Read Beautiful Curses: Book One for Free Online Page B

I wouldn't mind having a shower first. Ella always uses all the hot water and it takes an age to heat up again.”
    Beth looked down at the floor. “I actually need to talk to you.”
    “Oh.”
    She looked up again, her emerald eyes widening. “I haven’t been completely honest about something.”
     Jo remained silent, looking at her intently.
     “I don’t quite know how to say this exactly … well, here goes. I ... um ...  have feelings for your brother. I have since I first met him.” Beth winced. “And … well … we've started seeing each other.”
     Jo continued to stare at her.
     Beth bit her bottom lip. “It happened so quickly. I’ve barely been able to keep up with it myself.” She gave Jo a quick glance, before looking down at the white knuckles of her clenched hands. “I hope you don’t feel I’ve let you down by not telling you.”
     Jo rubbed her head, pretending to be stunned. “You and Spencer? I  ... um ... had no idea.”
     “Yeah, I know. And I know that we’ve only been friends for a few months, but it feels like a lot longer. You're like family to me, Jo.  I don’t enter into relationships easily, well not that I've ever had a boyfriend before, but you get what I mean.”
    Jo nodded. Not really sure she did, but she didn’t want Beth to feel even more uncomfortable.
    “I’ve been totally blown away by my feelings for Spencer. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. Not even my family—but I suppose that’s different.”
     “You really feel that strongly? And after only knowing him a few weeks?”
     “Weird. Yeah. I sound more like a teenager with a crush, hormones on steroids kind of thing. I don’t think it is. I've had crushes before. But this feels different. Spencer has insisted on telling your family. He wants to be in a committed relationship. And I really want that too.”
     Jo contemplated her words. Spencer and Beth in a serious, committed relationship.  That might alter things. But she had no intention of losing Beth as a friend. Not now she finally had one.
     “This may take me a while to process. I mean you’re my best friend and I love Spencer to bits. I’m really happy for you, Beth. You deserve the best, and I can’t think of anyone better than Spencer.”
     Beth blew out a breath and unclenched her hands. “Thanks Jo. And I promise it won’t affect our friendship. You've been my saviour since moving here and I’ve never been close to anyone outside my family before. I don’t want anything to ruin that.”
     “Spencer will just have to butt out where we’re concerned.” Jo patted her on the shoulder and laughed.
     “Yes, that’s definitely non-negotiable. I’m first and foremost your best friend.”
     Jo nodded in agreement and smiled. “So, what now? Is Spencer going to announce it over Christmas dinner by kissing you before desert?”
    Beth rolled her eyes and Jo started to laugh again.
     Beth glanced toward the mirror on top of the dressing table, fidgeting with a heart pendant around her neck that Jo had never seen before. She suddenly wondered if Spencer had given it to her as an early Christmas gift.
    “I’m a little worried how everyone’s going to react. Spencer said he’d tell Sarah and Peter.” Beth sighed and then added, “Oh … and Gabriella of course.”
    Gabriella. Now that would be interesting. She absolutely monopolised Spencer's time when he was home. Now she wouldn't take precedent. Beth would. Her perfect, well groomed feathers were about to be ruffled. Oh how Jo would love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. This Christmas was certainly shaping up to be the most exciting yet.

 
    TEN
     
    Gabriella woke to the sound of Christmas carols playing downstairs. Uncle Peter's subtle way of waking everyone on Christmas morning and signalling the family to assemble in the lounge for the traditional present opening. She smelt the aroma of fresh coffee specially bought for the occasion and blinked