Masters And Lovers 1-4

Charlotte

I’m scratching my head, writing a report for my next student assessment….

Analysis of corrosion fatigue fractures in a cyclic degradation environment….

The sample I’m supposed to analyse is the breechblock from the testbed in a proofing yard. It’s not easy to examine because the damn thing weighs nearly twenty pounds and every time I try to move it, I end up nearly pulverising one finger or another….

…. when my office phone buzzes.

“Hello, is this Mrs Summerford? It’s Kirstie down in Reception. Your brother-in-law’s here for you.”

“Thanks. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

I can’t say I’m sorry to leave the mysteries of corrosion fatigue behind. It’s making my eyes water.

In the lobby, Ben’s waiting for me, his ass parked on the reception desk next to the new girl I’d noticed of the last few days.

“Hi, Champ,” he says, giving me one of those smiles of his that, when he delivers them, lights up the room and makes him look a lot more like his brother.

You look pleased with yourself….

“Hi, Ben. Thanks for coming.”

“No trouble at all. I, um…. I was looking for an excuse anyway….” He looks down at the girl.

And the penny drops.

Ben’s new girlfriend?

“Oh, hello. Would you be Kirstie by any chance? Ben said that you’d started working here.”

She shifts in her seat. “Er, yes I’m Kirstie.” She’s polite enough but doesn’t seem entirely comfortable.

Am I missing something…?

say. “Ben’s never stopped talking about you the last week

Her eyes widen. “Really?”

That’s not welcome news….

another of Ben’s

Play it cool….

offer her my hand to shake. “I’m Charlotte. Ben’s brother is

hand. “Nice to meet you,

Clothes…. Check….

Rings…. Check….

eyes…. Gauging

…. Assessing me….

a woman who takes anyone at face

I like you….

Ben’s got it

to go now,” I say, “but perhaps we can have a coffee together sometime,

“That would be nice.”

winks at her. “Gotta go.

“Um, okay. I’ll call.”

Not, ‘Call me’….

But, ‘I’ll call’….

Oh, Ben….

met her properly yet, but I’m sure the two of

try to make polite noises of agreement, but in the

*****

James

It’s only a minute or so to nine and the traffic’s heavy with

the front door, a car squeals to a halt by me and Kirstie steps out, flushed and hurried. She leans back inside saying something to the

Someone?

Not Ben….