Page 17 of True

money at B.J.'s… you'll be fine."

"Easy for you to say."

"What's that supposed to mean?

Mac stood wrapping the quilt around himself and sitting back on the couch. "I mean you don't

have anything to worry about. You have plenty of money. I have to worry about a place to live…

groceries… bills."

"So, that's what I am to you? A source of income?"

Mac sat there, saying nothing.

"Why don't we approach this from a more positive angle. We both have issues. We can use this

breakup as a means of working on those issues."

Mac scoffed. "Whatever."

It was clear that the conversation was over as far as Mac was concerned. He'd was in survival

mode and Alec was now nothing more than a shell.

But Alec continued. "Mac, you kicked cocaine and meth. I helped you through that. You've got a good head on your shoulders. Your dick just likes pretty young things with no money."

He grunted a slight chuckle at that, still looking ahead and not making eye contact.

"And I tend to give to people that don't offer much in return. We both deserve something more substantial. We need to get beyond these shortcomings and find people that are good for us. Mutual partnerships. That's never going to happen with us and I see that now. I'm hoping you do too, or that you will… the sooner, the better… for both of us."

"Can't we do that with each other?" Mac said, pleading. "Now?"

Alec shook his head. "No. I've given this all I can. I'm sorry."

Mac stared at him with red-rimmed eyes.

"It doesn't mean I don't like you."Take the high road,he thought.

Mac's brooding defense returned. "Oh, great… So we can be friends?"

"I'd like that. I'm not sure if it's possible. But I'd try."High road. High Road. High Road.

"What if we were roommates?"

Alec sighed. He sat down next to Mac and put his arm around him. "I need some space. I know

you have other priorities to resolve, but that's on you. You're going to have to work onyour shit. Me mine." Alec was placating, attempting whatever he could to make this easier. He wasn't sure why. But it just wasn't in his nature to be cruel. The stressful events of the night before were already beginning to dissipate. He felt pretty good. Maybe he was experiencing relief from his impromptu confession, coming to terms with his own BS.

"OK," Mac said, relenting.

Alec patted his back. "Good. Now, why don't you get on the phone, find some options? I'm going to wash clothes."

He stood walking around the lounger. "How about these?" he asked, lifting Mac's jeans. "They smell like B.J.'s."

Something fell from the pocket, landing on the plush seat of the chair.

"Wait," Mac said reaching, but Alec got to it first. It was slightly smaller than a pill bottle, a vial made of clear glass. He held it up to the light revealing white powder within.