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A kernel of shyness curled through Ben at the thought of Wil seeing his artwork. He blinked and smiled softly. “I’d like that.”
The grin he got back from Wil made his toes curl. Going to that party hadn’t been such a bad idea after all.
Three
It didn’t take them long to reach Wil’s dorm building, and he quickened his pace to use his swipe card to open the door ahead of Ben. Ben gave him a small smile as he brushed past Wil into the foyer of the dorm building.
As they crossed the lobby, Wil noticed a couple of people in the main common area, and he raised a hand in greeting. The dorm buildings at Wyndham University were all laid out the same. Communal social and kitchen area were on the first floor, and then four floors above, holding six dorm suites that housed four students each. Every student had a small bedroom—just enough space for a twin bed, desk, and drawers—and shared a living space with a tiny kitchenette. There was two bedrooms on each side of the living area, with a shared bathroom between each one.
At the elevators, Wil again scanned his ID card and pressed the button for the top floor that housed the seniors.
“I’m not sure if my roommates are in,” Wil warned Ben. “If they are, I apologize now for anything they may say or do.”
Ben laughed. “Do you all get on okay?”
“Yeah, mostly. We have the usual disagreements and squabbles. How about you?”
“The same. Emory is probably my closest friend out of everyone, but we all get on pretty well.”
The elevator slid to a smooth halt, and the doors whispered open. Wil led the way down the short hallway to his dorm room, silently praying his roommates were out, or at least in their own rooms.
As the door swung open, he breathed a sigh of relief. The main living area was empty, and he couldn’t see any lights shining from under his roommates’ doors. He was also grateful that the noticeboards next to each room were not displaying a smiley face, which showed the occupant had company.
“Grab a seat,” he said to Ben, pointing to the large, overstuffed sofa that dominated the room. “What can I get you to drink? I’ve got beer, soda, or if you want, I’ve got coffee and hot chocolate.”
“Hot chocolate sounds great if it’s not too much trouble,” Ben replied, settling into the corner of the couch.
“It’s only a packet mix, but it’s not too bad,” Wil admitted. “I’ll just grab it from my room. I don’t keep it out here, otherwise my roommates will steal it.”
“Packet is fine. Have you tried the hot chocolate at Eta’s?” Ben asked, naming one of the on-campus coffee shops.
“I have,” Wil replied, as he returned. “I’m not sure what she puts in it, but I can never get mine to taste as good.” He poured milk into a small jug and popped it in the microwave. “This is going to take a few minutes.”
Leaning against the wall, Wil looked at Ben, taking in the other man. “So, tell me about yourself, Ben.”
Ben gave him a wide grin that made his eyes shine, and Wil couldn’t help but grin back.
“Well, I’m the youngest of four, with two sisters and a brother. I’m from just outside of Albuquerque. Mom’s an Art Teacher, Dad’s a regional manager for an engineering company. My brother is in the Navy, and my two sisters own a small bookstore.”
“You get your love of art from your mom?” Wil asked, stirring the packet of chocolate mix into the warmed milk.
“And from Dad. He likes to sketch. He met Mom at an art show their last year of college, and the rest is history.”
Wil carefully poured the hot chocolate into two mugs and, after rinsing out the jug, crossed over to the couch and passed one to Ben, who smiled his thanks.
After taking a sip, Ben nodded his approval. “Very nice. Thank you.” He took another sip before fixing Wil with a stare.
“So, what about you? What’s your family like?”
Wil tried to blank his face, but must have failed.
“Sorry, you don’t have to share if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s just that I like to keep my family life private, and—”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” Ben rushed to assure him, and Wil felt bad.
“I don’t mind telling you. It’s just that….” he paused, then decided to tell Ben everything. He hoped Ben would still want to be with him for him, and not for who his parents were.
