Chapitre 13: Chapter 13: Target, Part 13

James - Twenty-Nine Weeks

What's she looking for?

Standing in the kitchen doorway, I watch as Charlotte, her back to me, rummages through the shelves of the store cupboard.

The latest tee-shirt is already tight, rolling up a little over her expanded waistline as she stretches upwards. Muttering to herself, she works through tins and jars then, with an audible Mmmm... takes a plastic container from the top shelf. Unclipping the lid, she extracts a slab of chocolate brownie.

Caught in the act.

"That will be your third this morning, Charlotte."

She jolts, looking over her shoulder at me, pressing fingers to her mouth as she chews then gulps. "Michael brought them over from the hotel for me when I said I fancied something sweet."

Stepping across to her, I take the cake from her hand and replace it in the box, minus one bite. "He brought enough for everyone. I don't think he intended you to eat the lot yourself."