Page 71 of When Ben Loved Tim

That’s what we do for the next half hour, which feels surreal, because every so often I’ll glance around and be reminded of whose room I’m in. And who she’s dating. Especially when I notice a photo taped to the wall that’s surrounded by red construction paper hearts of various sizes. From here, all I can see is dark hair and bronze skin. I’m certain it’s a photo of Tim. I’m desperate to look at it up close.

“Ugh!” Krista tosses her pen down in frustration. “I still don’t get it. I feel so stupid!”

This is my chance to get revenge and make her feel crappy about herself, like her little gang has done to me for years. Although I don’t remember Krista calling me any names. She’s made it clear that I’m beneath her notice, but then again, she treats Allison the same way and probably most other people too. So maybe it’s nothing personal.

“Inflation is a very confusing concept,” I assure her.

“This is why I wanted to work with Marcy instead of you,” Krista complains. “She’s practically a genius.”

“I’m sure we can figure it out together,” I say. “What part is tripping you up?”

“All of it!” Krista scrunches up her face. “If inflation is such a big problem, why don’t companies lower their prices? They’re just being greedy!”

“You know what? I think you understand it just fine.”

Krista blinks. “Really?”

“Yeah! Rich companies expect consumers to pay more, but workers don’t automatically get a raise when inflation happens.”

“Doesn’t that mean people can’t shop as much?” Krista asks.

“Yeah. But I guess the big corporations would rather squeeze money out of the people who still have any left.”

“That’s so lame!”

“I agree. Now we just have to figure out a way of demonstrating it to the class.”

Krista rubs her temples. “My brain is fried. Let’s take a break.”

“Okay.”

I stand and stretch before casually ambling over to the photo I noticed earlier.

“Who’s this?” I ask, as if he didn’t already occupy my every thought and dream, because it is indeed Tim, flashing that gorgeous smile of his while leaning against a tree. The weather must have been warmer when the photo was taken. He’s wearing a sleeveless shirt, his bulging biceps on full display. I don’t possess a single photo of him. I’m already tempted to steal this one.

“That’s my boyfriend,” Krista says, her tone changing completely. I can hear the smile in her voice. “Timmy.”

“Timmy?” I repeat incredulously.

“What’s wrong with that?” she demands.

I turn to face her and shrug. “Sounds too much like a little boy’s name. Especially for such a hot guy.”

“Oh my god!” Krista says, placing a hand over her chest as if scandalized.

“What?” I ask with a chuckle. “Don’t pretend to be surprised. Your friends remind me that I’m gay all the time. And anyway, I stand by my claim. Tim is way hotter than most guys at our school. Starting with those eyes.”

“Aren’t they gorgeous?” Krista enthuses. “I could stare into them all day.”

“Does he let you?” I ask in genuine curiosity.

“Of course! We do everything together.” She blanches at her own statement. “Wait, that sounds dirty.”

“There’s nothing wrong with sex,” I say, my mouth going dry. I need to know if they’re sleeping together, because according to him, they most definitely are not. “It’s perfectly natural.”

“That’snotwhat I meant,” Krista says. “I only mean, when we’re together, that he’s so…” She doesn’t find the words to describe him, which is fine, because I’m not sure I could either. “I really love him,” she finishes with a halfhearted shrug. “I’m just scared to tell him that.”

This whole conversation is way too relatable. “How come?” I pry.