Page 116 of Something Like Winter

Tim let his hands fall. The second he was free, Ben picked up his keys and got into the car. Tim watched him, hoping he would stop, roll down the window, and say he didn’t mean it, that passion had shaped these false words. But Ben didn’t even glance at him—not once—before he drove away.

* * * * *

The phone rang and rang on the other side, a sad whale song against his ear. Usually there was no answer, but when Allison answered, she would tell Tim that Ben wasn’t home. He kept calling anyway, desperate to apologize, to explain himself, even though he knew it wouldn’t help. Tiring of never getting anywhere, Tim showed up in person.

Allison answered the door.

“He’s not here.”

Tim sighed and spun around to check the driveway. Ben’s car wasn’t there, but maybe he had parked around the block.

“Want to come in?” Allison offered.

“No. I believe you.”

“I wanted to talk to you anyway,” she said.

Tim hesitated. She didn’t seem angry with him. “Did Ben tell you what happened?”

She nodded. “It was lower than low, but I have to give you props. I never thought you’d do something that crazy to win Ben back.”

“Seriously? You’re just now figuring out how much he means to me?”

Allison shrugged. “You aren’t the most forthcoming guy with your emotions. Before, I thought you only wanted Ben in your life when it was convenient for you.”

“Believe me,” Tim said, “our relationship has never been convenient.”

Allison’s smile was sympathetic, but her expression became somber. “They’re getting back together.”

“What?”

“Jace and Ben. Right now Ben is avoiding both of you, but he regrets what happened with Jace and wishes they could start over.”

Tim shook his head. “Jace won’t take him back when he finds out about me.”

“He will,” Allison said. “I told him everything. Jace still wants him back.”

Seriously? Could anyone really be that nice?

Allison read his expression. “The man is a saint. I know you and Ben have your history, but so do they. And Jace has never hurt Ben. Ever. Maybe he will someday, but not intentionally. He’s too good a man.”

“So they keep telling me,” Tim muttered.

“Graduation is tomorrow.”

“I know.” Tim had thought about it obsessively because Ben was sure to be there. He didn’t want to patch up things in public, but it might be his only hope.

“Jace will be going,” Allison said. “It’s a surprise. Ben doesn’t know. It’s their best chance of getting back together, and I need you to do the right thing. If you love Ben, if you want him to be happy, you’ll back off and let them be.”

“I don’t want to,” Tim said, but without defiance. Instead he felt like a child struggling against the inevitable. “I want to be the one to make him happy.”

“Well, here’s your chance,” Allison said. “A lot of guys tried to fill your shoes, but they were either trash or weren’t good enough for Ben. Then Jace came along, and all Ben’s dreams came true. Give them their space. Let Ben be with the person who makes him happiest.”

“Is he really that good?” Tim asked.

“Jace?” Allison nodded. “He’s pretty damn incredible.”

Tim couldn’t say yes—at least not verbally. He didn’t trust his voice to be strong enough. But he nodded, and Allison hugged him.