The Choice The bakery was busier today than it was the day before, the scent of roasted coffee beans and buttery pastries thick in the air. Sarah sat on the aisle seat and Jonathan took the inside one, the weight of the moment pressing down on her like a physical force. Diana sat...
The Wrong Side of Charm – 8
The Photo That Changes Everything Long after Diana had finished an entire wine bottle alone and stumbled out of the house, Sarah sat all by herself, watching Law and Order reruns on channel 5. Diana was merciful enough to leave nearly a quatre of the chocolate in the box which she found to nibble...
The Wrong Side of Charm – 7
A Kiss Like Karma The afternoon air was cool against Sarah’s skin as Jonathan walked her from his parked car to her front door, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobbled streets of Harrow. The date had been warm, filled with easy conversation and the kind of familiarity that only time could forge. But...
The Wrong Side of Charm – 6
A Twist of Fate Dressed in a long flay skirt and a white strapless top under her petite black leather jacket, Sarah walked into the restaurant, scanning for Jonathan. Aware she was a few minutes late, she hoped he was there already but not for too long. He spotted her instantly and waved at...
The Wrong Side of Charm – 5
The Space Between Matt arrived at her doorstep with lunch in one hand and a bouquet of wildflowers in the other, sunflowers, her favorite, though she couldn’t remember ever telling him that. His smile was bright, effortless, as if he hadn’t just turned her world upside down the night before. “Matt,” she grinned as...
The Wrong Side of Charm – 4
Tangled Threads As she dropped the call, she found that Matt had been trying to call. She was going to dial him but then paused, it was best if when they talk it was him who called. It was a big deal for her that he called. Last night must mean something to him....
The Wrong Side of Charm – 3
A Welcome (and a Warning) She took a second to watch him. The cute innocence of his demeanor, roughly blended into the banal ruggedness of his toned arms made Sarah decide that if she had him inside with her, she would rather have him at his nuttiest behaviour. “Promise?” He placed his hand on...
The Wrong Side of Charm – 2
Against Better Judgment The doorbell chimed again, sharp and impatient. Sarah barely had time to tuck the faded class photo into the drawer before Diana’s voice cut through the door. “Sarah Victoria Carter, if you don’t open this door in the next five seconds, I’m letting myself in with the spare key your mum...
The Wrong Side of Charm – 1
The Wrong Side of Charm by Jane Shaw Synopsis After 16 years in the US, Sarah returns to the west London town where she used to teach primary school to be swept off her feet by a charming young man, Matt who turns out to be a pupil from her teaching days. At the...