Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Richard

Michael’s bar of choice turns out to be more of a club, humming with activity. A singer croons from the stage; soft jazz which can barely be heard over the vibe of the crowd. A glitter ball spills multi-coloured light across a dance floor and here and there, a strobe splatters occasional black-light.

The two women take stools at the bar, whilst Michael, James and I find a table in a quieter corner.

Girl time…

Charlotte, so far as I usually see, normally drinks wine, but Michael has bought cocktails for both her and Elizabeth. The technicolour extravaganzas arrive draped with umbrellas, fruit, butterflies on sticks and a sparkler fizzing out of the top. The women watch them arrive and both burst into helpless laughter. Then, heads close, they start talking.

“How is she now?” I nod towards James’ and Michael’s communal wife.

“Getting over it, I think,” says James. “Without a doubt, it shocked her, learning that Klempner is her father.”

Michael grunts agreement.

“Of course…” I say, “… it was always known to be a possibility, surely? Had she simply closed herself off to the idea?”

James palms the back of his neck. “My guess is it was Klempner’s own certainty that Conners was her father that convinced her. But equally, I’d say that she wanted to be convinced.” He glances at Michael, the question in his eye, but the blond man isn’t paying attention.

Instead, he’s looking across the floor to where the women are involved in animated conversation. He sucks at his cheeks; gives me a nudge. “What do you think they're talking about?”

“How should I know?”

“Look at them,” he says. “Look.”

As one, James and I spin.

Charlotte is holding her palms open, perhaps two handspans apart. Elizabeth responds by opening her thumb and forefinger a couple of inches. They both dissolve into laughter.

Michael pulls a face. “You think we should be worried?” But a smile quirks at the corners of his mouth.

Charlotte responds by making a fist of her hand then sliding it up and down some invisible object with

James. “Is this the rest and relaxation you had in mind? Something about that conversation sends

austerity. “My ego can cope. They’re fine. If they’re laughing, it can only be a

order them a top-up in a minute.” He strolls off

face as she talks with her friend. “They’re

in common; family,

will get past

what she wants. I’ve never known anyone with such a terrifying version of courage. She can handle it.” Then, he nudges me with an elbow. “Who's the young

across. Elizabeth, looking nervous, catches my

except that a man is there. Weaving, he looks the worse for drink and he’s trying to talk to her. She’s turning away, not meeting

But she looks upset…

She's vulnerable.

Where’s Charlotte vanished to?

I see her

excuse me for a moment, James.” He

is jostling and shoving, hampering my progress. Just as I find a break in the mass of bodies… as I am about to make my way across

words, but he stands beside Elizabeth, who leans towards him, saying something to

The blond man steps forward, oh-so-slightly. Although he’s tall, he’s not

punch

a forefinger at the barman, a circular motion, then pointing to our table. Elizabeth is smiling as the pair make their way back across the floor, he with a hand on the small of

chuckle. “Saw that one

you pick

don’t think I

Elizabeth moving to join us then pulls up a seat at

defending Beth’s honour…” says James, mouth quirking.

doesn’t seem unhappy. Then as the two arrive, “That was rather well done,” I say. “Thank you,

“My pleasure. Anytime.”

rubs a knuckle over

Will that upset Charlotte?