Something Like Summer (Something Like... #1)

by Jay Bell

The phone rang before Ben could sit down on his bed. He picked it up irritably. It would only be one of Karen’s annoying friends, but at least he could have the satisfaction of hanging up on them. “What?” he snarled into the receiver. “Benjamin?” came the startled response. “Tim?” he asked, not believing his ears. “Man, I’m glad I didn’t get one of your parents. Are they still gone?” “Don’t worry about it,” Ben insisted. “What’s up? Are you calling to brag or something? Tell me you aren’t screwing her right now!” He tittered, feeling elated that Tim would call him for any reason. “No, almost,” Tim said, his voice laced with frustration. “Came close, but she got freaked out by the European standard.” “Okay,” Ben replied, not understanding what was being said or why. “Anyway, we got into an argument and she’s gone.” “Sorry?” Ben offered. “So you want to come over?” Of course he did, but he had missed his chance. Sure, he could still sneak out and face the same consequences that he had been willing to face an hour ago, but he didn’t like the idea of playing second fiddle to Krista, of all people. Tim picked up on his hesitation. “Maybe you and I can pick up where she left off.” Ben’s mouth dropped open in shock. His brain buzzed, analyzing what he had just heard and trying to find any other interpretation of the words except what he thought they meant. “I’ll be right there,” he said, slamming down the phone. Ben ran. He didn’t know where his parents were, and he didn’t check....