, but ... um ... could you maybe forget to mention I already spoke to you. I shouldn't have borrowed his phone without asking. And I know he'd kill me if he found out what I told you.”
     Lisa laughed. “Yeah sure, I’ll tell him James asked me to ring. I did tell James I might call anyway. Your secret is safe with me. Don't worry.”
     “Thanks. It was really nice talking to you. I’m really looking forward to meeting you at New Year.”
     “Yeah, you too. Have a Merry Christmas,” Lisa said in a cheery voice, like she'd just been given the best Christmas present.
     "Oh I definitely will," Gabriella said, then chuckled as she pressed the end button and sneaked toward Spencer’s room. She planned to tuck his phone back into his jacket pocket, and erase the call memory, long before he discovered it was even missing.

 
    NINE
     
    Jo woke to a bright Christmas morning. A chill rushed over her as she pulled the covers back. She suddenly thought about James and wondered if Santa had paid him a visit during the night. Smiling, she put on her dressing gown and made her way downstairs to see if Jack and Beth had woken yet.
    Thinking everyone would still be in bed, it surprised her to hear low murmuring voices in the kitchen. It sounded like an argument of sorts so she stopped on the