Michael
James looks confused, shaking his head. “Sorry, I'm not getting this. What's happening for Beth's birthday?”
It’s dawning on me that, just possibly, my closest friend, Charlotte’s Master, may not be entirely sanguine about this. I try to sound light-hearted, putting the joke in my voice. “James, I tell you. It was surreal….”
He’s beginning to sound irritated. “What was surreal? What’s going on?”
Charlotte breaks in. “Richard wants to give Beth a birthday present. An unusual birthday present.” She jerks her head my way, grinning, her eyes slanting to me.
James stares at me….
…. then he gets it.
Fury crashes over his face. “And you agreed to this?” He steps towards me. I actually back away from the menace written there.
“Well…. yes, eventually.”
He stares at the ceiling, spe
