Page 25 of Something Like Forever

“Oh, I see how it is,” Timsaid, but not judgingly. “Yeah. He’s safe. Where do you want to go?Are you hungry?”

“A little. No detailsbesides that? He didn’t say if they’re getting along?”

Tim’s mouth was still smiling, but his eyesweren’t.

“What’s going on?” Benasked.

“That was quite the song!”an elderly voice said. A member of the audience had come to speakwith him. That was flattering, but also frustrating. Ben buried hisirritation, not wanting to do anything that would reflect poorly onBrian. A few other people came close to listen to the conversation.Ben explained the situation, how he was a singer, not an actor, andmade sure to thank anyone who insisted he could do both. Luckilyhis husband came to the rescue.

“I think someone hasearned himself an ice cream, don’t you?” Tim said, making Ben soundlike a five-year-old who had participated in a school play, but itworked. Soon they were outside the theater and alone.

“What’s going on?” Benasked.

Tim sighed. “Jason didn’t get on hisflight.”

“We dropped him off at theairport!”

“I know. I’m just assurprised as you.” Tim held up his phone. “That’s all he texted,aside from about ten apologies.”

“Where is he now?” Benasked, temper rising.

“At home, Iguess.”

Ben started walking to where the car wasparked. “Then let’s go!”

He wasn’t angry exactly.Frustrated, yes. Exasperated, definitely. The flight was for ashort trip! He would have been back in a week. What was theissue?

“Don’t be mad.” These wereJason’s first words when he opened the apartment door. They werepractically his mantra as of late. “I have a flight credit, so themoney wasn’t wasted.”

“I don’t care about themoney,” Ben growled.

Jason sheepishly movedaside so he could enter. His roommate, Emma, was on the couch, andhad either been comforting him or trying to make him seesense.

“Hi, Uncle Ben,” she said,rising to give him a hug. “Go easy on him,” she whispered whiledoing so.

Ben couldn’t make anypromises, but he tried to calm himself for her benefit. He watchedas Emma hugged Tim and exchanged pleasantries. Then she retreatedto her room, leaving them alone.

“I know you’re not afraidof flying,” Ben said. “I also know that you love William. Or am Iwrong?”

“You’re not,” Jason said,slumping into the couch.

Ben remained standing, Tim hovering at hisside. “Then why aren’t you in Astoria right now?”

Jason remained silent.Maybe he believed he had already said everything he needed toduring their counselling sessions. Or perhaps the empty wineglasses on the table had something to do with it.

“This has gone beyond whatis normal or acceptable,” Ben said.

Jason’s head whipped up,expression hurt. “I got scared.”

“Of what?” Ben demanded.“You’re a grown man! You should be able to get on a flight byyourself. William would have picked you up at the airport! All youhad to do was wait in line and sit in a cramped seat.”

“I’m sorry,” Jasonmumbled.

“That’s not goodenough!”

“Ben,” Tim said, touchinghis arm. “Ease up.”

He didn’t want to, but hetried anyway. “I don’t know how to help you anymore.”