Page 81 of When Ben Loved Tim
“I bet he does,” her father says without warmth.
“I mean it! That’s why he’s coming over in a little while to introduce himself to you.”
“He’swhat?” her father snarls.
“It’s important to him,” I hurry to add. “Ronnie wanted to before now, but Allison made him wait until she was sure about him. She doesn’t rush into anything. She’s too smart.”
“Could have fooled me,” her father grumbles. “Allison isn’t allowed to see anyone right now. She’s grounded.”
“I know. I told Ronnie to hold off until she wasn’t, but he’s worried about making a good impression. So please, just give him a chance. It’s important to her.”
Her father finishes his drink and sets the glass on the counter. Then he tromps toward the living room. I wince, certain that I’ve made it all worse. I quickly fill two glasses with ice and water before following. By the time I get to the living room, her father is sitting there quietly while listening to his daughter sing. She smiles and nods, like she wants me to join in, so I do. I’m not full of myself, but when we harmonize, it’s truly beautiful. Even he can’t deny that, judging from the way his features soften. Although they harden again a couple of songs later when the doorbell rings.
“That’ll be Ronnie,” I say, mostly so Allison won’t pretend to be surprised about his arrival.
I take her hand as her father gets up to answer the door. Then we rise and follow along behind him.
“Hello, sir,” we hear. “I’d like to apologize for the way in which you met me yesterday. My name is Ronnie, and I care very deeply about your daughter.”
Allison lets go of me to stand next to her dad. I move to a different angle so I can see Ronnie, who is dressed like he’s going to church, including a button-up shirt, slacks, and tie. Ronnie extends a hand. I hold my breath until Allison’s father shakes it.
“I realize that Allison is grounded,” Ronnie continues, “and that I haven’t made the best impression. But once you see fit, I’d like a chance to introduce myself properly. Maybe we could go out to lunch with my dad, who is an avid golfer like you are.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Where does he play?”
“Rolling Hills Country Club.”
Her father grunts. “That’s a tough one to get into.”
“I’m sure he’d love to have you out there,” Ronnie says with a smile. “Maybe you guys could show us how to play. Your daughter already kicked my butt at minigolf.” He clears his throat and puts on a more somber expression before adding, “Sir.”
Allison’s father snorts, as if amused. Then he shifts to the other foot. “Did your car get damaged?”
“It’s hard to say,” Ronnie replies in good humor. “I’ve put so many dents in it myself. But uh, not recently. My parents made sure I bought an older car while I was still learning to drive.”
“You paid for it yourself?”
“Yes, sir! I started bagging groceries when I was fourteen. Now I work at the new burger place on Fifth Street. I’m usually there on the weekends and after school, if you ever want to stop by. Just ask for me by name. For now, I won’t trouble you any longer.” Ronnie looks at Allison. “Always nice to see you,” he says with a smile. After nodding respectfully at her father, he turns and walks away.
We’re both holding our breath as the door is shut.
“You can keep practicing until dinner,” her father says. He eyes me a moment before returning his attention to her. “After that, no visitors and no phone calls. Understand?”
Allison hugs her father in response. She waits until he’s left the room before doing a little dance.
“Did I tell you or what?” she says in excitement. “Ronnie is the last of a dying breed. A true gentleman!”
“You didn’t need me here at all,” I say wryly.
I’m not selfless. I’ll tell her about the role I played eventually, but that isn’t important now, when she’s so high on love. I remember how that felt. At the moment, I’ve got the junkie shakes. I can’t imagine Tim declaring his intentions to my parents. Or even to me in private. Sure, he showed up at my door on my birthday, but he did so wanting to be alone with me. Which was enough at the time. After seeing Ronnie in action, I’m thinkingIneed to find myself a true gentleman.
Chapter Sixteen
I’m sitting on the edge of my bed, staring at the painting Tim gave me, which has become something of a nightly ritual. I still ache for him, and as far I can tell, this ailment has no cure. The passing weeks haven’t helped. Nor has seeing him again, which we’ve tried. Tim came over to my house once but conversation was stilted. I feel deprived of the language we use. My words make him too uncomfortable. He doesn’t want me to ask him complicated questions. Touching is the only way to get through his barriers. I guess I could sing, but my heart isn’t in it. So we sat in my room while pretending to watch a movie, when really we were taking turns sneaking glances at each other. The chemistry is still there, but Krista has her thumb on the test tube opening.
