“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.

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

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

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

already decided that I’m not being fair to you, that I should call a halt to this. We don’t live in the same world,

a hand through his hair, then he turns to

he says finally. “Mike, tell me what the

brother in the eye. “Ben, Kirstie’s telling you the

stare at each other; Michael calm, his expression almost

married a woman,

he shared her with me, and then I married

at him.

consists of my wife and my best friend. I’ve known him longer than her,

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

waiting. Michael, arms still folded, looks at

I’ll be going, shall I,” I mutter, and I exit the room, then the

and has driven away, leaving me behind. I can’t even call a taxi. My purse and money were in his car. So

the house? Ask if I can use

don’t dare. The expression on

a minute, I realise I’m crying, tears rolling down my cheeks. Then uncontrollably, the sobs

are you still here?” It’s Michael’s voice from

his face softens when he

skin feels hot. Some women can cry and look

me, and my bag and everything else is in his car. I’ve no money on me,

you even here in the first

so angry when he thought he’d seen Charlotte and James….” I swallow my words. “When he thought he’d seen them…. I was trying to stop him,

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

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

before tomorrow. Come on, let’s get you home.

*****

day, I am sitting at my desk, working, but waiting for the storm. Nausea

It’s Francis

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