Page 147 of Something Like Winter

leave.

Tim was watching Marcello drive away when Allison arrived. Her

hair style might be different and her clothes more respectable, but the

expressive eyes and wide smile made her instantly recognizable. She

sized him up on her way up the walk, nodding in approval.

“You look good!”

“Thanks.” Tim grinned. “You too.”

“No, I mean really good! Last time you were so frumpy and scruffy.” “Thanks,” Tim said a little more firmly. “I’ve been working out. Uh,

come on in.”

He led her to the living room, desperate to confront her in the

hallway and demand to know if Ben was all right. Once seated, she

mercifully turned down the offer of a drink, and Tim could hold back no

longer.

“How is he?”

Allison did one of those slow, bobbing nods, like she wasn’t quite

sure of the right answer. “He’s fine.” Then she sighed. “Can’t we do

small talk first?”

“You’re killing me,” Tim said, taking a seat himself.

“Okay.” Allison took a deep breath. “Jace passed away.” “What? How?”

“Aneurysm.” Suddenly Allison looked much older. “We had a bad

scare but they caught it in time. He made it through one surgery and

things were looking hopeful—” She shook her head, unable to continue. Tim’s stomach sank. “I’m sorry. Ben must be in terrible shape.” “He’s doing better,” Allison said. “It’s been a couple of years now.” “Since Jace died?”

Allison nodded.

Tim felt dizzy trying to consider all the implications. “Why didn’t

you tell me sooner?”

“I didn’t want you to… Never mind, it’s not important.” “What? Say it.”

Allison looked at him squarely. “I didn’t want you to think it was

convenient.”

“It’s not convenient.” Tim felt his temper rising. “When it happens to

you, when someone you love is suddenly taken away, it’s never