Something Like Summer 2017

Benjamin Bentley, Grant Davis, is a 17-year-old openly gay high school student in Houston, Texas, who finds himself drawn to Tim Wyman, Davi Santos — a popular athlete who is initially closeted about his sexuality. Their connection begins after a chance encounter, and what starts as a quiet spark quickly becomes a secret relationship, a fragile bond built on shared moments and whispered conversations. The relationship is marked by a careful balance between affection and fear, as each boy weighs the risk of exposure against the pull of attraction. In a setting where appearances can matter as much as feelings, their romance grows in pockets of time that feel almost stolen, a private world that stands in contrast to the public lives they lead at school and beyond.

As the months pass, the pressure of keeping their love hidden intensifies. The couple faces constant scrutiny, and the strain of hiding who they really are begins to weigh on them. The secrecy creates distance and misunderstandings, and the looming prospect of being discovered brings tension that neither of them fully knows how to navigate. The relationship frays under the weight of fear and fear of loss, culminating in a breakup that leaves both of them to confront what they really want for their futures. Tim moves away to start college, and life moves forward in new directions, with each boy trying to redefine what happiness might look like on his own terms.

Eventually, Benjamin enters a new chapter with Jace Holden, Ben Baur, an airline steward who offers a different kind of companionship—steady, open, and grounded in mutual respect. The relationship between Ben and Jace grows into something stable and loving, a partnership that feels more explicit and honest about who they are and what they want from life together. For a time, this bond provides Ben with a sense of belonging and a peaceful space in which to grow, heal, and dream about a future that is less burdened by fear and secrecy.

But the past has a way of tugging at the present. Tim re-enters Ben’s life, now openly gay and eager to rekindle what they once shared. The dynamic shifts as Tim’s presence creates friction between Ben and Jace, stirring old patterns and pushing Ben to confront the manipulative edges of his past relationship. It becomes clear that Tim has been pressing for a reunion not to honor their connection, but to bend Ben toward a path that would compromise the life he has built with Jace. The realization forces Ben to reassess what he truly values and who he is willing to be in a relationship with.

Despite the strain, Ben and Jace manage to navigate the turmoil and reaffirm their commitment to one another. They find a way to repair the rift, affirming their love and deciding to build a life together. Their marriage becomes a testament to progress, resilience, and the possibility of finding happiness after uncertainty. The wedding marks a hopeful turning point in Ben’s journey, signaling a step toward stability and a deeper sense of self-acceptance.

Not long after, tragedy interrupts this period of growth. Jace dies abruptly, leaving Ben devastated and searching for meaning in a loss that feels incomprehensible. He returns home, encouraged by his best friend, and the absence of Jace echoes through his daily life as he grapples with grief. In a twist of fate, Tim reappears, offering a sincere apology for the roles he played in the past and the pain he caused. The reunion with Tim brings a sense of closure, a chance for Ben to acknowledge the mistakes, forgive, and acknowledge the emotional steps that led him to where he is now. The story concludes on a note of quiet reconciliation, with Ben facing the future with a tempered heart and a clearer sense of what genuine love and personal peace can look like.