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.

a cool expression. “Hello, Ben. Charlotte and I just

also cool.

ground-works set out

what’s Charlotte got to do

spending time with the surveyors over the next few days to learn what their job

flushes. “No, of

be on our way,

walks behind Charlotte, his

like this you know. He behaves as

hell do I say to

of subject. “I’ve got to get some work done now, Ben. See you

thoughtful. “Yeah, I’ll see you then.”

*****

speak. I try to start a conversation,

day doesn’t improve. Mid-afternoon I get a phone call. It’s my sister, Erin,

“Hey, Sis, what’s wrong?”

was

slow down. Who’s dumped you?

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

sorry. You really liked him

it take? First, it was Dominic, then Ashley, and now Rob. I always think it’s going somewhere and then they all just vanish over the horizon with some

*****

his mood obviously

call I got from my