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.

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

the rest and relaxation you had in mind? Something

austerity. “My ego can cope. They’re fine. If they’re laughing,

stands. “Those cocktails are nearly done. I’ll order them a top-up in a minute.” He strolls

laughter lighting her face as she talks with her friend. “They’re good for each other, those

lot in common; family, intelligence, inclinations; but such contrasting personalities.

think Charlotte will get

a terrifying version of courage. She can handle it.” Then, he nudges me with an elbow. “Who's the

across. Elizabeth, looking nervous, catches my eye. Sitting by the bar,

and he’s trying to talk to her. She’s turning away, not meeting his eye. Arms pulled in, legs

But she looks upset…

She's vulnerable.

Where’s Charlotte vanished to?

see her heading

for a moment, James.” He tilts his glass

break in the mass of bodies… as I am about to make my way across the floor, from

can’t make out his words, but he stands beside Elizabeth,

reddening, chin jutting at Michael. The blond man steps forward, oh-so-slightly. Although he’s tall, he’s not overly

seen Michael punch right

Elizabeth, offering his arm and nodding across to me and James. He waves a forefinger at the barman, a circular motion, then pointing to our table. Elizabeth is smiling as the pair

“Saw that

is bland. “Would you

think I

and Elizabeth moving to join us then pulls up a seat at the table. Looking between James and me,

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

seem unhappy. Then as the two arrive, “That was rather well done,” I say. “Thank you, Michael. I was heading across

“My pleasure. Anytime.”

her lower lip. Michael rubs a

Will that upset Charlotte?