Page 85 of Something Like Forever

“Then we’ll see how long Ican go without touching you!” Ben crossed his arms over his chest.Then he dropped them again and grabbed Tim’s pecs. “I made it fiveseconds. New record. You do have the nicest boobies!”

“Thanks,” Tim said,laughing and brushing away his hands. “Whenever I go back to Japan,I’m taking you with me. I swear.”

“So that’s it?” Ben said.He put on his best doe eyes. “We never have to be apartagain?”

“Never. I mean it. I don’tknow how we’re getting your car home, because from now on, you’restuck with me. Sound good?”

“Like a dream come true.”Ben grinned and took hold of his arm. Together they walked towardthe car, a gentle breeze making him shiver, but this time he had awarm body to press up against, and not just any! “Wait untilAllison hears about this.”

Tim furrowed his brow.“About what?”

“That the coolest guy inschool asked me to the dance!”

“You always did get thatbackwards. Even at the very beginning.”

Ben looked over in confusion. “What do youmean?”

Tim slung an arm aroundhis shoulders. “I’m the one dating the coolest guy in school. Can’tsay it’s always been that way, since I messed it up a few times,but from here on out, with any luck…”

Ben slipped an arm behindTim’s back, holding on to his hip. “You and me. Always.”

__________

Part Two:

Austin, 2018

__________

Chapter Thirteen

Ben opened the door to aroom that didn’t get much use these days. The most recent visitorshad been from Japan, and while that had been a delightful week, hecouldn’t think of any other guests he would be more excited aboutthan the current ones. His parents? They would have to stayelsewhere. Tyler Hoechlin? Take your handsome self to the nearesthotel! Dione Warwick? Okay, that would be pretty cool, but he knewsomeone even cooler.

“Andthis is the guest room where you’ll be staying,” Ben said, standingaside and unable to stop grinning. “Bring back anymemories?”

“One or two,” Jason said,strolling into the room. “I remember it being cleaner when I livedhere.”

“Ha ha,”Ben deadpanned, following him into the room. “I’m sure at the endof two weeks, it’ll be exactly as clean as backthen.”

“Notwith William here,” Jason said, fingertips tracing the wall as hewalked around the room. “He’s actually got me picking up aftermyself these days, because I know if I leave a mess, that he’ll bethe one cleaning. So I actually try.”

“But doyou succeed?”

“Sometimes,” Jason said, turning to flash him a smile. “I likethat my old dressers are still in here. I know they were yoursoriginally—”

“I think of them as yourstoo,” Ben said, sitting on the edge of the bed, “and that’s exactlywhy they’re still in here. Two weeks! I can’t believe I’ve got youfor that long!”

“Youmight not be so happy when you find out why I’m really here.” Jasonplopped down on the bed next to him. “Wait, that sounds wrong. Ofcourse we’re here to see you. William’s family too. But there’sanother reason, and it might cause a little stress. Or a lot ofstress. Guaranteed.”

“You’re getting married!”Ben said, hopping to his feet in excitement. “This is wonderfulnews! Forget about the stress. We’ll make it work. Do youhave—”

“Quiet!”Jason hissed. He hurried to the door and shut it. “I haven’t askedhim yet.”

Ben forced himself to calmdown. He sat again and patted the mattress so Jason would do thesame. “Tell me everything.”

“Ourfour years are up,” Jason said, sounding a little overwhelmed.“Remember? After you and Tim got married, William proposed tome—”

“Whichis why I’m confused. One proposal is usuallyenough.”