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 for

don’t like me much

“Not much, no.”

“Why not?”

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

she leaves, following

by Michael’s style. Slimy Steve and Marcie the

seem

any punches,

“She just insulted both my wife and my best friend. I

don’t think you’re going to have any more trouble with Steve this evening, Kirstie,” says Michael. He pushes my chin up with a finger. “You look better

I too was agape at Michael’s performance. Steve is sitting at the far side of the room, his

like a sulky kid,”

who’s discovered that all the

have to smile. “Yeah, that’s the one…. Is all that true? About James?”

“Every word.”

Charlotte is nodding enthusiastically.

after

off his aim. James didn’t even hesitate. He simply put himself between Charlotte and

Charlotte punched Steve? That’s true

laughs. “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; all but knocked him out cold.

Who

says Charlotte,

Ex-husband….?

head swivels. “You never mentioned

thought I had. I 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

met him. He’s

I assume