The Art of Life by Sarah Carter

are of age.”
                    “Yes,”
he emphasizes, “Vicky.   I am 21.   You look to be what 19?”
                    “Oh,
aren’t you sweet,” Vicky giggles.   “I am
23.”   I roll my eyes, but thankfully,
neither of them notices.   Of course, I
could disappear and it wouldn’t register to either of them.   I lean back and watch the show.
                    Jeremy
says, “I haven’t seen you here before.”
                    “I
just started actually,” Vicky replies, putting her hair behind her ear.   “Do you come here often?”
                    Oh
geez.
                    “Actually,
I do.   Maybe I will have to request you
as my waitress from now on.”
                    “Only
if you tip nicely,” Vicky giggles back.
                    Leaning
forward, Jeremy says, “I tip very nicely.”
                    That
seems to tickle Vicky’s fancy, because she gets a big grin, “Sounds good to
me.”   I raise my eyebrows and stare at
them.   “Let me get you your drink.”   Now, I frown.   Really?
                    “Oh,”
Jeremy says, “My friend probably wants something.”
                    Vicky
turns and looks at me.   Faltering a
little, she asks, “What can I get you?”
                    “Iced
tea,” I respond, quietly.
                    “I
will get that right away,” Vicky says, turning to walk away.   Of course, she has to look at Jeremy as she
does this.
                    He
watches her go and then turns to look at me.   My face must be priceless.   “What?” He asks.
                    “Nothing,”
I snort.   “I need to use the
bathroom.   I will be right back.   You can order for me.”
                    “Okay,”
Jeremy draws out.
                    I
shake my head, trying to hide my smile.   This is the first time I have ever seen flirting that direct
before.   I do not have a lot of
experience in this area.   As I make my way
to the bathroom, I suddenly hear, “Hey!”
                    I
turn to the voice.   “Oh,
hi!” I squeak.
                    “Twice
in one day and out to eat again,” Eric says, walking over to me.   “This is a surprise.”
                    “Yeah,”
I reply, since you have never talked to me before.
                    Eric
looks across the room at Jeremy.   “You here with your boyfriend?”
                    “He’s
not my boyfriend,” I say, “Not technically.”
                    Looking
somewhat surprised, Eric retorts, “Really?”
                    Oh
wait!   I am supposed to make this difficult…I
think.   “Well, we are discussing it.”
                    “I
see.”   Eric smiles, “You know, we have
never really talked.”
                    “Yup,
I know.”
                    He
looks down at the ground.   “That is
probably my fault.”
                    It’s
like a wave of confidence comes over me.   “Yeah, it kind of is.   We have had
lockers next to each other for four years, but until now, I have tried to stay
out of your way.”
                    “Why?”
Eric asks.
                    “I
don’t know,” I quietly say, looking away.
                    Shifting
his weight, Eric tilts his head.   “I do
like the hair.   It looks great on you.”
                    “Thanks.   So, who are you here with?” I ask.
                    “My
sister and brother-in-law,” he answers, gesturing behind him.   “I was just heading to the bathroom.”
                    With
a nervous laugh, I say, “Me