*****

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.

looks momentarily perplexed, then switches on a cool expression. “Hello, Ben. Charlotte and I just going out

Ben’s voice is also cool. “What’s happening

set out for the

Charlotte got to do with

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

“No,

on our

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

you know. He behaves as though he’s

hell do

got to get some work done now, Ben. See you

I’ll see you then.”

*****

moody and doesn’t speak. I try to start a conversation, but he’s not interested.

I get a phone call. It’s my sister, Erin,

“Hey, Sis, what’s wrong?”

I thought he was going to propose, but

Who’s dumped

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

I’m sorry. You really liked

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

*****

beach, he jogs up to me smiling, his mood obviously much improved, but his face falls

got from my sister. Her fuckwit boyfriend’s

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