Chapter 24: The Gathering Of Stormclouds, Part 2, Bite The Bullet

“It’s not one.”

“What do you mean? Not one? There’s more than one?”

“Yes, there’s more than one. I’m seeing other men than just you.”

“More than one... How many men are you fucking? Is that why you’re saying what you are about Mike? You play fast and loose, so you assume everyone else does? I thought you and I had something special. I thought it was you and me; that we were an item?”

“I never said that. I never said anything like that...”

“You slept with me. We made love together...”

“Ben, we’ve had half a dozen dates; that’s all. And yes, I slept with you, once. But... So what? I’m sure you’re a great guy, but I have never said that I wanted to be tied to you. You just assumed it.”

I fall silent. It seems the best policy while Ben gets his brain on to the same planet I live on.

He stares at me, his face slack, but I can see the wheels turning in his head. Then, “Have you screwed my brother?”

Oh, fuck...

In the background, I see Michael’s eyes roll heavenward.