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Usually, I read people well It's the key to fucking with them properly

Right now—

It's bad I know it's bad

"Harrison's wedding is going to be great" I s another sip Try to find soe in subject Harrison is Preston's son His only son This is prime celebration time

Not pri in the study wistfully time

But, hey, there's booze That's the common denominator Drink to celebrate Drink to mourn Drink to numb

Doesn't ood

"It will be quite the spectacle" Preston nods "He's over the moon He adores her"

"It's good to see him in love" It would be If his fiancée wasn't as awful as she is gorgeous

"It is He's over the o to his cup of brandy "I said that, didn't I?"

"Good to hear it twice" My next sip is sweeter Fruitier The alcohol is working Thank fuck

"I want hi about me"

"We've got a boss bachelor party planned"

"I' my ability to keep up appearances"

Fuck

"Liam, I mean it You're like a son to me Simon and Adam too" He mentions my older brothers "And Bash… I still feel that loss I can't iine how much you miss him"

No, we're not going there This conversation is torture enough We're not adding my kid brother's death to it "He was unstoppable"

"You've always been h "The best liar"

I don't like where this is going

"I need your help now"

"Anything"

"I'"

All the air leaves s at once

The room stills

I can hear the hum of the air conditioner, taste the apricot in the brandy, smell the leather and oak

He just—

I—

Fuck

"I hate to tell you this way, son I do" His words are practiced Sure "I hate to ask this of you"

What the fuck am I supposed to say to that?

"This is Harrison's ti without this specter hanging over his head"

"He'd want to spend time with you"

"He will After the honeyether For six er than… I'll tell him once we're settled"

That sounds like bullshit, but I can't exactly argue Hey, dying father figure, take my advice on how to handle your relationship with your son 'Cause I'm the expert

"I kno , Liam But I need your help"

"How?"

"The sy to notice"

"And you need me to cover for you?"

"Like you did for Harrison, when he snuck out to irlfriend"