Page 55 of People Skills

‘He’s writing his next book,’ I say, without really meaning to. I can see already this is the wrong thing to say.

Xavier’s jaw tightens.

‘Oh he’s been “writing” that for years,’ James says. ‘Don’t be fooled.’

‘And he’s working at Simone’s Bar.’ I know I am making things worse, but I can’t help myself.

‘Who’s Simone?’

‘The owner of Simone’s Bar,’ I say.

‘Bartending again?’ James says, looking at Xavier. ‘That feels like a backwards move.’

‘James, as much as I love being lectured before breakfast, can you kindly fuck off and leave?’ Xavier says.

‘Don’t get pissy,’ James says. ‘I’m here to see if you’re okay. Come to Melbourne next week and stay at my place for a while. My couch is very comfortable. We can go out.’

‘No thanks,’ Xavier says.

‘Why not?’

‘I have work shifts. I’m busy.’ Xavier folds his arms.

James stands up, unable to relax, or maybe he doesn’t like the fact that Xavier has remained standing the whole time. He does a lap of the room, picking up a little statue of a horse I have among my things on the bookshelf. Xavier takes it out of his hands.

‘Maybe let’s not go through Charlotte’s stuff,’ he says, setting it carefully down.

I finish drinking my coffee and stand up. ‘I’m going out for a few hours. Lovely to meet you, James,’ I say.

‘He’ll be gone when you get back, don’t worry,’ Xavier says.

‘I’m here all day actually,’ James says, and he winks at me.

I turn away so he can’t see me smile because, against my will, I found something likeable about his wink.

I go to the local farmer’s market, buy eggs, strawberries, apples and a bunch of flowers. My grandmother once said that books, art and flowers make a house a home, and I always make room in my budget for flowers, because I think she’s right.

I’m putting everything in my car when my phone rings. It’s Hillary. I would welcome a work distraction right now.

‘Charlotte? What are you doing tonight?’

‘Tonight?’ I say, stalling. A work distraction is one thing, but working on a Saturday night is something else. Something far less appealing.

‘Would you like to come to dinner at my house?’

‘Oh,’ I say in surprise. ‘Um. Yes, that would be lovely.’ I do not want to go to dinner at her house, especially if James is going to be there. But maybe he’ll be gone by then.

‘It’s an impromptu gathering, a small family thing. James is in town. I didn’t want to invite Xavier without inviting you.’

Hillary is old-school. She likes a balance in number and gender. I’m there to fill a seat, be another woman, and maybe stop the brothers from fighting. I know this.

‘Sure,’ I say, because I feel like Xavier needs someone on his side.

‘Thank you. Are you able to let Xavier know?’

‘He doesn’t know?’

‘He didn’t answer his phone, but if you’re coming, I’m sure he will. And I can’t imagine he has plans.’