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.Didanyone really expect to meet the love of their life while in college?Jace knew he wouldn t have minded.As for Ben& Well, skating solo wouldn t answer any ofhis questions.He found Ben bravely trying to make a round on his own.Ben smiled at him proudly,Jace nodding his approval before leading the way to the exit.Time to see how they would do withoutthis distraction. Hungry? Jace asked. Starving, Ben replied.Yup.Definitely a college boy.This was the first question Jace asked when they were seated at aseafood restaurant not far away.The ride over in Jace s car had been a little quiet, but the awkwardedge was definitely gone now. So I take it you re still in college? Jace asked. Yeah, up at Columbia College in Chicago. How do you like it? Ben shrugged. It s all right. I couldn t wait to get out, Jace said. The only good thing about college was having four extrayears to figure out what I wanted to do. I didn t know flight attendants went to college, Ben said, a foot-in-mouth expression followingshortly. It s not a requirement.It s just that Well, what do you want to be when you grow up? What s your major? I have no idea. Ben chuckled. It changes on a daily basis. There you go.Paying tuition is just an expensive way of buying time. Ben chatted him up about his job, which most people did out of politeness, but he seemedgenuinely interested.Jace was happy to talk about his career, since he was proud of it.Eventually, hebecame tired of the sound of his own voice.He wanted to know more about Ben. So what s it like growing up in Chicago? No idea, Ben said. I m an imposter.I m actually from here. Oh, that s right, Jace said. You mentioned your parents lived in the area.Columbia must be agood college, then.Out-of-state tuition is a bitch. Don t remind me, Ben said. And yeah, it s a good school, but mostly I just wanted to getaway. Jace fought down a grin.Sounds like they had something in common. What exactly were youtrying to escape? Ben exhaled. More like a who. What was his name? Ben shook his head. Doesn t matter.And it wasn t really him, anyway.I was sick of being thegay guy, you know? I came out when I was in junior high Seriously? Ben nodded. I was fourteen and some of my friends were& experimental. Ah. Ben s cheeks flushed. Yeah.I thought what we were doing was normal, and I was the first toput a name to it.I was young and naïve enough to think they d be happy I figured it out for us, but ussoon became just me.That dividing line remained all through high school, and by the end of it, I wasdesperate to get out of there. Jace frowned. So you re not open in your new school? Ben snorted. Are you kidding? I go to an art school.Being gay is practically a requirement foradmission. Jace chuckled appreciatively. No, I m definitely open, Ben said. I never regretted coming out.I just got sick of feeling like Iwas the only one who had gotten over it, you know.To everyone else, it was a big deal.To me, beinggay is just part of who I am.So when I could move on, I did. I can relate, Jace said. I m also an imposter. Ben raised an eyebrow. Oh? Yup.Born and raised in Missouri. He said it with a country twang, pronouncing the state sname like the natives sometimes did: Miz-zur-ruh.Ben grinned, brushing a lock of hair behind one ear. So what were you running away from? A boy.Of course I ended up running back to him a few times.How about you? Ben shook his head, seeming uncomfortable with the subject, so Jace changed it. So if you re enrolled in art school, what s your secret talent? Finger-painting, Ben said with a straight face.Then he smiled and softly sang, You ll find outwhen I sing for my supper. Wow. Jace leaned back. That was nice.Sing some more. Ben opened his mouth just as the waitress approached with their food.He shruggedapologetically. Eating and singing don t go together well.Not unless you have a protective tarp handy. While they ate, Jace asked more about Ben s school, and his life in Chicago.Jace had been therefor work, allowing them to compare notes.When they were finished with their meal, he brought theconversation back to Houston again. Do you get along with your family? he asked.Ben nodded happily. Yeah, my parents are great.They ve always been supportive.Barelyblinked an eye when I came out.They helped get me through the hard times.Allison too.That s myfriend who lost her father.You ll have to meet her. Ben narrowed his eyes playfully. If you makethe cut. How am I doing so far? Well, you haven t asked me what I m into.That s good. Jace groaned. I know exactly what you mean.The first time a guy asked me that, I rattled off myhobbies.Then he started talking about& uh, well things you d have to wear a glove to do. Ben grimaced. That s taking the question literally.He was into you.Or wanted to be. Jace laughed. I left him wanting.Anyway, that s why I made sure before this date that we wereon the same page. Ben looked shocked. Wait, this is a date? Yes.Whether you like it or not. Good, Ben said. On both accounts.I like taking it slow.Part of me doesn t, but the rest of meknows it s better that way.I should at least know the guy s last name, right? There was an awkward pause. Holden, Jace said at the same time Ben said Bentley. Then they both laughed.Jace signaledthe waitress and ordered dessert.He was already stuffed but didn t want the meal to end just yet.They talked more about their families and friends, describing their lives through the people aroundthem rather than trying to do the impossible and explain who they were.Hopefully they would findthat out as they went along.When the waitress asked for the third time if there was anything else theyneeded, Jace gave up trying to prolong the inevitable and paid.The night was too late for a movie,and they were both driving so drinks were out.There wasn t anything left to do besides take Ben backto the mall.Once there, they chatted a little longer next to Ben s car, both of them distracted by what shouldhappen next.Taking it slow was one thing, but no successful date ended without a goodnight kiss.Theonly problem was trying to segue into an appropriately romantic moment.Standing in an emptyparking lot certainly didn t help. This is no place for a first kiss, Jace said in frustration. You could come home with me, meetthe cat. Ben smiled. Not on the first date. Nothing has to happen, he said, not wanting the night to end. Trust me, if I get you somewhere private, something will happen. Jace s pulse kicked into high gear. Well, well! I guess that means I get to see you again? How about Thursday? Three days away? Jace was hoping for something sooner, but then again, he still had to entertainMichelle and her family. It s a deal.Look, I m kissing you tonight, but I refuse to do it here.Justfollow me in your car for a minute, and I promise I ll let you go home afterwards. Ben grew somber and nodded. Okay. Both in their cars, they drove a few blocks, Jace racking his brain for an environment even remotely romantic.A river glistening with reflected stars, or a garden filled with roses.In the end, hesettled for a public park.Ben s car parked behind his.Jace could only imagine what Ben wasthinking, but at least he got out of his car instead of driving away.Ben definitely didn t seem convinced. Are you sure about this? he asked. No, Jace said, glancing around. I m improvising.Over there. Taking Ben s hand, they strolled together toward a baseball diamond.Also not an arena knownfor romantic potential
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