Page 95 of Something Like Winter

“You can’t tell me none of those guys fell for you,” Ben said. “If not a frat boy, then someone.”

Fair enough. Tim had hit the bars a few times since Eric died, and he did find guys interested in more than a single night, but Tim hadn’t felt that spark. “There were a few, yeah, but they weren’t…” He let a glance at Ben finish the thought. Time to slink home and lick his wounds. He stood and stretched. “I tracked you down tonight in the hopes of seducing you, but instead the evening was completely embarrassing.”

“No, it wasn’t.”

“You aren’t the one who almost cried. I think I’m going to cash in my chips and call it a night. Hey, you still have my phone?”

“Yeah.” Ben stood to dig it out.

“Good. Here, trade me. You can have this one,” Tim handed him the new phone. “It’s all paid up.”

Ben looked uncomfortable. “I can’t.”

“You can. Besides, I like the idea of being able to get a hold of you whenever I want.”

“Oh. Well, thanks.”

They began a slow walk back to the car, both introspective. Tim wished it would have gone differently, that they could have met again while single, but he understood. If things had been good between him and Travis, had they fallen in love, been together all this time, and Ben had shown up in his life again— Honestly? Tim would have dropped Travis in a second. He couldn’t picture loving anyone more than Ben.

Eric was right. Those feelings didn’t go away, even when someone else was in the picture. Ben hadn’t spent their years apart sad and lonely, which was good, but it was time for him to come home. Tim would have to be smart about this, not mopey or jealous.

“I’m happy for you, Benjamin,” he said. “I’m glad that someone recognized how special you are and held on tight.”

“Thanks.” Ben stopped next to Tim’s car. “I’m sure there’s someone out there for you too.”

“Oh, there is.”

Tim wanted to kiss him right then and there, but he was going to do this right. He winked instead, hopped into his car, and drove into the night. Tomorrow he would return and keep coming back every day if that’s what it took. He glanced in the rearview mirror at the rapidly shrinking figure and smiled.

See you soon, Benjamin!

Chapter Twenty-two

Tim called first thing the next morning. Ben was already up, and from the noise in the background, he seemed to be driving.

“Hello?”

“I dreamt about you last night,” Tim said.

“I don’t want to know,” Ben replied.

“You really don’t. Horribly obscene things happened.”

“I bet they did.”

“Worst of all, we were both wearing clown makeup.”

“Ugh.”

“I know.”

“I have to go,” Ben said, but he sounded amused.

The conversation was short, but it was a good start to Tim’s day. He called later in the afternoon between classes. The phone rang longer this time, and when Ben answered he sounded angry.

“How the hell do you turn the ringer off on this thing?” he grumped. “I got kicked out of class!”

“You took me to class with you? That’s so sweet! Tell me where you are, and I’ll come carry your books for you.”