Choosing Her Lover

For the smallest of moments, I think Charlotte is going to launch herself at Marcie, but then Michael’s hand is on her arm, his knuckles white.

Michael’s voice is cool. “You have a big mouth, Marcie. I’m not going to tell James you said that. If you don’t care for him, then fair enough; I know he can be abrasive sometimes. But don’t talk about what you don’t know. Before you go opening your mouth at random again, you might try finding out a few facts; such as how did James come by his limp?”

Marcie’s face is sour and pale. She stares back at him but doesn’t speak.

Time to show my colours. Let’s wave the flag for them….

“Michael, how did James get his limp?” I ask.

In fact, I’m genuinely interested. James Alexanders does not seem like the kind of man to get involved in a street brawl.

Michael’s eyes meet mine for a moment. So do Charlotte’s. They both know what I just did.

“He was shot,” says Michael. “A man was trying to murder Charlotte, but James shielded her with his body and took the bullet for her.”

Marcie’s eyes widen. I think mine do as well.

“Wow!” I say. “A real hero.”

“Yes,” says Michael, “a hero.”

“Yeah….” slurs Steve, his tone sarcastic. “A real hero….”

Charlotte breaks in, her tone acid. “Have you done anything heroic recently, Steve?”

“Apart from getting punched unconscious by Charlotte here…” finishes Michael. Steve blanches and finally….

…. finally….

…. staggers away into the crowd.

is gaping, but Michael has not finished. He continues. “Tell me, Marcie. Do you think you’re ever going to have someone who will volunteer to take a

and looks down. “You don’t like me much do you,

“Not much, no.”

“Why not?”

my wife, and you just insulted my best friend. How’s that for starters? Now, go away and don’t bother us again, Marcie. I

she leaves, following

impressed by Michael’s style. Slimy Steve and Marcie

didn’t seem the

any punches, do

just insulted both my wife and my best friend. I saw no reason

back. “I don’t think you’re going to have any more trouble with Steve this evening, Kirstie,”

I realise that I too was agape at Michael’s performance. Steve is sitting at the far side of

a

me. “You mean the kind of kid who’s discovered that all the chocolate chip cookies are

the

“Every word.”

Charlotte is nodding enthusiastically.

after Charlotte? You

him. I only managed to knock off his aim. James didn’t even hesitate. He simply put himself between Charlotte and

And…. Charlotte punched

and leave her alone. She swings a punch you’d be happy to see from any professional; all but knocked him out cold. She certainly made a mess of his nose. In fact, you saw

Who taught you to

ex-husband,” says Charlotte, smiling into her

Ex-husband….?

“You

just didn’t

looks away but seems unsettled. His gaze alights on

don’t think you’ll have met him. He’s new

you’ll introduce us then? I assume that’s