“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 try not to, but my gaze wanders

saying? You fucked with

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

that I should call a halt to this.

he turns to face me, eyes wide, lips pressed white against each

don’t believe you,” he says finally. “Mike, tell me

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

brothers stare at each other; Michael calm, his expression

me that you married a woman,

I’m telling you that he shared her

him.

my wife and my best friend. I’ve known him

stands frozen, his hands fisting, then with a snarl, he storms out of the room. There is the sound of boots stamping downstairs, the bang of a door and then the rumble

passes between the two men, wary and waiting. Michael, arms still folded, looks at

I mutter, and I

Ben brought me here and has driven away, leaving me behind. I can’t even call a taxi. My purse and money were

into the house? Ask if I can

The expression on James’

I’m trembling, and after a minute, I realise

still here?” It’s Michael’s voice

my face with the back of my hand. As I turn, he looks stern, angry, but his face softens when he sees me trying to wipe my face dry. Fishing

and try to clean my face. My skin feels hot. Some women can cry

sniffle. “He’s driven off without me, and my bag and everything else is in his car. I’ve no money on

hell were you even here in

thought he’d seen Charlotte and James….” I swallow my words. “When he thought he’d seen them…. I was trying to stop

a good idea for you to risk running into James right now. I’ll call

to help much with James though. I’ll have to see him at the office tomorrow, assuming I

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

*****

am sitting at my desk, working, but waiting for the storm. Nausea rises in my

It’s Francis here from

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