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."
