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.

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

that what you’re saying? You fucked with my

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

I’m not being fair to you, that I should call

and down, swiping a hand through his hair, then he turns to face me, eyes

he says finally. “Mike, tell me what

a sigh, standing arms folded, looking his brother in the

other; Michael calm,

that you married a woman, and you shared her

shared her with me, and then I

stares at him. “You’re not

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

then with a snarl, he storms out of the room. There is the sound of boots stamping downstairs, the bang of a

three stand frozen. Charlotte’s gaze passes between the two men, wary and waiting. Michael, arms still folded,

shall I,” I mutter, and I exit the room, then the

that I am stranded. Ben brought me here and has driven away, leaving me behind.

the house? Ask if

don’t dare. The expression on James’

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

still here?” It’s Michael’s voice

back of my hand. As I turn, he looks stern, angry, but his face softens when he sees me trying to

blow my nose and try to clean my face. My skin feels hot. Some women can cry and look good, but I’m

my bag and everything else

were you even here in the first place,

he thought he’d seen Charlotte and James….” I swallow

hotel overnight, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to risk running into James right now. I’ll call a taxi

nod. “There’s a spare set with my neighbour, thanks. I don’t think it’s going to help much with James though. I’ll have to see him at the office tomorrow, assuming I still

me a gentle shake. “I’ll try to cool him off a bit before tomorrow. Come

*****

working, but waiting for the

It’s Francis here from