“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

you’re saying?

at me. Then, his voice quiet, almost calm, “Were you planning on

you, that I should call a

paces up and down, swiping a hand through his hair, then he turns to face

finally. “Mike, tell me what the right

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

two brothers stare at each other; Michael calm, his

that you married a woman, and you shared

her with me, and

stares at him. “You’re not

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

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 of a car engine which grows quieter as it fades

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

I,” I mutter, and I exit the room,

brought me here and has driven away, leaving me

the house? Ask

The expression on James’

what to do, I 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

you still here?” It’s

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 in his pocket, he produces a tissue and offers it to

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

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

were you even here

James….” I swallow my words. “When he thought he’d

I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to risk running into

it’s going to help much with James though. I’ll have to see him

to cool him off a bit before tomorrow.

*****

working, but waiting for the storm. Nausea rises in my throat

It’s Francis here from the director’s

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