Choosing Her Lover

*****

The front doors swish open and Ben strides in. “Hi, how’s my favourite girl?”

Calm down….

“Hi, Ben. I’m busy right now. Is it anything particular or just….”

“Just thought I’d drop by to see if you’re free for lunch?”

Should I?

Why not?

“I’m off at one. Is that good for you?”

“Great. I’ll come back then.”

He turns to leave but as he does so, the elevator doors open and Charlotte steps out into the lobby, followed by James. Both are carrying large bags. A fluorescent yellow hard-hat, the kind that might be worn on a building site, peeps from the top of Charlotte’s.

There is something about the way the two move. Although they walk with a distance between them, somehow James’ proprietorial attitude to Charlotte still radiates wide.

Ben’s eyes narrow as he sees them.

“Oh hello, Ben. I didn’t know you were around.” smiles Charlotte. “Are you here to see me for something?”

“No, I just called by to say hello to Kirstie,” he replies. His words are polite, but his eyes are on James and are not friendly.

cool expression. “Hello, Ben. Charlotte and

also

set out for the new

got to do

a trainee. She’s going to be spending time with the surveyors over the next few days to learn what their job involves…. I assume you

“No,

on our way,

behind Charlotte, his hand resting in the small

He behaves as though he’s the one

hell do I say to

to get some work

He looks thoughtful. “Yeah, I’ll see you then.” And he

*****

Ben is moody and doesn’t speak. I try to start a conversation, but he’s not interested. Bolting down my sandwich, I make my excuses and

call. It’s

“Hey, Sis, what’s wrong?”

was going to propose, but he dumped me

slow down. Who’s dumped

said he wanted to talk to me. I thought

I’m sorry. You

now Rob. I

*****

meeting Ben on the beach, he jogs up to me smiling, his mood obviously much improved, but his face falls as he draws

bit upset by a phone call I got from my sister. Her fuckwit boyfriend’s just