"Fran-- it's something big this time, real big," I said, nursing a mineral water in a West Hollywood cafe."You mean bigger than Eric cheating on you?"

"Big. Very big."

I told her about Rebecca Granville.

*****

"Jesus Christ!" she said. "Andrew, it's time to lock up that doctor and throw away the key away. What else can he do? Hold someone hostage? Blow up City Hall? The guy needs help, Andrew."

"Well, believe it or not, I'm becoming friends with Rebecca."

"Yuckkkkkk!!!!! You are a martyr, Andrew! You make the rest of us feel like Judas! You're becoming friends with the woman who almost had an affair with your homo boyfriend!?!?"

I put my hand over her mouth, telling her I didn't want the entire city of West Hollywood to hear. Then I told her the rest...

"We... Rebecca and I both think this entire thing is obviously very deep, very sexual -- I mean total sexual dysfunction. I've called his parents in Rhode Island, they're willing to come out for an intervention. His brother and sister, too. I've called his former boss, Dr. Krantz. Everyone close to him. I wish Hugo could be there, too... and you, you too, Fran. I think we need to get him into this clinic in San Diego -- and if he's willing to go, we'll need to take him there immediately. Fran, will you help me? I know this is a lot to ask, but I need your help."

She took a beat and then answered....

"I don't know, Andrew. I'm not too good at this kind of thing...poor Eric. How the hell did it ever get this far, do you think?"

"I don't know...I only know it has to stop or Eric is going to do something very drastic, and might seriously hurt himself."

"Okay," she said. "Count me in. Hey, Drew...you don't think Rebecca is trying to come in between you two, do you?"

I told her no. I knew that, of all the people I'd met recently, Rebecca honest, kind and generous. I knew that much.

*****

I'd agreed to have dinner with JD. His wife was visiting her parents with their girls...and he was bored. But I was a million miles away and he knew it.

"Anything you'd like to share?" he asked.

"My life is in utter confusion, JD... I don't want to involve you with this. Unless you... want to... I mean, I could really use some advice."

He ordered another glass of chardonnay from the waiter and said, "Andrew, I feel so close to you... in a lot of ways but mostly as a friend. If there's anything I can do -- I insist you let me. I mean it, you look like you could use a friend."

"Thanks, JD... I appreciate that." And I told him the story of Andrew and Eric.