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.

up again. I try not to, but my gaze wanders between James and Michael, and Ben’s eyes

of them? Is that what you’re saying? You

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

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

hair, then he

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

sigh, standing arms folded, looking his brother in the eye. “Ben,

other; Michael calm, his

a

he shared her with

at him. “You’re not

known him longer than her, but they both mean a lot to me and for the three of us, it works. So, just think

the sound of boots stamping downstairs, the bang of a door and then the rumble of a car engine which grows

frozen. Charlotte’s gaze passes between the 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, then the

I am stranded. Ben brought me here and has driven away, leaving me behind. I can’t even call a

back into the house? Ask if I can use their

don’t dare. The expression

lake view. I’m trembling, and after a minute, I realise I’m crying, tears

here?” It’s Michael’s voice

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

feels hot. Some

sniffle. “He’s driven off without me, and my bag and everything else is in his car.

were you even here in the first place,

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

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

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

around my shoulder, giving me a gentle shake. “I’ll try to cool him off a bit before tomorrow. Come on,

*****

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

“Hello, Kirstie. It’s Francis here from the