Itroduction
Our son Stevie was home from college for the long weekend and he'd brought his roommate Matt with him. Matt's a very nice boy, all floppy hair and a sweet smile. They'd been close friends since freshman year, so for Stevie to show up one with Matt in tow wasn't all that unusual.
Saturday morning
Stevie and his Dad had errands to run early in the morning. Matt, being sensible, chose to sleep in. He came down tousle-haired and sleepy. Victoria sat him down at the kitchen bar and poured him coffee and was making him eggs when Matt piped up.
"What's your plan today, Mrs B? Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Some things around the house, Matty. Stevie's laundry -- and yours -- if you have any. Just bring your clothes down to the laundry room, you know where. So that's how you can help. Otherwise not really, but thank you."
He nodded his and asked "okay, any particular time?"
"Oh!" Victoria was surprised -- she was not used to being asked. "Oh I don't know, honey. If you get then downstairs by 3? I need to go shopping first."
Matt finished his eggs. "How long are Steve and Mr B going to be?"
Victoria looked at her phone. Her husband had texted her that he and Stevie were going to lunch and had a couple more things to do. "It seems that they're going to be a while yet. So you're stuck with me."
He flushed again. "I don't mind at all. I like being stuck with you." He smiled shyly. She smiled back at him, a little startled at the warmth of his statement.