Page 117 of Something Like Winter

“Thank you,” she said with a squeeze. “And I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, me too.” Tim took a few steps back. “Listen, if it doesn’t work out between them, let me know, all right? Just on the off chance that Jace is a serial killer or something.”

“Itisalways the nice ones.”

They shared an awkward laugh before Tim said goodbye, the words meant more for Ben than for anyone else.

Goodbye, Benjamin.

Chapter Twenty-seven

“Lovely,Gordito!The whole ceremony was just lovely. We’re so proud of you!”

Tim’s mother raised a wine glass, prompting Tim and his father to do the same. The restaurant was full of other fresh graduates and their parents, celebrating after the big event. Tim clinked glasses and smiled, even though he wasn’t in the most festive mood. Not since Ben’s name was called at the ceremony. Tim had half-stood, catching his last glimpse of Ben before he resumed the idyllic life that Tim had interrupted.

“Now what?” his father said with a knowing smirk. “That’s what you’re wondering. I remember the feeling, worrying about job prospects or if you graduated with the right degree.”

“Yeah, exactly.” Somehow Tim managed to hide his sarcasm.

“You’ll find your way, son. You could always work for my company. We could use a new sales rep in Austin.”

Ella beamed at the idea. “That would keep you on your feet until you find the right architectural firm.”

Tim nearly laughed. Architecture wasn’t his future. It was merely a convenient answer when people asked what he planned to do. “Actually, I’ll probably take a break for a while. Maybe travel or focus on my painting.”

“You can’t make a living on your art,” his father said.

That was for sure, but they didn’t know about the money. Eric had left him enough that Tim could live off the interest without touching the actual inheritance, if he was careful. But his parents were clueless, thinking he still lived at the frat house. They didn’t know a thing about his real life. Or Eric.

He thought of Ben, of how much secrecy had already cost him. That was Jace’s true advantage. As cool and confident as Jace might be, Ben never would have left Tim if he hadn’t clung so desperately to his secrets. But he had, which allowed Jace to slip in and take his place, unhindered by any neurotic hang-ups. Now it felt no matter how hard he ran that he would never catch up to Jace. Or Ben.

Maybe it was time that changed.

“I have my own place now,” Tim said as dinner wore down. “Come see it.”

“We have a three-hour drive,” his father replied.

“Just stop by,” Tim pressed. “Mom wants to see it, don’t you?”

“We have time, Thomas.”

“Very well.”

Tim led the way, alone in his car as they headed up to West Lake Hills. He could only imagine what his parents were thinking as they drove through a neighborhood of homes worth astronomically more than their own. They must have thought he was joking when he pulled into the driveway.

“What is this?” Thomas said, shutting the car door. “Is this a frat house?”

“It’s my house,” Tim said, walking to the front door so his parents had to follow. An awkward silence accompanied them until Tim opened the door, Chinchilla scampering around in greeting. Then Tim started speaking. “There was this guy. Eric. He was also a brother in Alpha Theta Sigma, although a little before your time, Dad. Eric Conroy. Did you know him?”

His father shook his head, and Tim led his parents to the living room. Once seated, he told them the truth. All the important parts, at least. He didn’t tell them about Travis, but he did say Eric had once picked him up when he was down, and possibly saved his life. He told them everything wonderful about Eric, even if it didn’t help ease their confusion, and then he told them how he had died.

His father was incredulous. “And he left all this to you?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t see why he would,” his mother said.

“Because we cared about each other.”