Choosing Her Lover

“I spoke with Kirstie a few days ago. She didn’t want to talk to me, gave me a real piece of her mind.…” James side-glances me then returns his attention to Ben. “She told me that, well, all of you are volunteers in what you’re doing and that’s it’s really none of my business and…. that I should apologise to you.”

James pauses, digesting his words. “It’s not me who needs the apology, Ben. I can understand why you felt the need to defend your brother. But Charlotte is a different matter.”

“I know, I know. Is she here? I’ll talk to her while you’re present if you would prefer that. I’m guessing that you don’t want to leave me alone in her company…”

“You are quite correct there,” says James. “Kirstie, can you call Charlotte, please. I believe you will find she is in her own office, extension 4528.”

Back at my desk, I tap the number, “Um, Charlotte, it’s Kirstie here from the front desk.”

“Yes, Kirstie. What is it?”

“I’m in the small conference room by the lobby with James and Ben Summerford. James is asking if you could join them.”

There is a long pause, then, “I’ll be there shortly.”

Five minutes later, Charlotte walks in, her expression unreadable.… no….

What is that expression?

Certainly, she’s not afraid of Ben. Quite the contrary, I think she would launch herself at him given the freedom to do so, but James points her to a chair, backing it up with a brusque nod.

Definitely an order, not a request….

Dom and Sub?

She looks rebellious but obeys.

James, very noticeably, moves to stand, not exactly between Ben and Charlotte, but very close to it. Then he simply waits, arms folded, looking at first at Ben, then at the floor.

Ben is all but stammering. “I wanted to apologise, Charlotte. I didn’t understand. I’ll admit that really, I still don’t. I thought you were.… betraying my brother. It’s obvious that you’re not. If Mike’s happy, then it’s not for me to interfere.”

relaxes a little. She still looks unimpressed, but nods; a short staccato movement. “Apology accepted,

“Anything else?” asks James.

I’ve said what I came to say.” He turns to me. “I hope

“Ben….” I start.

his hands. “It’s alright, Kirstie. I mean just that; friends. It would never work with you and me…. and besides, Erin’s very sweet; a real old-fashioned

My jaw drops. “Erin?”

and

he opens the door, “Ben.…” I call after

“Yes?”

you ever raise a hand to Erin, I’ll

nods a curt acknowledgement

turn to face my Director. “So, how much trouble

almost amused. “None. I appreciate your telling Ben your mind. That can’t have been

“No, it wasn’t.”

against the conference table, perching on the edge. “Relax, Kirstie. I’m not going to bite, and I really am grateful for what you did with Ben. It will make my life a lot easier with

“You’re welcome, Sir.”

appropriate way of using your

“Sir?”

his smile is wicked, “I’m just exercising my appreciation

he really

“Sorry?”

is not exactly a part of Charlotte’s repertoire either. The only

*****

you have a minute, could

can’t leave the desk right now, Francis. There’s no-one else

You just come upstairs.

Am I in