Choosing Her Lover

“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.

I look up again. I try not to, but my gaze wanders

that what you’re saying? You

then back at me. Then, his voice quiet, almost

to you, that I should call a halt to this. We don’t live in the same world, you and

a hand through his hair, then he turns

you,” he says finally. “Mike,

his brother in the

brothers stare at each other; Michael calm, his expression almost regretful, Ben confused,

me that you married a woman, and

telling you that he shared her with

at him.

everyone lives the same way.” Michael waves a hand across to James and Charlotte. “My family consists of my wife and my best friend. I’ve known him longer than her, but they both mean a lot to me

fisting, then with a snarl, he storms out of the room. There is the sound of boots stamping

two men, wary and waiting. Michael, arms still folded, looks at the floor. James is glaring at me, his

I,” I mutter, and I exit the room,

stranded. Ben brought me here and has driven away, leaving me behind.

into the house? Ask

don’t dare. The expression

do, I sit on a tree stump looking down over the glorious lake view. I’m trembling, and after a minute,

here?” It’s Michael’s voice

his face softens when

doing here?” he repeats as I blow my nose and try to clean my face. My skin feels hot. Some women can cry and look good, but I’m not one of them. I know that

else is in his car. I’ve no money

were you even here in the first

he thought he’d seen Charlotte and James….” I swallow my words. “When he thought he’d seen them…. I was trying to stop him, or at least calm

hotel overnight, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to risk running into James right now. I’ll call a taxi to get you home. Have you got keys to get

nod. “There’s a spare set with my neighbour, thanks. I don’t think it’s going to help much with James though. I’ll have to

him off a bit before tomorrow. Come on, let’s get you home. Go and wait in the hotel

*****

but waiting for the storm. Nausea rises in my throat and I couldn’t face

“Hello, Kirstie. It’s Francis here