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.

me, Marcie. Do you think you’re ever going to have someone who will volunteer to take a bullet

“You don’t like me much

“Not much, no.”

“Why not?”

wife, and you just insulted my best friend. How’s that for starters?

leaves, following

Steve and Marcie the Mouth, both seen off in one

didn’t seem

pull any punches,

and my best friend. I saw no reason to

that easy smile of his is back. “I don’t think you’re going to have any more trouble with Steve this evening, Kirstie,” says Michael. He pushes

that I too was agape at Michael’s performance. Steve is sitting

looks like a sulky kid,” I

to me. “You mean the kind of kid who’s discovered that all

smile. “Yeah, that’s the one….

“Every word.”

Charlotte is nodding enthusiastically.

after Charlotte? You

yes. 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

Charlotte punched

be happy to see from any professional; all but knocked him out cold. She certainly

me. Who taught you to

says Charlotte, smiling

Ex-husband….?

“You never mentioned

I? thought I had. I never said I didn’t like Chad. It just didn’t work as a marriage. I’d be happy

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

met him.

I