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.

try not to, but my gaze wanders between James and Michael, and Ben’s eyes follow mine. And he gets

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

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

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

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

finally. “Mike, tell

heaves a sigh, standing arms folded, looking his brother in the eye.

brothers stare at each other; Michael calm, his expression almost regretful,

you married a woman, and you shared her with another

her with

at him. “You’re

best friend. I’ve known him longer than her, but they both mean a lot to me and for the three of us, it works. So, just think about that for a

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

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

mutter, and

away, leaving me

I go back into the house? Ask if

don’t dare. The expression on

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

here?” It’s Michael’s voice from behind

stern, angry, but his face softens when he sees me

and try to clean my face. My skin feels hot. Some women can cry and look good, but I’m not one of

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

were you even here

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

think it’s a good idea for you to risk running into

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

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

*****

but waiting for the storm. Nausea rises

buzzes. “Hello, Kirstie. It’s Francis