Page 91 of When Ben Loved Jace

“Thatistrue,” my dad chimes in.

“Might be best to slip out early,” Allison’s father concurs.

“I’m ready to celebrate!” my best friend says, switching her tassel from one side to the other before reaching over to do the same for me. “There! The deed is done. Let’s go!”

We drive to a historic neighborhood nearby, where a one-story house still has a “sold” sign in the yard. Allison’s father hasn’t officially moved in yet, but he’s letting us throw our graduation party there. She took care of all the details. An archway made of balloons leads to the front door. The living room is set up with chairs, a buffet, and a makeshift bar—all generously funded by our parents. We contributed the sound system from our apartment. Plenty of space has been left in the middle of the room, by design. Allison puts on some tunes.

“Come dance with your best friend,” she says, leading me by the hand.

I’m happy to comply. We work up a sweat, often while laughing, until people slowly start to arrive. Our parents tend to everyone’s needs while seeming emotional. Probably because this is one of the last times they’ll get to take care of us.

I decide not to drink. Relaxing the tight grip I have on my emotions seems like a terrible idea today. This decision pays off when Allison approaches me with a funny look on her face.

“Don’t freak out.”

“About what?” I ask, already beginning to panic. Why does anyone ever begin a conversation that way?

She points across the room. “I invited Jace.”

I turn in disbelief and see him holding a bouquet of flowers while watching me pensively. And it’s like an angel with pristine white feathers has fluttered down to my dark and dingy corner of Hell.

“Allison—” I start to say.

She cuts me off. “Don’t mess this up.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Allison notices one of the many cute guys who have become part of her history. “Heeeey, Kamal!” She grabs his arm as he’s passing by and walks away with him.

I shoot Jace a subdued smile, relieved when it’s returned. I walk over to join him. He meets me halfway.

“Congratulations,” he says, offering me the bouquet.

I fight against tears, because I know I can’t simply enjoy the flowers, or accept him back into my life without telling him the truth.

“Can we go somewhere quiet?” he asks, as if anticipating my need.

I nod and lead him out back. There isn’t a swimming pool, thank goodness. Just a humble patio and an old tree that stretches over the yard protectively. I walk with him beneath its branches, so we’re less likely to be disturbed.

“I’m really glad you’re here,” I tell him, clutching the bouquet with sweaty palms. Nobody has given me flowers before. I’ve never really wanted them until now.

“I’ve missed you,” he says.

I shake my head, because that’s already more than I deserve. “I messed up, Jace.”

“You were tricked.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“I know.”

I look up at him in surprise. “You do?”

He nods. “You slept with Tim.”

“Allison told you.”

Jace shakes his head. “I figured it might happen. Like I said… I’ve been there.”