Choosing Her Lover

Chapter 18

“More than one…. How many men are you fucking? Is that why you’re saying what you are about Mike? You play fast and loose, so you assume everyone else does? I thought you and I had something special. I thought it was you and me; that we were an item?”

“I never said that. I never said anything like that….”

“You slept with me. We made love together….”

“Ben, we’ve had half a dozen dates; that’s all. And yes, I slept with you, once. But…. So what? I’m sure you’re a great guy, but I have never said that I wanted to be tied to you. You just assumed it.”

I fall silent. It seems the best policy while Ben gets his brain on to the same planet I live on.

He stares at me, his face slack, but I can see the wheels turning in his head. Then, “Have you screwed my brother?”

Oh, fuck….

In the background, I see Michael’s eyes roll heavenward.

Should I lie?

Would it help?

No.

“Yes.”

“Yes? You’ve fucked Michael?”

And now I’m beginning to panic, not thinking clearly. “It was just once, a couple of years ago.” I stammer. “They were at a club I go to….”

“They? Who’s ‘they’?”

Oh, shit….

“Who’s they?” he repeats.

I don’t speak, staring at the floor and trying not to speak, before I make things worse.

to, but my gaze wanders between

of them? Is that what you’re saying? You fucked with my brother and

between the two of them, then Charlotte, then back at me. Then, his voice quiet, almost calm, “Were

that I’m not being fair to you, that I should call a halt to this. We

through his hair, then he

he says finally. “Mike,

brother in the eye. “Ben, Kirstie’s telling you the

two brothers stare at each other; Michael

you married a woman, and you shared her with

that he shared her with

him. “You’re

to James and Charlotte. “My family consists of my wife and my best friend. I’ve known him longer than

snarl, he storms out of the room. There is the sound of boots stamping downstairs, the bang of a door and

and waiting. Michael, arms still folded, looks at the floor. James is

be going, shall I,” I mutter, and I exit

and has driven away, leaving me behind. I can’t even call a taxi. My purse and

house? Ask if I can

dare. The expression on James’

lake view. I’m trembling, and after a minute, I realise I’m crying, tears rolling down my cheeks. Then uncontrollably,

still here?” It’s

angry, but his face softens when he sees me trying to wipe my face dry. Fishing in his pocket,

hot. Some women can cry and look good, but I’m not

bag and everything else is in his car. I’ve no money

you even

so angry when he thought he’d seen Charlotte and James….” I swallow my words. “When he thought he’d seen them….

help much, did it? Look, it’s getting late. I’d put you up in the hotel overnight, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to risk

my neighbour, thanks. I don’t think it’s going to help much with James though. I’ll have to see him at the office tomorrow,

bit before tomorrow.

*****

for the

It’s Francis here from the director’s

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