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.

palm, moving it up and down as though weighing something. Charlotte responds by making a fist of her hand then sliding it up and

this the rest and relaxation

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

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

her face as she talks

into his drink. “A lot in common; family, intelligence, inclinations; but such contrasting personalities. Yes, I’d

think Charlotte will get past this latest

she wants. I’ve never known anyone with such a terrifying version of courage. She can handle it.” Then, he nudges

my eye. Sitting by

drink and he’s trying to talk to her. She’s turning away,

But she looks upset…

She's vulnerable.

Where’s Charlotte vanished to?

room, I see her heading for the powder

moment, James.”

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

his words, but he stands beside Elizabeth, who

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

punch

backs off, then away. Michael stares after the stranger as he vanishes into the crowd then turns back to 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 make

“Saw that

voice is bland. “Would you pick a

don’t think I

and Elizabeth moving to join us then pulls up a seat at the

quirking. “… in the absence of her

“That was rather well done,” I say.

“My pleasure. Anytime.”

her lower lip. Michael rubs a knuckle over her cheekbone, then lifts her

Will that upset Charlotte?