Page 45 of When Ben Loved Tim

“Yeah, but what’s it called?”

Tim rolls his eyes but humors me. “Popocatépetl.”

I bump shoulders with him until he smiles again. “What do you like about it?”

“The view is amazing. You feel small and insignificant in front of something so massive. And the raw power inside that can create or destroy… I dunno. It’s like getting a glimpse of the paint God uses.”

I study him, becoming more somber as I do.

“What?” he asks.

“You’re one of my favorite people,” I tell him, already bracing myself for rejection.

Instead he just smiles.

“Hey!” Tim says as we keep walking. “I have an early birthday present for you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yup. My parents are going out of town again.”

“Perfect!” I say, my head whipping back and forth. “Where’s the closest ditch?”

“I don’t want to repeat thewholeexperience!” Tim says with a mad chuckle. “But I did like it.”

“Me too,” I admit. “How long will they be gone?”

“Just the weekend.” Tim smirks. “Wanna have a slumber party?”

“Yeah!” I say, eager to resume my housewife dreams. “I can’t stay the whole weekend though.”

“Pick a night,” he tells me, “and it’ll be yours.”

“Saturday,” I say instantly. “What are we going to do?”

He shrugs. “Whatever you want.”

“Ha ha! I don’t think you mean that.”

“Try me,” he says, stopping and turning.

I lean forward and feel like I’m teetering on the edge of a cliff until I feel his hands on my shoulders and his mouth on my lips. That’s part of flying, I suppose. You have to trust that someone will catch you if you fall.

Chapter Ten

Eating in the school cafeteria has been a different experience for the past week. Ronnie paid the price of admission. He bought lunch for Allison and me, but only on the first day. We might be crazy, but we’re not mean. He also brought a friend along with him. I’ve shared a few classes with Leon over the years. He’s a white guy with dreads, which is unusual, but the stoner voice helps sell the look. He usually gets to the table before Allison and Ronnie do—like now—but I find him easy to talk to. Leon has a keen interest in music. He’s part of a band that only has two members, him and Ronnie. I also enjoy rocking out with my best friend, so that’s enough common ground to keep conversation flowing. We’re debating who the most overhyped and underappreciated artists are when the others finally show up.

“Can I tell them?” Ronnie says with a crooked smile. He used to have grungy dreads and wore nothing but Jamaica-themed T-shirts. Now his hair has been cropped down to twist braids that reach the top of his ears, framing a face with strong features that are undeniably handsome. His skin is a shade lighter than Allison’s. They make a striking pair. “Or I guess I could tell my best friend,” Ronnie continues, “and you could tell your best friend?”

“Considering that they’re sitting next to each other,” Allison says, taking the seat across from me, “I think we can get it done in one.”

“We’re going on a date!” Ronnie declares. Loud enough that people look at us from surrounding tables.

Allison doesn’t seem embarrassed by this. I can tell she’s proud as she unpacks the lunch she brought from home. Ronnie has started bringing his too, probably so he doesn’t lose any time with her when waiting in line. Or maybe he’s been saving up for the big date. I can’t help but feel a little jealous. I would love it if Tim announced to the entire school that he was involved with me. I wonder if he even thinks of it in those terms. I sure do. I’minvolvedwith him. I love how tawdry that sounds, like an affair. Which I guess it technically is.

“Where are you guys gonna go?” Leon croaks.

“I was thinking we could play some minigolf and—” Ronnie begins to say before he glances at Allison. “Actually, it’s ladies’ choice.”