Chris and Aaron have hit a rough patch in their relationship, but it isn't anything they can't weather. Part of the disconnect stems from their different work schedules -- Chris works in an office during the day, while Aaron works swing shift at a plant, sometimes working days, sometimes afternoons, sometimes nights. The odd shift causes stress in their relationship, but Chris knows they can work through it together. Then he discovers Aaron is secretly taking prescription drugs for depression. Suddenly Chris feels as if he doesn't know Aaron any more. He's afraid to bring up the pills he found, but more afraid of losing his lover. To mistrust, to denial, to addiction. He tells himself he'll step in before it's too late. But will he be able to figure out when to step in and say something? Or will Aaron's growing dependence on prescriptions drive them apart?

Crash and Burn

“I can’t,” he tells me. When I cuddle up beside him, he pulls away. “Chris, I’m sorry—”


“Stop apologizing,” I say, my voice playful.


He glares at me. “Well, I’m sorry about that, too. Okay? I’m sorry about everything.”


I don’t like the sudden despair I see in his eyes. “Aaron—”


“I’m not perfect,” he says. “Sometimes I can’t deal with it all and I wish I could. I wish I could be like you and just take everything in stride but I can’t. It isn’t that easy for me.”


“I don’t do that.” Sitting up, I frown down at him. Does he really think I’m invincible? “Aaron, it’s hard for me, too. Between your shifts and my workload at the office, some days I want to scream. I know how hard it can be.”


“You don’t know shit.” He stands up and kicks the phone as he walks to the bathroom.


I call after him, “Baby, don’t you walk away from me. You can’t—”


He laughs—there’s nothing warm or caring in the sound. “Use your hand. You might as well. I can’t get it up anymore.”


Chapter 8