The expression on Keith’s handsome face was so warm and inviting as Tanner explained being poor and the bullies in his life; the slender blond teen, though dwarfed by his new roommate, could never imagine him being like one of those heartless bullies from his past.
When Keith spoke, his voice was rice and deep; Tanner found it soothing. That must have been hard, he’d said and Tanner wanted to hug him for that and tell him yes, it had been really, really hard. He sighed. Tanner wasn’t one to cry about his problems or ask for pity, but this big, sweet guy’s empathy definitely touched the younger boy’s heart.
Tanner was surprised when Keith stopped him with a hand on the boy’s shoulder; looking into those stunning blue eyes, the slender blond felt momentarily mesmerized. The feel of his new friend’s large hand on his shoulder made Tanner’s body tingle pleasantly and he felt like he could just fall into those incredible eyes, but the big man’s words were what closed the deal. Keith, with his words, just accepted him as an equal and expressed admiration for him. Tanner closed his hand over the one on his shoulder and gave it a pat, “I think I hit the roommate lottery”, he flattered the big guy.
As they began walking again and spotted the restaurants, they noticed a few fast food places, McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys, Taco Bell and KFC and there was an Outback Steakhouse. Looking past those, Tanner saw an Olive Garden and a Mexican restaurant and a Seafood restaurant. Smiling at Keith, the blond teen offered, “Well, I’m starving, but I’ll eat just about anything, so I’ll let you chose where we eat, Keith”. He couldn’t wait to be seated across from this guy and learn more about him.