3. Three
Three
I t 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.
***
Ben felt bad for asking and making Wil feel uncomfortable. He took the last mouthful of his drink and placed the cup on the small table next to the couch.
He pushed to his feet. “Thanks for the drink and for the kiss earlier. Certainly a unique way to meet someone new.”
Wil set his own mug on the floor and stood swiftly. “No. Please stay.”
Ben hesitated. He wanted to stay and get to know Wil better, but he didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.
“Okay, I’ll stay a little longer, but you don’t have to tell me about your family. We can save that for our second date?” As he realized what he’d said, heat flooded his face. “Oh no. Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply I thought this was a date, or that you’d want a second one.”
He jerked to his feet again. “I should go, before I embarrass myself further.”
Wil’s warm chuckle washed over him, and he glanced at the other man.
“Sit down, Ben. I may not count this as our first date, but I would like there to be a first and a second date.”
“You would?” he asked shyly, a tendril of warmth curling inside him at the thought.
“Yep.” Wil moved closer and took Ben’s hand in his own. “I’m an only child and the result of a prom night experiment gone wrong. My parents have always been best friends and still are today. They both have amazing, loving partners, and we’re one big happy family.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“There’s a bit more than that, but that’s the basics.”
“Okay. Can I ask where you’re from?”
“I’m from a small town north of San Francisco. My mom still lives there, and dad splits his time between there and Los Angeles.”
“Was it hard growing up with your dad so far away?”
“Oh, no. Dad only moved to LA my freshman year here when he reconnected with his partner who’d he’d been at school with.”
“So, apart from kissing strangers at frat parties, what else do you like to do?” Ben asked with a teasing smile.
Wil laughed and softly stroked the back of Ben’s hand with his thumb.
“I enjoy gaming,” he said, nodding towards the very large television that dominated the living area wall. Ben noticed the gaming consoles that sat on the floor beneath it. “Movies, music, and long walks on the beach.” The last was said with an eyebrow waggle.
Ben laughed at Wil’s wry tone. “Not many beaches here in Arizona.”
“No, and none really near either of my homes.”
They talked effortlessly for the next while, sharing favorite movies and games they both played. They were in the middle of a discussion on whether the Marvel movies should be watched in chronological or release order, when the door flew open and two guys stumbled in, so wrapped up in each other that they didn’t notice Wil and Ben on the couch.
“Oh, god. I’m so sorry,” Wil groaned, running a hand over his face. “Ollie!” he not quite yelled and the pair broke apart.
Ben tried to smother his laughter as the one he presumed was Wil’s roommate looked at them blankly.
“Huh?”
“Fuck’s sake, Ollie. Can you not wait until you’re in your room?” Wil asked with a wave of his hand towards the opposite side of the suite.
“Wil?” Ollie suddenly appeared to realize that Wil wasn’t alone. “Oh, shit. Sorry, didn’t know you’d have company tonight.” He swayed, and his companion wrapped his arms around his waist from behind before nibbling on his neck. Ollie gave a sigh before snapping his attention back to Wil and Ben. “Why are you out here? You know the rules. No fucking on the couch.”
Wil groaned and gave Ben an apologetic look. “We aren’t. We’re just talking.”
“Ollie, baby. Are we going to stand here and chat or are you going to….” Ollie’s companion’s voice trailed off to a whisper that had Ollie’s eyes rolling back as he slumped against his partner. Ben was grateful that he didn’t hear the end of the sentence and from the look on Wil’s face, he was too.
“Just go,” Wil said with an eye roll.
Both men turned as one and stumbled their way to Ollie’s room. After pushing his friend through the door, Ollie gave them a pointed grin as he stuck a smiley face magnet to his whiteboard before slamming the door shut behind him.
“I’m gonna need my noise-canceling headphones tonight,” Wil muttered before looking at Ben.
“And that’s my cue to leave,” Ben said, standing up. “Thank you for a lovely evening. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you.”
“You don’t have to go,” Wil said, rushing to his feet. A loud moan echoed from behind Ollie’s door, and Wil winced. “Actually, maybe saying goodnight now is probably a good idea.”
Ben nibbled on his lip, unsure if he should suggest seeing each other again.
“When are you free to meet up again?” Wil asked, deciding for him.
“I’ve got a project to finish tomorrow and mid-term madness, but I’m happy to grab a quick coffee one day if that works for you.”
“I’d love to,” Wil told him. “Message me when you’re free?”
Ben nodded and crossed to the door. “Thanks again for tonight.”
Wil gave him a wide smile that made his dimple pop. “See you soon.”