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“Hey, Wil. Come on in,” Ben said, stepping back and ushering Wil in.
“Thanks,” Wil said as he glanced around, taking in the bright décor. The layout was the same as his own dorm suite, but Ben and his roommates had large wall art posters, and vibrant throw pillows on the couch.
“So, um, how do you like your coffee?”
Wil turned to face Ben, who was nervously twisting his hands at his waist.
Before he could reply, Ben gestured to the kitchenette area. “We have, um, an espresso machine, so I can make you whatever you’d like.”
Wil swung his gaze to the machine in question and let out a low whistle. “Wow. That’s a fancy machine. My Pa would be jealous.”
“Yeah. Emory is a coffee snob, so his parents bought him the machine for our first Christmas here. We’ve all become fairly competent baristas.”
“In that case, I’d love a cappuccino,” Wil replied with a smile.
Ben headed to the kitchenette and began making their drinks. Over his shoulder, he called out. “Grab a seat and make yourself at home.”
“Thanks,” Wil replied, settling onto the end of the couch. “I love the art posters you have on your walls. Are they a local artist?”
“You could say that,” Ben replied dryly.
Wil cocked his head at Ben’s back and then stood to look closer at the pictures. He took in the signature on the bottom right corner and turned back to Ben, who was watching him closely.
“These are yours,” Wil stated.
“That one and the one by the window are mine. The large abstract is Emory’s.”
Wil returned his attention to the picture. It was in the style of a vintage 1950s postcard with bright, bold colors. It featured a setting sun behind a striped lighthouse. Clouds reflected in the sea, and as Wil looked closer, he could see small whimsical details, such as a crab scurrying across the sand and the traces of a collapsing sandcastle in the surf.
“This is amazing, Ben. You’re truly talented.”
“Thank you,” Ben said shyly. “Did you want sugar in your coffee?”
“Yes please,” Wil replied, moving towards Ben.
After taking his drink, he sat back down on the couch. Ben joined him on the other end, sitting sideways and hitching his knee on to the cushions.
“How’s your week been so far?” Ben asked him.
“The usual, you know. I’ll be glad to have midterms over with. How about you?”
“So-so. I’ve mainly got written exams this week, as my practical piece had to be turned in at the end of last week.”
“Practical piece?”
“Yeah. I have to do a clay sculpture of a character I’ve created. I had to document each stage from concept and design to the actual modeling and sculpture.”
“That sounds amazing. I’d love to see it one day.”
“I’ve, um, got a couple of early samples if you want to see those?” Ben offered shyly, a faint blush tinging his olive skin.
“Really? I’d love to see them,” Wil replied enthusiastically.
“They’re in my room,” Ben said, hitching a thumb over his shoulder.
Wil couldn’t help but tease him. “Why, Mr. Martinez, are you offering to show me your etchings?”
Ben gaped at him for a second before he blushed again and dropped his chin to his chest. Glancing up from between his lashes, he gave a small nod and a grin. “I guess I am.”
