Page 145 of When Ben Loved Tim

He finally retreats to his side of the car. “Sounds good to me.”

He starts the engine and pulls out onto the road.

“So what have you been up to?” he asks when we leave my neighborhood. “Or I guess, if this is our first date, tell me all about yourself.”

“It’s more of a symbolic fresh start,” I say, offering a smile that seems to put him at ease. I explain what the band has been up to. And that I have a new friend.

“Danny,” Tim repeats. “You mean the kid with the funny hat?”

“Yeah. Turns out he’s gay like me. We spent prom night together.”

He glances at me with concern. “Should I be worried?”

I think about it and nod. “Yes.”

“Okay.” Tim takes a deep breath. “Sounds like I’ve got some competition. Let me see what I can do.”

He pushes down on the accelerator. Before long, we end up in a familiar parking lot.

“Your studio?” I ask, already disappointed. Of course we won’t be somewhere out in public.

“Yup!” Tim says, not picking up on my discontent.

I figure he wants to paint me again or something. I’m quiet when following him through the dark rows of cubicles. Tim unlocks the door to his studio and turns around instead of opening it.

“I’ve just got one question for you,” he says.

“What’s that?”

Tim smiles, his eyes filled with affection. “Will you go to prom with me?”

And with that, he pushes open the door and stands aside so I can see. The first thing I notice are all the sparkling lights, like he spent the past week catching stars with a fishing net to bring them here. Shimmering white curtains cover the far wall, hiding the usual clutter of his work from view. A large crescent moon hangs from the ceiling. Gold, silver, and navy blue balloons are bundled together in clusters. I take a step forward, wanting to see more, but Tim’s arm extends to stop me.

“I’m afraid you can’t get into this prom without a date,” he says. “So who’s it going to be? Me or Danny?”

“Hmm,” I say, feigning indecision.

“I see.” Tim gets down on one knee and takes my hand. “Please be my prom date, Benjamin. I’m begging you. I know I’ve been a jerk. I was trying to do the right thing, but I got it all wrong. I’m sorry.”

I’m so giddy with excitement that I honestly can’t remember what I was upset about. Something involving a girl? Who cares! His eyes are so deliciously vulnerable. I can’t wait to kiss away that uncertain expression. “Yes!” I say at last. “I will marry you.”

Tim blinks. “Wait, that’s not—”

“Too late!” I cry in delight. “You were down on one knee. That makes it official.”

Tim laughs while getting to his feet. “I mean, if that’s what it takes…”

“You can drive me to Vegas in the morning,” I reply. “For now, I’ll be your prom date.”

“Thank god,” Tim breathes.

“The decision wasn’t his,” I say. “Let’s leave him out of this.”

“You’ve got it.” Tim bows formally. “Right this way, sir.”

He’s behind me when I enter but doesn’t remain there. Tim dashes around the room to light candles and turn on a boombox. I approach a table covered in a white cloth. More candles surround a champagne bucket full of ice, although it’s cooling soda cans instead of a bottle. What really captures my attention are the two chairs that have been pulled out, a black tuxedo draped across each.

“I tried reallyreallyhard to find a white one for you,” Tim says, coming over to join me. “I guess that’ll have to wait until the wedding. Here. This one’s yours.”