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

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

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

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

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

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

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

at each other; Michael

telling me that you married a woman, and you shared her

he shared her with me, and then

him. “You’re

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.

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

gaze passes between the two men, wary and waiting. Michael, arms still folded, looks at

be going, shall I,” I mutter,

away, leaving me behind. I can’t

back into the house? Ask

don’t dare. The expression on James’

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

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

stand, trying to wipe my face with the back of my hand. As I turn, he looks stern, angry, but his face

feels hot. Some women can cry and look good, but I’m not one of them. I know that my face is blotchy,

brought me.” I sniffle. “He’s driven off without me, and my bag and everything else is in his car. I’ve

you even here

want to come, but Ben was so angry when he thought he’d seen Charlotte and James….” I swallow my words. “When he thought he’d seen them….

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 now. I’ll

I don’t think it’s going to help much with James though.

an 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. Go and wait in the hotel lobby. I’ll make the

*****

my desk, working, but waiting for the

“Hello, Kirstie. It’s