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.

I look up again. I try not to, but my gaze wanders between James and Michael, and

two of them? Is that what you’re saying?

two of them, then Charlotte, then back at me. Then, his voice quiet, almost calm, “Were you

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

paces up and down, swiping a hand through his hair, then he turns to face me, eyes wide, lips pressed white

don’t believe you,” he says finally. “Mike, tell me what the right of

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

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

telling me that you married a woman, and you shared

he shared her with me, and

him.

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

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 fades into

wary and waiting. Michael, arms still folded, looks at the floor. James

shall I,” I mutter,

am stranded. Ben brought me here and has driven away, leaving me behind. I can’t even call a taxi. My

I go back into the house? Ask if

The expression on James’

on a tree stump looking down over the 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

It’s Michael’s voice

As I turn, he looks stern, angry, but his face softens when he sees me trying to wipe my face dry. Fishing

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

I sniffle. “He’s driven off without me, and my bag and everything else is in his car. I’ve no money on me, or credit cards, or even my

hell were you even here in the first

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

it’s getting late. I’d 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 call a taxi to get you home. Have you got keys to

nod. “There’s a spare set with my neighbour, thanks. I don’t think it’s going to help much with James

shake. “I’ll try to cool him off a bit before tomorrow. Come on, let’s get you home. Go

*****

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

buzzes. “Hello, Kirstie. It’s Francis here from