Chapter 149: Champions, Part 10

Michael

“And how long have you been there?” asks James.

She blushes. “Um, quite a while…. er…. I got back from my walk…. I was coming in, but you were rowing and….”

Blinking hard, flushed, James offers her a hand, helping her upright. “You’d better come in.”

Ah…. fuck….

“I’m sorry, Charlotte,” I say, “I didn’t mean you to hear all that.”

“I could hardly avoid it,” she says. “The sound carried half-way down the beach.”

“Charlotte, I’m.… I’m sorry,” says James, “Michael has given me a lot to think about….”

…. Finally showing a little grace….

“... If you’ll excuse me...” And he leaves.

“Oh, for pity’s sake…” And I bring my fist down on the table with a crash.

Charlotte recoils….

“… Um, sorry, that wasn’t aimed at you. It’s just frustration,” I say.

“I know.”

Taking her in my arms, I rock with her. She leans into me, her head against my chest. “When did this all become so complicated?” she says.