The Proposition 3: The Ferro Family by H.M. Ward Page A

bit.”
    Bryan takes the cup and downs the whole thing. His stomach is empty and that was at least three shots. I take the cup away and set it down on the dresser before sitting next to him. Within seconds , I see his muscles begin to relax. His eyes have been pinched shut for so long that when they flutter open, I nearly cry. “You stayed.”
    “I’m an arrogant, presumptive asshole. I should never have made you throw those away. I’m so sorry.” I bend at the waist, wanting to lie on his chest, but it’ll hurt him, so I settle for a kiss over his heart.
    He touches the back of my head, smoothing my hair, soothing me. “You didn’t know.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me?”
    “It’s easier to let people assume other things.” He watches me and knows how close that statement hits to home. It is easier. It saved me in many ways. Yes, I understand, all too well. I wish I didn’t. Bryan’s body continues to relax for the next few minutes until Jon arrives.
    Jon growls at me as he shoves his way in the room and to Bryan. “You fucking loser. You did her with no meds? You’re insane, you know that?” Jon shoves a bunch of pills at his cousin and a glass of water.
    Bryan downs them and laughs. As soon as he does it, his hands fly to his ribs like they’re sore. “She’s worth it.”
    “You’re an asshole.”
    “I love you too, man.”
    Jon snorts at that, before turning to me. “How much did you give him to drink?”
    “That,” I point at the cup. “It was about half full, so what, three shots?”
    Jon tries not to smile. “You aren’t much of a drinker, are you? That’s more like five. No wonder he’s not screaming.”
    As we talk Bryan’s eyes close and his body relaxes. I can ’t help it. I ask Jon, “What’s wrong with him?”
    “It’s not my place to say.” Jon looks over at his cousin under the shee ts. Bryan lies on his back, his chest slowly rising and falling. His fingers finally uncurl and I know he’s asleep.
    “Yeah, he didn’t tell you either.”
    “Nope. I haven’t got a fucking clue.” Jon rubs the back of his neck and stares at the bed. After a long time, he says, “We’re going to lose him. This is getting worse. That’s all I know, and I wish to God I didn’t. The guy acts like he’s got nothing to lose because he doesn’t.”

CHAPTER 17
     
    We’re both standing there, me in Bryan’s shirt, and Jon in his leather jacket and black slacks. We form a temporary truce as we watch someone we love fading in front of our eyes. I wish he told Jon. Bryan needs to confide in someone, and I know he had no intention of ever telling me. That’s why he blackmailed me--so I’d never know. I smile and tell Jon.
    “Yeah, he’s a little crazy like that. He probably wanted to be with you and thought blackmail was faster. It never even dawned on the guy to pick up a phone.” Jon folds his arms across his chest and adds, “The thing with the car wasn’t me. My mother reported it stolen. By the time I found out, they already picked you up.”
    “I don’t care.” I’m done talking to him. “Take your shitty car and all your false sincerity and go puke it up in the parking lot. I know you hate me. The feeling is mutual.” I sit next to Bryan and run a finger along his brow, pushing back his hair. I wish I could take this away. I wish I knew how to help him.
    Jon snaps, “I should beat the shit out of you for hurting him like that.”
    “You hit women? N ice.” I don’t look up. I’m so annoyed at him and his mother. She always hated me and I never knew why.
    “I hit whores, and that’s what you are, Hallie, so stop pretending. The last thing Bryan needs right now is another liar. Fuck him and leave. Don’t make him think you care. Even you’re not that cruel.”
    His words slice through me. I stand to scream at Jon to leave, but he’s already through the door. I sit down hard on the side of the bed and sob into my hands. I thought I’d already lost everything, but