*****

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.

perplexed, then switches on a cool expression. “Hello, Ben. Charlotte

also cool. “What’s

out for the new retail

Charlotte got to do

tilts, lips pressed together. “Charlotte is, as you know, 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 don’t

flushes. “No, of course

on our

his hand resting in the small of her

this you know. He behaves as though he’s the one married to

do I

opt for a change of subject. “I’ve got to get some work done

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

get a phone call. It’s my sister,

“Hey, Sis, what’s wrong?”

was

Who’s dumped you?

me out for a meal and said he wanted to talk to me. I thought he was going to

Erin, I’m sorry. You

does it take? First, it was Dominic, then Ashley, and now Rob. I always think it’s going

*****

to me smiling, his mood obviously much improved, but

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

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