Page 141 of Something Like Winter

“Actually,” Brian said, scratching at the reddish-brown hair of his beard, “I wanted to invite you to something similar. I’m a recovering alcoholic. Haven’t touched a drop in two years. Ben was telling us how he’s worried about your drinking. I’d be glad to have you at one of our AA meetings if you’re interested.”

Tim shifted uncomfortably. “I know this is going to sound like I do, but I don’t have a problem. I just need to slow down.”

“Well, if you find it harder to slow down then you thought, my phone number and email address are right here.”

Tim accepted Brian’s business card, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He wasn’t an alcoholic, was he? He thought longingly of the cold beer bottles buried in ice in the cooler, and realized he’d be going without today—and for a while after. He was sure he didn’t have a problem and wanted to keep it that way.

After more chitchat, Tim excused himself and kept grilling, snacking between serving hungry guests. Ben was worried about him, huh? That was something, at least. After everyone had eaten their fill, even Marcello, Tim did something he’d been nervous about all day and went over to Jace.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

Jace looked between him and Ben and nodded. “Sure.”

Tim led him away from the party to the side of the house, willing his pulse to slow. This could get ugly. Hopefully the legends about Jace’s niceness were true.

“What’s up?” Jace asked. His expression wasn’t entirely friendly, but he wasn’t sneering, either.

“I just wanted to apologize,” Tim said, extending a hand. “I figure it’s long overdue.”

Jace eyed his hand but didn’t accept it. “What exactly are you apologizing for? And before you answer, do us both a favor and think about it carefully. If there’s one thing I won’t put up with from you, it’s more bullshit and lies.”

Ouch! Was it too late to scamper back to the party with his tail between his legs? But Jace was studying him, waiting for his response. The truth? Tim didn’t regret trying to get Ben back or kissing him when he had the chance. He wasn’t sorry for trying to steal Ben away from Jace. When he considered the absolute truth, the answer was obvious.

“I’m sorry for hurting Ben.”

Jace grabbed his hand and shook it. “Apology accepted.”

Tim laughed in relief. “Jesus, dude! Everyone says you’re a saint, but you’re kind of scary, you know that?”

Jace winked. “Remember that right hook?”

“My jaw still twinges when the weather gets cold.”

Their laughter brought relief as they slowly relaxed. “Thanks for letting me be around Ben.” Tim said. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Jace shrugged. “It’s not my choice to make. He’s his own person.”

“Well I appreciate you being cool about it anyway. It’s nice having him in my life again. I really hope he and I can be friends.”

“And if not?”

“Then I’ll bow out,” Tim said. “There’s no way I can take him from you without breaking his heart in the process.”

Jace nodded in appreciation. “Ben told me about Ryan. Sounds like a rough time, but don’t give up. I had to go through a lot of Mr. Wrongs before I finally met Ben.”

“Yeah, but imagine if you had met him first.”

“And then messed it all up,” Jace said without any malice. “I’ve thought about that, which is why I try not to blame you. There was someone else in my life, once. Someone I loved almost as much as I love Ben. There’s no chance of getting him back, but had Ben not come along and I had one more shot, I would have taken it.”

“Yeah?”

“Definitely. If our roles were reversed, I also would have done something to win back that love. Although I’d like to think I would have done it with charm instead of trickery.”

“Hey, I’d be more than willing to try it your way if you want to give me some pointers.”

Jace smiled. “Not a chance.”

After a little more banter they returned to the party. Jace really was nice, except when life demanded otherwise. Tim wasn’t into selfdepreciation, but maybe, just maybe, Jace was the better man. The thought wasn’t too depressing, because it meant Ben was going to have the best life possible.