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.

my gaze wanders between James

you’re saying? You fucked with my

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

being fair to you, that I should call a halt to this. We don’t live

and down, swiping a hand through his hair, then he turns to face me, eyes wide, lips pressed

you,” he says finally. “Mike, tell me

sigh, standing arms folded, looking his brother in the eye. “Ben, Kirstie’s telling you

Michael calm, his expression almost regretful, Ben

that you married a woman,

that he shared her with me, and

at him. “You’re

told it aright, Ben. Not 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,

contorts. He stands frozen, his hands fisting, then with a snarl, he storms out of the room. There is the sound of

wary and waiting. Michael, arms still folded,

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

leaving me behind. I can’t

the house? Ask if I can

don’t dare. The expression on James’

sit on a tree stump looking down over the glorious lake view. I’m trembling, and after a minute, I realise I’m crying, tears rolling down my cheeks. Then uncontrollably,

It’s

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

to clean my face. My skin feels hot. Some women

everything else is in his car. I’ve no money on me, or credit cards, or

were you even here in

didn’t want to come, but Ben was so angry when he thought he’d seen Charlotte and James….” I swallow my

up in the 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

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

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

*****

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

It’s Francis here from