Page 26 of True

"I—" Alec stammered, trying to come up with the perfect words to articulate: "I… I feel like I'm at a crossroads."

"I thought you were in a ditch."

"Metaphorically speaking."

"Oh. I'm with you…a Beyoncé crossroads."

"I didn't tell you, but I realized something when I confronted Mac. I'm kind of in a rut. Career is only part of it. My problem ismen."

"Preach." He gave fluttering, gospel jazz-hands.

Alec continued: "I always end up being the caretaker. A pretty face comes along and I'm

compelled to bring them in off the doorstep. It's like I have this inborn need to save the handsome losers of the world."

Demarco, sensing the seriousness in Alec's tone, engaged. "It's not a deplorable trait, Alec. But it can be exhausting. It wears on you… and sometimes me. But you need to remember, sister… you're

a good guy."

"You said I deserve better. I'm not sure."

"You do… and at least you're taking steps to get there. If you have to head for the mountains to get your head on straight, do it. But you're right. Youdotake in strays. I know it. I've seen it. Mac was just the latest."

"How could I not see it before?"

"Maybe you did… you just chose not to."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Alec, there are some things a friend just knows not to say. Sure, I could have hounded you

about it. But you would have continued and eventually grown to resent me, so I stayed back…

observe, console, repeat."

"Is that what you're doing now?"

"No."

"But you're discussing it with me now."

"Because you brought it up. Alec, I'm not going to lose you as a friend over this. You're a smart guy. I knew you'd figure it out. Youalmostdid it last time, after Jake… but Mac swooped in fast… he had rebound power on his side. And he was hot…so hot.It's not always something you see in the beginning either. Sometimes you don't know until you're smack in the middle of it."

Alec was quiet.

"You still there?"

"I'm here. Just thinking."

"I just have your voice on this end. Everything's dark."

Alec brought the phone up to his face. "That better?"

"I can see your ghost."

"Thank you, D."

"It's not me, girl. You're the one taking steps."