Why does Crooks talk to Lennie?

Crooks is the black stableman. Now pretty much everybody, except for Lenny and George, is lonely. Crooks is even more isolated because, being black, he can't join the white ranch-hands in any activities. He is not even allowed in the same cabin as them. Initially Crooks rebukes Lennie but is so lonely that he allows Lennie in his little hut. Although the conversation is very odd (Lenny talks about petting puppies) Crooks desperately wants the company.