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The second we arrive at the ER, I see it

All the guilt on Liam's face

He knows so

He's known so

For all this ti

Is that why he asked me to participate in this ruse? He said it was about Prestonto London I didn't look closely at his clai Liam's fake fiancée

I was too busy negotiating points on my business

What does it matter if he has six percent or seven or ten if this is—

I can't say it I can't even think it

He didn't tell me

How could he not tell me?

Simon is already here, with ts of teal chairs reserved, ready to explain the situation in a calm, even tone

Preston is dehydrated Nothing serious, for a man without health proble alcohol with his meds—

It's in every word Simon utters Even with his cal

The way their father died A slow decline, one easy to miss, then boom—

Gone

Sis her shoulders, barely atte to hold in her nerves She's not close with Preston, but she lost her mom the same way

I ask if she wants to take a walk She accepts gladly We circle the courtyard,small talk about the last book she read, a dirty story of domination and submission

"There's a scene like this, actually," she says "The heroine is overwhel with her family, and sex is the only way she can escape So they sneak off and find some eh it's weird, it works, it helps her center herself"

"It sounds romantic"

"Yeah But I… I forgot how horrible hospitals feel The smell of them It's not sexy It's just…" She shakes her head as her voice fades

I pull her into a tight hug, then I change the subject to her plans for her summer trip to Europe, and we continue our slow circles

It's easier, focusing on Opal, onsure she's okay I've never lost a parent I've never sat in a hospital roo for test results or news fro to see someone I love

Preston is fading

I've seen the signs I toldelse, but soacy and love and death—

Of course, he's thinking about his mortality

We walk in circles for a long time Until Simon interrupts us

"I'll take you home" He offers his sister his hand

She looks toto be okay here?"

"We're staying at the house," Si you home now or come back later"

"You're not staying?" she asks

"It's fine I'll catch a ride," I say

"Liam is inside" Concern drops into Simon's voice "He… he'll appreciate your company"