With A Little Help — Wes Boyd

Pat McDonald didn't have the happiest time as a student in the Bradford High School Class of 1988, but he's found a home in the army. He's headed for the Gulf War in late 1990 when he meets a classmate, Cindy Yeager, who has broken up with her former boyfriend, Russ Bradstreet. Cindy thinks Pat ought to have someone to tell him goodbye and worry about him while he's gone. It turns into a one-night stand with long and profound results lasting for many years, even though Cindy winds up going back to Russ. Many years later Cindy and Russ ask Pat to help them out at time of intense personal sorrow, and he agrees. They all turn into each other's best friends -- and eventually, more than that.