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.

silence is palpable, threatening. I look up again. I try not to, but my gaze wanders between James and Michael, and Ben’s

of them? Is that what you’re saying? You fucked with my brother and

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

I should call a halt to this. We don’t live in the

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

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

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

other; Michael calm, his expression almost

telling me that you married a

you that he shared her with me,

at him. “You’re not

friend. I’ve known him longer than her, but they both mean a lot to me and for the three

room. There is the sound of boots stamping downstairs, the bang of a door and

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

going, shall I,” I mutter,

on me that I am stranded. Ben brought me here and has driven away, leaving me behind. I can’t even call a taxi. My purse and money were in his car. So

go back into the house? Ask if I can

don’t dare. The expression

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

you still here?” It’s Michael’s

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

as I blow my nose and try to clean my face. My skin feels hot. Some women can cry and

me.” I sniffle. “He’s driven off without me, and my bag and everything else is

you even here

was so angry when he thought he’d seen Charlotte and James….” I swallow my words. “When

I’d put you up in the hotel overnight, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to risk running into James right

going to help much with

him off a bit before tomorrow. Come on,

*****

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

“Hello, Kirstie. It’s Francis here from