Page 120 of Something Like Hail

“Fine,” Tim said. “Iforgive you.”

He didn’t sound very convincing.

“You gave me so manychances,” Ryan said. “I know it’s greedy to ask for one more, butthat’s what I need.”

“We’re not going to betogether again,” Tim said, laughing humorlessly. “Ever.”

Ryan appeared slighted. “I know. I hate thatit’s true, but I can accept it.”

“Good.” Tim took a deepbreath and exhaled. “Listen, I can’t be part of your life. Like Isaid, we’re toxic, but I’ll do one last thing for you. Remember thepainting I made? The one of you in your bathrobe?”

“The pink one,” Ryan said,smiling at the memory. “You barely let me see it before you hid itaway.”

“Because you bitched aboutyour nose looking too big and—”

“It was a beautifulpainting,” Ryan interrupted. “That’s all I remember.”

Tim eyed him and nodded. “I finally sold it.Believe it or not, people actually like my work these days.”

“You’re a famous artistnow?”

Tim shrugged. “I’m big in Japan.”

Ryan laughed. “I love that song! That mightbe what I miss the most. The music. You don’t get much of it inhere. Hey, they should put a jukebox next to the vending machines!Do you remember when we would hit the clubs and I’d beg you todance with me? You never did. Not unless you were wasted.”

“I sold the painting,” Timsaid, refusing to be sidetracked, “and I put the money in anaccount with your name on it for when you get out. You won’t berich, but it’s enough for a deposit on an apartment and a fewmonths’ rent. That’ll give you enough time to find a job and getback on your feet.”

“Thank you,” Ryan breathed.“You have no idea how much that means to me. I want out so bad, butI’m also scared, because I don’t want to be on my own. This willhelp. I have a hearing coming up soon.”

Noah blanched. He saw that Tim did too. Thiswas news to them both!

“A hearing?” Tim said. “Youmean like parole?”

“Yes.” Ryan noticed theirexpressions. “Don’t all cheer at once! I’m ready for this. Ipromise. I’ve completed an anger management course, my behaviorhere has been spotless for nearly two years, and I don’t feel theneed to numb myself with drugs anymore. I’m ready.”

Tim’s response was guarded. “How much of achance do you have?”

“Of making parole? That’swhat I’m worried about. I had a hearing years back, and it didn’tgo well. All they see is a junkie and a criminal. Why would theybelieve anything I say? They would listen to you though. If thevictim of the crime steps forward and says he thinks I deserveleniency, then maybe they’ll—”

“No.” Tim’s tone wassteady, the word final, his voice quaking with rage as hecontinued. “You’ll stay here until the judges or whoever decide torelease you. When that happens, you’ll get your money, but you staythe hell away from me. And if you comeanywherenear the people I love—myson, my husband, even my friends—I will fucking kill you. Do youunderstand? I’ll do it with my bare hands if I have to, so you gosomewhere else. Not Austin, not Texas. Somewhere far away. Nomatter what you might think in that twisted little heart of yours,you donotwant tosee me again. Don’t write, don’t call, don’t even whisper mygoddamn name at night, because we are through!Understand?”

Ryan was too shocked to respond. He didn’thave much of a chance because Tim stood and tromped toward theexit. Ryan was on his feet like he wanted to give chase, but Noahstood and blocked his path. “Let him go. Please. Nothing you cansay or do will bring him back.”

Ryan looked at him and blinked, like hebarely remembered that Noah was there. This didn’t come as asurprise, and Noah didn’t take it as personally as he once wouldhave.

“Sit,” he urged.

Ryan did so, eyes still on the exit until,presumably, Tim was lost from sight. Noah didn’t dare glance back,wanting to make sure Ryan wouldn’t try anything crazy. Maybe hereally had taken courses and was working on improving himselfbecause he didn’t shout or even launch into an angry rant.

Ryan only sighed. “I’m going to be in hereforever, aren’t I?”

“I don’t know,” Noah said,“but I’ll start putting money in your account again. You can writeme if you want, but not about Tim. Think how you felt about him andBen. That’s what it was like dating you. I hated hearing about thisperfect guy I could never compete with. I can be your friend, butonly on the condition that you never mention Tim to me again. I’lleven come visit on occasion. That’s all I can do. I’ve got my ownlife now. I’ve moved on.”

Ryan looked him over for the first timesince he had arrived. “You’re doing well. I can tell you’re nolonger on the streets.”

“I’m doing better,yeah.”

Ryan nodded. “I’m glad. Thank you fortrying.”