Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

I’m crossing the floor of the lobby, thinking about the ongoing groundworks of D-site and trying to decide whether to tackle the east or the west side first. I’m not truly paying attention to my surroundings.

“Morning, Kirstie.”

“Good morning Mr Alexanders.”

*Jab elevator panel*

Lay land drains first to the east side?

Enable access via the west?

Or wait for the circular route to connect from the bridge?

Where’s that damn lift?

…

…

Reverse mental gears….

Kirstie…

Too much make-up…

Swollen eyes…

Trying not to be too obvious about it, I turn to take a better look at her. Even from the rear…

… slumping in her seat…

Not like her…

The elevator bings, but I ignore it, strolling back to the desk.

“Kirstie, is everything alright?”

“I'm fine, Mr Alexanders. Thank you for asking.”

She's painted on her business face, but as she speaks, she doesn’t look at me, keeping her eyes turned down. One thing I like about Kirstie is that she looks you in the eye…

Usually…

I take her chin in thumb and forefinger. “I expect you to look at me when I speak, Ms Jamieson...” But I cut myself short. Under the makeup she's caked on, her eyes are puffy.

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m fine.”

“No, you're not. You look terrible. Is it something I can help with?”

“No sir, it's... personal…”

I wait, giving her a silence to fill.

A flush rises up her neck, vanishing under the makeup line before it hits her face. “My sister, Erin is falling out with Ben....”

Not Ben again….

He really doesn't have the hang of people…

Why would that upset Kirstie so much?

“... so I have her crying on my shoulder and Ryan...” She stalls.

“Yes? Ryan…?”

Staring down at her desktop, “Nothing.”

longer, but no

if she

you like to go home? I'll find a

rather be at

“As you wish.”

*****

have Kirstie on from downstairs. She's asking if you could spare her a few minutes

Aaahhh…

she wants to. Can you make coffee for two,

course, James.” Francis fixes a gimlet

I’m

*****

less than five minutes, there is a timid tap at my door. I left it standing open, but she knocks

“Come in, Kirstie.”

“Thank you for making the time to

I close the door behind her. “Kirstie, we’re

hanging, she nods, winding

What now?

fucking good at this

don’t you sit down. Start at the beginning, whatever it is.” I gesture

Nope…

Wrong…

then correct myself, instead waving her across to the low seating

then hoots into a handkerchief. I sit opposite her, pour the coffee, try to make

Should I call Charlotte?

but Kirstie starts

Dom and... and there’s Michael of course. You always seem so happy together. And, well,

As she knows…

eyes slant up

How we met…

threesome at

rules. How it works.

“Get it?”

mean, you really understand

to see where

Ryan…

I

thinks he's completely in charge and that

you are not required to do anything you are unwilling to; that you haven't agreed to. That's not the rules of the game. If something upsets you, or if you find it distasteful… you’re

know that, but Ryan... Could you maybe talk to

interfere in the relationship between a Dom

she nods. “I

what he is requiring that

“It's...” But her words

Crucified with embarrassment.

we discussing everyday life here, Kirstie? Or are

she starts crying again, tears running furrows

Ah, fuck….

Weeping women…

Francis?

No…

Considering how you and I met,

she says, “He gets off on having

him. He can be as exhibitionist

in public. Parking lots, elevators. Places we could be

he's taking you too far,

her eyes red-rimmed, meet mine.

Shit…

can't be used isn't

Charlotte have been together for a while. Was there ever a time, maybe in your early days when…?” Her hand rises to her mouth as though cutting her own question short. “Sorry,” she