*****

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 I just going

voice is also cool. “What’s happening

ground-works set out for the new retail

Charlotte got

spending time with the surveyors over the next few days to learn what their job involves…. I assume you don’t have a problem with

flushes. “No,

be on our

pair to the door, James walks behind Charlotte, his hand resting in the small of her back, in that

you know. He behaves as though

the hell do I say

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

thoughtful. “Yeah, I’ll see you

*****

I try to start a conversation, but he’s not interested. Bolting down my sandwich, I make my

It’s my sister, Erin, sobbing into the phone

“Hey, Sis, what’s wrong?”

thought he was

Who’s dumped

me. I thought he was going to ask me to marry him, but

You

Dominic, then Ashley, and now Rob. I always think it’s going somewhere and

*****

on the beach, he jogs up to me smiling, his mood obviously much improved,

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

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255