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.

finished. He continues. “Tell me, Marcie. Do you think you’re ever going to

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

“Not much, no.”

“Why not?”

see…. So far, you’ve offended me, upset my wife, and you just insulted my best friend. How’s that

leaves, following

Steve and Marcie the Mouth, both seen off in one smooth

didn’t seem

pull any punches, do

both my wife and my best friend.

have any more trouble with Steve this evening, Kirstie,” says

at Michael’s performance. Steve

like a

the kind of kid who’s discovered that all the chocolate chip cookies

“Yeah, that’s the one….

“Every word.”

Charlotte is nodding enthusiastically.

gunman was after

I tried to stop the shot, but I couldn’t move fast enough to get the gun from him. I only managed to knock off his aim. James didn’t even hesitate. He simply put himself between Charlotte and the gun. He nearly died,

punched

“Yup. The pushy bastard wouldn’t take a hint and leave her alone. She swings a punch you’d be happy to see from any professional;

“Sounds good to me. Who taught you to box?”

Charlotte, smiling into

Ex-husband….?

head swivels. “You

never said I didn’t like Chad. It just didn’t work as a

unsettled. His gaze alights on my choker and his eyes crinkle. “Who’s the lucky

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

introduce us then? I assume that’s