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.

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

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

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

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

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

he says finally. “Mike, tell me what the right

brother in the eye. “Ben, Kirstie’s

Michael calm, his expression almost regretful,

me that you married a woman, and you

her with me, and then

stares at him.

Not everyone lives the same way.” Michael waves 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 a lot to me and for the three of us, it works. So, just think about that for a while, and calm

He 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

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

I mutter, and I exit the room, then

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 was my

into the house? Ask if I can

dare. The expression on

glorious lake view. I’m trembling, and after a minute, I realise I’m crying, tears rolling down my cheeks. Then uncontrollably, the sobs come, heaving at

are you still here?” It’s Michael’s

stand, trying to wipe 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

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

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

the hell were you even here

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

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 James though. I’ll have to

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

*****

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

Kirstie. It’s Francis here